N-CSRS 1 dncsrs.htm THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC. The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number:    811-05468
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter:    The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
Address of principal executive offices:    Gateway Center 3,
   100 Mulberry Street,
   Newark, New Jersey 07102
Name and address of agent for service:    Deborah A. Docs
   Gateway Center 3,
   100 Mulberry Street,
   Newark, New Jersey 07102
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:    973-367-7521
Date of fiscal year end:    3/31/2007
Date of reporting period:    9/30/2006


Item 1 – Reports to Stockholders

 


The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

September 30, 2006

 

Directors

Linda W. Bynoe

David E. A. Carson

Robert F. Gunia

Robert E. La Blanc

Douglas H. McCorkindale

Richard A. Redeker

Judy A. Rice

Robin B. Smith

Stephen G. Stoneburn

Clay T. Whitehead

 

Investment Advisor

Wellington Management Company, LLP

75 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

 

Administrator

Prudential Investments LLC

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102-4077

 

Custodian

PFPC Trust Company

400 Bellevue Parkway

Wilmington, DE 19809

 

Transfer Agent

Computershare Shareholder Services

P.O. Box 43011

Providence, RI 02940-3011

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

 

Legal Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, NY 10019

 

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock at market prices.

 

The accompanying financial statements as of September 30, 2006 were not audited and, accordingly, no opinion is expressed on them.

 

The views expressed in this report and the information about the Fund’s portfolio holdings are for the period covered by this report and are subject to change thereafter.

 

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

 

The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.

Gateway Center Three

100 Mulberry Street

Newark, NJ 07102-4077

 

For information call toll-free (800) 451-6788

 

CUSIP 429906100    NYSE Ticker HYP

HYPS


Letter To Shareholders

September 30, 2006

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Market Update

The high yield market posted a positive 3.7% return for the six month period ended September 30, 2006, as measured by the Lehman Brothers High Yield 2% Capped Index (the “Index”), which performed similarly to investment-grade bonds as measured by the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Index. Within the high yield market, triple-C rated securities outperformed the broader market with a 6.1% return.

 

High Yield performance has been remarkably strong in 2006, outperforming duration-equivalent Treasuries by 4.7% through the end of September. The 3.8% quarterly total return of the Index was the best quarterly performance since the final three months of 2004. Year to date, the 6.4% total return of the Index is solidly ahead of the Lehman U.S. Credit Index (+2.9%) and only slightly behind the return for the S&P 500 (+8.5%). Of note, this performance has come despite new issue supply, which has been running 20% ahead of 2005 levels.

 

The default rate for high yield debt continues to run below its longer-term averages. According to Moody’s, the trailing twelve month global speculative-grade default rate was 1.5% as of October. Moody’s is predicting only a “marginal rise” in corporate defaults over the next year. Quality spreads remain near historical tights as double-B and triple-C spreads have tightened over the past quarter. While single-B quality spreads have widened from their all–time tights, the spread between double-Bs and single-Bs remains near historic lows, reinforcing our belief that investors are not being paid to take on the additional risk of the single-Bs. We continue to target a credit barbell strategy as we believe that double-B and triple-C credits offer a better risk/reward than single-B credits.

 

Fund Performance

The Fund’s total returns for periods ended September 30, 2006 are shown in the following table. For comparison, we have also provided the returns of the Index, the Lehman Brothers High Yield Index, and the Lipper Closed-End Leveraged High Yield category, an average of 29 closed-end high yield leveraged funds; we would note that the degree of leverage varies substantially amongst the funds in the group and can affect performance.

 

       
    6 Mos    1 Yr    3 Yrs*

High Yield Plus Fund (NAV)

  3.5%    6.5%     9.2%

Lipper Closed-End Leveraged High Current Yield

  4.0    8.6    11.9

Lehman Brothers High Yield 2 % Issuer Capped Index

  3.7    7.2    8.8

Lehman Brothers High Yield Index

  4.3    8.1    9.1

 

* Annualized

 

The Fund is leveraged and had $26.0 million in loans outstanding as of September 30, 2006, $1.5 million less than the Fund’s March 31, 2006 fiscal year-end. Borrowings fluctuate depending on investment outlook and opportunities. As of September 30, 2006, the Fund’s shares were priced at $3.40. This price reflected a discount of 8.4% to the Fund’s net asset value of $3.71 per share. (On average, the funds in the Lipper Leveraged Closed End universe were trading at a discount of 0.3% as of September 30, 2006.) On

 

2


 

 

September 30, 2006, the Fund’s monthly dividend rate of $0.025 per share equated to an annualized yield of 8.82% relative to the Fund’s stock price.

 

The top contributing sectors for the past six months were driven by strong security selection and included Automotive, Utilities, and Diversified Manufacturing. An overweight to the Media–Cable and Tobacco sectors also positively contributed to performance. The Technology, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals sectors detracted the most from relative results. From a quality perspective, our double-B rated securities were the largest contributors to performance whereas our single-B rated securities were the largest detractors. An underweight to triple-C rated securities also detracted from performance.

 

We have maintained or increased our overweights to the Media–Cable, Construction Machinery, and Healthcare/Pharmaceutical industries. We have also marginally increased the Fund’s risk profile and yield as we believe the market should stay relatively strong with a solid economic backdrop, strong corporate balance sheets and a sustained low level of defaults.

 

As always, we appreciate your interest in the Fund.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Earl McEvoy

Portfolio Manager

Senior Vice President

Wellington Management Company, LLP

 

3


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS—139.7%                                   
CORPORATE BONDS—137.4%                                   

Aerospace/Defense—2.3%

                                  

Argo-Tech Corp., Sr. Notes

   B2    9.25%      06/01/11      $ 410      $ 426,400

Hawk Corp., Sr. Notes

   B3    8.75      11/01/14        220        217,800

L-3 Communications Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    5.875      01/15/15        140        133,000

L-3 Communications Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    7.625      06/15/12        75        77,250

Sequa Corp., Sr. Notes.

   B2    9.00      08/01/09        500        530,625
                                

                                   1,385,075

Automotive—10.5%

                                  

Adesa Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B1    7.625      06/15/12        310        305,350

Ford Motor Co., Notes

   B3    7.45      07/16/31        720        556,200

Ford Motor Credit Co., Notes

   Ba1    6.625      06/16/08        275        270,842

Ford Motor Credit Co., Notes

   B1    7.00      10/01/13        725        672,683

Ford Motor Credit Co., Notes

   Ba1    9.957      04/15/12        880        920,834

General Motors Acceptance Corp., Bonds

   Ba1    8.00      11/01/31        2,085        2,180,036

General Motors Acceptance Corp., Notes

   Ba1    6.875      08/28/12        110        108,878

General Motors Corp., Debs.

