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:   3/31/2008
Date of reporting period:   9/30/2007

 


 


Item 1      Reports to Stockholders


The High Yield Plus Fund, Inc.

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

 

September 30, 2007

 

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 Adviser

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 Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 43011

Providence, RI 02940-3011

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

 

Legal Counsel

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP

125 Broad Street

New York, NY 10004

 

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 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, 2007

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Market Update

US high yield posted weaker returns for the 6 month period, trailing duration-equivalent Treasuries by 3.12%. The Lehman Brothers 2% Issuer Capped High Yield Index returned 0.55% for the trailing 6-month period compared to 2.31% for the Lehman Aggregate and 1.32% for the Lehman Corporate Index. For the period, triple-C’s underperformed their single-B and BB counterparts, returning -0.83%, while single-B’s returned 1.13%, and double-B’s returned 0.74% as measured by the Lehman Brothers High Yield Index.

 

Default rates continued to be at or near historic lows. September’s default rate of 1.2% remains below the historical ten year average of 4.7%. Moody’s forecasts call for the default rate to more than double to 3.5% by September 2008. Broad-based credit concern was reflected through spread widening across global credit as fixed income markets were dominated by reports of hedge funds, mortgage originators, and financial intermediaries realizing losses related to their subprime mortgage exposure. This led to a shift in market sentiment regarding risk across financial markets, spurring a flight-to-quality.

 

Given the recent volatility and our concerns over the consumer, we have reduced the risk profile of the portfolio. We expect to maintain this risk position until we can build a better case for the direction of the underlying economy and the impact on high yield spreads. The Portfolio is somewhat “bulleted” in structure with an overweight to single B rated credits versus BB and CCC quality sectors

 

Fund Performance

The Fund’s total returns for periods ended September 30, 2007 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 31 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)

  (2.1)%    8.9%    7.1%

Lipper Closed-End Leveraged High Current Yield

  (4.1)    3.9    7.4

Lehman Brothers High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index

   0.6    7.6    7.1

Lehman Brothers High Yield Index

   0.6    7.6    7.4

 

* Annualized

 

The Fund is leveraged and had $27.0 million in loans outstanding as of September 30, 2007, $1.0 million more than the loan amount as of September 30, 2006. Borrowings fluctuate depending on investment outlook and opportunities. As of September 30, 2007 the Fund’s shares were priced at $3.32. This price reflected a discount of 11.2% to the Fund’s net asset value of $3.74 per share. (On average, the funds in the Lipper Leveraged Closed End universe were trading at a discount of 5.8% as of September 30, 2007.) On September 30, 2007, the Fund’s monthly dividend rate of $0.025 per share equated to an annualized yield of 9.04% relative to the Fund’s stock price.

 

2


 

 

The Media Cable, Home Construction, and Technology sectors were the top contributing sectors for the past six months. Contributions in the Media Cable and Technology sectors were due mainly to security selection, while Home Construction benefited from an underweight relative to the benchmark. The Retail Stores, Financial Services, and Energy sectors detracted from relative results.

 

We are overweight the Construction Machinery, Pharmaceutical, and Gaming industries. We are also overweight the Media Cable sector. The Portfolio is underweight the Paper, Utilities, and Chemicals industries.

 

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, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description    Moody’s
Ratings
   Interest
Rate
     Maturity
Date
     Principal
Amount
(000)
     Value
(Note 1)
                                    
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS—137.4%                                   
CORPORATE BONDS—131.1%                                   

Aerospace/Defense—0.4%

                                  

Bombardier, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A (Canada)

   Ba2    8.00%      11/15/14      $ 225      $ 235,688

Automobile Manufacturers—0.8%

                                  

KAR Holdings, Inc., Gtd. Sub. Notes, 144A

   Caa1    10.00      5/1/15        485        454,688

Automotive—7.8%

                                  

Ford Motor Credit Co., Notes

   B1    7.00      10/1/13        725        655,182

Ford Motor Credit Co., Notes

   B1    9.806(c)      4/15/12        880        910,788

Ford Motor Credit Co., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B1    6.625      6/16/08        275        272,922

General Motors Acceptance Corp., Bonds

   Ba1    8.00      11/1/31        2,085        2,045,556

General Motors Acceptance Corp., Unsub. Notes

   Ba1    6.875      8/28/12        110        103,178

General Motors Corp., Sr. Unsub. Notes

   Caa1    8.375      7/15/33        795        696,619
                                

                                   4,684,245

Building Materials—0.2%

                                  

Goodman Global Holdings, Gtd. Notes

   B3    7.875      12/15/12        145        142,463

Capital Goods—1.0%

                                  

Allied Waste North America, Inc., Sec’d. Notes

   B1    5.75      2/15/11        605        594,413

Chemicals—1.5%

                                  

