Barings

Participation Investors

 
 

 

Report for the

Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

 
 

 

   
     
 

 

 

 

 
 

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website http://www.barings.com/MPV, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank).

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held in your account.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Adviser

Barings LLC

300 S Tryon St., Suite 2500

Charlotte, NC 28202

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

Counsel to the Trust

Ropes & Gray LLP

Boston, Massachusetts 02111

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Transfer Agent & Registrar

DST Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 219086

Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9086

1-800-647-7374

Internet Website

www.barings.com/mpv

Barings Participation Investors

c/o Barings LLC

300 S Tryon St., Suite 2500

Charlotte, NC 28202

1-866-399-1516

 

     

 


 

 

 

Investment Objective and Policy

Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) is a closed-end management investment company, first offered to the public in 1988, whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “MPV”. The Trust’s share price can be found in the financial section of most newspapers under either the New York Stock Exchange listings or Closed-End Fund Listings.

The Trust’s investment objective is to maintain a portfolio of securities providing a current yield and, when available, an opportunity for capital gains. The Trust’s principal investments are privately placed, below investment grade, long-term debt obligations including bank loans and mezzanine debt instruments. Such private placement securities may, in some cases, be accompanied by equity features such as common stock, preferred stock, warrants, conversion rights, or other equity features. The Trust typically purchases these investments, which are not publicly tradable, directly from their issuers in private placement transactions. These investments are typically made to small or middle market companies. In addition, the Trust may invest, subject to certain limitations, in marketable debt securities (including high yield and/or investment grade securities) and marketable common stock. Below investment grade or high yield securities have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the capacity of the issuer to pay interest and repay capital.

The Trust distributes substantially all of its net income to shareholders each year. Accordingly, the Trust pays dividends to shareholders in January, May, August, and November. All registered shareholders are automatically enrolled in the Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan unless cash distributions are requested.

Form N-PORT

The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on part F of Form N-PORT. This information is available (i) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; and (ii) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (which information on their operation may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330). A complete schedule of portfolio holdings as of each quarter-end is available upon request by calling, toll-free, 866-399-1516.

 

Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures; Proxy Voting Record

The Trustees of the Trust have delegated proxy voting responsibilities relating to the voting of securities held by the Trust to Barings LLC (“Barings”). A description of Barings’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling, toll-free 866-399-1516; (2) on the Trust’s website at www.barings.com/mpv; and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) on the Trust’s website at www.barings.com/mpv; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

Legal Matters

The Trust has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, transfer agent and custodian (collectively “service providers”) who each provide services to the Trust. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of, these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.

Under the Trust’s Bylaws, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the Trust, including claims against Trustees and officers must be brought in courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Trust’s registration statement and this shareholder report are not contracts between the Trust and its shareholders and do not give rise to any contractual rights or obligations or any shareholder rights other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

Barings Participation Investors

 

 

TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

April 30, 2020

We are pleased to present the March 31, 2020 Quarterly Report of Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”).

The Board of Trustees declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on May 15, 2020 to shareholders of record on May 4, 2020. This dividend represents a 26% reduction from the $0.27 per share quarterly dividend for the past year and reflects an assessment of current market conditions as well as an increased level of non-accrual investments. The Trust earned $0.27 per share of net investment income for the first quarter of 2020, compared to $0.21 per share in the previous quarter. Of the $0.27 per share earned in the first quarter, $0.22 per share was recurring in nature and approximately $0.05 per share was related to non-recurring past due interest received.

During the first quarter, the net assets of the Trust decreased to $137,864,088 or $13.00 per share compared to $146,082,130 or $13.80 per share on December 31, 2019. This translates to a -5.8% total return for the quarter, based on the change in the Trust’s net assets assuming the reinvestment of all dividends. Longer term, the Trust returned 3.4%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 10.5% and 11.8% for the 1, 3, 5, 10, and 25-year periods, respectively, based on the change in the Trust’s net assets assuming the reinvestment of all dividends.

The Trust’s share price decreased 27.8% during the quarter, from $16.13 per share as of December 31, 2019 to $11.64 per share as of March 31, 2020. The Trust’s market price of $11.61 per share equates to a 10.5% discount to the March 31, 2020 net asset value per share of $13.00. The Trust’s average quarter-end premium for the 3, 5 and 10-year periods was 8.2%, 6.2% and 8.9%, respectively. U.S. equity markets, as approximated by the Russell 2000 Index, decreased 30.6% for the quarter. U.S. fixed income markets, as approximated by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index and the Credit Suisse Leverage Loan Index, decreased 12.7% and 13.2% for the quarter, respectively.

The Trust closed six new private placement investments and seven add-on investments to existing portfolio companies during the first quarter. The total amount invested by the Trust in these transactions was $6,546,068. Of note, all of the new platform and add-on investments were floating rate term loans with one small equity co-investment.

Middle market merger and acquisition activity slowed during the first quarter of 2020 as a result of economic stress and uncertainty caused by COVID-19 in March 2020. The lower M&A activity and increased need for internal portfolio company liquidity led to lower new investment activity compared to prior quarters. With fewer opportunities in the market, we anticipate a continued competitive environment. As always, we continue to be selective in our investment choices and maintain our underwriting discipline.

Due to COVID-19, the Trust’s current portfolio is experiencing an increased level of economic stress. During the first quarter, four mezzanine debt issuers missed their quarterly interest payments and were placed on non-accrual. Additionally, one senior term loan issuer was designated as a PIK non-accrual due to the company only paying a partial cash interest payment during the quarter. The new non-accrual investments represent approximately $0.02 in quarterly income for the Trust. On a go forward basis, we do anticipate a rise in non-accrual loans.

Realization activity continued through the first quarter with four private investment exits during the quarter, all of which resulted in favorable results. In addition, three companies fully prepaid their debt held by the Trust. These realizations all occurred prior to March 2020. Based on COVID-19 and its underlying economic impact, we would anticipate realizations to slow as a result of lower M&A activity.

As has been mentioned in prior reports and investor communications since 2013, recurring investment income alone has generally not been sufficient to fully fund the dividend rate, which has been supplemented by non-recurring income and earnings carry forwards. This is due principally to the reduction in the number of higher yielding junior debt investment opportunities to replace prepayments and realizations in the portfolio, combined with generally lower investment returns available due to declining interest rates and market dynamics in recent years. To the extent the Trust’s portfolio companies are adversely impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may have a material adverse impact on the Trust’s future net investment income, the value of its portfolio investments, its financial condition and the results of operations and financial condition of the Trust’s portfolio companies.

(Continued)

1
 

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Barings Participation Investors.

Sincerely,

 

Christina Emery

President

 

* Based on market value of total investments

Cautionary Notice: Certain statements contained in this report may be “forward looking” statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and which reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations or beliefs, and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and may not be relied upon as investment advice or an indication of the Trust’s trading intent. References to specific securities are not recommendations of such securities, and may not be representative of the Trust’s current or future investments. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

     
Assets:    
Investments
(See Consolidated Schedule of Investments)
     
Corporate restricted securities at fair value
(Cost - $122,559,524)
  $113,863,500 
Corporate restricted securities at market value
(Cost - $14,094,735)
   12,469,269 
Corporate public securities at market value
(Cost - $8,781,883)
   6,772,666 
Short-term securities at amortized cost   998,227 
      
Total investments (Cost - $146,434,369)   134,103,662 
      
Cash   18,849,538 
Interest receivable   1,243,396 
Receivable for investments sold   50,329 
Other assets   19,871 
      
Total assets   154,266,796 
      
      
Liabilities:     
Note payable   15,000,000 
Payable for investments purchased   522,633 
Tax payable   399,039 
Investment advisory fee payable   310,194 
Interest payable   27,267 
Accrued expenses   143,575 
      
Total liabilities   16,402,708 
      
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 8)     
      
Total net assets  $137,864,088 
      
Net Assets:     
Common shares, par value $.01 per share  $106,017 
Additional paid-in capital   142,250,117 
Total distributable earnings   (4,492,046)
      
Total net assets  $137,864,088 
      
Common shares issued and outstanding (14,787,750 authorized)   10,601,700 
      
Net asset value per share  $13.00 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the three months ended March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Investment Income:     
Interest  $3,423,614 
Dividends   90,322 
Other   4,467 
      
Total investment income   3,518,403 
      
      
Expenses:     
Investment advisory fees   310,194 
Interest   153,375 
Trustees’ fees and expenses   120,000 
Professional fees   73,565 
Custodian fees   6,000 
Other   66,974 
      
Total expenses   730,108 
      
Investment income - net   2,788,295 
      
      
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments:     
Net realized gain on investments before taxes   1,272,557 
      
Net realized gain on investments after taxes   1,272,557 
      
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments before taxes   (12,506,437)
      
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments after taxes   (12,506,437)
      
Net loss on investments   (11,233,880)
      
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations  $(8,445,585)

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the three months ended March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Net increase in cash:     
Cash flows from operating activities:     
Purchases/Proceeds/Maturities from short-term portfolio securities, net  $4,822,038 
Purchases of portfolio securities   (14,784,362)
Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities   16,091,480 
Interest, dividends and other income received   2,966,035 
Interest expense paid   (153,375)
Operating expenses paid   (568,281)
Income taxes paid   (14,800)
      
Net cash provided by operating activities   8,358,735 
      
      
Cash flows from financing activities:     
Cash dividends paid from net investment income   (2,858,552)
Receipts for shares issued on reinvestment of dividends   227,533 
      
Net cash used for financing activities   (2,631,019)
      
Net increase in cash   5,727,716 
Cash - beginning of period   13,121,822 
      
Cash - end of period  $18,849,538 
      
      
Reconciliation of net decrease in net assets to
net cash used for operating activities:
     
      
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations  $(8,445,585)
      
Decrease in investments   16,523,410 
Increase in interest receivable   (271,773)
Decrease in receivable for investments sold   54,294 
Increase in other assets   (17,896)
Increase in payable for investments purchased   522,633 
Decrease in tax payable   (14,800)
Decrease in investment advisory fee payable   (18,491)
Increase in accrued expenses   26,943 
      
Total adjustments to net assets from operations   16,804,320 
      
Net cash provided by operating activities  $8,358,735 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5
 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

 

 

 

  

For the three
months ended
3/31/2020
(Unaudited)

 
  

For the
year ended
12/31/2019

 
 
Increase / (decrease) in net assets:          
Operations:          
Investment income - net  $2,788,295   $10,575,402 
Net realized gain on investments after taxes   1,272,557    769,899 
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments after taxes   (12,506,437)   6,464,660 
           
Net (decrease) / increase in net assets resulting from operations   (8,445,585)   17,809,961 
           