   Caa1    8.375      07/15/33        535        462,775

J.B. Poindexter & Co., Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B3    8.75      03/15/14        440        363,000

TRW Automotive, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B1    11.00      02/15/13        198        215,820

Visteon Corp., Sr. Notes

   Caa1    7.00      03/10/14        250        223,750
                                

                                   6,280,168

Building Materials—0.8%

                                  

Goodman Global Holdings, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B3    7.875      12/15/12        480        457,200

Chemicals—3.0%

                                  

Equistar Chemical Funding, Sr. Notes

   B1    10.625      05/01/11        355        380,738

Equistar Chemicals LP, Gtd. Notes

   B1    10.125      09/01/08        60        63,525

IMC Global, Inc., Debs. Notes

   Ba3    10.875      06/01/08        125        133,281

IMC Global, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    11.25      06/01/11        835        881,969

IMC Global, Inc., Notes

   B2    7.30      01/15/28        100        88,875

Millennium America, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1    9.25      06/15/08        210        216,300
                                

                                   1,764,688

Construction Machinery—6.8%

                                  

Ahern Rentals Inc., Co., Gtd. Notes

   B3    9.25      08/15/13        625        640,625

Ashtead Capital Inc., Notes, 144A

   B3    9.00      08/15/16        355        369,200

Ashtead Holdings PLC, Sec’d. Notes, 144A (United Kingdom)

   B3    8.625      08/01/15        75        76,125

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

4


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    

Construction Machinery (cont’d.)

                                  

Case New Holland, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    7.125%      03/01/14      $ 280      $ 281,050

Case New Holland, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    9.25      08/01/11        635        673,100

Neff Rental /Neff Finance Corp., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   Caa1    11.25      06/15/12        675        729,000

Sunstate Equipment Co., Bonds, 144A

   B3    10.50      04/01/13        415        430,562

United Rentals Inc., Notes, 144A

   B3    7.00      02/15/14        460        432,400

United Rentals North America, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B1    6.50      02/15/12        465        448,725
                                

                                   4,080,787

Consumer Cyclical-Services—1.3%

                                  

Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Caa1    11.00      04/01/13        230        228,850

Service Corp. International, Sr. Notes

   B1    8.00      06/15/17        355        339,912

Service Corp. International, Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1    6.75      04/01/16        100        95,875

Service Corp. International, Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1    7.375      10/01/14        45        45,281

Service Corp. International, Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1    7.625      10/01/18        50        50,313
                                

                                   760,231

Diversified Manufacturing—0.5%

                                  

Invensys PLC, Sr. Notes, 144A (United Kingdom)

   B2    9.875      03/15/11        273        294,840

Energy—6.0%

                                  

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    7.75      01/15/15        265        270,300

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    6.875      01/15/16        175        171,062

Delta Petroleum Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Caa2    7.00      04/01/15        1,175        1,081,000

Exco Resources, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B3    7.25      01/15/11        230        224,825

Giant Industries, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    11.00      05/15/12        347        374,760

Newfield Exploration Co., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    6.625      04/15/16        220        213,950

Pioneer Natural Resources Co., Bonds

   Ba1    6.875      05/01/18        225        224,841

Plains Exploration & Production Co., Sr. Sub Notes

   B1    8.75      07/01/12        45        47,588

Pride International, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    7.375      07/15/14        295        303,850

Range Resources Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B1    6.375      03/15/15        80        76,000

Western Oil Sands, Inc., Sec’d. Notes (Canada)

   Ba3    8.375      05/01/12        200        214,500

Whiting Petroleum Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B2    7.25      05/01/12-
05/01/13
       400        392,000
                                

                                   3,594,676

Entertainment & Leisure—1.5%

                                  

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    8.625      08/15/12        220        227,150

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B3    11.00      02/01/16        400        436,000

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B3    8.00      03/01/14        240        225,600
                                

                                   888,750

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    

Financial Institutions—2.2%

                                  

Chevy Chase Bank FSB, Sub. Notes

   Ba2    6.875%      12/01/13      $ 190      $ 190,000

E*Trade Financial Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    7.375      09/15/13        120        122,700

E*Trade Financial Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    8.00      06/15/11        220        227,700

Provident Cos., Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba1    7.00      07/15/18        105        108,015

Rouse Co. LP, Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba1    6.75      05/01/13        445        444,712

UnumProvident Corp., Debs.

   Ba1    7.375      06/15/32        15        15,598

UnumProvident Corp., Notes

   Ba1    6.75      12/15/28        145        140,356

UnumProvident Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba1    7.625      03/01/11        47        50,142
                                

                                   1,299,223

Food & Beverage—1.1%

                                  

Constellation Brands, Inc.

   Ba2    7.25      09/01/16        635        642,144

Gaming—8.9%

                                  

Aztar Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    9.00      08/15/11        200        208,750

Boyd Gaming Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    7.75      12/15/12        165        169,331

Boyd Gaming Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    8.75      04/15/12        30        31,500

Caesars Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Baa3    7.00      04/15/13        135        138,785

Caesars Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba1    8.125      05/15/11        375        395,625

Majestic Star Casino LLC / Majestic Star Casino Capital Corp. Sec’d Notes, 144A

   Caa1    9.75      01/15/11        420        408,975

Mandalay Resort Group, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B1    9.375      02/15/10        375        400,781

MGM Mirage, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    8.50      09/15/10        510        542,512

MGM Mirage, Inc., Notes

   Ba2    6.00      10/01/09        205        202,438

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Sr. Notes

   Baa2    6.125      02/15/13        135        131,963

OED Corp./DIAMOND LLC, Gtd. Notes

   B3    8.75      04/15/12        235        235,000

River Rock Entertainment Authority, Sr. Notes

   B2    9.75      11/01/11        415        440,937

Riviera Holdings Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    11.00      06/15/10        625        659,375

Station Casinos, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    6.50      02/01/14        105        98,306

Virgin River Casino Corp./RBG LLC/B&BB, Inc., Sec’d. Notes

   B2    9.00      01/15/12        850        862,750

Wynn Las Vegas LLC, Notes

   B1    6.625      12/01/14        400        388,000
                                

                                   5,315,028

Healthcare—9.6%

                                  

CDRV Investors, Inc., Sr. Disc. Notes, Zero Coupon (until 1/01/10)

   Caa2    9.63(a)      01/01/15        1,145        847,300

Davita, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    6.625      03/15/13        130        126,913

Davita, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B3    7.25      03/15/15        130        127,725

Fisher Scientific International, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba2    6.75      08/15/14        140        142,450

HCA, Inc., Notes

   Ba2    7.50      11/06/33        355        276,900

HCA, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    5.75      03/15/14        85        66,725

HCA, Inc., Sr. Sec’d. Notes

   Ba2    6.375      01/15/15        1,715        1,384,862

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    

Healthcare (cont’d.)

