Barings
Participation Investors
 
 
Report for the  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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
1500 Main Street, Suite 2200
Springfield, Massachusetts 01115
(413) 226-1516
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
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 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.
 
Barings manages the Trust on a total return basis. 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-Q
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 Form N-Q. 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. 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
October 31, 2018
 

We are pleased to present the September 30, 2018 Quarterly Report of Barings Participation Investors (the "Trust").
The Board of Trustees declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on November 9, 2018 to shareholders of record on October 29, 2018. The Trust paid a $0.27 per share dividend for the preceding quarter. The Trust earned $0.27 per share of net investment income for the third quarter of 2018, compared to $0.26 per share, including $0.01 per share of non-recurring income, in the previous quarter.
During the third quarter, the net assets of the Trust increased to $145,888,297 or $13.88 per share compared to $143,947,536 or $13.72 per share on June 30, 2018. This translates into a 3.2% 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 5.3%, 8.8%, 9.8%, 10.3% and 12.2% 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 increased during the quarter, from $14.70 per share as of June 30, 2018 to $14.90 per share as of September 30, 2018, which resulted in a total return for the quarter of 3.3%. The Trust's market price of $14.90 per share equates to a 7.4% premium over the September 30, 2018 net asset value per share of $13.88. The Trust's average quarter-end premium for the 3, 5 and 10-year periods was 5.2%, 1.8% and 6.6%, respectively. U.S. equity markets, as approximated by the Russell 2000 Index, increased 3.6% for the quarter. U.S. fixed income markets, as approximated by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, increased 2.4% for the quarter.
The Trust closed seven new private placement investments and six add-on investments to existing portfolio companies during the third quarter. The seven new platform investments were in BBB Industries LLC, Cadent LLC, DuBois Chemicals Inc., Rock-It Cargo, ROI Solutions, Sara Lee Frozen Foods and Trystar, Inc. The six add-on investments were in Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC, Del Real LLC, New Mountain Learning, LLC, SR Smith LLC, U.S. Retirement and Benefit Partners, Inc. and VP Holding Company. A brief description of these investments can be found in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments. The total amount invested by the Trust in these transactions was $12.4 million. Of note, all of the new platform investments were floating rate term loans. Over the past couple of years, the Trust has increasingly invested in term loans with floating interest rates. If interest rates continue to rise, we would expect interest income to increase due to the base interest rates on the floating rate loans resetting quarterly. Please note that the Trust's $15 million senior note has a fixed rate of 4.09% and therefore, increases in base interest rates will not impact the Trust's cost of borrowing.
It was another strong quarter for the Trust in terms of new investment activity. The expansion of the Trust's target investment criteria in late 2017 into a broader set of the middle market private debt market, along with the expansion of Barings' (the Trust's investment adviser) private debt platform have been key contributors to new investment volume. Overall, market conditions remain extremely competitive with purchase price and leverage multiples remaining at or near historical highs, and there continues to be a large supply of debt capital seeking middle-market investment opportunities. It continues to be difficult to source traditional mezzanine opportunities as both the all-senior and second lien structures remain more attractive to borrowers than traditional mezzanine opportunities in the middle market. As always, we seek to be selective in our investment choices and maintain our underwriting discipline.
The Trust's current portfolio continues to exhibit sound credit quality. Realization activity continued through the third quarter with four private debt investment exits during the quarter, three of which resulted in realized gains and one which returned 100% of principal. In addition, three companies fully prepaid their debt held by the Trust. The Trust also benefited from small dividends paid by several of its equity investments during the quarter. We remain cautiously optimistic about realization activity over the next few quarters as there are several companies in which the Trust has outstanding investments that are in the process of being sold.
 
The Trust was able to maintain its $0.27 per share quarterly dividend in the third quarter with recurring investment income being sufficient to fully cover this quarter's dividend. As discussed in prior reports, since 2013, recurring investment income alone had generally not been sufficient to fully fund the current dividend rate principally due to the considerable reduction in the number of private debt securities in the portfolio resulting from the high level of exits and prepayment activity that occurred from 2013 through 2015, combined with fewer investment opportunities and lower returns associated with those opportunities due to market and competitive dynamics over the past several years. As referenced above, the Trust's expansion of its target investment criteria in 2017, combined with the amendments
 
(Continued)


1
 
 
 
to the Trust's fundamental investment guidelines that were approved by shareholder vote in May 2018, has allowed for increased private debt investment opportunities which, in turn, have resulted in higher recurring investment income than the Trust has experienced in recent years. While there can be no guarantee that recurring investment income will continue to be sufficient to cover the current dividend rate, the level of recurring investment income expected to be generated by the Trust in 2018, combined with the availability of earnings carry forwards and other non-recurring income, is expected to be sufficient to maintain the current dividend rate over the next several quarters.
 