Increase from common shares issued on reinvestment of dividends          
Common shares issued (2020 - 14,472; 2019 - 60,330)   227,533    933,680 
           
           
Dividends to shareholders from:          
Distributable earnings to Common Stock Shareholders (2020 - $nil per share; 2019 - $1.08 per share)       (11,410,602)
           
Total (decrease) / increase in net assets   (8,218,052)   7,333,039 
           
           
Net assets, beginning of period   146,082,140    138,749,101 
           
           
           
Net assets, end of period  $137,864,088   $146,082,140 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding:

 

 

 

   For the three
months ended
3/31/2020
   For the years ended December 31, 
   (Unaudited)   2019   2018   2017   2016 
Net asset value:                         
Beginning of period / year  $13.80   $13.18   $13.91   $13.15   $13.10 
                          
Net investment income (a)   0.26    1.00    1.03    1.09    1.00 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments   (1.06)   0.69    (0.68)   0.75    0.13 
                          
Total from investment operations   (0.80)   1.69    0.35    1.84    1.13 
                          
Dividends from net investment income to common shareholders       (1.08)   (1.08)   (1.08)   (1.08)
(Decrease) / Increase from dividends reinvested   0.00(b)   0.01(b)   (0.00)(b)   (0.00)(b)   (0.00)(b)
                          
Total dividends   0.00    (1.07)   (1.08)   (1.08)   (1.08)
                          
Net asset value: End of period / year  $13.00   $13.80   $13.18   $13.91   $13.15 
                          
Per share market value:                         
End of period /year  $11.64   $16.13   $15.05   $14.10   $14.20 
                          
Total investment return                         
Net asset value (c)   (5.80%)   13.21%    2.53%    14.29%    8.75% 
Market value (c)   (27.84%)   14.72%    15.02%    7.21%    11.45% 
                          
Net assets (in millions):                         
End of period / year  $137.86   $146.08   $138.75   $145.48   $136.61 
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d)   2.03%(e)   2.26%    2.76%    3.23%    2.26% 
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets   1.60%(e)   1.45%    1.56%    1.49%    1.35% 
Ratio of interest expense to average net assets   0.43%(e)   0.42%    0.42%    0.43%    0.44% 
Ratio of income tax expense to average net assets   0.00%(e)   0.39%    0.78%    1.31%    0.47% 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets   7.73%(e)   7.30%    7.47%    7.92%    7.45% 
Portfolio turnover   11%    22%    48%    24%    31% 
(a)Calculated using average shares.
(b)Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
(c)Net asset value return represents portfolio returns based on change in the Trust’s net asset value assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions which differs from the total investment return based on the Trust’s market value due to the difference between the Trust’s net asset value and the market value of its shares outstanding; past performance is no guarantee of future results.
(d)Total expenses include income tax expense.
(e)Annualized.

                     
                     
Senior borrowings:                         
Total principal amount (in millions)  $15   $15   $15   $15   $15 
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness  $10,191   $10,739   $10,250   $10,699   $10,107 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities - 91.64%: (A) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
 
Private Placement Investments - 82.59%: (C)
 
1A Smart Start, Inc.
A designer, distributor and lessor of ignition interlock devices (“IIDs”). IIDs are sophisticated breathalyzers wired to a vehicles ignition system.

9.32% Second Lien Term Loan due 08/21/2022

(LIBOR + 8.250%)

  $1,725,000   12/21/17   $1,707,335   $1,664,367 
                   
1WorldSync, Inc.
A product information sharing platform that connects manufacturers/suppliers and key retailers via the Global Data Synchronization Network.
9.10% Term Loan due 6/24/2025 (LIBOR + 7.250%)  $1,782,389   07/01/19    1,686,109    1,620,877 
                   
Accelerate Learning
A provider of standards-based, digital science education content of K-12 schools.
5.57% Term Loan due 12/31/2024 (LIBOR + 4.500%)  $974,753   12/19/18    959,400    885,654 
                   
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
A designer and manufacturer of large, custom gearing products for a number of critical customer applications.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)    1,945 uts.   *   207,911     
* 12/07/12, 07/11/13 and 06/30/15.                  
                   
AFC - Dell Holding Corporation
A distributor and provider of inventory management services for “C-Parts” used by OEMs in their manufacturing and production facilities.

13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 02/28/2022

  $1,911,637   *   1,898,552    1,905,909 
Preferred Stock (B)    73 shs.   **       7,272 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)    1,194 shs.   **   112,153    176,800 
Preferred Stock Series V (B)    53 shs.   12/31/19    5,251    5,847 
Common Stock (B)    407 shs.   **   363    22,149 
Common Stock Series B (B)    44 shs.   **       2,688 
* 03/27/15, 11/16/18, 07/1/19, 08/21/19 and 12/05/19.           2,016,319    2,120,665 
** 03/27/15, 11/15/18 and 12/31/19.                  
                   
Aftermath, Inc.
A provider of crime scene cleanup and biohazard remediation services.
7.58% Term Loan due 04/10/2025 (LIBOR + 5.750%)  $1,249,996   04/09/19    1,226,452    1,179,474 
                   

 

 

 

 

8
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
 
American Scaffold, Inc.
A provider of scaffolding and environmental containment solutions.
6.85% Term Loan due 09/06/2025 (LIBOR + 5.250%)  $1,297,326   09/06/19   $1,270,906   $1,221,895 
                   
AMS Holding LLC
A leading multi-channel direct marketer of high-value collectible coins and proprietary-branded jewelry and watches.

Limited Liability Company Unit Class A

Preferred (B)(F)

    114 uts.   10/04/12    113,636    104,517 
                   
ASC Holdings, Inc.                  
A manufacturer of capital equipment used by corrugated box manufacturers.

13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 05/18/2021

  $887,177   11/19/15    883,207    798,459 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)    111,100 uts.   11/18/15    111,100    6,111 
            994,307    804,570 
ASPEQ Holdings                  
A manufacturer of highly-engineered electric heating parts and equipment for a range of industrial, commercial, transportation and marine applications.
6.25% Term Loan due 10/31/2025 (LIBOR + 5.250%)  $1,208,525   11/08/19    1,191,601    1,148,275 
                   
Audio Precision                  
A provider of high-end audio test and measurement sensing instrumentation software and accessories.
7.45% Term Loan due 10/31/2024 (LIBOR + 6.000%)  $1,777,500   10/30/18    1,750,736    1,645,520 
                   
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC                  
A distributor of aftermarket over-the-road semi-trailer parts and accessories sold to customers across North America.
14% Junior Subordinated Note due 08/17/2022  $12,892   08/30/18    12,892    12,857 
11% Senior Subordinated Note due 02/17/2022  $1,515,400   08/17/15    1,504,714    1,515,400 
Preferred Stock (B)    210 shs.   08/17/15    209,390    209,390 
Common Stock (B)    210 shs.   08/17/15    210    9,909 
            1,727,206    1,747,556 
Avantech Testing Services LLC                  
A manufacturer of custom Non-Destructive Testing (“NDT”) systems and provider of NDT and inspections services primarily to the oil country tubular goods market.

15% (3.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 03/31/2021 (D)

  $6,777   07/31/14    6,650     

Limited Liability Company Unit Class C

Preferred (B)(F)

    78,358 uts.   09/29/17    484,578     
* 07/31/14 and 10/14/15.           491,228     
                   
                   

 

 

 

9
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
BBB Industries LLC               
A supplier of re-manufactured parts to the North American automotive aftermarket.        

9.49% Second Lien Term Loan due 08/02/2026

(LIBOR + 8.500%)

  $1,725,000   08/02/18   $1,683,941   $1,605,619 
                   
BCC Software, Inc.                  
A provider of software and data solutions which enhance mail processing to help direct mail marketers realize discounts from the U.S. Postal Service, avoid penalties associated with mailing errors, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of marketing campaigns.

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 04/11/2023

  $1,925,102   *   1,900,403    1,913,071 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)    27 shs.   *   272,163    272,200 
Common Stock Class A (B)    783 shs.   *   861    528,863 
* 10/11/17 and 01/28/19.           2,173,427    2,714,134 
                   
BDP International, Inc.                  
A provider of transportation and related services to the chemical and life sciences industries.
6.20% Term Loan due 12/14/2024 (LIBOR + 4.750%)  $2,434,188   12/18/18    2,395,944    2,264,556 
                   
Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC                  
An integrated wealth management platform with comprehensive financial planning capabilities for high net worth clients with complex financial needs.
7.25% Term Loan due 03/31/2026                  
Term Loan (LIBOR + 5.000%)  $1,000,000   03/31/20    613,870    613,941 
                   
BEI Precision Systems & Space Company, Inc.                  
A provider of advanced design, manufacturing, and testing for custom optical encoder-based positioning systems, precision accelerometers, and micro scanners.

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 04/28/2024

  $1,491,908   04/28/17    1,472,134    1,481,721 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    4,167 uts.   *   416,654    304,726 
* 04/28/17 and 02/07/19.           1,888,788    1,786,447 
                   
Blue Wave Products, Inc.                  
A distributor of pool supplies.                  

13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 09/30/2020

  $84,787   10/12/12    84,779    63,591 
Common Stock (B)    51,064 shs.   10/12/12    51,064     

Warrant, exercisable until 2022, to purchase

common stock at $.01 per share (B)

    20,216 shs.   10/12/12    20,216     
            156,059    63,591 
                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
BlueSpire Holding, Inc.               
A marketing services firm that integrates strategy, technology, and content to deliver customized marketing solutions for clients in the senior living, financial services and healthcare end markets.
Common Stock (B)    2,956 shs.   06/30/15   $937,438   $14,553.00 
                   
Brown Machine LLC                  
A designer and manufacturer of thermoforming equipment used in the production of plastic packaging containers within the food and beverage industry.
6.70% Term Loan due 10/04/2024 (LIBOR + 5.250%)  $680,840   10/03/18    674,445    621,853 
                   
Cadence, Inc.                  
A full-service contract manufacturer (“CMO”) and supplier of advanced products, technologies, and services to medical device, life science, and industrial companies.

5.50% First Lien Term Loan due 04/30/2025

(LIBOR + 4.500%)

  $895,325   *   882,136    844,296 
* 05/14/18 and 05/31/19.                  
                   
Cadent, LLC                  
A provider of advertising solutions driven by data and technology.
6.70% Term Loan due 09/07/2023 (LIBOR + 5.250%)  $1,013,213   09/04/18    1,006,209    960,592 
                   
CHG Alternative Education Holding Company                  
A leading provider of publicly-funded, for profit pre-K-12 education services targeting special needs children at therapeutic day schools and “at risk” youth through alternative education programs.