                                  

Insight Health Services

   NR    10.739%      11/01/11      $ 465      $ 393,506

Omnicare, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba2    6.125      06/01/13        70        66,150

Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Notes

   Caa1    9.25      02/01/15        60        57,750

Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Notes

   Caa1    9.875      07/01/14        975        971,344

Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Notes, 144A

   Caa1    6.50      06/01/12        65        56,794

Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Caa1    7.375      02/01/13        70        63,088

Triad Hospitals, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B3    7.00      05/15/12-
11/15/13
       680        668,887

Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    6.75      06/01/10        60        61,050

Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    6.625      10/15/14        215        215,537

Ventas Realty LP / Ventas Capital Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    7.125      06/01/15        185        190,319
                                

                                   5,717,300

Home Construction—0.9%

                                  

Ashton Woods USA, LLC, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B3    9.50      10/01/15        490        423,850

D.R. Horton, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba1    9.75      09/15/10        110        120,860
                                

                                   544,710

Industrial Other—2.2%

                                  

ALH Finance LLC, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B3    8.50      01/15/13        470        459,425

Blount, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B2    8.875      08/01/12        420        418,950

FastenTech, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B3    11.50      05/01/11        430        447,200
                                

                                   1,325,575

Lodging—0.5%

                                  

Host Marriott LP, Sr. Notes

   Ba2    7.125      11/01/13        100        101,250

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Baa3    7.875      05/01/12        205        215,250
                                

                                   316,500

Media-Cable—11.0%

                                  

Cablevision Systems Corp., Sr. Notes

   B3    8.00      04/15/12        555        561,937

CCH I LLC, Sec’d. Notes

   Caa2    11.00      10/01/15        2,030        1,847,300

CSC Holdings, Inc., Debs.

   B2    7.625      07/15/18        340        348,075

CSC Holdings, Inc., Debs.

   B2    7.875      02/15/18        585        606,937

CSC Holdings, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B2    8.125      07/15/09        720        745,200

Frontiervision LP, Sr. Sub. Notes (d)

   NR    11.00      10/15/06        295        427,013

Insight Midwest LP, Sr. Notes

   B2    10.50      11/01/10        400        414,000

Mediacom Broadband LLC, Sr. Notes, 144A

   NR    8.50      09/01/15        200        198,500

Mediacom Broadband LLC, Sr. Notes

   B3    8.50      10/15/15        860        854,625

Rogers Cable, Inc., Bonds (Canada)

   Ba2    8.75      05/01/32        80        94,400

Rogers Cable, Inc., Sec’d. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    6.25      06/15/13        370        365,375

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    

Media-Cable (cont’d.)

                                  

Rogers Cable, Inc., Sec’d. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    6.75%      03/15/15      $ 60      $ 60,600

Shaw Communications, Inc., Sr. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    7.25      04/06/11        15        15,338

Shaw Communications, Inc., Sr. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    8.25      04/11/10        30        31,650
                                

                                   6,570,950

Media-Non Cable—8.6%

                                  

CanWest Media, Inc., Gtd. Notes (Canada)

   B2    8.00      09/15/12        325        320,937

Dex Media West LLC, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B2    9.875      08/15/13        590        637,200

Intelsat Bermuda Ltd., 144A (Bermuda)

   Caa1    11.64      06/15/13        260        273,000

Intelsat Ltd., Notes (Bermuda)

   Caa1    7.625      04/15/12        240        210,000

Intelsat Ltd., Sr. Notes (Bermuda)

   Caa1    5.25      11/01/08        105        100,800

Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Co. Ltd., Gtd. Notes (Bermuda)

   B2    8.625      01/15/15        205        209,612

Intelsat Subsidiary Holding Co. Ltd., Sr. Notes (Bermuda)

   B2    8.25      01/15/13        380        384,750

LBI Media, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    10.125      07/15/12        10        10,525

Liberty Media Corp., Debs.

   Ba1    8.25      02/01/30        215        214,606

Liberty Media Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    5.70      05/15/13        140        132,107

PanAmSat Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    9.00      08/15/14        67        69,178

Quebecor Media, Sr. Notes (Canada)

   B2    7.75      03/15/16        480        480,600

R.H. Donnelley Corp., Sr. Disc. Notes

   B3    6.875      01/15/13        1,000        912,501

R.H. Donnelley Corp., Sr. Notes

   B3    8.875      01/15/16        700        701,750

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    8.00      03/15/12        230        233,162

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    8.75      12/15/11        210        218,925
                                

                                   5,109,653

Metals—3.7%

                                  

Arch Western Finance LLC, Sr. Notes

   B1    6.75      07/01/13        220        211,200

International Steel Group, Sr. Notes

   Ba1    6.50      04/15/14        870        859,125

Massey Energy Co., Sr. Notes

   B2    6.625      11/15/10        95        92,625

Neenah Corp., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   B2    11.00      09/30/10        205        221,400

Novelis, Inc., Sr. Notes, 144A (Canada)

   B3    8.25      02/15/15        325        308,750

Peabody Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    6.875      03/15/13        100        98,500

Steel Dynamics, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    9.50      03/15/09        200        206,662

United States Steel Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba1    10.75      08/01/08        200        216,250
                                

                                   2,214,512

Packaging—2.4%

                                  

Ball Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    6.625      03/15/18        125        122,813

Crown Americas LLC, Sr. Notes

   B1    7.625      11/15/13        225        227,813

Crown Americas LLC, Sr. Notes

   B1    7.75      11/15/15        225        226,125

Owens-Brockway Glass Containers, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    8.875      02/15/09        815        837,412
                                

                                   1,414,163

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    

Paper—2.3%

                                  

Bowater Canada Finance, Gtd. Notes (Canada)

   B2    7.95%      11/15/11      $ 175      $ 167,125

Bowater, Inc., Notes

   B2    6.50      06/15/13        280        248,500

Jefferson Smurfit Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    7.50      06/01/13        155        142,988

Neenah Paper, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B2    7.375      11/15/14        455        426,562

P.H. Glatfelter, Gtd. Notes, 144A

   Ba1    7.125      05/01/16        40        39,003

Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B2    8.375      07/01/12        355        340,800
                                

                                   1,364,978

Pharmaceuticals—3.6%

                                  

Angiotech Pharmaceutical, Sr. Sub. Notes, 144A (Canada)

   B2    7.75      04/01/14        426        404,700

Athena Neurosciences Finance LLC, Gtd. Notes

   B3    7.25      02/21/08        450        448,313

Biovail Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes (Canada)

   B1    7.875      04/01/10        660        660,000

Elan Finance PLC, Sr. Notes (Ireland)

   B3    7.75      11/15/11        240        233,700

Mylan Laboratories Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    5.75      08/15/10        65        64,269

Mylan Laboratories Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    6.375      08/15/15        315        305,156
                                

                                   2,116,138

Real Estate Investment Trusts—0.1%

                                  