Equistar Funding Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B1    10.125      9/1/08        34        35,105

Equistar Funding Corp., Sr. Notes

   B1    10.625      5/1/11        203        212,135

Mosaic Co. (The), Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1    7.375      12/1/14        165        173,250

Mosaic Co. (The), Sr. Notes, 144A

   B1    7.625      12/1/16        140        149,275

Mosaic Global Holdings, Inc., Notes

   B2    7.30      1/15/28        100        95,000

Terra Capital, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1    7.00      2/1/17        220        214,500
                                

                                   879,265

Construction Machinery—6.5%

                                  

Ahern Rentals, Inc., Sec’d. Notes

   B3    9.25      8/15/13        625        601,562

Ashtead Capital, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   B1    9.00      8/15/16        355        350,119

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

   B1    8.625      8/1/15        75        72,938

Case New Holland, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    7.125      3/1/14        280        287,000

Neff Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Caa2    10.00      6/1/15        380        269,800

Rental Service Corp.

   Caa1    9.50      12/1/14        1,270        1,212,850

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

4


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Construction Machinery (continued)

                                 

Sunstate Equipment Co., Bonds, 144A

   B3   10.50%      4/1/13      $ 415      $ 400,475

United Rentals North America, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1   6.50      2/15/12        465        470,812

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

   B3   7.00      2/15/14        270        275,400
                               

                                  3,940,956

Consumer Cyclical-Services—0.9%

                                 

Corrections Corp. of America, Gtd. Notes

   Ba2   6.25      3/15/13        95        93,575

Service Corp. International, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B1   7.375      10/1/14        140        143,850

Service Corp. International, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B1   7.625      10/1/18        280        290,500
                               

                                  527,925

Diversified Manufacturing—1.2%

                                 

Blaze Finance Corp., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   B(d)   10.875      7/15/12        40        40,000

Esco Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

   B2   8.625      12/15/13        665        655,025
                               

                                  695,025

Energy—6.2%

                                 

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2   6.875      1/15/16        175        175,000

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2   7.75      1/15/15        265        272,619

Delta Petroleum Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Caa2   7.00      4/1/15        1,175        998,750

Dune Energy, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

   Caa2   10.50      6/1/12        460        439,300

Dynergy Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B2   8.375      5/1/16        205        206,025

Exco Resources, Inc., Sec’d. Notes

   Caa1   7.25      1/15/11        230        228,850

OPTI Canada, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A (Canada)

   B1   8.25      12/15/14        245        246,837

OPTI Canada, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, 144A (Canada)

   B1   7.875      12/15/14        350        350,000

Petroplus Finance Ltd., Gtd. Notes, 144A (Bermuda)

   B1   6.75      5/1/14        125        120,000

Range Resources Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3   6.375      3/15/15        80        78,000

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

   Ba2   8.375      5/1/12        200        220,750

Whiting Petroleum Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B1   7.25      5/1/13        220        214,500

Whiting Petroleum Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B1   7.25      5/1/12        180        176,850
                               

                                  3,727,481

Entertainment & Leisure—2.2%

                                 

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3   8.625      8/15/12        220        226,050

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2   11.00      2/1/16        400        426,000

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B2   8.00      3/1/14        240        228,600

AMC Entertainment, Inc., Zero Coupon (until 08/15/09),
Sr. Disc. Notes

   B3   12.00(a)      8/15/14        545        460,525
                               

                                  1,341,175

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Environmental—0.4%

                                  

Allied Waste North America, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, Series B

   B1    6.50%      11/15/10      $ 240      $ 241,800

Financial Institutions—5.9%

                                  

Banco Macro SA, Jr. Sub. Notes

   B2    9.75(c)      12/18/36        655        561,663

Bonten Media Acquisition, Gtd. Notes, PIK, 144A

   Caa1    9.00(c)      6/1/15        455        407,225

Chevy Chase Bank FSB, Sub. Notes

   Baa2    6.875      12/1/13        190        184,775

Deluxe Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba2    7.375      6/1/15        890        878,875

E*Trade Financial Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba2    7.375      9/15/13        475        444,125

E*Trade Financial Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba2    8.00      6/15/11        460        457,700

Harland Clarke holdings Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Caa1    9.50      5/15/15        230        205,275

Rouse Co. LP, Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba1    6.75      5/1/13        445        436,515
                                

                                   3,576,153

Food & Beverage—4.5%

                                  

Aramark Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B3    8.50      2/1/15        420        428,400

Aramark Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B3    8.856(c)      2/1/15        460        464,600

Constellation Brands, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    7.25      9/1/16        635        635,000

Constellation Brands, Inc., Sr. Notes, 144A

   Ba3    7.25      5/15/17        310        310,000

JBS SA, Sr. Unsub. Notes, 144A (Brazil)