13.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 03/31/2023

  $819,319   01/19/11    818,858    811,982 

14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 03/31/2023

  $218,936   08/03/12    218,777    208,712 
Common Stock (B)    375 shs.   01/19/11    37,500    19,760 

Warrant, exercisable until 2021, to purchase

common stock at $.01 per share (B)

    295 shs.   01/19/11    29,250    15,533 
            1,104,385    1,055,987 
Clarion Brands Holding Corp.                  
A portfolio of six over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical brands whose products are used to treat tinnitus or ringing of the ear, excessive sweating, urinary tract infections, muscle pain, and skin conditions.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)    1,853 uts.   07/18/16    189,267    304,511 
                   
Claritas Holdings, Inc.                  
A market research company that provides market segmentation insights to customers engaged in direct-to-consumer and business-to-business marketing activities.
7.45% Term Loan due 12/31/2023 (LIBOR + 6.000%)  $1,605,844   12/20/18    1,575,965    1,452,385 
                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

11
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Clubessential LLC               
A leading SaaS platform for private clubs and resorts.

7.83% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due

11/30/2023 (LIBOR + 6.250%)

  $1,725,000   01/09/20   $1,698,180   $1,579,713 
                   
Concept Machine Tool Sales, LLC                  
A full-service distributor of high-end machine tools and metrology equipment, exclusively representing a variety of global manufacturers in the Upper Midwest.
6.78% Term Loan 01/31/2025 (LIBOR +5.000%)  $628,407   01/31/20    616,258    592,542 
Limited Liability Company Unit (F)    1,159 shs.   01/31/20    46,434    46,430 
            662,692    638,972 
                   
CORA Health Services, Inc.                  
A provider of outpatient rehabilitation therapy services.                  
12.45% (1% PIK) Term Loan due 05/05/2025  $2,003,964   *   1,223,961    996,279 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)    758 shs.   06/30/16    2,647    109,671 
Common Stock Class A (B)    3,791 shs.   06/30/16    3,791    91,096 
* 05/01/18 and 06/28/19.           1,230,399    1,197,046 
                   
Dart Buyer, Inc.                  
A manufacturer of helicopter aftermarket equipment and OEM Replacement parts for rotorcraft operators, providers and OEMs.
6.32% Term Loan due 04/01/2025 (LIBOR + 5.250%)  $1,716,164   04/01/19    1,403,524    1,314,131 
                   
Del Real LLC                  
A manufacturer and distributor of fully-prepared fresh refrigerated Hispanic entrees as well as side dishes that are typically sold on a heat-and-serve basis at retail grocers.
11% Senior Subordinated Note due 04/06/2023 (D)  $1,420,588   10/07/16    1,403,759    1,278,529 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    368,799 uts.   *   368,928    156,887 
* 10/07/16, 07/25/18, 03/13/19 and 06/17/19.           1,772,687    1,435,416 
                   
Discovery Education, Inc.                  
A provider of standards-based, digital education content for K-12 schools.
4.99% Term Loan due 04/30/2024 (LIBOR + 4.250%)  $1,907,033   04/20/18    1,881,107    1,790,933 
                   
DPL Holding Corporation                  
A distributor and manufacturer of aftermarket undercarriage parts for medium and heavy duty trucks and trailers.
Preferred Stock (B)    25 shs.   05/04/12    252,434    249,480 
Common Stock (B)    25 shs.   05/04/12    28,048     
            280,482    249,480 
         

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

12
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Dunn Paper               
A provider of specialty paper for niche product applications.

9.75% Second Lien Term Loan due 08/26/2023 

(LIBOR + 8.750%)

  $1,725,000   09/28/16   $1,707,908   $1,466,250 
                   
Electronic Power Systems                  
A provider of electrical testing services for apparatus equipment and protection & controls infrastructure.
6.20% Term Loan due 12/21/2024 (LIBOR + 4.750%)  $1,684,075   12/21/18    1,664,132    1,591,535 
Common Stock (B)    52 shs.   12/28/18    52,176    54,478 
            1,716,308    1,646,013 
Elite Sportwear Holding, LLC                  
A designer and manufacturer of gymnastics, competitive cheerleading and swimwear apparel in the U.S. and internationally.

11.5% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 09/20/2022 (D)

  $1,588,640   10/14/16    1,568,694    1,032,616 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    101 uts.   10/14/16    159,722     
            1,728,416    1,032,616 
English Color & Supply LLC                  
A distributor of aftermarket automotive paint and related products to collision repair shops, auto dealerships and fleet customers through a network of stores in the Southern U.S.

11.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 12/31/2023

  $1,345,670   06/30/17    1,328,601    1,328,379 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    397,695 uts.   06/30/17    397,695    384,503 
            1,726,296    1,712,882 
E.S.P. Associates, P.A.                  
A professional services firm providing engineering, surveying and planning services to infrastructure projects.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)    229 uts.   04/04/18    228,955    343,425 
                   
F G I Equity LLC                  
A manufacturer of a broad range of filters and related products that are used in commercial, light industrial, healthcare, gas turbine, nuclear, laboratory, clean room, hotel, educational system, and food processing settings.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B)    65,789 uts.   12/15/10    56,457    640,642 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-2 (B)    8,248 uts.   12/15/10    7,078    80,318 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-3 (B)    6,522 uts.   08/30/12    13,844    65,203 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class C (B)    1,575 uts.   12/20/10    8,832    89,532 
            86,211    875,695 
                   

 

 

 

13
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
GD Dental Services LLC               
A provider of convenient “onestop” general, specialty, and cosmetic dental services with 21 offices located throughout South and Central Florida.
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B)    76 uts.   10/05/12   $75,920   $51,281 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)    767 uts.   10/05/12    767     
            76,687    51,281 
gloProfessional Holdings, Inc.                  
A marketer and distributor of premium mineral-based cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and professional hair care products to the professional spa and physician’s office channels.

14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 11/30/2021 (D)

  $1,380,135   03/27/13    989,505    1,230,638 
Preferred Stock (B)    295 shs.   03/29/19    295,276    332,336 
Common Stock (B)    1,181 shs.   03/27/13    118,110    23,004 
            1,402,891    1,585,978 
GraphPad Software, Inc.                  
A provider of data analysis, statistics and graphing software solution for scientific research applications, with a focus on the life sciences and academic end-markets.
7.83% Term Loan due 12/21/2023 (LIBOR + 6.000%)  $2,434,048   *   2,403,865    2,356,508 
* 12/19/17 and 04/16/19.                  
                   
GTI Holding Company                  
A designer, developer, and marketer of precision specialty hand tools and handheld test instruments.
Common Stock (B)    1,046 shs.   *   104,636    98,127 

Warrant, exercisable until 2027, to purchase

common stock at $.01 per share (B)

    397 shs.   02/05/14    36,816    37,243 
* 02/05/14 and 11/22/17.           141,452    135,370 
                   
Handi Quilter Holding Company (Premier Needle Arts)                  
A designer and manufacturer of long-arm quilting machines and related components for the consumer quilting market.
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B)    372 uts.   *   371,644    385,283 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common Class A (B)    3,594 uts.   12/19/14         
*12/19/14 and 04/29/16.           371,644    385,283 
                   
Happy Floors Acquisition, Inc.                  
A wholesale importer and value-added distributor of premium European flooring tile to residential and commercial end markets.

12.5% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 01/01/2023

  $390,951   07/01/16    387,544    380,176 
Common Stock (B)    150 shs.   07/01/16    149,500    254,376 
            537,044    634,552 
                   

 

 

 

14
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Hartland Controls Holding Corporation               
A manufacturer and distributor of electronic and electromechanical components. 

14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 08/14/2020

  $1,180,491   02/14/14   $1,178,813   $1,180,491 
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 08/14/2020  $431,250   06/22/15    430,864    431,250 
Common Stock (B)    821 shs.   02/14/14    822    219,306 
            1,610,499    1,831,047 
HHI Group, LLC                  
A developer, marketer, and distributor of hobby-grade radio control products.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    102 uts.   01/17/14    101,563    271,579 
                   
Hollandia Produce LLC                  
A hydroponic greenhouse producer of branded root vegetables.

11% (3.25% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 03/31/2021

  $1,506,151   *   1,501,073    1,500,915 
9.52% Term Loan due 12/12/2020 (LIBOR + 8.000%)  $109,916   04/06/18    109,916    108,797 
9.52% Term Loan due 12/11/2020 (LIBOR + 8.000%)  $146,780   04/06/18    146,780    145,286 
* 12/30/15 and 12/23/16.           1,757,769    1,754,998 
                   
Holley Performance Products                  
A provider of automotive aftermarket performance products.
6.78% Term Loan due 10/24/2025 (LIBOR + 5.000%)  $2,440,350   10/24/18    2,411,112    2,222,631 
                   
HOP Entertainment LLC                  
A provider of post production equipment and services to producers of television shows and motion pictures.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class F (B)(F)    47 uts.   10/14/11         
Limited Liability Company Unit Class G (B)(F)    114 uts.   10/14/11         
Limited Liability Company Unit Class H (B)(F)    47 uts.   10/14/11         
Limited Liability Company Unit Class I (B)(F)    47 uts.   10/14/11         
                 
Hyperion Materials & Technologies, Inc.                  
A producer of specialty hard materials and precision tool components that are used to make precision cutting, grinding and other machining tools used by tool manufacturers and final product manufacturers.
6.5% Term Loan due 08/14/2026 (LIBOR + 5.500%)  $1,605,487   08/16/19    1,577,833    1,531,597 
                   
Industrial Service Solutions                  
A provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services for process equipment within the industrial, energy and power end-markets.
7.22% Term Loan due 01/31/2026 (LIBOR + 5.500%)  $905,753   02/05/20    888,102    823,882 
                   

 

 

15
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

  

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
IM Analytics Holdings, LLC               
A provider of test and measurement equipment used for vibration, noise, and shock testing.
7.57% Term Loan due 11/22/2023 (LIBOR + 6.500%)  $1,065,922   11/21/19   $1,056,196   $903,645 

Warrant, exercisable until 2026, to purchase

common stock at $.01 per share (B)

    8,885 shs.   11/25/19         
            1,056,196    903,645 
K P I Holdings, Inc.                  
The largest player in the U.S. non-automotive, non-ferrous die casting segment. 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class C Preferred (B)    40 uts.   06/30/15         
Common Stock (B)    353 shs.   07/15/08    285,619     
            285,619     
                   
LAC Acquisition LLC                  
A provider of center-based applied behavior analysis treatment centers for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
6.82% Term Loan due 10/01/2024 (LIBOR + 5.750%)  $1,761,846   10/01/18    1,098,240    933,768 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (F)    22,222 uts.   10/01/18    22,222    23,136 
            1,120,462    956,904 
Manhattan Beachwear Holding Company                  
A designer and distributor of women’s swimwear. 
12.5% Senior Subordinated Note due 05/30/2022 (D)  $419,971   01/15/10    404,121     

15% (2.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 05/30/2022 (D)

  $115,253   10/05/10    114,604     
Common Stock (B)    35 shs.   10/05/10    35,400     
Common Stock Class B (B)    118 shs.   01/15/10    117,647     
Warrant, exercisable until 2023, to purchase                 
common stock at $.01 per share (B)    104 shs.   10/05/10    94,579     
            766,351     
Master Cutlery LLC                  
A designer and marketer of a wide assortment of knives and swords. 
13% Senior Subordinated Note due 07/31/2020 (D)  $868,102   04/17/15    867,529     
Limited Liability Company Unit    5 uts.   04/17/15    678,329     
            1,545,858     
Media Recovery, Inc.                  
A global manufacturer and developer of shock, temperature, vibration and other condition indicators and monitors for in-transit and storage applications.