CB Richard Ellis Services, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    9.75      05/15/10        42        44,835

Restaurants—0.7%

                                  

Real Mex Restaurants, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    10.25      04/01/10        420        441,000

Retailers—3.7%

                                  

Autonation, Inc. Co., Gtd. Notes, 144A

   Ba2    7.00      04/15/14        95        94,763

Autonation, Inc. Co., Gtd. Notes, 144A

   Ba2    7.507      04/15/13        345        349,313

Lazydays RV Center, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B3    11.75      05/15/12        648        622,080

Movie Gallery, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Caa2    11.00      05/01/12        710        454,400

Rite Aid Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    7.50      01/15/15        120        113,700

Rite Aid Corp., Sec’d. Notes

   B2    8.125      05/01/10        555        556,387
                                

                                   2,190,643

Supermarkets—0.7%

                                  

Pathmark Stores, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Caa1    8.75      02/01/12        445        430,538

Technology—5.7%

                                  

IKON Office Solutions, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    7.75      09/15/15        405        416,137

MagnaChip Semiconductor SA, Sec’d. Notes

   B1    6.875      12/15/11        50        40,000

MagnaChip Semiconductor SA, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B3    8.00      12/15/14        845        513,337

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
  Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                   

Technology (cont’d.)

                                 

Sensata Technologies BV, Sr. Notes, 144A (Netherlands)

   B3   8.00%      05/01/14      $ 105      $ 102,113

Sungard Data Systems, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B3   9.125      08/15/13        825        853,875

Sungard Data Systems, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Caa1   10.25      08/15/15        340        350,200

Xerox Corp., Debs., MTN

   Ba1   7.20      04/01/16        280        294,000

Xerox Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1   9.75      01/15/09        305        330,163

Xerox Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba1   7.625      06/15/13        475        498,750
                               

                                  3,398,575

Tobacco—2.5%

                                 

Alliance One International, Gtd. Notes

   B2   11.00      05/15/12        670        683,400

Reynolds American, Inc., Notes

   Ba1   7.311      05/23/12        150        150,280

Reynolds American, Inc., Notes, 144A

   Ba2   7.25      06/01/13        220        226,386

Reynolds American, Inc., Notes, 144A

   Ba2   7.30      07/15/15        440        449,842
                               

                                  1,509,908

Transportation—6.5%

                                 

American Airlines, Inc. Pass-Thru Certs.

   Baa2   7.858      04/01/13        365        392,375

Avis Budget Car Rental, Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba3   7.625      05/15/14        310        300,700

Avis Budget Car Rental, Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba3   7.75      05/15/16        105        101,588

Avis Budget Car Rental, Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba3   7.905      05/15/14        310        303,800

Continental Airlines, Inc. Pass-Thru Certs.

   Ba2   9.798      04/01/21        1,265        1,328,017

Delta Air Lines, Inc. Pass-Thru Certs. (d)

   BB(c)   7.57      05/15/12        690        690,862

Hertz Corp., Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1   8.875      01/01/14        405        424,237

Hertz Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes, 144A

   B2   10.50      01/01/16        315        346,500
                               

                                  3,888,079

Utilities—16.5%

                                 

AES Corp., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   Ba3   8.75      05/15/13        84        90,090

AES Corp., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   Ba3   9.00      05/15/15        491        529,052

AES Corp., Sr. Notes

   B1   8.875      02/15/11        625        668,750

AES Corp., Sr. Notes

   B1   9.375      09/15/10        35        37,800

AES Corp., Sr. Notes

   B1   9.50      06/01/09        20        21,350

Aquila, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B2   9.95      02/01/11        430        471,649

Aquila, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B2   14.875      07/01/12        320        420,000

Avista Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba1   9.75      06/01/08        380        402,230

CMS Energy Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba3   8.50      04/15/11        120        129,600

Colorado Interstate Gas Co., Sr. Notes

   Ba1   5.95      03/15/15        40        38,253

Edison Mission Energy, Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1   7.50      06/15/13        440        444,400

El Paso Corp., Sr. Notes

   B2   6.75      05/15/09        520        522,600

El Paso Corp., Sr. Notes

   B2   7.00      05/15/11        330        332,063

El Paso Natural Gas Co., Debs.

   Ba1   8.625      01/15/22        80        91,527

El Paso Production Holding Co., Gtd. Notes

   B1   7.75      06/01/13        225        230,063

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    

Utilities (cont’d.)

                                  

Midwest Generation LLC, Sec’d. Notes

   Ba2    8.75%      05/01/34      $ 364      $ 388,570

Mirant North America LLC, Sr. Notes

   B2    7.375      12/31/13        240        240,300

NGC Corp., Debs.

   Caa2    7.125      05/15/18        955        873,825

NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B1    7.25      02/01/14        100        99,250

NRG Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B1    7.375      02/01/16        665        660,844

Reliant Energy, Inc., Sec’d. Notes

   B2    6.75      12/15/14        760        722,950

Southern Natural Gas Co., Notes

   Ba1    7.35      02/15/31        90        93,260

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., Bonds

   Ba1    8.375      06/15/32        160        183,586

TXU Corp., Notes

   Ba1    6.55      11/15/34        235        221,340

TXU Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba1    5.55      11/15/14        235        222,023

TXU Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba1    6.50      11/15/24        465        440,562

Williams Cos., Inc., Debs.

   Ba2    7.50      01/15/31        205        202,438

Williams Cos., Inc., Notes

   Ba2    7.125      09/01/11        765        784,125

Williams Cos., Inc., Notes

   Ba2    7.75      06/15/31        15        15,000

Williams Cos., Inc., Notes

   Ba2    7.875      09/01/21        70        73,150

Williams Cos., Inc., Notes

   Ba2    8.125      03/15/12        130        138,775

Williams Cos., Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    7.625      07/15/19        70        72,800
                                

                                   9,862,225

Wireless—4.9%

                                  

American Cellular Corp., Sr. Notes

   B3    10.00      08/01/11        845        885,137

Centennial Cellular Operating Co., Gtd. Notes

   B2    10.125      06/15/13        430        456,875

Centennial Communications Corp., Notes

   B2    8.125      02/01/14        235        231,475

Dobson Cellular Systems, Sec’d. Notes

   B1    8.375      11/01/11        230        238,913

Dobson Communications Corp., Sr. Notes

   Caa2    9.318      10/15/12        230        234,600

Rogers Wireless, Inc., Sec’d. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    7.50      03/15/15        335        357,612

Rogers Wireless, Inc., Sec’d. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    9.625      05/01/11        450        508,500
                                

                                   2,913,112

Wirelines—6.4%

                                  

Citizens Communications Co., Notes

   Ba2    9.25      05/15/11        975        1,074,938

GCI, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B1    7.25      02/15/14        350        337,750

Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, Sr. Notes, 144A (Denmark)

   B2    8.875      05/01/16        140        147,175

Qwest Corp., Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba2    7.50      10/01/14        1,145        1,182,212

US West Communications, Debs.