   B1    10.50      8/4/16        410        433,575

Smithfield Foods, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    7.75      5/15/13        430        438,600
                                

                                   2,710,175

Gaming—9.5%

                                  

Buffalo Thunder Development Authority, Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   B2    9.375      12/15/14        615        578,100

Caesars Entertainment, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    8.125      5/15/11        650        663,000

Majestic Star Casino Capital Corp. II, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Caa1    9.75      1/15/11        700        588,000

Mandalay Resort Group, Sr. Sub. Notes

   B1    9.375      2/15/10        375        392,812

MGM Mirage, Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    6.00      10/1/09        205        203,463

MGM Mirage, Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    8.50      9/15/10        510        532,950

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Baa3    6.125      2/15/13        135        128,588

OED Corp./DIAMOND JO LLC, Gtd. Notes

   B2    8.75      4/15/12        890        887,775

River Rock Entertainment Authority, Sec’d. Notes

   B2    9.75      11/1/11        415        428,487

Seneca Gaming Corp., Sr. Notes

   Ba2    7.25      5/1/12        400        403,000

Station Casinos, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    6.50      2/1/14        105        92,400

Virgin River Casino Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    9.00      1/15/12        850        826,625
                                

                                   5,725,200

Healthcare—8.0%

                                  

Community Health Systems, Inc., Sr. Notes, 144A

   B3    8.875      7/15/15        455        467,513

HCA, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   B2    9.625      11/15/16        845        902,037

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Healthcare (continued)

                                  

HCA, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Caa1    5.75%      3/15/14      $ 85      $ 71,294

HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Caa1    6.375      1/15/15        1,715        1,462,037

HCA, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Caa1    7.50      11/6/33        355        285,775

Omnicare, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   Ba3    6.125      6/1/13        70        64,050

Tenet Healthcare Corp., Sr. Notes

   Caa1    9.875      7/1/14        975        892,125

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

   Caa1    9.25      2/1/15        60        52,950

Universal Hospital Services, Inc., Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   B3    8.50      6/1/15        360        356,400

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

   Ba1    6.75      6/1/10        60        60,750

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

   Ba1    6.625      10/15/14        215        214,463
                                

                                   4,829,394

Home Construction—0.5%

                                  

DR Horton, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    9.75      9/15/10        110        109,328

Standard Pacific Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba3    6.50      10/1/08        185        164,650
                                

                                   273,978

Industrial Other—3.0%

                                  

ALH Finance LLC/ALH Finance Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B3    8.50      1/15/13        675        648,000

Blount, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B2    8.875      8/1/12        420        426,825

RBS Global, Inc. and Rexnord Corp. Gtd. Notes

   B3    9.50      8/1/14        680        703,800
                                

                                   1,778,625

Lodging—0.6%

                                  

Host Hotels & Resorts LP, Sec’d. Notes

   Ba1    6.875      11/1/14        290        289,275

Host Marriott LP, Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    7.125      11/1/13        100        100,750
                                

                                   390,025

Media-Cable—6.9%

                                  

Cablevision Systems Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B3    8.00      4/15/12        555        538,350

CCH I Holdings Capital Corp., Sec’d. Notes

   Caa2    11.00      10/1/15        850        860,625

CSC Holdings, Inc., Debs.

   B2    7.625      7/15/18        340        324,700

CSC Holdings, Inc., Debs.

   B2    7.875      2/15/18        585        567,450

CSC Holdings, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B2    8.125      7/15/09        720        732,600

FrontierVision LP, Sr. Sub. Notes(e)

   NR    Zero      10/15/10        575        44,562

Mediacom Broadband LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, 144A

   B3    8.50      10/15/15        200        200,500

Mediacom Broadband LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B3    8.50      10/15/15        860        862,150

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

   Ba1    8.25      4/11/10        30        31,200

Shaw Communications, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes (Canada)

   Ba1    7.25      4/6/11        15        15,375
                                

                                   4,177,512

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Media-Non Cable—10.8%

                                  

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

   B3    8.00%      9/15/12      $ 325      $ 318,500

DirecTV Holdings LLC, Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    6.375      6/15/15        460        436,425

Idearc, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    8.00      11/15/16        860        857,850

Intelsat Bermuda Ltd., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes (Bermuda)

   Caa1    11.409      6/15/13        260        271,700

Intelsat Corp., Gtd. Notes (Bermuda)

   B2    9.00      8/15/14        67        69,010

Intelsat Ltd., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes (Bermuda)

   Caa1    7.625      4/15/12        355        303,525

Intelsat Ltd., Sr. Notes Sr. Unsec’d. Notes (Bermuda)

   Caa1    6.50      11/1/13        135        102,600

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

   B2    8.25      1/15/13        380        385,700

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

   B2    8.625      1/15/15        770        785,400

Liberty Media LLC, Sr. Notes

   Ba2    5.70      5/15/13        140        130,792

Liberty Media LLC, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba2    8.25      2/1/30        215        210,700