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Barings Participation Investors.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Robert M. Shettle
 
President
 
 
Portfolio Composition as of 9/30/18*
 
 
 
 
 

* 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
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets:
     
Investments
(See Consolidated Schedule of Investments)
     
Corporate restricted securities at fair value
(Cost - $109,983,886)
 
$
105,987,170
 
Corporate restricted securities at market value
(Cost - $18,338,379)
   
18,107,713
 
Corporate public securities at market value
(Cost - $23,205,623)
   
23,136,206
 
Short-term securities at amortized cost
   
1,998,443
 
 
       
Total investments (Cost - $153,526,331)
   
149,229,532
 
Cash
   
12,441,528
 
Interest receivable
   
1,694,624
 
Other assets
   
30,773
 
 
       
Total assets
   
163,396,457
 
 
       
         
Liabilities:
       
Note payable
   
15,000,000
 
Payable for investments purchased
   
1,567,513
 
Deferred tax liability
   
448,095
 
Investment advisory fee payable
   
328,249
 
Interest payable
   
27,267
 
Accrued expenses
   
137,036
 
 
       
Total liabilities
   
17,508,160
 
         
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 8)
       
Total net assets
 
$
145,888,297
 
 
       
         
Net Assets:
       
Common shares, par value $.01 per share
 
$
105,107
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
95,225,528
 
Retained net realized gain on investments, prior years
   
44,296,000
 
Undistributed net investment income
   
3,407,594
 
Accumulated net realized gain on investments
   
7,598,962
 
Net unrealized depreciation of investments
   
(4,744,894
)
 
       
Total net assets
 
$
145,888,297
 
 
       
Common shares issued and outstanding (14,787,750 authorized)
   
10,510,689
 
 
       
Net asset value per share
 
$
13.88
 
 
       
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Investment Income:
     
Interest
 
$
9,947,721
 
Dividends
   
270,122
 
Other
   
89,966
 
 
       
Total investment income
   
10,307,809
 
 
       
         
Expenses:
       
Investment advisory fees
   
980,452
 
Interest
   
460,125
 
Trustees' fees and expenses
   
180,000
 
Professional fees
   
179,194
 
Reports to shareholders
   
76,000
 
Custodian fees
   
18,000
 
Other
   
74,871
 
 
       
Total expenses
   
1,968,642
 
 
       
Investment income - net
   
8,339,167
 
 
       
         
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments:
       
Net realized gain on investments before taxes
   
5,569,705
 
Income tax expense
   
(288,677
)
 
       
Net realized gain on investments after taxes
   
5,281,028
 
 
       
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments before taxes
   
(8,609,944
)
Net (increase) decrease in deferred income tax expense
   
321,618
 
 
       
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments after taxes
   
(8,288,326
)
 
       
Net loss on investments
   
(3,007,298
)
 
       
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
 
$
5,331,869
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Net increase in cash:
     
Cash flows from operating activities:
     
Purchases/Proceeds/Maturities from short-term portfolio securities, net
 
$
4,100,942
 
Purchases of portfolio securities
   
(42,565,890
)
Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities
   
48,788,144
 
Interest, dividends and other income received
   
8,178,544
 
Interest expense paid
   
(460,125
)
Operating expenses paid
   
(1,523,897
)
Income taxes paid
   
(2,102,026
)
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
14,415,692
 
 
       
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
Cash dividends paid from net investment income
   
(8,485,590
)
Receipts for shares issued on reinvestment of dividends
   
738,249
 
 
       
Net cash used for financing activities
   
(7,747,341
)
 
       
Net increase in cash
   
6,668,351
 
Cash - beginning of period
   
5,773,177
 
 
       
Cash - end of period
 
$
12,441,528
 
 
       
         
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets to
net cash provided by operating activities:
       
 
       
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
 
$
5,331,869
 
 
       
Decrease in investments
   
10,071,089
 
Increase in interest receivable
   
(399,673
)
Increase in other assets
   
(4,759
)
Increase in payable for investments purchased
   
1,567,513
 
Decrease in deferred tax liability
   
(321,618
)
Increase in investment advisory fee payable
   
919
 
Decrease in accrued expenses
   
(16,299
)
Decrease in tax payable
   
(1,813,349
)
 
       
Total adjustments to net assets from operations
   
9,083,823
 
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
14,415,692
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
 
 
 
For the nine
months ended
9/30/2018
(Unaudited)
   
For the
year ended
12/31/2017
 
Increase in net assets:
           
Operations:
           
Investment income - net
 
$
8,339,167
   
$
11,340,081
 
Net realized gain on investments after taxes
   
5,281,028
     
2,280,108
 
Net change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of investments after taxes
   
(8,288,326
)
   
5,517,329
 
                 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
5,331,869
     
19,137,518
 
 
               
Increase from common shares issued on reinvestment of dividends
               
Common shares issued (2018 - 52,527; 2017 - 71,989)
   
738,249
     
1,001,726
 
 
               
Dividends to shareholders from:
               
Net investment income (2018 - $0.54 per share; 2017 - $1.08 per share)
   
(5,661,886
)
   
(11,265,910
)
 
               
Total increase in net assets
   
408,232
     
8,873,334
 
 
               
Net assets, beginning of period/year
   
145,480,065
     
136,606,731
 
 
               
 
               
Net assets, end of period/year (including undistributed net investment income of
$3,407,594 and $730,313, respectively)
 
$
145,888,297
   
$
145,480,065
 
 
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 nine
months ended
9/30/2018
(Unaudited)
   
For the years ended December 31,
 
 
     
2017
   
2016
   
2015
   
 
2014
 
Net asset value:
                             
Beginning of period/year
 
$
13.91
   
$
13.15
   
$
13.10
   
$
13.35
   
$
12.83
 
 
                                       
Net investment income (a)
   
0.80
     
1.09
     
1.00
     
0.95
     
1.04
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
(0.29
)
   
0.75
     
0.13
     
(0.12
)
   
0.57
 
 
                                       