   Ba2    6.875      09/15/33        260        237,250

Windstream Corp., Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba3    8.625      08/01/16        800        856,000
                                

                                   3,835,325
                                

Total corporate bonds (cost $81,838,594)

                                 81,971,529
CONVERTIBLE BONDS—1.5%                                   

Media—Cable

                                  

Charter Communications, Inc. (cost $868,818)

   Ca    5.875      11/16/09        1,000        901,250

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

11


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
 
                                      
BANK NOTES—0.7%                                     

Paper

                                    

Georgia-Pacific Corp., Notes

   Ba2    7.39%      12/23/13      $ 99      $ 100,265  

Georgia-Pacific Corp., Term Bond

   Ba3    8.39      12/20/12        299        299,381  
                                


Total bank notes (cost $397,750)

                                 399,646  
COMMON STOCKS—0.1%                        

Shares

          

Consumer Products—0.1%

                                    

WKI Holding Co., Inc. (cost $1,380,433)(b)

                        6,031        48,248  
WARRANTS                        

Units

          

Chemicals

                                    

Hercules, Inc., (cost $0)(b)

                        230        3,317  
                                


Total long-term investments (cost $84,485,595)

                                 83,323,990  
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS—1.5%                        
 
 


Principal
Amount
(000)


          
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS—1.5%                                     

BNP Paribas Tri-Party Mortgage, 5.37% dated 09/29/06, due 10/02/06 in the amount of $900,403 (cost $900,000; collateralized by $242,123 Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds 5.50%, due 01/01/34, value of collateral including interest is $245,902 and collateralized by $657,877 Federal National Mortgage Association Bonds 5.50%, due 08/01/19, value of collateral including interest is $668,181)

                      $ 900        900,000  
                                


Total short-term investments (cost $900,000)

                                 900,000  

Total Investments(e)—141.2%

                                    

(cost $85,385,595; Note 4)

                                 84,223,990  

Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets—(41.2)%

                                 (24,589,900 )
                                


Net Assets—100.0%

                               $ 59,634,090  
                                



The following abbreviations are used in portfolio descriptions:

144A Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the securities Act of 1933 and may not be resold subject to that rule except to qualified institutional buyers. Unless otherwise noted 144A securities are deemed to be liquid.
MTN Medium Term Note
NR Not Rated by Moodys or Standard & Poor’s
(a) The rate shown reflects the coupon rate after the step date.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Standard & Poor’s rating.
(d) Represents issuer in default on interest payments. Non-income producing security.
(e) As of September 30, 2006, 1 security representing $3,317 and 0.0% of the total market value was fair valued in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board of Directors.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2006 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

The industry classification of long-term portfolio holdings, and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as of September 30, 2006 was as follows:

 

Industry


      

Utilities

   16.5 %

Media-Cable

   12.5  

Automotive

   10.5  

Healthcare

   9.6  

Gaming

   8.9  

Media-Non Cable

   8.6  

Construction Machinery

   6.8  

Transportation

   6.5  

Wirelines

   6.4  

Energy

   6.0  

Technology

   5.7  

Wireless

   4.9  

Metals

   3.7  

Retailers

   3.7  

Pharmaceuticals

   3.6  

Chemicals

   3.0  

Paper

   3.0  

Tobacco

   2.5  

Packaging

   2.4  

Aerospace/Defense

   2.3  

Financial Institutions

   2.2  

Industrial Other

   2.2  

Entertainment & Leisure

   1.5  

Repurchase Agreements

   1.5  

Consumer Cyclical—Services

   1.3  

Food & Beverage

   1.1  

Home Construction

   0.9  

Building Materials

   0.8  

Restaurants

   0.7  

Supermarkets

   0.7  

Diversified Manufacturing

   0.5  

Lodging

   0.5  

Consumer Products

   0.1  

Real Estate Investment Trusts

   0.1  
    

     141.2  

Liabilities in excess of other assets

   (41.2 )
    

     100.0 %
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Assets    September 30, 2006

 

Investments, at value (cost $85,385,595)

   $ 84,223,990  

Cash

     58,539  

Interest receivable

     1,952,257  

Receivable for investments sold

     1,741,427  

Prepaid expenses

     38,124  
    


Total assets

     88,014,337  
    


Liabilities         

Loan payable (Note 5)

     26,000,000  

Payable for investments purchased

     1,511,885  

Dividends payable (Note 7)

     402,206  

Accrued expenses

     330,273  

Loan interest payable

     71,198  

Investment advisory fee payable

     24,449  

Deferred directors’ fee payable

     30,456  

Administration fee payable

     9,780  
    


Total liabilities

     28,380,247  
    


Net Assets    $ 59,634,090  
    


Net assets were comprised of:

        

Common stock, at par

   $ 160,882  

Paid-in capital in excess of par

     129,953,283  
    


       130,114,165  

Overdistribution of net investment income

     (607,895 )

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

     (68,710,575 )

Net unrealized depreciation on investments

     (1,161,605 )
    


Net assets, September 30, 2006

   $ 59,634,090  
    


Net asset value per share ($59,634,090 ÷ 16,088,240)

    

$3.71

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14


THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

 

     Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2006


 

Income

        

Interest

   $ 3,591,707  
    


Total income

     3,591,707  
    


Expenses

        

Investment advisory fee

     148,971  

Administration fee

     59,589  

Loan interest expense (Note 5)

     824,911  

Custodian’s fees and expenses

     50,000  

Legal fees and expenses

     40,000  

Reports to shareholders

     22,000  

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses

     16,000  

Registration fees

     12,000  

Audit fee

     11,000  

Directors’ fees and expenses

     5,000  

Miscellaneous

     32,351  
    


Total expenses

     1,221,822  
    


Net Investment Income

     2,369,885  
    


Realized and Unrealized Gain

(Loss) on Investments

        

Investment transactions

     363,405  

Net change in unrealized depreciation on investments

     (779,719 )
    


Net Loss on Investments

     416,314  
    


Net Increase in Net Assets

Resulting from Operations

   $ 1,953,571  
    


 

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

Increase (Decrease) in Cash   

Six Months

Ended

September 30,

2006


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Interest received

   $ 3,660,425  

Operating expenses paid

     (356,505 )

Loan interest and commitment fee paid

     (771,366 )

Purchases of long-term portfolio investments

     (21,110,572 )

Proceeds from sale of long-term portfolio investments

     21,664,402  

Net proceeds from sale of short-term portfolio investments

     900,000  

Decrease in other assets

     2,152  
    


Net cash provided by operating activities

     3,988,536  
    


Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Decrease in loan payable

     (1,500,000 )