7.40% First Out Term Loan due 11/22/2025
(LIBOR + 5.750%)

  $371,810   11/25/19    364,808    345,638 
                   

 

 

 

16
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
MES Partners, Inc.               
An industrial service business offering an array of cleaning and environmental services to the Gulf Coast region of the U.S.

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 09/30/2021 (D)

  $1,140,295   09/30/14   $1,133,062   $570,148 

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 09/30/2021 (D)

  $306,338   02/28/18    303,093    153,169 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)    30,926 shs.   07/25/19    12,412     
Common Stock Class B (B)    259,252 shs.   *   244,163     
* 09/30/14 and 02/28/18.           1,692,730    723,317 
                   
MeTEOR Education LLC                  
A leading provider of classroom and common area design services, furnishings, equipment and instructional support to K-12 schools.
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 06/20/2023  $915,819   03/09/18    903,667    884,579 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    182 uts.   03/09/18    183,164    79,531 
            1,086,831    964,110 
Motion Controls Holdings                  
A manufacturer of high performance mechanical motion control and linkage products.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B)(F)    75,000 uts.   11/30/10        47,926 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-2 (B)(F)    6,801 uts.   11/30/10        4,346 
                52,272 
New Mountain Learning, LLC                  
A leading provider of blended learning solutions to the K-12 and post-secondary school market.
7.45% Term Loan due 03/16/2024 (LIBOR + 6.000%)  $1,646,705   03/15/18    1,623,252    1,198,801 
9.45% Super Priority Delayed Draw Term Loan (LIBOR + 6.000% Cash & 2.000% PIK)  $430,866   01/08/20    287,321    270,994 
            1,910,573    1,469,795 
Options Technology Ltd                  
A provider of vertically focused financial technology managed services and IT infrastructure products for the financial services industry.
5.57% Term Loan due 12/18/2025 (LIBOR + 4.500%)  $1,943,416   12/23/19    1,241,137    1,183,061 
                   
PANOS Brands LLC                  
A marketer and distributor of branded consumer foods in the specialty, natural, better-for-you,“free from” healthy and gluten-free categories.

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 08/17/2022

  $1,775,705   02/17/17    1,759,970    1,657,281 
Common Stock Class B (B)    380,545 shs.   *   380,545    345,047 
* 01/29/16 and 02/17/17.           2,140,515    2,002,328 
                   
                   

 

 

17
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
PB Holdings LLC               
A designer, manufacturer and installer of maintenance and repair parts and equipment for industrial customers.
6.45% Term Loan due 03/06/2025 (LIBOR + 5.000%)  $857,969   03/06/19   $844,304   $787,974 
                   
Pegasus Transtech Corporation                  
A provider of end-to-end document, driver and logistics management solutions, which enable its customers (carriers, brokers, and drivers) to operate more efficiently, reduce manual overhead, enhance compliance, and shorten cash conversion cycles.
7.32% Term Loan due 11/17/2024 (LIBOR + 6.250%)  $1,894,364   11/14/17    1,863,038    1,815,024 
                   
Petroplex Inv Holdings LLC                  
A leading provider of acidizing services to E&P customers in the Permian Basin.
Limited Liability Company Unit    0.40% int.   *   174,669    18,802 
* 11/29/12 and 12/20/16.                  
                   
Polytex Holdings LLC                  
A manufacturer of water based inks and related products serving primarily the wall covering market.
13.9% (7.9% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 12/31/2020 (D)  $1,069,985   07/31/14    1,064,183    802,489 
Limited Liability Company Unit    148,096 uts.   07/31/14    148,096     
Limited Liability Company Unit Class F    36,976 uts.   *   24,802     
* 09/28/17 and 02/15/18.           1,237,081    802,489 
                   
PPC Event Services                  
A special event equipment rental business.

14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 05/28/2023 (D)

  $1,238,864   11/20/14    1,233,372    1,036,407 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)    3,450 uts.   11/20/14    172,500    275,177 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A-1 (B)    339 uts.   03/16/16    42,419    22,379 
            1,448,291    1,333,963 
ReelCraft Industries, Inc.                  
A designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty reels for diversified industrial, mobile equipment OEM, auto aftermarket, government/military and other end markets.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B    293,617 uts.   11/13/17    184,688    550,799 
                   
REVSpring, Inc.                  
A provider of accounts receivable management and revenue cycle management services to customers in the healthcare, financial and utility industries.

9.19% Second Lien Term Loan due 10/11/2026

(LIBOR + 8.250%)

  $1,725,000   10/11/18    1,682,778    1,605,170 
                   
                   

 

 

 

18
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Rock-it Cargo               
A provider of specialized international logistics solutions to the music touring, performing arts, live events, fine art and specialty industries.
6.42% Term Loan due 06/22/2024 (G)
(LIBOR + 2.000% Cash & 2.750% PIK)
  $2,428,025   07/30/18   $2,384,216   $1,920,568 
                   
ROI Solutions                  
Call center outsourcing and end user engagement services provider.
7.06% Term Loan due 07/31/2024 (LIBOR + 5.000%)  $1,624,581   07/31/18    634,213    544,037 
                   
Ruffalo Noel Levitz                  
A provider of enrollment management, student retention and career services, and fundraising management for colleges and universities.
7.45% Term Loan due 05/29/2022 (LIBOR + 6.000%)  $1,248,091   01/08/19    1,236,165    1,205,274 
                   
Sandvine Corporation                  
A provider of active network intelligence solutions.

9.00% Second Lien Term Loan due 11/02/2026

(LIBOR + 8.000%)

  $1,725,000   11/01/18    1,689,491    1,613,974 
                   
Sara Lee Frozen Foods                  
A provider of frozen bakery products, desserts and sweet baked goods.
5.50% Lien Term Loan due 07/30/2025
(LIBOR + 4.500%)
  $1,514,122   07/27/18    1,489,546    1,415,229 
                   
Scaled Agile, Inc.                  
A provider of training and certifications for IT professionals focused on software development.
5.75% Term Loan due 06/28/2024 (LIBOR + 4.750%)  $662,480   06/27/19    656,695    631,460 
                   
Soliant Holdings, LLC                  
A healthcare staffing platform focused on placing highly skilled professionals in the education, nursing/allied health, life sciences and pharmacy end-markets.
6.49% Term Loan due 11/30/2026 (LIBOR + 5.500%)  $1,015,879   12/27/19    996,292    959,914 
                   
Specified Air Solutions                  
A manufacturer and distributor of heating, dehumidification and other air quality solutions.
10.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 06/19/2024  $1,232,691   12/19/18    1,222,636    1,245,018 
Limited Liability Company Unit    531,730 uts.   02/20/19    539,795    1,186,899 
            1,762,431    2,431,917 
                   

 

 

 

19
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Springbrook Software               
A provider of vertical-market enterprise resource planning software and payments platforms focused on the local government end-market.
7.20% Term Loan due 12/20/2026 (LIBOR + 5.750%)          $1,178,717   $1,119,892 
                   
SR Smith LLC                  
A manufacturer of mine and tunneling ventilation products in the United States. 
11% Senior Subordinated Note due 03/27/2022 (D)  $1,084,565   *   1,078,968    1,021,019 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A    1,072 uts.   *   1,060,968    1,867,936 
* 03/27/17 and 08/07/18.           2,139,936    2,888,955 
                   
Strahman Holdings Inc.                  
A manufacturer of industrial valves and wash down equipment for a variety of industries, including chemical, petrochemical, polymer, pharmaceutical, food processing, beverage and mining.
Preferred Stock Series A (B)    158,967 shs.   12/13/13    158,967    321,298 
Preferred Stock Series A-2 (B)    26,543 shs.   09/10/15    29,994    53,648 
            188,961    374,946 
Sunrise Windows Holding Company                  
A manufacturer and marketer of premium vinyl windows exclusively selling to the residential remodeling and replacement market.
16% Senior Subordinated Note due 05/28/2021 (D)  $2,211,310   *   1,358,229    1,990,179 
Common Stock (B)    38 shs.   12/14/10    38,168     

Warrant, exercisable until 2020, to purchase

common stock at $.01 per share (B)

    37 shs.   12/14/10    37,249     
* 12/14/10, 08/17/12 and 03/31/16.           1,433,646    1,990,179 
                   
Sunvair Aerospace Group Inc.                  
An aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider servicing landing gears on narrow body aircraft.