Total from investment operations
   
0.51
     
1.84
     
1.13
     
0.83
     
1.61
 
 
                                       
Dividends from net investment income to common shareholders
   
(0.54
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(0.96
)
Dividends from realized gain on investments to common shareholders
   
     
     
     
     
(0.12
)
Increase from dividends reinvested
   
(0.00
)(b)
   
(0.00
)(b)
   
(0.00
)(b)
   
(0.00
)(b)
   
(0.01
)
 
                                       
Total dividends
   
(0.54
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.09
)
 
                                       
Net asset value:
                                       
End of period/year
 
$
13.88
   
$
13.91
   
$
13.15
   
$
13.10
   
$
13.35
 
 
                                       
Per share market value:
                                       
End of period/year
 
$
14.90
   
$
14.10
   
$
14.20
   
$
13.75
   
$
13.23
 
 
                                       
Total investment return
                                       
Net asset value (c)
   
3.76%
 
   
14.29%
 
   
8.75%
 
   
6.23%
 
   
13.61%
 
Market value (c)
   
9.75%
 
   
7.21%
 
   
11.45%
 
   
12.66%
 
   
12.54%
 
                                         
Net assets (in millions):
                                       
End of period/year
 
$
145.89
   
$
145.48
   
$
136.61
   
$
135.35
   
$
137.57
 
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
   
2.08%
 (d)
   
3.23%
 
   
2.26%
 
   
2.17%
 
   
2.84%
 
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
   
1.39%
 (d)
   
1.49%
 
   
1.35%
 
   
1.49%
 
   
1.49%
 
Ratio of interest expense to average net assets
   
0.42%
 (d)
   
0.43%
 
   
0.44%
 
   
0.44%
 
   
0.45%
 
Ratio of income tax expense to average net assets
   
0.27%
 (d)
   
1.31%
 
   
0.47%
 
   
0.24%
 
   
0.90%
 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
7.66%
 (d)
   
7.92%
 
   
7.45%
 
   
6.95%
 
   
7.82%
 
Portfolio turnover
   
30%
 
   
24%
 
   
31%
 
   
30%
 
   
32%
 
                 
(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)
Annualized.
 
Senior borrowings:
                             
Total principal amount (in millions)
 
$
15
   
$
15
   
$
15
   
$
15
   
$
15
 
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness
 
$
10,726
   
$
10,699
   
$
10,107
   
$
10,023
   
$
10,171
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities - 85.06%: (A)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
Private Placement Investments - 72.65%: (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.
 
10.49% Second Lien Term Loan due 12/22/2022
(LIBOR + 8.250%)
 
$
1,725,000
   
12/21/17
   
$
1,696,233
   
$
1,691,315
 
 
                             
ABC Industries, Inc.
                             
A manufacturer of mine and tunneling ventilation products in the U.S.
 
13% Senior Subordinated Note due 07/31/2019
 
$
109,335
   
08/01/12
     
107,265
     
109,140
 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)
 
125,000 shs.
   
08/01/12
     
125,000
     
243,046
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2022, to purchase
common stock at $.02 per share (B)
 
22,414 shs.
   
08/01/12
     
42,446
     
42,137
 
 
                 
274,711
     
394,323
 
 
                             
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
     
26,868
 
* 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.
 
12.5% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 09/27/2020
 
$
1,224,547
   
02/28/22
     
1,214,049
     
1,198,036
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
1,122 shs.
   
02/28/22
     
112,154
     
112,789
 
Common Stock (B)
 
346 shs.
   
02/28/22
     
346
     
 
 
                   
1,326,549
     
1,310,825
 
 
                               
AM Conservation Holding Corp.
                               
A supplier of energy efficiency ("EE") products, including lighting, shower heads and aerators, and weatherization products such as door seals and weather stripping.
 
11.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 04/30/2023
 
$
1,568,182
   
10/31/16
     
1,546,468
     
1,581,507
 
11.5% (1.25% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 
04/30/2023
 
$
206,039
   
10/06/17
     
202,471
     
207,350
 
Common Stock (B)
 
156,818 shs.
   
10/31/16
     
156,818
     
180,036
 
 
                   
1,905,757
     
1,968,893
 
 
                               
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
     
218,719
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 

8
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
API Technologies Corp.
                       
A designer, developer and manufacturer of electronic systems, subsystems, modules and secure communications for technically demanding defense, aerospace and commercial applications in the U.S. and internationally.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
0.40% int.
   
04/20/16
   
$
240,741
   
$
451,950
 
 
                           
ASC Holdings, Inc.
                           
A manufacturer of capital equipment used by corrugated box manufacturers.
 
13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 05/18/2021
 
$
761,884
   
11/19/15
     
753,468
     
699,224
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
111,100 uts.
   
11/18/15
     
111,100
     
 
 
                 
864,568
     
699,224
 
 
                             
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC
 
A distributor of aftermarket over-the-road semi-trailer parts and accessories sold to customers across North America.
 
11% Senior Subordinated Note due 02/17/2022
 
$
1,515,400
   
08/17/15
     
1,497,401
     
1,466,455
 
14% Senior Subordinated Note due 08/17/2022
 
$
10,486
   
08/30/18
     
10,486
     
10,394
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
210 shs.
   
08/17/15
     
209,390
     
109,573
 
Common Stock (B)
 
210 shs.
   
08/17/15
     
210
     
 
 
                 
1,717,487
     
1,586,422
 
 
                             
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 (B)(F)
 
45,504 uts.
     