Cash dividends paid

     (2,533,898 )
    


Net cash used for financing activities

     (4,033,898 )
    


Net decrease in cash

     (45,362 )

Cash at beginning of period

     103,901  
    


Cash at end of period

   $ 58,539  
    


Reconciliation of Net Increase in Net Assets

to Net Cash Provided By Operating

Activities

        

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 1,953,571  
    


Decrease in investments

     2,181,579  

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     (363,405 )

Net increase in unrealized depreciation on investments

     779,719  

Increase in receivable for investments sold

     (1,741,427 )

Increase in interest receivable

     (39,596 )

Decrease in other assets

     2,152  

Increase in payable for investments purchased

     1,121,992  

Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities

     93,951  
    


Total adjustments

     2,034,965  
    


Net cash flows provided by operating activities

   $ 3,988,536  
    


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

15


THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)

 

Increase (decrease) in

Net Assets

   Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2006


   

Year

Ended
March 31,
2006


 

Operations

                

Net investment income

   $ 2,369,885     $ 5,237,005  

Net realized gain on investments

     363,405       504,562  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (779,719 )     (1,745,717 )
    


 


Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     1,953,571       3,995,850  

Dividends from net investment income (Note 1)

     (2,493,677 )     (5,787,993 )

Value of Fund shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends (Note 6)

           229,344  
    


 


Total decrease

     (540,106 )     (1,562,799 )
Net Assets                 

Beginning of period

     60,174,196       61,736,995  
    


 


End of period

   $ 59,634,090     $ 60,174,196  
    


 


 

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), was organized in Maryland on February 3, 1998, as a diversified closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s primary objective is to provide a high level of current income to shareholders. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective through investment of at least 80% of its investable assets in publicly or privately offered high yield debt securities rated in the medium to lower categories by recognized rating services or non-rated securities of comparable quality. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation, but only when consistent with its primary objective. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Fund to meet their obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific industry or region.


Note 1. Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.

 

Securities Valuation:  Securities for which market quotations are readily available—including securities listed on national securities exchanges and those traded over-the-counter are valued at the last quoted sale price on the valuation date on which the security is traded. If such securities were not traded on the valuation date, but market quotations are readily available, they are valued at the most recently quoted bid price provided by an independent pricing service or by the principal market makers. Securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the pricing agent or market valuation or methodology, or provides a valuation or methodology that, in the judgment of the adviser does not represent fair value, are valued by a Valuation Committee appointed by the Board of Directors, in consultation with the adviser. When determining the fair value of securities some of the factors influencing the valuation include, the nature of any restrictions on disposition of the securities; assessments of the general liquidity of the securities; the issuer’s financial condition and the markets in which it does business, the cost of the investment; the size of the holding and the capitalization of the issuer; the prices of any recent transactions or bids/offers such securities or any comparable securities; any available analyst media or other reports or information deemed reliable by the investment adviser regarding the issuer or the markets or industry in which it operates. Using fair value to price securities may result in a value that is different from a security’s most recent closing price and from the price used by other mutual funds to calculate their net asset value. As of September 30, 2006, there was one security whose value was adjusted in accordance with procedures approved by the Board of Directors.

 

16


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

Short-term securities, which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current quotations. Short-term securities, which mature in 60 days or less, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

 

Repurchase Agreements:  In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements with United States financial institutions, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian or designated sub-custodians under triparty repurchase agreements, as the case may be, take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked to market on a daily basis to ensure adequacy of the collateral. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the fund may be delayed or limited.

 

Foreign Currency Translation:  The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:

 

(i)  market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities—at the current daily rates of exchange;

 

(ii)  purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses—at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the fiscal period, the Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of long-term securities held at the end of the fiscal period. Similarly, the Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of long-term portfolio securities sold during the fiscal period. Accordingly, realized foreign currency gains or losses are included in the reported net realized gains or losses on investment transactions.

 

Net realized gains or losses on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains or losses from holdings of foreign currencies, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities (other than investments) at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on foreign currencies.

 

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of political or economic instability and the level of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets.

 

Cash Flow Information:  The Fund invests in securities and pays dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains which are paid in cash or are reinvested at the discretion of shareholders. These activities are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and additional information on cash receipts and cash payments is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. Accounting practices that do not affect reporting activities on a cash basis include carrying investments at value and amortizing discounts and premiums on debt obligations.

 

Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income:  Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains or losses on sales of securities are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date; Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities, as required is recorded on the accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis.

 

Dividends and Distributions:  The Fund expects to pay dividends of net investment income monthly and distribution of net realized capital and currency gain, if any, annually. Dividends and distributions to shareholders, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations and which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Permanent book/tax differences relating to income and gains are reclassified to paid-in capital when they arise.

 

Federal Income Taxes:  It is the Fund’s policy to continue to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable net investment income and capital gains, if any, to its shareholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

Estimates:  The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


Note 2. Agreements

 

The Fund has agreements with, among others, Wellington Management Company, LLP (the “Investment Advisor”) and Prudential Investments LLC (the “Administrator”). The Investment Advisor makes investment

 

17


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

decisions on behalf of the Fund; the Administrator provides occupancy and certain clerical and accounting services to the Fund. The Fund bears all other costs and expenses.

 

The investment advisory agreement provides for the Investment Advisor to receive a fee, computed weekly and payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.50% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets. The administration agreement provides for the Administrator to receive a fee, computed weekly and payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.20% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets.


Note 3. Portfolio Securities

 

Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments for the six months ended September 30, 2006, aggregated $22,232,564 and $23,405,829, respectively.


Note 4. Tax Information

 

The Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of March 31, 2006, of approximately $68,361,000 of which $6,502,000 expires in 2008, $8,395,000 expires in 2009, $24,698,000 expires in 2010, $26,140,000 expires in 2011, and $2,626,000 expires in 2012. Accordingly, no capital gains distribution is expected to be paid to shareholders until net gains have been realized in excess of such carryforward. The Fund utilized approximately $235,000 of its capital loss carryforward to offset net taxable gains realized in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006.

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized appreciation as of September 30, 2006 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis

of Investments


 

Appreciation


 

Depreciation


 

Net Unrealized

Appreciation
(Depreciation)


$85,385,595   $1,557,630   $(2,719,235)   $(1,161,605)

 

The difference between book basis and tax basis was primarily attributable to deferred losses on wash sales and differences in the treatment of premium amortization for book and tax purposes.


Note 5. Borrowings

 

The Fund has a credit agreement with an unaffiliated lender. The maximum commitment under this agreement is $35,000,000. Interest on any such borrowings is based on market rates and is payable quarterly and at maturity. The Fund may utilize these borrowings (leverage) in order to increase the potential for gain on amounts invested. There can be no guarantee that these gains will be realized. There are increased risks associated with the use of leverage. The average daily balance outstanding during the six months ended September 30, 2006 was $27,229,508 at a weighted average interest rate of 5.96%. The maximum face amount of borrowings outstanding at any month-end during the six months ended September 30, 2006 was $27,500,000. The current borrowings of $26,000,000 (at a weighted average interest rate of 6.11%) will mature between October 30, 2006 and January 29, 2007.