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 08/01/2024

  $1,393,644   07/31/15    1,385,453    1,323,962 
Common Stock (B)    68 shs.   *   104,986    58,447 
* 07/31/15 and 11/08/17.           1,490,439    1,382,409 
                   
The Hilb Group, LLC                  
An insurance brokerage platform that offers insurance and benefits programs to middle-market companies throughout the Eastern seaboard.
7.20% Term Loan due 09/30/2026 (LIBOR + 5.750%)   1,522,141   12/02/19    1,209,969    1,155,683 
                   
                   

 

 

 

20
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Therma-Stor Holdings LLC               
A designer and manufacturer of dehumidifiers and water damage restoration equipment for residential and commercial applications.
10.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 11/30/2023  $1,381,870   11/30/17   $1,381,870   $1,378,129 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)    19,696 uts.   11/30/17    3,172    7,153 
            1,385,042    1,385,282 
Transit Technologies LLC                  
A software platform for the transportation market that offers end-to-end software solutions focused on operations, fleet management and telematics services.
6.46% Term Loan due 02/10/2025 (LIBOR + 4.750%)  $1,560,620   02/13/20    753,359    691,302 
                   
Trident Maritime Systems                  
A leading provider of turnkey marine vessel systems and solutions for government and commercial new ship construction as well as repair, refurbishment, and retrofit markets worldwide.
7.10% Term Loan due 06/04/2024 (LIBOR + 5.500%)  $2,345,858   05/14/18    2,309,398    2,200,373 
                   
Tristar Global Energy Solutions, Inc.                  
A hydrocarbon and decontamination services provider serving refineries worldwide.
12.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 07/31/2020  $1,200,402   01/23/15    1,198,638    1,184,796 
                   
Truck-Lite                  
A leading provider of harsh environment LED safety lighting, electronics, filtration systems, and telematics for a wide range of commercial vehicles, specialty vehicles, final mile delivery vehicles, off-road/off-highway, marine, and other adjacent harsh environment markets.
7.25% Term Loan due 12/02/2026 (LIBOR + 6.250%)  $1,721,240   12/13/19    1,465,883    1,378,562 
                   
Trystar, Inc.                  
A niche manufacturer of temporary power distribution products for the power rental, industrial, commercial utility and back-up emergency markets.
6.20% Term Loan due 10/01/2023 (LIBOR + 4.750%)  $2,014,150   09/28/18    1,989,521    1,933,154 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    47 uts.   09/28/18    46,562    61,643 
            2,036,083    1,994,797 
U.S. Legal Support, Inc.                  
A provider of court reporting, record retrieval and other legal supplemental services.
6.82% Term Loan due 11/12/2024 (LIBOR + 5.750%)  $2,121,563   *   2,086,849    1,925,839 
* 11/29/18 and 03/25/19.                  
                   

 

 

 

21
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
U.S. Oral Surgery Management               
An operator of oral surgery practices providing medically necessary treatments.
6.00% Term Loan due 12/31/2023 (LIBOR + 5.000%)  $2,444,048   *  $2,400,437   $2,226,080 
* 01/04/19 and 10/01/19.                  
                   
U.S. Retirement and Benefit Partners, Inc.                  
A leading independent provider of outsourced benefit design and administration and retirement services, primarily to K-12 school districts, employee unions, and governmental agencies.

10.53% Second Lien Term Loan due 09/29/2025

(LIBOR + 8.750%)

  $1,725,000   03/05/18    1,584,562    1,482,354 
                   
UBEO, LLC                  
A dealer and servicer of printers and copiers to medium sized businesses.
11.0% Term Loan due 10/03/2024  $1,558,661   11/05/18    1,533,989    1,388,770 
                   
Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc.                  
A provider of outsourced hosting services for enterprise resource planning software applications and information technology infrastructure to mid and large-sized enterprises.
7.45% Lien Term Loan due 12/07/2023
(LIBOR + 6.000%)
  $2,052,750   12/07/17    2,040,126    1,954,761 
                   
VP Holding Company                  
A provider of school transportation services for special-needs and homeless children in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
6.57% Lien Term Loan due 05/22/2024
(LIBOR + 5.500%)
  $2,434,331   05/17/18    1,723,632    1,544,962 
                   
Westminster Acquisition LLC                  
A manufacturer of premium, all-natural oyster cracker products sold under the Westminster and Olde Cape Cod brands.

12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note

due 08/03/2021

  $454,957   08/03/15    453,389    227,478 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)    370,241 uts.   08/03/15    370,241     
            823,630    227,478 
Whitebridge Pet Brands Holdings, LLC                  
A manufacturer and marketer of branded, all-natural treats and foods for dogs and cats.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B)(F)    123 uts.   04/18/17    148,096    114,876 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B)(F)    123 uts.   04/18/17         
            148,096    114,876 
       

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

 

22
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

  

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued) 

Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership

Percentage

 
  

Acquisition
Date

 
 

Cost

 
  

Fair Value

 
 
                
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.               
A designer and specialty distributor of wallcoverings and related building products, including textiles, paint, and writeable surfaces.
Common Stock (B)    157 shs.   01/22/16   $62,177   $107,150 
                   
World 50, Inc.                  
A provider of exclusive peer-to-peer networks for C-suite executives at leading corporations.
5.75% Term Loan due 12/31/2025 (LIBOR + 4.750%)  $1,227,845   01/09/20    1,198,297    1,131,950 
                   
WP Supply Holding Corporation                  
A distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables to grocery wholesalers and foodservice distributors in the upper Midwest.
Common Stock (B)    1,500 shs.   11/03/11    150,000    119,259 
                   
York Wall Holding Company                  
A designer, manufacturer and marketer of wall covering products for both residential and commercial wall coverings.
Preferred Stock Series A (B)    2,936 shs.   02/05/19    293,616    293,600 
Common Stock (B)    2,046 shs.   *   200,418    48,468 
* 03/04/15 and 02/07/18           494,034    342,068 
                   
                   
Total Private Placement Investments (E)          $122,559,524   $113,863,500 
                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

  

 

Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)   

Interest
Rate

 
  

Maturity
Date

 
 

Principal
Amount

 
  

Cost

 
  

Market
Value

 
 
                        
Rule 144A Securities - 9.05%:                       
                        
Bonds - 9.05%                       
Acrisure, LLC   7.000%  11/15/25  $757,000   $707,137   $651,019 
Alliance Residential Company   7.500   05/01/25   259,000    266,941    155,400 
Altice Financing S.A.   7.500   05/15/26   308,000    308,000    298,421 
Avantor Inc.   6.000   10/01/24   313,000    313,000    327,930 
Boyne USA, Inc.   7.250   05/01/25   129,000    129,000    123,195 
BWAY Holding Company   7.250   04/15/25   750,000    690,519    596,250 
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.   11.000   04/15/25   500,000    500,000    360,175 
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   9.250   02/15/24   139,000    132,248    119,193 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.   6.750   03/15/26   167,000    157,623    148,630 
CommScope Finance LLC   8.250   03/01/27   500,000    475,480    481,950 
CVR Partners, L.P.   9.250   06/15/23   385,000    379,817    308,655 
Dominion Diamond   7.125   11/01/22   500,000    279,489    244,999 
Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc.   6.250   05/15/26   116,000    116,000    119,770 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.   7.500   04/01/25   500,000    480,706    416,095 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.   7.250   04/01/23   385,000    381,943    324,122 
Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.   10.000   11/30/24   500,000    485,034    511,395 
Golden Nugget, Inc.   8.750   10/01/25   500,000    440,457    255,000 
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt   9.000   02/15/25   500,000    490,549    440,000 
Jonah Energy LLC   7.250   10/15/25   385,000    338,076    17,325 
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands B.V.   6.875   05/15/23   511,000    516,757    479,063 
Manitowoc Company, Inc.   9.000   04/01/26   863,000    857,437    763,755 
New Gold Inc.   6.250   11/15/22   500,000    501,232    485,625 
OPE KAG Finance Sub   7.875   07/31/23   385,000    394,028    323,159 
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.   7.250   02/01/28   245,000    222,996    210,676 
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.   6.625   05/15/22   138,000    136,304    130,410 
Prime Security Services, LLC   6.250   01/15/28   885,000    769,648    763,313 
Suncoke Energy   7.500   06/15/25   385,000    380,702    277,200 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc.   8.875   12/15/27   183,000    167,955    154,635 
TransDigm Group, Inc.   6.250   03/15/26   500,000    493,762    498,125 
Trident TPI Holdings Inc.   9.250   08/01/24   500,000    486,079    415,000 
Veritas US, Inc.   10.500   02/01/24   750,000    662,885    631,875 
Verscend Holding Corp   9.750   08/15/26   482,000    513,049    481,094 
VICI Properties, Inc.   4.625   12/01/29   750,000    618,882    684,285 
VRX Escrow Corp.   6.125   04/15/25   140,000    140,000    137,900 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   8.000   11/01/24   161,000    161,000    133,630 
                        
Total Bonds                14,094,735    12,469,269 
                        
Common Stock - 0.00%                       
TherOX, Inc. (B)           2         
Touchstone Health Partnership (B)           292         
                        
Total Common Stock                     
                        
Total Rule 144A Securities               $14,094,735   $12,469,269 
                        

 

 

 

 

24
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Corporate Public Securities - 4.91%: (A) 

LIBOR
Spread

 
  

Interest
Rate

 
  

Maturity
Date

 
 

Principal
Amount

 
  

Cost

 
  

Market Value

 
 
                             
Bank Loans - 1.40%                            
BMC Software Finance, Inc.   4.250%   5.239%  10/02/25  $493,750   $489,864   $407,467 
Confie Seguros Holding II Co.   8.500    10.080   11/02/25   446,131    438,991    307,085 
Edelman Financial Services   6.750    7.679   07/20/26   128,178    127,672    96,133 
Fieldwood Energy LLC   7.250    9.207   04/11/23   977,612    949,868    62,567 
ION Trading Technologies Sarl   4.000    5.072   11/21/24   272,068    266,982    222,190 
PS Logistics LLC   4.750    5.750   03/01/25   492,500    496,030    443,250 
STS Operating, Inc.   8.000    9.000   04/25/26   500,000    505,000    382,500 
                             
Total Bank Loans                     3,274,407    1,921,192 
                             
                             
Bonds - 3.19%                            
Brunswick Corporation        7.125   08/01/27   500,000    503,045    598,990 
Century Communities, Inc.        5.875   07/15/25   715,000    627,594    602,394 
Dish DBS Corporation        7.750   07/01/26   385,000    410,426    395,588 
Hecla Mining Company        7.250   02/15/28   500,000    470,429    440,250 
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation        7.625   06/15/21   500,000    501,210    510,000 
Jupiter Resources Inc.        13.000   02/05/24   50,194    50,194    50,194 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.        10.125   01/15/28   500,000    389,475    190,000 
PBF Holding Company LLC        7.250   06/15/25   385,000    395,437    258,066 
Targa Resources Partners LP        4.250   11/15/23   600,000    513,000    516,420 
Triumph Group, Inc.        7.750   08/15/25   500,000    503,515    362,500 
United Rentals (North America), Inc.        4.625   10/15/25   500,000    442,712    480,000 
                             
Total Bonds                     4,807,037    4,404,402 
                             
                             
Common Stock - 0.03%                            
Jupiter Resources Inc.                41,472    200,439    41,472 
                             
Total Common Stock                     200,439    41,472 
                             
                             
Preferred Stock - 0.29%                            
B. Riley Financial Inc.                20,000    500,000    405,600 
                             
Total Preferred Stock                     500,000    405,600 
                             
                             
Total Corporate Public Securities                    $8,781,883   $6,772,666 
                             

 

 

 

 

25
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

  

 

Short-Term Security: 

Interest
Rate/Yield^

 
  

Maturity
Date

 
 

Principal
Amount

 
  

Cost

 
  

Market Value

 
 
                        
Commercial Paper - 0.72%                       
Mondelēz International, Inc.   3.040%  04/22/20   $1,000,000   $998,227   $998,227 
                        