*
     
     
 
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
     
 
 
                               
BBB Industries LLC
 
A supplier of re-manufactured parts to the North American automotive aftermarket.
 
10.60% Second Lien Term Loan due 06/26/2026
(LIBOR + 8.500%)
 
$
1,725,000
   
08/02/18
     
1,674,221
     
1,707,750
 
 
                               
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
 
$
1,506,408
   
10/11/17
     
1,480,542
     
1,473,033
 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)
 
23 shs.
   
10/11/17
     
232,373
     
232,400
 
Common Stock Class A (B)
 
735 shs.
   
10/11/17
     
735
     
30,793
 
 
                   
1,713,650
     
1,736,226
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 

9
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
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
 
$
1,469,724
     
04/28/17
   
$
1,444,823
   
$
1,447,458
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
2,760 uts.
     
04/28/17
     
276,000
     
147,864
 
 
           
 
     
1,720,823
     
1,595,322
 
 
           
 
                 
Blue Wave Products, Inc.
 
A distributor of pool supplies.
 
13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 09/30/2019
 
$
337,259
     
10/12/12
     
332,343
     
337,259
 
Common Stock (B)
51,064 shs.
     
10/12/12
     
51,064
     
227,575
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2022, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
20,216 shs.
     
10/12/12
     
20,216
     
90,096
 
 
           
 
     
403,623
     
654,930
 
 
           
 
                 
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)
29,560 shs.
     
06/30/15
     
937,438
     
 
 
           
 
                 
Cadence, Inc.
 
A full-service contract manufacturer ("CMO") and supplier of advanced products, technologies, and services to medical device, life science, and industrial companies.
 
6.74% Lien Term Loan due 04/30/2025
(LIBOR + 4.500%)
 
$
811,823
     
05/14/18
     
796,431
     
792,814
 
 
           
 
                 
Cadent, LLC
 
A provider of advertising solutions driven by data and technology.
 
9.75% Term Loan due 09/07/2023
(LIBOR + 5.500%)
 
$
1,026,038
     
09/04/18
     
1,015,857
     
1,020,908
 
 
           
 
                 
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 06/19/2020
 
$
800,858
     
01/19/11
     
796,616
     
794,470
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/19/2020
 
$
212,387
     
08/03/12
     
211,377
     
208,749
 
Common Stock (B)
375 shs.
     
01/19/11
     
37,500
     
31,716
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2021, to purchase common
stock at $.01 per share (B)
295 shs.
     
01/19/11
     
29,250
     
24,931
 
 
           
 
     
1,074,743
     
1,059,866
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 

10
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
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
   
$
192,807
 
 
                           
Clubessential LLC
                           
A leading SaaS platform for private clubs and resorts.
 
7% (5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 01/12/24
 
$
1,787,305
   
01/16/18
     
1,755,517
     
1,773,801
 
 
                             
Compass Chemical International LLC
 
A manufacturer and supplier of standard and specialty formulated chemicals, primarily phosphoric acid derivatives called phosphonates.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
230 uts.
   
03/04/15
     
147,305
     
244,984
 
 
                             
CORA Health Services, Inc.
 
A provider of outpatient rehabilitation therapy services.
 
11% (1% PIK) Term Loan due 05/05/2025
 
$
2,086,422
   
05/01/18
     
1,463,052
     
1,415,430
 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)
 
758 shs.
   
06/30/16
     
38,258
     
91,182
 
Common Stock Class A (B)
 
3,791 shs.
   
06/30/16
     
3,791
     
20,030
 
 
                 
1,505,101
     
1,526,642
 
 
                             
CTM Holding, Inc.
 
A leading owner and operator of coin-operated children's rides, penny presses and candy kiosks in the U.S.
 
15% (3% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 12/31/2020
 
$
1,366,519
   
11/22/13
     
1,359,133
     
1,366,519
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/04/2020
 
$
337,797
   
05/08/18
     
329,577
     
332,452
 
Common Stock (B)
 
90 shs.
     
*
     
514,284
     
997,754
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2028, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
2 shs.
   
05/08/18
     
     
22,172
 
* 11/22/13 and 09/16/16.
                   
2,202,994
     
2,718,897
 
 
                               
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
 
$
1,420,588
   
10/07/16
     
1,398,778
     
1,388,981
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
336,487 uts.
     
*
     
343,121
     
245,636
 
* 10/07/16 and 07/25/18.
                   
1,741,899
     
1,634,617
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 

11
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
Discovery Education, Inc.
 
A provider of standards-based, digital education content for K-12 schools.
 
7.04% Term Loan due 04/30/2024
(LIBOR + 4.750%)
 
$
1,921,590
     
04/20/18
   
$
1,885,858
   
$
1,876,252
 
 
           
 
                 
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
     
265,889
 
Common Stock (B)
 
25 shs.
     
05/04/12
     
28,048
     
 
 
           
 
     
280,482
     
265,889
 
 
           
 
                 
DuBois Chemicals, Inc.
           
 
                 
A provider of consumable, value-added specialty cleaning chemical solutions to the industrial, transportation paper and water markets.
 
10.40% Second Lien Term Loan due 08/31/2025
(LIBOR + 8.000%)
 
$
1,725,000
     
09/19/18
     
1,707,750
     
1,707,750
 
 
           
 
                 
Dunn Paper
           
 
                 
A provider of specialty paper for niche product applications.
 