 

The Fund pays commitment fees at an annual rate of .09 of 1% on any unused portion of the credit facility. Commitment fees are included in “Loan Interest” as reported on the Statement of Operations.


Note 6. Capital

 

There are 100 million shares of common stock authorized at $.01 par value per share. During the six months ended September 30, 2006 and the year ended March 31, 2006 the Fund issued 0 and 59,413 shares in connection with reinvestment of dividends, respectively.


Note 7. Dividends

 

On September 12, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Fund declared dividends of $0.025 per share payable on October 13, 2006, November 10, 2006 and December 8, 2006, to stockholders of record on September 29, 2006, October 31, 2006 and November 30, 2006 respectively.


Note 8. New Accounting Pronouncements

 

On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax positions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. The impact of the tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the year in which they arise. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and interim periods within those fiscal years and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FIN 48 and its impact, if any, in the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

18


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (FAS 157). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact, if any, in the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

 

Supplemental Proxy Information (Unaudited)

The annual meeting of shareholders of the Fund was held on August 30, 2006 at the offices of Prudential Investments LLC, 100 Mulberry Street, Newark, New Jersey. The meeting was held for the following purpose:

 

(1)    To elect the following directors to serve as follows:       
    

Directors


     Class

     Term

     Expiring

     Linda W. Bynoe      III      3 years      2009
     Stephen G. Stoneburn      III      3 years      2009
     Clay T. Whitehead      III      3 years      2009

 

Directors whose term of office continued beyond this meeting are David E.A. Carson, Richard A. Redeker, Judy A. Rice, Robert E. La Blanc, Douglas H. McCorkindale, Robin B. Smith and Robert F. Gunia.

 

The results of the proxy solicitation on the above matter were as follows:

 

    

Directors


     Votes for

     Votes against

     Votes withheld

     Abstentions

(1)    Linda W. Bynoe      13,294,839           470,653     
     Stephen G. Stoneburn      13,304,874           460,618     
     Clay T. Whitehead      13,302,617           462,875     

 

19


Financial Highlights (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

     Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2006


    Year Ended March 31,

 
       2006

    2005

    2004

    2003

    2002

 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:                                                 

Net asset value, beginning of period

   $ 3.74     $ 3.85     $ 4.02     $ 3.48     $ 3.92     $ 5.02  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Income From investment operations                                                 

Net investment income

     .15       .33       .39       .44       .42       .62  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

     (.02 )     (.08 )     (.14 )     .52       (.45 )     (1.00 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total from investment operations

     .13       .25       .25       .96       (.03 )     (.38 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Less dividends and distributions                                                 

Dividends from net investment income

     (.16 )     (.36 )     (.42 )     (.42 )     (.41 )     (.72 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Total dividends and distributions

     (.16 )     (.36 )     (.42 )     (.42 )     (.41 )     (.72 )
    


 


 


 


 


 


Net asset value, end of period(a)

   $ 3.71     $ 3.74     $ 3.85     $ 4.02     $ 3.48     $ 3.92  
    


 


 


 


 


 


Market price per share, end of period(a)

   $ 3.40     $ 3.49     $ 4.10     $ 4.30     $ 3.63     $ 4.38  
    


 


 


 


 


 


TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(b):      2.14 %     (5.86 )%     5.24 %     31.45 %     (6.41 )%     (19.20 )%
    


 


 


 


 


 


RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                                 

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

   $ 59,634     $ 60,174     $ 61,737     $ 63,885     $ 54,810     $ 61,339  

Average net assets (000 omitted)

   $ 59,426     $ 61,123     $ 63,774     $ 61,020     $ 53,407     $ 67,722  

Ratio to average net assets:

                                                

Total expenses (including loan interest)(c)

     4.10 %(d)     3.56 %     2.67 %     2.42 %     2.72 %     3.19 %

Net investment income

     7.95 %(d)     9.03 %     9.80 %     11.34 %     11.82 %     14.15 %

Portfolio turnover rate

     26 %(e)     41 %     56 %     53 %     87 %     76 %

Total debt outstanding at end of period (000 omitted)

   $ 26,000     $ 27,500     $ 28,500     $ 28,000     $ 21,000     $ 22,000  

Net asset coverage per $1,000 of debt outstanding

   $ 3,294     $ 3,188     $ 3,166     $ 3,282     $ 3,610     $ 3,788  

(a) NAV and market value are published in The Wall Street Journal each Monday.
(b) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the current market value on the first day and a sale at the current market value on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the dividend reinvestment plan. This calculation does not reflect brokerage commissions. Total returns for periods less than one year are not annualized.
(c) The annualized expense ratio without loan interest would have been 1.33% for the six months ended September 30, 2006 and 1.43%, 1.54%, 1.52%, 1.53% and 1.33% for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
(d) Annualized.
(e) Not Annualized.

Contained above is selected data for a share of common stock outstanding, total investment return, ratios to average net assets and other supplemental data for the period indicated. This information is has been determined based upon information provided in the financial statements and market price data for the Fund’s shares.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20


Other Information (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Shareholders may elect to have all distributions of dividends and capital gains automatically reinvested in Fund shares (“Shares”) pursuant to the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check in United States dollars mailed directly to the shareholders of record (or if the shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the custodian, as dividend disbursing agent. Shareholders who wish to participate in the Plan should contact the Fund at (800) 451-6788.

 

Equiserve Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Agent”) serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan. After the Fund declares a dividend or capital gains distribution, if (1) the market price is lower than net asset value, the participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Shares valued at the market price determined as of the time of purchase (generally, following the payment date of the dividend or distribution); or if (2) the market price of Shares on the payment date of the dividend or distribution is equal to or exceeds their net asset value, participants will be issued Shares at the higher of net asset value or 95% of the market price. If net asset value exceeds the market price of Shares on the valuation date or the Fund declares a dividend or other distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, receive the cash payment and use it to buy Shares in the open market. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the net asset value per share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the net asset value per share, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund. The Fund will not issue Shares under the Plan below net asset value.

 

There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gain distributions, except for certain brokerage commissions, as described below. The Plan Agent’s fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be paid by the Fund. There will be no brokerage commissions charged with respect to Shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The automatic reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not relieve participants of any federal income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

 

The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan upon 90 days’ written notice to shareholders of the Fund.

 

Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to the Plan Agent and will receive certificates for whole Shares and cash for fractional Shares.

 

All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent, EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., c/o Computershare Shareholder Services, P.O. Box 43011, Providence, RI 02940-3011.