Total Short-Term Securities               $998,227   $998,227 
                        
Total Investments   97.27%          $146,434,369   $134,103,662 
                        
Other Assets   14.63                 20,163,134 
Liabilities   (11.90)                (16,402,708)
                        
Total Net Assets   100.00%               $137,864,088 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(A)In each of the convertible note, warrant, and common stock investments, the issuer has agreed to provide certain registration rights.
(B)Non-income producing security.
(C)Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees.
(D)Defaulted security; interest not accrued.
(E)Illiquid security. As of March 31, 2020 the values of these securities amounted to $113,863,500 or 82.59% of net assets.
(F)Held in PI Subsidiary Trust
(G)PIK non-accrual

^ Effective yield at purchase

PIK- Payment-in-kind

 

26
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Industry Classification: 

Fair Value/
Market Value

 
 
      
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 6.66%     
American Scaffold, Inc.  $1,221,895 
BEI Precision Systems & Space Company, Inc.   1,786,447 
Dart Buyer, Inc.   1,314,131 
Sunvair Aerospace Group Inc.   1,382,409 
TransDigm Group, Inc.   498,125 
Trident Maritime Systems   2,200,373 
Trident TPI Holdings Inc.   415,000 
Triumph Group, Inc.   362,500 
    9,180,880 
      
AUTOMOTIVE - 6.47%     
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC   1,747,556 
BBB Industries LLC   1,605,619 
DPL Holding Corporation   249,480 
English Color & Supply LLC   1,712,882 
Holley Performance Products   2,222,631 
Truck-Lite   1,378,562 
    8,916,730 
      
BROKERAGE, ASSET MANAGERS & EXCHANGES - 0.84%     
The Hilb Group, LLC   1,155,683 
      
      
BUILDING MATERIALS - 1.98%     
Happy Floors Acquisition, Inc.   634,552 
Sunrise Windows Holding Company   1,990,179 
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.   107,150 
    2,731,881 
      
CABLE & SATELLITE - 0.37%     
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation   510,000 
      
      
CHEMICALS - 1.15%     
CVR Partners, L.P.   308,655 
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands B.V.   479,063 
Polytex Holdings LLC   802,489 
    1,590,207 
      
CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY - 0.35%     
United Rentals (North America), Inc.   480,000 
      
      
CONSUMER CYCLICAL SERVICES - 5.04%     
Accelerate Learning   885,654 
CHG Alternative Education Holding Company   1,055,987 
MeTEOR Education LLC   964,110 

 

 

  

Fair Value/
Market Value

 
 
      
      
PPC Event Services  1,333,963 
Prime Security Services, LLC   763,313 
PS Logistics LLC   443,250 
ROI Solutions   544,037 
Soliant Holdings, LLC   959,914 
    6,950,228 
      
CONSUMER PRODUCTS - 3.99%     
AMS Holding LLC   104,517 
Blue Wave Products, Inc.   63,591 
Elite Sportwear Holding, LLC   1,032,616 
gloProfessional Holdings, Inc.   1,585,978 
GTI Holding Company   135,370 
Handi Quilter Holding Company   385,283 
HHI Group, LLC   271,579 
Manhattan Beachwear Holding Company    
Master Cutlery LLC    
New Mountain Learning, LLC   1,469,795 
Whitebridge Pet Brands Holdings, LLC   114,876 
York Wall Holding Company   342,068 
    5,505,673 
      
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - 7.56%     
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises LLC    
F G I Equity LLC   875,695 
Hyperion Materials & Technologies, Inc.   1,531,597 
K P I Holdings, Inc.    
Manitowoc Company, Inc.   763,755 
Motion Controls Holdings   52,272 
Reelcraft Industries, Inc.   550,799 
SR Smith LLC   2,888,955 
Strahman Holdings Inc.   374,946 
Therma-Stor Holdings LLC   1,385,282 
Trystar, Inc.   1,994,797 
    10,418,098 
      
ELECTRIC - 1.19%     
Electronic Power Systems   1,646,013 
      
      
FINANCIAL OTHER - 2.67%     
Acrisure, LLC   651,019 
Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC   613,941 
B. Riley Financial Inc.   405,600 
Confie Seguros Holding II Co.   307,085 

 


 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

27
 

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Industry Classification: (Continued) 

Fair Value/
Market Value

 
 
      
Edelman Financial Services  $96,133 
Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc.   119,770 
U.S. Retirement and Benefit Partners, Inc.   1,482,354 
    3,675,902 
      
FOOD & BEVERAGE - 5.77% 
Del Real LLC   1,435,416 
Hollandia Produce LLC   1,754,998 
Mondelēz International, Inc.   998,227 
PANOS Brands LLC   2,002,328 
Sara Lee Frozen Foods   1,415,229 
Westminster Acquisition LLC   227,478 
WP Supply Holding Corporation   119,259 
    7,952,935 
      
HEALTHCARE - 4.76% 
Avantor Inc.   327,930 
Cadence, Inc.   844,296 
CORA Health Services, Inc.   1,197,046 
GD Dental Services LLC   51,281 
LAC Acquisition LLC   956,904 
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.   341,086 
TherOX, Inc.    
Touchstone Health Partnership    
U.S. Oral Surgery Management   2,226,080 
Verscend Holding Corp   481,094 
VRX Escrow Corp.   137,900 
    6,563,617 
      
HOME CONSTRUCTION - 0.44% 
Century Communities, Inc.   602,394 
      
      
INDEPENDENT - 0.26%     
Fieldwood Energy LLC   62,567 
Jonah Energy LLC   17,325 
Jupiter Resources Inc.   91,666 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.   190,000 
    361,558 
      
INDUSTRIAL OTHER - 11.65% 
AFC - Dell Holding Corporation   2,120,665 
Aftermath, Inc.   1,179,474 
ASPEQ Holdings   1,148,275 
Brunswick Corporation   598,990 
Concept Machine Tool Sales, LLC   638,972 

 

 

 

 

  

Fair Value/
Market Value

 
 
      
E.S.P. Associates, P.A.  343,425 
Hartland Controls Holding Corporation   1,831,047 
IM Analytics Holdings, LLC   903,645 
Industrial Service Solutions   823,882 
Media Recovery, Inc.   345,638 
PB Holdings LLC   787,974 
Specified Air Solutions   2,431,917 
STS Operating, Inc.   382,500 
UBEO, LLC   1,388,770 
World 50, Inc.   1,131,950 
    16,057,124 
      
LODGING - 0.50%     
VICI Properties, Inc.   684,285 
      
      
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT - 2.90% 
BlueSpire Holding, Inc.   14,553 
Boyne USA, Inc.   123,195 
Cadent, LLC   960,592 
Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc.   119,193 
Discovery Education, Inc.   1,790,933 
Dish DBS Corporation   395,588 
HOP Entertainment LLC    
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt   440,000 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc.   154,635 
    3,998,689 
      
METALS & MINING - 1.90% 
Alliance Residential Company   155,400 
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.   148,630 
Dominion Diamond   244,999 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.   740,217 
Hecla Mining Company   440,250 
New Gold Inc.   485,625 
Suncoke Energy   277,200 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.   133,630 
    2,625,951 
      
MIDSTREAM - 0.38%     
Targa Resources Partners LP   516,420 
      
      
OIL FIELD SERVICES - 0.01% 
Avantech Testing Services LLC    
Petroplex Inv Holdings LLC   18,802 
    18,802 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

28
 

Barings Participation Investors

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)

March 31, 2020

(Unaudited)

 

 

Industry Classification: (Continued) 

Fair Value/
Market Value

 
 
      
PACKAGING - 1.47%     
ASC Holdings, Inc.  $804,570 
Brown Machine LLC   621,853 
BWAY Holding Company   596,250 
    2,022,673 
      
PAPER - 1.06%     
Dunn Paper   1,466,250 
      
      
PHARMACEUTICALS - 0.22% 
Clarion Brands Holding Corp.   304,511 
      
      
REFINING - 1.83%     
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.   360,175 
MES Partners, Inc.   723,317 
PBF Holding Company LLC   258,066 
Tristar Global Energy Solutions, Inc.   1,184,796 
    2,526,354 
      
RESTAURANTS - 0.18%     
Golden Nugget, Inc.   255,000 
      
      
TECHNOLOGY - 19.74%     
1A Smart Start, Inc.   1,664,367 
1WorldSync, Inc.   1,620,877 
Audio Precision   1,645,520 
BCC Software, Inc.   2,714,134 
BMC Software Finance, Inc.   407,467 
Claritas Holdings, Inc.   1,452,385 
Clubessential LLC   1,579,713 
CommScope Finance LLC   481,950 
Genesys Telecommunications Laboratories, Inc.   511,395 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value/
Market Value

 
 
      
      
GraphPad Software, Inc.  2,356,508 
ION Trading Technologies Sarl   222,190 
Options Technology Ltd   1,183,061 
REVSpring, Inc.   1,605,170 
Ruffalo Noel Levitz   1,205,274 
Sandvine Corporation   1,613,974 
Scaled Agile, Inc.   631,460 
Springbrook Software   1,119,892 
Transit Technologies LLC   691,302 
U.S. Legal Support, Inc.   1,925,839 
Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc.   1,954,761 
Veritas US, Inc.   631,875 
    27,219,114 
      
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 0.22% 
Altice Financing S.A.   298,421 
      
      
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - 5.71% 
BDP International, Inc.   2,264,556 
OPE KAG Finance Sub   323,159 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation   1,815,024 
Rock-it Cargo   1,920,568 
VP Holding Company   1,544,962 
    7,868,269 
      
Total Investments - 97.27%     
(Cost - $146,434,369)  $134,103,662 

 

 


 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

29
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 

1.History

Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) was organized as a Massachusetts business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated April 7, 1988.

The Trust is a diversified closed-end management investment company. Barings LLC (“Barings”), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), acts as its investment adviser. The Trust’s investment objective is to maintain a portfolio of securities providing a current yield and, when available, an opportunity for capital gains. The Trust’s principal investments are privately placed, below investment grade, long-term debt obligations including bank loans and mezzanine debt instruments. Such direct placement securities may, in some cases, be accompanied by equity features such as common stock, preferred stock, warrants, conversion rights, or other equity features. The Trust typically purchases these investments, which are not publicly tradable, directly from their issuers in private placement transactions. These investments are typically made to small or middle market companies. In addition, the Trust may invest, subject to certain limitations, in marketable debt securities (including high yield and/or investment grade securities) and marketable common stock. Below investment grade or high yield securities have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the capacity of the issuer to pay interest and repay capital.

On January 27, 1998, the Board of Trustees authorized the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trust (“PI Subsidiary Trust”) for the purpose of holding certain investments. The results of the PI Subsidiary Trust are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. Footnote 2.D below discusses the Federal tax consequences of the PI Subsidiary Trust.