10.99% Second Lien Term Loan due 08/26/2023
(LIBOR + 8.750%)
 
$
1,725,000
     
09/28/16
     
1,700,367
     
1,729,313
 
 
           
 
                 
ECG Consulting Group
           
 
                 
A healthcare management consulting company who provides strategic, financial, operational, and technology related consulting services to healthcare providers.
 
11.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/20/2025
 
$
758,719
     
06/20/18
     
744,139
     
756,962
 
11.5% (0.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/20/2025
 
$
1,328,581
     
11/21/14
     
1,314,495
     
1,325,505
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
230 uts.
     
11/19/14
     
36,199
     
86,897
 
 
           
 
     
2,094,833
     
2,169,364
 
 
           
 
                 
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 01/14/2022 (D)
 
$
1,588,640
     
10/14/16
     
1,568,694
     
1,509,208
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
101 uts.
     
10/14/16
     
159,722
     
40,662
 
 
           
 
     
1,728,416
     
1,549,870
 
 
           
 
                 
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
 
$
1,335,621
     
06/30/17
     
1,313,102
     
1,305,319
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
397,695 uts.
     
06/30/17
     
397,695
     
326,110
 
 
           
 
     
1,710,797
     
1,631,429
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 

12
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
E.S.P. Associates, P.A.
         
 
             
A professional services firm providing engineering, surveying and planning services to infrastructure projects.
 
12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 10/04/2023
 
$
690,226
     
04/04/18
   
$
677,375
   
$
682,313
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
229 uts.
     
04/04/18
     
228,955
     
247,971
 
 
           
 
     
906,330
     
930,284
 
 
           
 
                 
F F C Holding Corporation
           
 
                 
A leading U.S. manufacturer of private label frozen novelty and ice cream products.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B)
 
171 uts.
     
09/27/10
     
58,345
     
24,100
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)
 
171 uts.
     
09/27/10
     
17,073
     
 
 
           
 
     
75,418
     
24,100
 
 
           
 
                 
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 Preferred (B)
 
80,559 uts.
     
04/15/14
     
     
80,558
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B)
 
65,789 uts.
     
12/15/10
     
65,789
     
422,290
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-2 (B)
 
8,248 uts.
     
12/15/10
     
8,248
     
52,943
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-3 (B)
 
6,522 uts.
     
08/30/12
     
15,000
     
43,558
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class C (B)
 
1,575 uts.
     
12/20/10
     
16,009
     
68,206
 
 
           
 
     
105,046
     
667,555
 
 
           
 
                 
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
     
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)
 
767 uts.
     
10/05/12
     
767
     
 
 
           
 
     
76,687
     
 
 
           
 
                 
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 03/27/2019
 
$
1,499,222
     
03/27/13
     
1,496,582
     
1,349,300
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,181 shs.
     
03/27/13
     
118,110
     
3,679
 
 
           
 
     
1,614,692
     
1,352,979
 
 
           
 
                 
Glynlyon Holding Companies, Inc.
           
 
                 
A technology-enabled curriculum provider of K-12 and support services predominantly to small and medium public school districts.
 
Common Stock (B)
 
147 shs.
     
01/15/16
     
103,205
     
193,076
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 
 

13
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
GlynnDevins Acquisition Corporation
                       
A marketing communications agency that services senior living facilities.
             
Preferred Stock Series A (B)
 
342 shs.
   
06/19/15
   
$
70,683
   
$
89,256
 
Common Stock (B)
 
342 shs.
   
06/19/15
     
2,945
     
147,056
 
 
               
73,628
     
236,312
 
 
                           
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.
 
8.39% Term Loan due 12/21/2022
(LIBOR + 6.000%)
 
$
2,446,513
   
12/19/17
     
2,403,942
     
2,399,013
 
 
                             
GTI Holding Company
                             
A designer, developer, and marketer of precision specialty hand tools and handheld test instruments.
 
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 05/22/2023
 
$
727,865
   
02/05/14
     
706,730
     
727,865
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,046 shs.
     
*
     
104,636
     
131,843
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2027, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
397 shs.
   
02/05/14
     
36,816
     
50,040
 
* 02/05/14 and 11/22/17.
                   
848,182
     
909,748
 
 
                               
Handi Quilter Holding Company (Premier Needle Arts)
                         
A designer and manufacturer of long-arm quilting machines and related components for the consumer quilting market.
 
12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/19/2021
 
$
1,725,000
     
*
     
1,706,207
     
1,712,013
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B)
 
372 uts.
     
**
 
   
371,644
     
471,646
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common Class A (B)
 
3,594 uts.
   
12/19/14
     
     
33,528
 
* 12/19/14 and 02/21/17.
                   
2,077,851
     
2,217,187
 
* *12/19/14 and 04/29/16.
                               
 
                               
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 07/01/2022
 
$
993,896
   
07/01/16
     
980,155
     
1,003,835
 
Common Stock (B)
 
150 shs.
   
07/01/16
     
149,500
     
213,685
 
 
                   
1,129,655
     
1,217,520
 
 
                               
Hartland Controls Holding Corporation
                               
A manufacturer and distributor of electronic and electromechanical components.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 08/14/2020
 
$
1,145,688
   
02/14/14
     
1,138,481
     
1,145,688
 
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 08/14/2020
 
$
431,250
   
06/22/15
     
429,584
     
430,609
 
Common Stock (B)
 
821 shs.
   