Nexstar Finance Holdings, Zero Coupon (until 04/01/08),
Sr. Disc. Notes

   Caa1    11.38(a)      4/1/13        150        147,750

Quebecor Media, Inc., Sr. Notes (Canada)

   B2    7.75      3/15/16        695        662,856

Quebecor Media, Inc., Notes (Canada), 144A

   B2    7.75      3/15/16        195        185,981

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

   B3    6.875      1/15/13        150        141,750

R.H. Donnelley Corp., Sr. Notes

   B3    6.875      1/15/13        850        803,250

R.H. Donnelley Corp., Sr. Notes

   B3    8.875      1/15/16        700        713,125
                                

                                   6,526,914

Medical Supplies & Equipment—0.7%

                                  

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1    7.50      5/1/17        460        423,200

Metals—4.9%

                                  

Arch Western Finance LLC, Gtd. Notes

   B1    6.75      7/1/13        220        215,600

McMoRan Cooper & Gold, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba3    8.25      4/1/15        380        410,400

McMoRan Cooper & Gold, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba3    8.375      4/1/17        1,205        1,316,462

Novelis, Inc., Gtd. Notes (Canada)

   B3    7.25      2/15/15        325        313,625

Peabody Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    6.875      3/15/13        485        489,850

Peabody Energy Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    7.375      11/1/16        165        174,075
                                

                                   2,920,012

Packaging—0.9%

                                  

Ball Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    6.625      3/15/18        125        122,813

Owens Brockway Glass Containers, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    8.875      2/15/09        420        426,300
                                

                                   549,113

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Pharmaceuticals—3.3%

                                  

Angiotech Pharmaceutical, Gtd. Notes

   B3    7.75%      4/1/14      $ 426      $ 389,790

Elan Finance PLC, Gtd. Notes (Ireland)

   B3    9.705(c)      12/1/13        360        353,700

Elan Finance PLC, Gtd. Notes (Ireland)

   B3    7.75      11/15/11        640        627,200

Elan Finance PLC, Gtd. Notes (Ireland)

   B3    8.875      12/1/13        625        614,062
                                

                                   1,984,752

Printing & Publishing—0.6%

                                  

Media News Group, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   B2    6.375      4/1/14        515        381,100

Restaurants—0.7%

                                  

Real Mex Restaurants, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    10.00      4/1/10        420        417,900

Retailers—3.2%

                                  

AutoNation, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    7.00      4/15/14        175        167,125

AutoNation, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba2    7.36(c)      4/15/13        265        253,075

Lazydays RV Center, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B3    11.75      5/15/12        919        831,695

Rite Aid Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B3    7.50      1/15/15        120        113,400

Rite Aid Corp., Sec’d. Notes

   B3    8.125      5/1/10        555        556,387
                                

                                   1,921,682

Supermarkets—0.7%

                                  

Pathmark Stores, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Caa2    8.75      2/1/12        445        445,000

Technology—8.5%

                                  

Coleman Cable, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    9.875      10/1/12        425        413,312

Coleman Cable, Inc., Gtd. Notes, 144A

   B2    9.875      10/1/12        205        199,363

Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes, PIK

   B1    9.125      12/15/14        955        883,375

IKON Office Solutions, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    7.75      9/15/15        840        844,200

NXP Funding LLC, Sec’d. Notes

   Ba3    7.875      10/15/14        300        288,750

Open Solutions, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 144A

   Caa1    9.75      2/1/15        440        423,500

Sanmina-SCI Corp., Gtd. Notes, 144A

   Ba3    8.444(c)      6/15/10        655        648,450

Sungard Data Systems, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Caa1    9.125      8/15/13        825        858,000

Xerox Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Baa3    7.625      6/15/13        225        233,787

Xerox Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Baa3    9.75      1/15/09        305        320,338
                                

                                   5,113,075

Tobacco—2.0%

                                  

Alliance One International, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    11.00      5/15/12        670        711,875

Reynolds American, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    7.25      6/1/13        220        232,256

Reynolds American, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba1    7.30      7/15/15        215        227,808
                                

                                   1,171,939

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Transportation—5.1%

                                  

American Railcar Industries, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B1    7.50%      3/1/14      $ 315      $ 313,425

Avis Budget Car Rental, Sr. Notes

   Ba3    7.625      5/15/14        310        304,575

Avis Budget Finance, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    7.75      5/15/16        105        102,900

Avis Budget Finance, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    8.058      5/15/14        310        302,250

Continental Airlines, Inc. Pass-Thru Certs.