 

2.Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed consistently by the Trust in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

The Trustees have determined that the Trust is an investment company in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, for the purpose of financial reporting.

A. Fair Value Measurements:

Under U.S. GAAP, fair value represents the price that should be received to sell an asset (exit price) in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date.

Determination of Fair Value

The determination of the fair value of the Trust’s investments is the responsibility of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”). The Trustees have adopted procedures for the valuation of the Trust’s securities and have delegated responsibility for applying those procedures to Barings. Barings has established a Pricing Committee which is responsible for setting the guidelines used in following the procedures adopted by the Trustees ensuring that those guidelines are being followed. Barings considers all relevant factors that are reasonably available, through either public information or information available to Barings, when determining the fair value of a security. The Trustees meet at least once each quarter to approve the value of the Trust’s portfolio securities as of the close of business on the last business day of the preceding quarter. This valuation requires the approval of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Barings. In approving valuations, the Trustees will consider reports by Barings analyzing each portfolio security in accordance with the procedures and guidelines referred to above, which include the relevant factors referred to below. Barings has agreed to provide such reports to the Trust at least quarterly. The consolidated financial statements include private placement restricted securities valued at $113,863,500 (82.59% of net assets) as of March 31, 2020 the values of which have been estimated by the Trustees based on the process described above in the absence of readily ascertainable market values. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed, and the differences could be material.

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value.

Corporate Public Securities at Market Value – Bank Loans, Corporate Bonds, Preferred Stocks and Common Stocks

The Trust uses external independent third-party pricing services to determine the fair values of its Corporate Public Securities. At March 31, 2020, 100% of the carrying value of these investments was from external pricing services. In the event that the primary pricing service does not provide a price, the Trust utilizes the pricing provided by a secondary pricing service.

Public debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Trust’s pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where significant market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where significant market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal underlying prepayments, collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.

 

 

30
 

Barings Participation Investors

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The Trust’s investments in bank loans are normally valued at the bid quotation obtained from dealers in loans by an independent pricing service in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Trustees.

Public equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sales price of that day.

At least annually, Barings conducts reviews of the primary pricing vendors to validate that the inputs used in that vendors’ pricing process are deemed to be market observable as defined in the standard. While Barings is not provided access to proprietary models of the vendors, the reviews have included on-site walk-throughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class and level for which prices are provided. The reviews also include an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations. In addition, the pricing vendors have an established challenge process in place for all security valuations, which facilitates identification and resolution of prices that fall outside expected ranges. Barings believes that the prices received from the pricing vendors are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices) and are classified appropriately in the hierarchy.

Corporate Restricted Securities at Fair Value – Bank Loans, Corporate Bonds

The fair value of certain notes is determined using an internal model that discounts the anticipated cash flows of those notes using a specific discount rate. Changes to that discount rate are driven by changes in general interest rates, probabilities of default and credit adjustments. The discount rate used within the models to discount the future anticipated cash flows is considered a significant unobservable input. Increases/(decreases) in the discount rate would result in a (decrease)/increase to the notes’ fair value.

The fair value of certain distressed notes is based on an enterprise waterfall methodology which is discussed in the equity security valuation section below.

Corporate Restricted Securities at Fair Value – Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Partnerships & LLC’s

The fair value of equity securities is determined using an enterprise waterfall methodology. Under this methodology, the enterprise value of the company is first estimated and that value is then allocated to the company’s outstanding debt and equity securities based on the documented priority of each class of securities in the capital structure. Generally, the waterfall proceeds from senior debt, to senior and junior subordinated debt, to preferred stock, then finally common stock.

To estimate a company’s enterprise value, the company’s trailing twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) is multiplied by a valuation multiple.

Both the company’s EBITDA and valuation multiple are considered significant unobservable inputs. Increases/(decreases) to the company’s EBITDA and/or valuation multiple would result in increases/(decreases) to the equity value.

Short-Term Securities

Short-term securities with more than sixty days to maturity are valued at fair value, using external independent third-party services. Short-term securities, of sufficient credit quality, having a maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy

The Trust categorizes its investments measured at fair value in three levels, based on the inputs and assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are as follows:

Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities

Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Trust’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)

 

The following table summarizes the levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the Trust’s financial instruments are categorized as of March 31, 2020.

The fair values of the Trust’s investments disaggregated into the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based upon the lowest level of significant input used in the valuation as of March 31, 2020 are as follows:

 

                 
Assets:  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
                 
Restricted Securities                    
Corporate Bonds  $43,018,619   $   $12,469,269   $30,549,350 
Bank Loans   71,717,601        613,941    71,103,660 
Common Stock - U.S.   2,069,456            2,069,456 
Preferred Stock   2,416,825            2,416,825 
Partnerships and LLCs   7,110,268            7,110,268 
Public Securities                    
Bank Loans   1,921,192        1,921,192     
Corporate Bonds   4,404,402        4,354,208    50,194 
Common Stock - U.S.   41,472        41,472     
Preferred Stock   405,600        405,600     
Short-term Securities   998,227        998,227     
Total  $134,103,662   $   $20,803,909   $113,299,753 
See information disaggregated by security type and industry classification in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32
 

Barings Participation Investors

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements*

The following table represents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2020.

 

  Fair Value Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range Weighted**
Bank Loans $69,637,411

Discounted Cash

Flows

Discount Rate 6.2% to 15.6% 8.2%
           
Corporate Bonds $22,308,729

Discounted Cash

Flows

Discount Rate 9.6% to 21.9% 13.8%
           
  $8,240,620 Market Approach Valuation Multiple 5.0x to 9.9x 7.4x
           
      EBITDA

$0.0 million to

$24.1 million

$9.4 million
           
Equity Securities*** $11,596,549 Market Approach Valuation Multiple 5.0x to 16.1x 9.2x
           
      EBITDA

$0.0 million to

$280.9 million

$37.1 million
*Excludes Level 3 assets of $1,516,444 which are valued based upon unadjusted prices from independent pricing services and independent indicative broker quotes where pricing inputs are not readily available.
**The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value
***Including partnerships and LLC’s

 

Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:

 

Assets:  Beginning
balance at
12/31/2019
   Included in
earnings
   Purchases   Sales   Prepayments   Transfers
into
Level 3
   Transfers
out of
Level 3
   Ending
balance at
03/31/2020
 
                                 
Restricted Securities                                        
Corporate Bonds  $42,798,389   $(2,042,177)  $722,829   $(7,291,043)  $(3,638,648)  $   $   $30,549,350 
Bank Loans   70,255,151    (4,736,625)   5,973,901    (326,299)   (62,468)           71,103,660 
Common Stock - U.S.   3,993,481    (392,298)       (1,531,727)               2,069,456 
Preferred Stock   2,836,867    (248,925)       (171,117)               2,416,825 
Partnerships and LLCs   7,510,960    (438,170)   46,434    (8,956)               7,110,268 
Public Securities                                        
Bank Loans   1,168,841    (5,000)       (489,999)           (673,842)    
Common Stock - U.S.                                
Corporate Bonds           50,194                    50,194 
   $128,563,689   $(7,863,195)  $6,793,358   $(9,819,141)  $(3,701,116)  $   $(673,842)  $113,299,753 

 

 

 

33
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Income, Gains and Losses on Level 3 assets included in Net Increase in Net Assets resulting from Operations for the year are presented in the following accounts on the Statement of Operations:

 

     Net Increase in
Net Assets
Resulting from
Operations
   Change in
Unrealized
Gains &
(Losses)) in
Net Assets
from assets
still held
 
  Interest (Amortization)  $79,593   $ 
  Net realized gain on investments before taxes   1,265,283     
  Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments before taxes   (9,208,071)   (8,375,223)

B. Accounting for Investments:

Investment Income

Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income, including the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on bonds held using the yield-to-maturity method, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Generally, when interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if the Trust otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Trust will place the investment on non-accrual status and will cease recognizing interest income on that investment for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Trust writes off any previously accrued and uncollected interest when it is determined that interest is no longer considered collectible. As of March 31, 2020, the fair value of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $9,115,194, or 6.8% of the total fair value of the Trust’s portfolio, and the cost of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $11,525,769, or 7.9% of the total cost of the Trust’s portfolio. As of December 31, 2019, the fair value of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $8,006,636, or 5.3% of the total fair value of the Trust’s portfolio, and the cost of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $8,340,649, or 5.5% of the total cost of the Trust’s portfolio. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Payment-in-Kind Interest

The Trust currently holds, and expects to hold in the future, some investments in its portfolio that contain Payment-in-Kind (“PIK”) interest provisions. The PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is added to the principal balance of the investment, rather than being paid to the Trust in cash, and is recorded as interest income. Thus, the actual collection of PIK interest may be deferred until the time of debt principal repayment. PIK interest, which is a non-cash source of income at the time of recognition, is included in the Trust’s taxable income and therefore affects the amount the Trust is required to distribute to its stockholders to maintain its qualification as a “regulated investment company” for federal income tax purposes, even though the Trust has not yet collected the cash.

Generally, when current cash interest and/or principal payments on an investment become past due, or if the Trust otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Trust will place the investment on PIK non-accrual status and will cease recognizing PIK interest income on that investment for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Trust writes off any accrued and uncollected PIK interest when it is determined that the PIK interest is no longer collectible. As of March 31, 2020, the fair value of the Trust’s PIK non-accrual assets was $1,920,568, or 1.4% of the total fair value of the Trust’s portfolio, and the cost of the Trust’s PIK non-accrual assets was $2,384,216, or 1.6% of the total cost of the Trust’s portfolio. As of December 31, 2019 the Trust had no investments on non-accrual only with respect to the PIK interest.

Realized Gain or Loss and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Portfolio Investments

Realized gains and losses on investment transactions and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments are reported for financial statement and Federal income tax purposes on the identified cost method.

C. Use of Estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

D. Federal Income Taxes:

The Trust has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code, and intends to maintain this qualification and to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income to its shareholders. In any year when net long-term capital gains are realized by the Trust, management, after evaluating the prevailing economic conditions, will recommend that Trustees either designate the net realized long-term gains as undistributed and pay the federal capital gains taxes thereon, or distribute all or a portion of such net gains.

 

 

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Barings Participation Investors

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

The Trust is taxed as a regulated investment company and is therefore limited as to the amount of non-qualified income that it may receive as the result of operating a trade or business, e.g. the Trust’s pro rata share of income allocable to the Trust by a partnership operating company. The Trust’s violation of this limitation could result in the loss of its status as a regulated investment company, thereby subjecting all of its net income and capital gains to corporate taxes prior to distribution to its shareholders. The Trust, from time-to-time, identifies investment opportunities in the securities of entities that could cause such trade or business income to be allocable to the Trust. The PI Subsidiary Trust (described in Footnote 1, above) was formed in order to allow investment in such securities without adversely affecting the Trust’s status as a regulated investment company.