02/14/14
     
822
     
267,601
 
 
                   
1,568,887
     
1,843,898
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 

14
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
HHI Group, LLC
                       
A developer, marketer, and distributor of hobby-grade radio control products.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 11/26/2020
 
$
1,675,777
   
01/17/14
   
$
1,665,178
   
$
1,675,777
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
102 uts.
   
01/17/14
     
101,563
     
44,253
 
 
                 
1,766,741
     
1,720,030
 
 
                             
Hollandia Produce LLC
                             
A hydroponic greenhouse producer of branded root vegetables.
 
14.25% (2.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 12/11/2020
 
$
1,434,770
     
*
     
1,420,640
     
1,363,031
 
10.1% Term Loan due 12/12/2020
(LIBOR + 8.000%)
 
$
109,916
   
04/06/18
     
109,916
     
109,652
 
10.1% Term Loan due 12/11/2020
(LIBOR + 8.000%)
 
$
146,780
   
04/06/18
     
146,780
     
146,429
 
* 12/30/15 and 12/23/16.
                   
1,677,336
     
1,619,112
 
 
                               
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
     
     
 
 
                   
     
 
 
                               
Impact Confections
                               
An independent manufacturer and marketer of confectionery products including Warheads® brand sour candies, Melster® brand classic candies, and co-manufactured/private label classic candies.
 
15% (15% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 11/10/2020 (D)
 
$
1,306,594
   
11/10/14
     
1,297,147
     
 
Common Stock (B)
 
2,300 shs.
   
11/10/14
     
230,000
     
 
 
                   
1,527,147
     
 
 
                               
JMH Investors LLC
                               
A developer and manufacturer of custom formulations for a wide variety of foods.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
1,038,805 uts.
   
12/05/12
     
232,207
     
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A-1 (B)(F)
 
159,048 uts.
   
10/31/16
     
159,048
     
294,064
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A-2 (B)(F)
 
1,032,609 uts.
   
10/31/16
     
     
169,430
 
 
                   
391,255
     
463,494
 
 
                               
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
     
     
89,409
 
Common Stock (B)
 
353 shs.
   
07/15/08
     
285,619
     
304,713
 
 
                   
285,619
     
394,122
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 

15
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Manhattan Beachwear Holding Company
                       
A designer and distributor of women's swimwear.
 
12.5% Senior Subordinated Note due 04/30/2019 (D)
 
$
419,971
   
01/15/10
   
$
404,121
   
$
377,974
 
15% (2.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 04/30/2019 (D)
 
$
115,253
   
10/05/10
     
114,604
     
103,727
 
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 2019, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
104 shs.
   
10/05/10
     
94,579
     
 
 
 
                 
766,351
     
481,701
 
 
                             
Master Cutlery LLC
                             
A designer and marketer of a wide assortment of knives and swords.
 
13% Senior Subordinated Note due 04/17/2020
 
$
868,102
   
04/17/15
     
864,572
     
390,646
 
Limited Liability Company Unit
 
5 uts.
   
04/17/15
     
678,329
     
 
 
                 
1,542,901
     
390,646
 
 
                             
Merex Holding Corporation
                             
A provider of after-market spare parts and components, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul services for "out of production" or "legacy" aerospace and defense systems that are no longer effectively supported by the original equipment manufacturers.
 
16% Senior Subordinated Note due 10/30/2019 (D)
 
$
454,295
   
09/22/11
     
449,013
     
159,003
 
15% PIK Senior Subordinated Note
due 04/30/2022 (D)
 
$
23,839
   
08/18/15
     
23,839
     
 
14% PIK Senior Subordinated Note due 06/30/2019
 
$
68,718
     
*
     
68,718
     
68,406
 
Common Stock Class A (B)
 
83,080 shs.
     
**
 
   
170,705
     
 
* 10/21/16, 01/27/17 and 10/13/17.
                   
712,275
     
227,409
 
** 08/18/15, 10/20/16 and 01/27/17.
                               
 
                               
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
 
$
1,126,148
   
09/30/14
     
1,114,606
     
1,126,148
 
12% Senior Subordinated Note
due 09/30/2021
 
$
302,537
   
02/28/18
     
297,340
     
308,633
 
Common Stock Class B (B)
 
259,252 shs.
     
*
     
244,163
     
71,799
 
* 09/30/14 and 02/28/18.
                   
1,656,109
     
1,506,580
 
 
                               
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 6/20/23
 
$
915,819
   
03/09/18
     
899,352
     
888,430
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
182 uts.
   
03/09/18
     
183,164
     
10,873
 
 
                   
1,082,516
     
899,303
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 

16
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc.
         
 
             
A supplier of industrial maintenance, repair, and operations ("MRO") products, specializing in the fabrication and distribution of lightweight conveyor belting and related conveyor components and accessories.
 
12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 12/02/2022
 
$
1,582,309
     
12/02/16
   
$
1,558,411
   
$
1,573,613
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
1,711 shs.
     
12/02/16
     
171,116
     
163,792
 
Common Stock (B)
 
242 shs.
     
12/02/16
     
242
     
 
 
           
 
     
1,729,769
     
1,737,405
 
 
           
 
                 
Money Mailer Equity LLC
           
 
                 
A leading provider of hyperlocal shared direct mail advertising as well as interactive and online advertising solutions through its nationwide production and distribution network.
 
12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 10/29/2021
 
$
1,765,786
     
04/29/16
     
1,743,894
     
882,893
 
 
           
 
                 
Motion Controls Holdings
           
 
                 
A manufacturer of high performance mechanical motion control and linkage products.
 