   Ba1    9.798      4/1/21        1,220        1,299,152

Hertz Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    10.50      1/1/16        315        340,200

Hertz Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B1    8.875      1/1/14        405        417,150
                                

                                   3,079,652

Utilities—12.7%

                                  

AES Corp. (The), Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   Ba3    8.75      5/15/13        84        87,885

AES Corp. (The), Sec’d. Notes, 144A

   Ba3    9.00      5/15/15        491        515,550

AES Corp. (The), Sr. Notes

   B1    9.375      9/15/10        35        36,925

AES Corp. (The), Unsub. Notes

   B1    9.50      6/1/09        20        20,800

Aquila, Inc., Sr. Notes

   Ba3    9.95      2/1/11        430        468,381

Aquila, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba3    14.875      7/1/12        320        403,200

Dynegy Holdings, Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B2    7.125      5/15/18        955        871,437

Edison Mission Energy, Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B1    7.50      6/15/13        440        451,000

El Paso Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba3    6.75      5/15/09        250        251,901

El Paso Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba3    7.00      5/15/11        330        335,316

Kinder Morgan Finance Co. ULC, Gtd. Notes (Canada)

   Ba2    5.70      1/5/16        960        872,585

Mirant North America LLC, Gtd. Notes

   B2    7.375      12/31/13        240        243,600

NRG Energy, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1    7.25      2/1/14        100        100,250

NRG Energy, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1    7.375      2/1/16        665        666,662

NRG Energy, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B1    7.375      1/15/17        180        180,000

Reliant Energy, Inc., Gtd. Notes

   B2    6.75      12/15/14        435        439,350

Reliant Energy, Inc., Sr. Notes

   B3    7.875      6/15/17        215        216,344

TXU Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba1    5.55      11/15/14        235        189,530

TXU Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba1    6.50      11/15/24        465        372,698

Williams Cos., Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba2    7.125      9/1/11        765        792,731

Williams Cos., Inc., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba2    8.125      3/15/12        130        140,075
                                

                                   7,656,220

Wireless—2.8%

                                  

Centennial Communications Corp., Gtd. Notes

   B2    10.125      6/15/13        430        455,800

Centennial Communications Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   B2    8.125      2/1/14        235        239,113

Dobson Cellular Systems, Inc., Sec’d. Notes

   Ba2    8.375      11/1/11        230        244,087

Dobson Communications Corp., Sr. Notes

   Caa1    9.61      10/15/12        230        234,025

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

   Baa3    9.625      5/1/11        450        506,915
                                

                                   1,679,940

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

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

Wirelines—6.2%

                                  

Citizens Communications Co., Notes

   Ba2    9.25%      5/15/11      $ 975      $ 1,057,875

GCI, Inc., Unsec’d. Notes

   B1    7.25      2/15/14        260        240,500

Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, Sec’d. Notes, 144A (Denmark)

   B2    8.875      5/1/16        140        147,700

Qwest Corp., Sr. Unsec’d. Notes

   Ba1    7.50      10/1/14        1,145        1,190,800

Windstream Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    8.125      8/1/13        250        263,125

Windstream Corp., Gtd. Notes

   Ba3    8.625      8/1/16        800        853,000
                                

                                   3,753,000
                                

Total corporate bonds (cost $79,736,792)

                                 78,949,685
BANK NOTES—2.4%                                   

Entertainment & Leisure—0.3%

                                  

AMC Entertainment

   B3    10.36(c )    6/13/12        185        180,609

Oil & Gas Exploration/Production—0.8%

                                  

Antero Resources Corp.

   NR    9.86      4/12/14        500        486,250

Paper—0.5%

                                  

Georgia-Pacific Corp., Term Bond

   Ba2    4.24      12/20/12        295        289,050

Tobacco—0.8%

                                  

Reynolds American, Inc., Notes

   B1    7.86      6/29/14        525        497,437
                                

Total bank notes (cost $1,501,236)

                                 1,453,346
CONVERTIBLE BONDS—2.3%                                   

Healthcare—1.0%

                                  

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes

   NR    3.50      5/15/14        700        623,000

Pharmaceuticals—1.3%

                                  

Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

   NR    2.50      3/15/12        1,134        756,945
                                

Total convertible bonds (cost $1,633,992)

                                 1,379,945

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

11


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Description      Shares      Value
(Note 1)
                 
COMMON STOCKS—0.8%                

Consumer Products—0.1%

               

WKI Holding Co., Inc.

     6,031      $ 66,341

Media-Cable—0.7%

               

Time Warner Cable, Inc.