The PI Subsidiary Trust is not taxed as a regulated investment company. Accordingly, prior to the Trust receiving any distributions from the PI Subsidiary Trust, all of the PI Subsidiary Trust’s taxable income and realized gains, including non-qualified income and realized gains, is subject to taxation at prevailing corporate tax rates. As of March 31, 2020, the PI Subsidiary Trust has no taxable income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of the existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. As of March 31, 2020, the PI Subsidiary Trust has no deferred tax liability.

E. Distributions to Shareholders:

The Trust records distributions to shareholders from distributable earnings and net realized gains, if any, on the ex-dividend date. The Trust’s dividend is declared four times per year, in April, July, October, and December. The Trust’s net realized capital gain distribution, if any, is declared in December.

3.Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Contract

A. Services:

Under an Investment Advisory and Administrative Services Contract (the “Contract”) with the Trust, Barings has agreed to use its best efforts to present to the Trust a continuing and suitable investment program consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Trust. Barings represents the Trust in any negotiations with issuers, investment banking firms, securities brokers or dealers and other institutions or investors relating to the Trust’s investments. Under the Contract, Barings also provides administration of the day-to-day operations of the Trust and provides the Trust with office space and office equipment, accounting and bookkeeping services, and necessary executive, clerical and secretarial personnel for the performance of the foregoing services.

B. Fee:

For its services under the Contract, Barings is paid a quarterly investment advisory fee equal to 0.225% of the value of the Trust’s net assets as of the last business day of each fiscal quarter, an amount approximately equivalent to 0.90% on an annual basis. A majority of the Trustees, including a majority

of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Barings, approve the valuation of the Trust’s net assets as of such day.

 

4.Senior Indebtedness

MassMutual holds the Trust’s $15,000,000 Senior Fixed Rate Convertible Note (the “Note”) issued by the Trust on December 13, 2011. The Note is due December 13, 2023 and accrues interest at 4.09% per annum. MassMutual, at its option, can convert the principal amount of the Note into common shares. The dollar amount of principal would be converted into an equivalent dollar amount of common shares based upon the average price of the common shares for ten business days prior to the notice of conversion. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Trust incurred total interest expense on the Note of $153,375.

The Trust may redeem the Note, in whole or in part, at the principal amount proposed to be redeemed together with the accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the redemption date plus the Make Whole Premium. The Make Whole Premium equals the excess of (i) the present value of the scheduled payments of principal and interest which the Trust would have paid but for the proposed redemption, discounted at the rate of interest of U.S. Treasury obligations whose maturity approximates that of the Note plus 0.50% over (ii) the principal of the Note proposed to be redeemed.

 

5.Purchases and Sales of Investments

  

For the three
months ended
3/31/2020

 
 
  

Cost of
Investments
Acquired

 
  

Proceeds

from
Sales or
Maturities

 
 
Corporate restricted securities  $11,313,749   $13,942,156 
Corporate public securities   3,993,246    2,095,030 

6.Quarterly Results of Investment Operations (unaudited)

   March 31, 2020 
         
  

Amount

 
  

Per Share

 
 
Investment income  $3,518,403      
Net investment income   2,788,295   $0.26 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments (net of taxes)   (11,233,880)   (1.06)

 

 

35
 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

(Unaudited)

 

7.Investment Risks

In the normal course of its business, the Trust trades various financial instruments and enters into certain investment activities with investment risks. These risks include: (i) market risk, (ii) volatility risk and (iii) credit, counterparty and liquidity risk. It is the Trust’s policy to identify, measure and monitor risk through various mechanisms including risk management strategies and credit policies. These include monitoring risk guidelines and diversifying exposures across a variety of instruments, markets and counterparties. There can be no assurance that the Trust will be able to implement its credit guidelines or that its risk monitoring strategies will be successful.

8.Commitments and Contingencies

During the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties. The exposure, if any, to the Trust under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may or may not be made against the Trust and which have not yet occurred. The Trust has no history of prior claims related to such contracts and agreements.

At March 31, 2020, the Trust had the following unfunded commitments:

 

 

Investment

 
 

Unfunded Amount

 
 
  ROI Solutions LLC  $961,561 
  Transit Technologies   780,310 
  Cora Health Services, Inc.   773,705 
  VP Holding Company   671,733 
  Lighthouse Autism Center   628,889 
  Springbrook Software   448,116 
  Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC   363,636 
  Options Technology Ltd   335,621 
  Dart Aerospace   281,175 
  The Hilb Group, LLC   275,524 
  Truck-Lite   221,154 
  New Mountain Learning   143,258 
  U.S. Retirement & Benefit Partners   117,300 

 

9.Subsequent Events

Effective April 23, 2020, the Board appointed Elizabeth Murray as Principal Accounting Officer for the Trust.

 

 

36
 

Barings Participation Investors

 

 

This privacy notice is being provided on behalf of Barings LLC and its affiliates: Barings Securities LLC; Barings Australia Pty Ltd; Barings Japan Limited; Barings Investment Advisers (Hong Kong) Limited; Barings Funds Trust; Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund; Barings BDC, Inc.; Barings Corporate Investors and Barings Participation Investors (together, for purposes of this privacy notice, “Barings”).

When you use Barings you entrust us not only with your hard-earned assets but also with your personal and financial data. We consider your data to be private and confidential, and protecting its confidentiality is important to us. Our policies and procedures regarding your personal information are summarized below.

We may collect non-public personal information about you from:

Applications or other forms, interviews, or by other means;
Consumer or other reporting agencies, government agencies, employers or others;
Your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; and
Our Internet website.

We may share the financial information we collect with our financial service affiliates, such as insurance companies, investment companies and securities broker-dealers. Additionally, so that we may continue to offer you products and services that best meet your investment needs and to effect transactions that you request or authorize, we may disclose the information we collect, as described above, to companies that perform administrative or marketing services on our behalf, such as transfer agents, custodian banks, service providers or printers and mailers that assist us in the distribution of investor materials or that provide operational support to Barings. These companies are required to protect this information and will use this information only for the services for which we hire them, and are not permitted to use or share this information for any other purpose. Some of these companies may perform such services in jurisdictions other than the United States. We may share some or all of the information we collect with other financial institutions with whom we jointly market products. This may be done only if it is permitted by the state in which you live. Some disclosures may be limited to your name, contact and transaction information with us or our affiliates.

Any disclosures will be only to the extent permitted by federal and state law. Certain disclosures may require us to get an “opt-in” or “opt-out” from you. If this is required, we will do so before information is shared. Otherwise, we do not share any personal information about our customers or former customers unless authorized by the customer or as permitted by law.

We restrict access to personal information about you to those employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with legal standards to guard your personal information. As an added measure, we do not include personal or account information in non-secure e-mails that we send you via the Internet without your prior consent. We advise you not to send such information to us in non-secure e-mails.

This joint notice describes the privacy policies of Barings, the Funds and Barings Securities LLC. It applies to all Barings and the Funds accounts you presently have, or may open in the future, using your social security number or federal taxpayer identification number - whether or not you remain a shareholder of our Funds or as an advisory client of Barings. As mandated by rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we will be sending you this notice annually, as long as you own shares in the Funds or have an account with Barings.

Barings Securities LLC is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Investors may obtain information about SIPC including the SIPC brochure by contacting SIPC online at www.sipc.org or calling (202)-371-8300. Investors may obtain information about FINRA including the FINRA Investor Brochure by contacting FINRA online at www.finra.org or by calling (800) 289-9999.

April 2019

 

 

 

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Barings Corporate Investors

 

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Barings Corporate Investors

 

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Barings Corporate Investors

 

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40
 

 

Members of the Board of Trustees

 

Clifford M. Noreen

Chairman

 

Michael H. Brown*

 

Barbara M. Ginader*

 

Edward P. Grace III*

 

Robert E. Joyal

 

Susan B. Sweeney*

 

Maleyne M. Syracuse*

 

 

*Member of the Audit Committee

 

 

 

Officers

 

Christina Emery

President

 

Jonathan Bock

Vice President & Chief

Financial Officer

 

Janice M. Bishop

Vice President, Secretary &

Chief Legal Officer

 

Sean Feeley

Vice President

 

Elizabeth Murray

Principal Accounting Officer

 

Christopher D. Hanscom

Treasurer

 

Michael Cowart

Chief Compliance Officer

 

Jill Dinerman

Assistant Secretary

 

Jonathan Landsberg

Vice President

 

 
 

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN

Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides a simple and automatic way for shareholders to add to their holdings in the Trust through the receipt of dividend shares issued by the Trust or through the reinvestment of cash dividends in Trust shares purchased in the open market. The dividends of each shareholder will be automatically reinvested in the Trust by DST Systems, Inc., the Transfer Agent, in accordance with the Plan, unless such shareholder elects not to participate by providing written notice to the Transfer Agent. A shareholder may terminate his or her participation by notifying the Transfer Agent in writing.

Participating shareholders may also make additional contributions to the Plan from their own funds. Such contributions may be made by personal check or other means in an amount not less than $100 nor more than $5,000 per quarter. Cash contributions must be received by the Transfer Agent at least five days (but no more then 30 days) before the payment date of a dividend or distribution.

Whenever the Trust declares a dividend payable in cash or shares, the Transfer Agent, acting on behalf of each participating shareholder, will take the dividend in shares only if the net asset value is lower than the market price plus an estimated brokerage commission as of the close of business on the valuation day. The valuation day is the last day preceding the day of dividend payment.

When the dividend is to be taken in shares, the number of shares to be received is determined by dividing the cash dividend by the net asset value as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if greater than net asset value, 95% of the closing share price. If the net asset value of the shares is higher than the market value plus an estimated commission, the Transfer Agent, consistent with obtaining the best price and execution, will buy shares on the open market at current prices promptly after the dividend payment date.

The reinvestment of dividends does not, in any way, relieve participating shareholders of any federal, state or local tax. For federal income tax purposes, the amount reportable in respect of a dividend received in newly-issued shares of the Trust will be the fair market value of the shares received, which will be reportable as ordinary income and/or capital gains.

As compensation for its services, the Transfer Agent receives a fee of 5% of any dividend and cash contribution (in no event in excess of $2.50 per distribution per shareholder.)

Any questions regarding the Plan should be addressed to DST Systems, Inc., Transfer Agent for Barings Participation Investors’ Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan, P.O. Box 219086, Kansas City, MO 64121-9086.

 

 

 

 

 

Barings

Participation Investors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  






























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