14.25% (1.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 08/15/2020
 
$
287,973
     
11/30/10
     
286,721
     
287,739
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B)(F)
 
75,000 uts.
     
11/30/10
     
     
51,922
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-2 (B)(F)
 
6,801 uts.
     
11/30/10
     
     
4,708
 
 
           
 
     
286,721
     
344,369
 
 
           
 
                 
New Mountain Learning, LLC
           
 
                 
A leading provider of blended learning solutions to the K-12 and post-secondary school market.
         
7.89% Term Loan due 3/16/2024 (LIBOR + 5.500%)
 
$
1,792,448
     
03/15/18
     
1,665,813
     
1,658,725
 
 
           
 
                 
NSi Industries Holdings, Inc.
           
 
                 
A manufacturer and distributer of electrical components and accessories to small to mid-sized electrical wholesalers.
 
12.75% (1.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 05/17/2023
 
$
1,527,814
     
06/30/16
     
1,505,322
     
1,517,821
 
Common Stock (B)
 
207 shs.
     
05/17/16
     
207,000
     
259,612
 
 
           
 
     
1,712,322
     
1,777,433
 
 
           
 
                 
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
     
1,752,299
     
1,758,924
 
Common Stock Class B (B)
 
380,545 shs.
     
*
     
380,545
     
588,612
 
* 01/29/16 and 02/17/17.
           
 
     
2,132,844
     
2,347,536
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 

17
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
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.
 
11.25% Term Loan due 11/16/2022
 
$
366,862
   
11/14/17
   
$
358,380
   
$
356,514
 
8.49% Term Loan due 11/17/2024
(LIBOR + 6.250%)
 
$
2,112,710
   
11/14/17
     
1,931,550
     
1,927,066
 
 
                 
2,289,930
     
2,283,580
 
 
                             
Petroplex Inv Holdings LLC
                             
A leading provider of acidizing services to E&P customers in the Permian Basin.
                 
Limited Liability Company
 
0.40% int.
     
*
     
175,339
     
19,255
 
* 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% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 01/31/2020
 
$
1,157,051
   
07/31/14
     
1,150,158
     
867,788
 
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.
                   
1,323,056
     
867,788
 
 
                               
Power Stop Holdings LLC
                               
A supplier of performance upgrade aftermarket brake products.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B)(F)
 
1,149 uts.
   
05/29/15
     
114,900
     
122,055
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)(F)
 
1,149 uts.
   
05/29/15
     
     
137,824
 
 
                   
114,900
     
259,879
 
 
                               
PPC Event Services
                               
A special event equipment rental business.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 05/20/2020
 
$
1,208,352
   
11/20/14
     
1,199,910
     
1,208,352
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
3,450 uts.
   
11/20/14
     
172,500
     
286,265
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A-1 (B)
 
339 uts.
   
03/16/16
     
42,419
     
28,822
 
 
                   
1,414,829
     
1,523,439
 
 
                               
Randy's Worldwide Automotive
                               
A designer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts.
 
Common Stock (B)
 
118 shs.
   
05/12/15
     
118,476
     
305,572
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 

18
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
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.
 
10.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 02/28/2023
 
$
1,437,794
   
11/13/17
   
$
1,437,794
   
$
1,465,747
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B
 
293,617 uts.
   
11/13/17
     
184,688
     
274,295
 
 
                 
1,622,482
     
1,740,042
 
 
                             
Rock-it Cargo
                             
A provider of specialized international logistics solutions to the music touring, performing arts, live events, fine art and specialty industries.
 
7.09% Term Loan due 06/22/2024
(LIBOR + 4.750%)
 
$
2,465,000
   
07/30/18
     
2,405,150
     
2,400,844
 
 
                             
ROI Solutions
                             
Call center outsourcing and end user engagement services provider.
 
7.17% Term Loan due 07/31/2024
(LIBOR + 5.000%)
 
$
1,634,653
   
07/31/18
     
640,774
     
638,646
 
 
                             
Sara Lee Frozen Foods
                             
A provider of frozen bakery products, desserts and sweet baked goods.
 
6.74% Lien Term Loan due 07/31/2024
(LIBOR + 4.500%)
 
$
1,533,288
   
07/27/18
     
1,499,780
     
1,496,970
 
 
                             
Signature Systems Holding Company
                             
A seller and installer of a variety of modular surfaces, industrial matting and related products used for ground protection.
 
Common Stock (B)
 
76 shs.
   
03/15/13
     
75,509
     
258,220
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2023, to purchase
common stock A at $.01 per share (B)
 
31 shs.
   
03/15/13
     
28,316
     
105,497
 
 
                 
103,825
     
363,717
 
 
                             
Smart Source Holdings LLC
                             
A short-term computer rental company.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
328 uts.
     
*
     
261,262
     
479,594
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2020, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
83 shs.
     
*
     
67,467
     
121,481
 
* 08/31/07 and 03/06/08.
                   
328,729
     
601,075
 
 
                               
SMB Machinery Holdings, Inc.
                               
A reseller of used, rebuilt and refurbished packaging and processing equipment, primarily serving the bottling and food manufacturing industries.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 10/18/2019 (D)
 
$
738,694
   
10/18/13
     
726,147
     
 
Common Stock (B)
 
841 shs.
   