     12,121        397,569
             

Total common stocks (cost $1,882,300)

              463,910
PREFERRED STOCKS—0.8%                

Automotive—0.8%

               

Ford Motor Co. Capital Trust II, 6.5%, CVT (cost $403,943)

     12,000        453,000
WARRANT      Units         

Chemicals

               

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

     230        4,651
             

Total long-term investments (cost $85,158,263)

              82,704,537
       Principal
Amount
(000)
      
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—6.1%                
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT—6.1%                

JPMorgan Chase Triparty Agreement, 5.10%, dated 9/28/07, due 10/1/07 in the amount of $3,701,573 (cost $3,700,000; collateralized by $3,750,000 Federal National Mortgage Assoc., 6.00% due 9/1/37, value of collateral including accrued interest is $3,778,594)

     $3,700      $ 3,700,000

Total Investments—143.5%

               

(cost $88,858,263; Note 4)(f)

              86,404,537

Liabilities in excess of other assets—(43.5)%

              (26,199,764)
             

Net Assets—100.0%

            $

60,204,773


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.
CVT Convertible Security
PIK Payment In-Kind
NR Not rated by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s.
(a) The rate shown reflects the coupon rate after the step date.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Indicates a variable rate security.
(d) Standard & Poor’s rating.
(e) Represents issuer in default on interest payments. Non-income producing security.
(f) As of September 30, 2007, 1 security representing $44,562 and 0.07% of the total market value was fair valued in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board of Trustees.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12


Portfolio of Investments as of September 30, 2007 (Unaudited)   THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

The industry classification of investments and liabilities in excess of other assets shown as a percentage of net assets as September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Utilities

   12.7 %

Media-Non Cable

   10.8  

Gaming

   9.5  

Healthcare

   9.0  

Automotive

   8.6  

Technology

   8.5  

Media-Cable

   7.6  

Construction Machinery

   6.5  

Energy

   6.2  

Wirelines

   6.2  

Repurchase Agreements

   6.1  

Financial Institutions

   5.9  

Transportation

   5.1  

Metals

   4.9  

Pharmaceuticals

   4.6  

Food & Beverage

   4.5  

Retailers

   3.2  

Industrial Other

   3.0  

Wireless

   2.8  

Tobacco

   2.8  

Entertainment & Leisure

   2.5  

Chemicals

   1.5  

Diversified Manufacturing

   1.2  

Capital Goods

   1.0  

Packaging

   0.9  

Consumer Cyclical-Services

   0.9  

Automobile Manufacturers

   0.8  

Oil & Gas Exploration/Production

   0.8  

Medical Supplies & Equipment

   0.7  

Supermarkets

   0.7  

Restaurants

   0.7  

Lodging

   0.6  

Printing & Publishing

   0.6  

Home Construction

   0.5  

Paper

   0.5  

Environmental

   0.4  

Aerospace/Defense

   0.4  

Building Materials

   0.2  

Consumer Products

   0.1  
    

     143.5 %

Liabilities in excess of other assets

   (43.5 )
    

     100.0 %
    

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

13


Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

Assets       

Investments, at value (cost $88,858,263)

   $ 86,404,537  

Dividends and interest receivable

     1,979,606  

Cash

     36,831  

Prepaid expenses

     1,135  
    


Total assets

     88,422,109  
    


Liabilities         

Loan payable (Note 5)

     27,000,000  

Payable for investments purchased

     407,425  

Dividends payable (Note 7)

     402,205  

Accrued expenses

     231,699  

Loan interest payable

     141,769  

Investment advisory fee payable

     24,456  

Administration fee payable

     9,782  
    


Total liabilities

     28,217,336  
    


Net Assets    $ 60,204,773  
    


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

     (213,234 )

Accumulated net realized loss on investments

     (67,242,432 )

Net unrealized depreciation on investments

     (2,453,726 )
    


Net assets, September 30, 2007

   $ 60,204,773  
    


Net asset value per share ($60,204,773 ÷ 16,088,240 shares)

    

$3.74

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14


THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

     Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2007


 

Income

        

Interest

   $ 3,533,524  

Dividend income

     30,469  
    


       3,563,993  
    


Expenses

        

Loan interest expense (Note 5)

     828,660  

Investment advisory fee

     155,919  

Administration fee

     62,368  

Custodian’s fees and expenses

     28,000  

Legal fees and expenses

     15,000  

Transfer agent’s fees and expenses

     14,000  

Audit fee

     13,000  

Registration fees

     12,000  

Reports to shareholders

     12,000  

Directors’ fees and expenses

     5,000  

Miscellaneous

     6,372  
    


Total expenses

     1,152,319  
    


Net Investment Income

     2,411,674  
    


Realized and Unrealized Gain
(Loss) on Investments
        

Net realized gain on investment transactions

     244,404  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (3,836,817 )
    


Net loss on investments

     (3,592,413 )
    


Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations    $ (1,180,739 )
    


 

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Statement of Changes in Net Assets (Unaudited)

Increase (Decrease) in
Net Assets
   Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2007


    Year Ended
March 31,
2007


 

Operations

                

Net investment income

   $ 2,411,674     $ 4,811,364  

Net realized gain on investments

     244,404       1,955,124  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments

     (3,836,817 )     1,764,977  
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     (1,180,739 )     8,531,465  

Dividends from net investment income (Note 1)

     (2,413,236 )     (4,906,913 )
    


 


Total increase (decrease)

     (3,593,975 )     3,624,552  
Net Assets                 

Beginning of period

     63,798,748       60,174,196  
    


 


End of period

   $ 60,204,773     $ 63,798,748  
    


 


 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

15


THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Increase (Decrease) in Cash    Six Months
Ended
September 30,
2007


 

Cash flows from operating activities:

        

Interest and dividends received

   $ 3,659,529  

Operating expenses paid

     (325,139 )

Loan Interest and commitment fees paid

     (695,805 )

Purchases of long-term portfolio investments

     (18,435,049 )

Net proceeds from purchase of short-term portfolio investments

     (2,300,000 )

Proceeds from sale of long-term portfolio investments

     20,483,032  

Increase in other assets

     (517 )
    


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,386,051  
    


Cash flows from financing activities:

        

Cash dividends paid

     (2,413,237 )
    


Net cash used in financing activities

     (2,413,237 )
    


Net decrease in cash

     (27,186 )

Cash at beginning of period

     64,017  
    


Cash at end of period

   $ 36,831  
    


Reconciliation of Net Increase in Net Assets to Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities         

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

   $ (1,180,739 )
    


Decrease in investments

     249,894  

Net realized gain on investments

     (244,404 )

Net decrease in unrealized appreciation on investments

     3,836,817  

Increase in receivable for investments sold

     231,750  

Increase in interest receivable

     76,785  

Decrease in other assets

     (517 )

Increase in payable for investments purchased

     (714,910 )

Decrease in accrued expenses

     131,375  
    


Total adjustments

     3,566,790  
    


Net cash flows provided by operating activities

   $ 2,386,051  
    


 

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 investment 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.

 

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

 

16


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

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 U.S. 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 decisions on behalf of the Fund; the Administrator provides occupancy

 

17


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

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 period ended September 30, 2007, aggregated $17,720,139 and $20,095,693, respectively.


Note 4. Tax Information

 

The Fund had a capital loss carryforward as of March 31, 2007, of approximately $66,870,000 of which $5,011,000 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 $1,491,000 of its capital loss carryforward to offset net taxable gains realized in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. It is uncertain whether the Fund will be able to realize the full benefit of the remaining carryforward prior to the expiration date.

 

The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and the net unrealized depreciation as of September 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Tax Basis of
Investments


 

Appreciation


 

Depreciation


 

Net Unrealized
Depreciation


$88,858,263   $1,464,752   $(3,918,478)   $(2,453,726)

 

 

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 period ended September 30, 2007 was $27,000,000 at a weighted average interest rate of 6.04%. The maximum face amount of borrowings outstanding at any month-end during the period ended September 30, 2007 was $27,000,000. The current borrowings of $27,000,000 (at a weighted average interest rate of 5.97%) will mature between October 29, 2007 and February 29, 2008.

 

The Fund pays commitment fees at an annual rate of .07 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 period ended September 30, 2007 and the year ended March 31, 2007, the Fund did not issue any shares in connection with reinvestment of dividends, respectively.


Note 7. Dividends

 

On September 20, 2007 the Board of Directors of the Fund declared dividends of $0.025 per share payable on October 12, 2007, November 9, 2007 and December 14, 2007, to stockholders of record on September 28, 2007, October 31, 2007 and November 30, 2007, respectively.

 

18


Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 


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 tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded in the year in which they arise. On December 22, 2006 the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed the effective date until the last net asset value calculation in the first required financial period for its fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2006. The Fund’s financial statements have not been impacted by the adoption of FIN 48. However, the conclusions regarding FIN 48 may be subject to review and adjustment at a later date based on factors including, but not limited to, further implementation guidance expected from FASB and on-going analysis of tax laws, regulations and interpretation thereof.

 

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 22, 2007 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

     David E. A. Carson      I      3 years      2010
     Richard A. Redeker      I      3 years      2010
     Judy A. Rice      I      3 years      2010

 

Directors whose term of office continued beyond this meeting are Robert E. La Blanc, Douglas H. McCorkindale, Robin B. Smith, Robert F. Gunia , Linda W. Bynoe, Stephen G. Stoneburn and Clay T. Whitehead.

 

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

 

    

Directors


     Votes for

     Votes against

     Votes withheld

     Abstentions

(1)    David E. A. Carson      14,241,896           562,990     
     Richard A. Redeker      14,248,432           556,544     
    

Judy A. Rice

     14,240,234           564,742     

 

19


Financial Highlights (Unaudited)

THE HIGH YIELD PLUS FUND, INC.