 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Fund votes proxies related to the portfolio’s securities according to a set of policies and procedures approved by the Fund’s board. A description of the policies and procedures may be obtained, without charge, by calling (800) 451-6788 or by visiting the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Availability Of Quarterly Portfolio Schedule. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330 (732-0330).

 

Certifications. The required annual certification for the previous year was submitted to the NYSE. The Fund also has included the certifications of the Fund’s CEO and CFO required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the Fund’s Form N-CSR filed with the SEC, for the period of this report.

 

21


 

The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.

 

Approval of Advisory Agreements

 

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) oversees the management of the Fund, and, as required by law, determines annually whether to renew the Fund’s investment advisory agreement with Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington”). In considering the renewal of the agreements, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, met on June 7-8, 2006 and approved the renewal of the agreements through July 31, 2007, after concluding that renewal of the agreements was in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders.

 

In advance of the meetings, the Board received materials relating to the agreements, and had the opportunity to ask questions and request further information in connection with their consideration. Among other things, the Board considered comparisons with other mutual funds in relevant Peer Universes and Peer Groups. The mutual funds included in each Peer Universe or Peer Group were objectively determined solely by Lipper Inc., an independent provider of mutual fund data. The comparisons placed the Fund in various quartiles over one-year, three-year and five-year time periods ending December 31, with the first quartile being the best 25% of the mutual funds (for performance, the best performing mutual funds and, for expenses, the lowest cost mutual funds).

 

In approving the agreements, the Board, including the Independent Directors advised by independent legal counsel, considered the factors they deemed relevant, including the nature, quality and extent of services provided, the performance of the Fund, the profitability of Wellington, expenses and fees, and the potential for economies of scale that may be shared with the Fund and its shareholders. In their deliberations, the Directors did not identify any single factor that was dispositive and each Director attributed different weights to the various factors. In connection with their deliberations, the Board considered information provided by Wellington throughout the year at regular Board meetings, presentations from portfolio managers and other information, as well as information furnished at or in advance of the meetings on June 7-8, 2006.

 

The Directors determined that the overall arrangements between the Fund and Wellington, are fair and reasonable in light of the services performed, fees charged and such other matters as the Directors considered relevant in the exercise of their business judgment.

 

Several of the material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Directors’ reaching their determinations to approve the continuance of the agreements are separately discussed below.

 

Nature, quality and extent of services

 

The Board received and considered information regarding the nature and extent of services provided to the Fund by Wellington. The Board considered the services provided by Wellington, including but not limited to the provision of investment advisory services the Fund, as well as adherence to the Fund’s investment restrictions and compliance with applicable Fund policies and procedures.

 

The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the Wellington portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio. The Board was provided with information pertaining to Wellington’s organizational structure, senior management, investment operations, and other relevant information pertaining to Wellington. The Board also noted that it received favorable compliance reports from the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) as to Wellington.

 

The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of the investment management services provided by Wellington, and that there was a reasonable basis on which to conclude that the Fund benefits from the services provided by Wellington under the investment advisory agreement.

 

Performance of The Fund

 

The Board received and considered information about the Fund’s historical performance, noting that the Fund had achieved performance that was in the fourth quartile during the first quarter of 2006, performance that was in the second quartile over a one-year period, performance that was in the third quartile over three-year and five-year periods, and performance that was in the fourth quartile over a ten-year period ending December 31 in relation to the group of comparable funds in a Peer Universe.

 

The Board expressed the view that the Fund’s short-term performance had improved, as evidenced by the Fund’s placement in the second quartile over the one-year time period. The Board concluded that although the Fund’s short-term performance was satisfactory, the Fund’s long-term performance continued to be of concern. Accordingly, the Board determined that it would continue to evaluate the Fund’s progress in improving long-term performance.


 

Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered the advisory fee for the Fund as compared to the advisory fee charged by Wellington to other funds and accounts and the fee charged by other advisers to comparable mutual funds.

 

The Fund’s advisory fee of 0.50%, plus its administration fee of 0.20% (paid to Prudential Investments LLC) ranked in the second quartile in its Peer Group. The Board concluded that the advisory fee was reasonable.

 

Costs of Services and Profits Realized by Wellington

 

The Board was provided with certain financial information with respect to Wellington, including a pro forma income statement furnished by Wellington which identified the revenues generated for Wellington by the Fund. However, because Wellington does not maintain financial records which detail profitability on a fund level, the Board was unable to directly consider Wellington’s profitability. The Board recognized that it is difficult to make comparisons of profitability from fund advisory contracts because comparative information is not generally publicly available and is affected by numerous factors, including the structure of the particular adviser, the types of funds it manages, its business mix, numerous assumptions regarding allocations and the adviser’s capital structure and cost of capital. Taking these factors into account, the Board concluded that the profitability of Wellington in relation to the services rendered was not unreasonable.

 

Economies of Scale

 

The Board noted that the advisory fee schedule for the Fund does not contain breakpoints that reduce the fee rate on assets above specified levels. The Board received and discussed information concerning whether Wellington realizes economies of scale as the Fund’s assets grow beyond current levels. In light of the Fund’s current size and expense structure, the Board concluded that the absence of breakpoints in the Fund’s fee schedule is acceptable at this time.

 

Other Benefits to Wellington

 

The Board considered potential ancillary benefits that might be received by Wellington and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund. The Board concluded that potential benefits to be derived by Wellington included those generally resulting from an increase in assets under management, specifically, potential access to additional research resources and reputational benefits. The Board concluded that the benefits derived by Wellington were consistent with the types of benefits generally derived by investment advisers to mutual funds.


Item 2 – Code of Ethics – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

Item 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

Item 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

Item 5– Audit Committee of Listed Registrants – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

Item 6 – Schedule of Investments – The schedule is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

Item 7 – Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

Item 8 – Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

Item 9 – Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers – There have been no purchases of equity securities by the registrant or any affiliated purchasers during the period covered by this report.

Item 10 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders – Not applicable.

Item 11 – Controls and Procedures

 

  (a) It is the conclusion of the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the registrant’s current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

  (b) There has been no significant change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12 – Exhibits

 

  (a) (1) Code of Ethics – Not required, as this is not an annual filing.

 

     (2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.CERT.

 

     (3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1. – Not applicable.

 

  (b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act – Attached hereto as Exhibit EX-99.906CERT.


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.

 

(Registrant) The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.
By (Signature and Title)*  

/s/ Deborah A. Docs

  Deborah A. Docs
  Secretary
Date November 27, 2006

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

 

By (Signature and Title)*  

/s/ Judy A. Rice

  Judy A. Rice
  President and Principal Executive Officer
Date November 27, 2006
By (Signature and Title)*  

/s/ Grace C. Torres

  Grace C. Torres
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Date November 27, 2006

* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.