 

 

      

Six Months
Ended
September 30,

2007


    Year Ended March 31,

 
         2007

     2006

    2005

     2004

     2003

 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:                                                      

Net asset value, beginning of period

     $ 3.97     $ 3.74      $ 3.85     $ 4.02      $ 3.48      $ 3.92  
      


 


  


 


  


  


Income from investment operations                                                      

Net investment income

       .15       .30        .33       .39        .44        .42  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments

       (.23 )     .24        (.08 )     (.14 )      .52        (.45 )
      


 


  


 


  


  


Total from investment operations

       (.08 )     .54        .25       .25        .96        (.03 )
      


 


  


 


  


  


Less dividends and distributions                                                      

Dividends from net investment income

       (.15 )     (.31 )      (.36 )     (.42 )      (.42 )      (.41 )
      


 


  


 


  


  


Total dividends and distributions

       (.15 )     (.31 )      (.36 )     (.42 )      (.42 )      (.41 )
      


 


  


 


  


  


Net asset value, end of period(a)

     $ 3.74     $ 3.97      $ 3.74     $ 3.85      $ 4.02      $ 3.48  
      


 


  


 


  


  


Market price per share, end of period(a)

     $ 3.32     $ 3.62      $ 3.49     $ 4.10      $ 4.30      $ 3.63  
      


 


  


 


  


  


TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN(b):        (4.34 )%     13.45 %      (5.86 )%     5.24 %      31.45 %      (6.41 )%
      


 


  


 


  


  


RATIO/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:                                                      

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

     $ 60,205     $ 63,799      $ 60,174     $ 61,737      $ 63,885      $ 54,810  

Average net assets (000 omitted)

     $ 62,368     $ 60,884      $ 61,123     $ 63,774      $ 61,020      $ 53,407  

Ratio to average net assets:

                                                     

Total expenses (including loan interest)(c)

       3.70 %(d)     3.91 %      3.56 %     2.67 %      2.42 %      2.72 %

Net investment income

       7.73 %(d)     7.90 %      9.03 %     9.80 %      11.34 %      11.82 %

Portfolio turnover rate

       20 %(e)     56 %      41 %     56 %      53 %      87 %

Total debt outstanding at end of period (000 omitted)

     $ 27,000     $ 27,000      $ 27,500     $ 28,500      $ 28,000      $ 21,000  

Net asset coverage per $1,000 of debt outstanding

     $ 3,230     $ 3,363      $ 3,188     $ 3,166      $ 3,282      $ 3,610  

(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.
(c) The annualized expense ratio without loan interest would have been 1.04% for the six months ended September 30, 2007 and 1.20%, 1.43%, 1.54%, 1.52%, and 1.53% for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003, 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 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.

 

Computershare 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, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 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 agreement, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, met on June 6-7, 2007 and approved the renewal of the agreement through July 31, 2008, after concluding that renewal of the agreement 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-, three-, five- and ten-year time periods ending December 31, 2006, 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 agreement, 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 which alone was responsible for the Board’s decision to approve the agreement. 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 6-7, 2007.

 

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.

 

The material factors and conclusions that formed the basis for the Directors’ reaching their determinations to approve the continuance of the agreement 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. The Board considered that the Fund’s gross performance in relation to its Peer Universe (the Lipper Debt-Leveraged Closed-End High Current Yield Funds Performance Universe) was in the second quartile for the one-year period, although gross performance over three-, five-, and ten-year periods was in the third quartile. The Board further considered that the Fund’s net performance (which reflects any subsidies, waivers or expense caps) was in the third quartile over one- and ten-year periods, although net performance was in the fourth quartile over three- and five-year periods. The Board also noted that the Fund outperformed against its benchmark for the one- and three-year periods, and had performed in-line with the benchmark over the five-year period. The Board concluded that, in light of the Fund’s improved performance over the one-year period, it would be in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders to renew the agreement.


 

Fees and Expenses

 

The Board considered that the Fund’s contractual management fee, and actual management fee (which reflects any subsidies, waivers or expense caps) ranked in the Expense Group’s first and second quartiles, respectively. The Board also noted that the Fund’s total expenses ranked in the fourth quartile of the Expense Group. The Board further noted that the Fund’s administrator, Prudential Investments LLC (“PI”) had explained that the fourth quartile ranking for total expenses reflected the Fund’s relatively high custody and other non-management expenses, as well as the fact that the Fund’s relatively small asset size resulted in higher overall expenses as a percentage of Fund assets. The Board concluded that the management fee is reasonable in light of the services provided.

 

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.

 

After full consideration of these factors, the Board concluded that the approval of the agreement was in the interest of the Fund and its shareholders.


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 26, 2007    
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 26, 2007    
By (Signature and Title)*  

/s/ Grace C. Torres

 
  Grace C. Torres  
  Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer  
Date November 26, 2007    

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