10/18/13
     
84,100
     
 
 
                   
810,247
     
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 

19
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Software Paradigms International Group, LLC
                       
An outsourced IT services provider focused on the retail industry.
 
12.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 11/23/2021
 
$
1,725,000
   
05/23/16
   
$
1,702,400
   
$
1,715,276
 
 
                             
SR Smith LLC
                             
A manufacturer of mine and tunneling ventilation products in the United States.
 
11% Senior Subordinated Note due 03/27/2022
 
$
1,084,565
     
*
     
1,076,389
     
1,073,751
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A (B)
 
229 uts.
     
*
     
1,060,968
     
1,295,171
 
* 03/27/07 and 08/07/18.
                   
2,137,357
     
2,368,922
 
 
                               
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
     
291,958
 
Preferred Stock Series A-2 (B)
 
26,543 shs.
   
09/10/15
     
29,994
     
48,749
 
 
                   
188,961
     
340,707
 
 
                               
Strategic Insight, Inc.
                               
A provider of largely proprietary data, market research, and business intelligence to the global asset management industry.
 
11.64% Second Lien Term Loan due 12/21/2024
(LIBOR + 9.250%)
 
$
1,725,000
   
12/28/17
     
1,690,390
     
1,633,554
 
 
                               
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 05/28/2020 (D)
 
$
1,812,109
     
*
     
1,358,229
     
1,540,293
 
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
     
1,540,293
 
 
                               
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 07/31/2021 (D)
 
$
1,405,417
   
07/31/15
     
1,392,548
     
1,194,605
 
Common Stock (B)
 
68 shs.
     
*
     
104,986
     
 
* 07/31/15 and 11/08/17.
                   
1,497,534
     
1,194,605
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 

 
 

20
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
Team Drive-Away Holdings LLC
         
 
             
An asset-light provider of over the road driveaway services for class 8 trucks and specialized equipment.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
95,800 uts.
     
10/15/15
   
$
95,800
   
$
203,000
 
 
         
 
                 
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
 
$
1,371,399
     
11/30/17
     
1,371,399
     
1,341,465
 
Limited Liability Company Unit
 
359,375 uts.
     
11/30/17
     
342,851
     
238,796
 
 
           
 
     
1,714,250
     
1,580,261
 
 
           
 
                 
Torrent Group Holdings, Inc.
           
 
                 
A contractor specializing in the sales and installation of engineered drywells for the retention and filtration of stormwater and nuisance water flow.
 
15% (7.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 12/05/2020
 
$
47,044
     
12/05/13
     
93,430
     
47,514
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2023, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
28,079 shs.
     
12/05/13
     
     
23,305
 
 
           
 
     
93,430
     
70,819
 
 
           
 
                 
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.
 
7.89% Term Loan due 04/30/2024
(LIBOR + 5.500%)
 
$
2,465,000
     
05/14/18
     
2,412,597
     
2,400,931
 
 
           
 
                 
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
 
$
1,173,744
     
01/23/15
     
1,164,561
     
1,113,391
 
 
           
 
                 
Trystar, Inc.
           
 
                 
A niche manufacturer of temporary power distribution products for the power rental, industrial, commercial utility and back-up emergency markets.
 
7.39% Term Loan due 10/01/2023
(LIBOR + 5.000%)
 
$
2,304,813
     
09/28/18
     
2,264,479
     
2,264,479
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)
 
47 uts.
     
09/28/18
     
46,562
     
46,560
 
 
           
 
     
2,311,041
     
2,311,039
 
 
           
 
                 
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.
 
10.89% Second Lien Term Loan due 2/14/2023
(LIBOR + 8.500%)
 
$
1,725,000
     
03/05/18
     
1,486,379
     
1,480,026
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 

21
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
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.
 
8.39% Lien Term Loan due 12/07/2023
(LIBOR + 6.000%)
 
$
2,089,500
     
12/07/17
   
$
2,071,414
   
$
2,070,793
 
 
           
 
                 
VP Holding Company
           
 
                 
A provider of school transportation services for special-needs and homeless children in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
 
7.89% Lien Term Loan due 05/22/2024
(LIBOR + 5.500%)
 
$
2,465,000
     
05/17/18
     
1,724,521
     
1,713,097
 
 
           
 
                 
Wellborn Forest Holding Company
           
 
                 
A manufacturer of semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinetry.
 
10% Senior Subordinated Note due 09/30/2019 (D)
 
$
1,778,423
     
11/30/06
     
1,336,280
     
1,778,422
 
Common Stock (B)
 
101 shs.
     
11/30/06
     
101,250
     
14,279
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2019, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
51 shs.
     
11/30/06
     
45,790
     
7,129
 
 
           
 
     
1,483,320
     
1,799,830
 
 
           
 
                 
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 02/03/2021
 
$
382,106
     
08/03/15
     
378,589
     
372,745
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
370,241 uts.
     
08/03/15
     
370,241
     
362,921
 
 
           
 
     
748,830
     
735,666
 
 
           
 
                 
Whitebridge Pet Brands Holdings, LLC
           
 
                 
A manufacturer and marketer of branded, all-natural treats and foods for dogs and cats.
 
11.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 08/18/2021
 
$
1,491,901
     
04/18/17
     
1,476,267
     
1,473,961
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B)(F)
 
123 uts.
     
04/18/17
     
148,096
     
141,720
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B)(F)
 
123 uts.
     
04/18/17
     
     
2,655
 
 
           
 
     
1,624,363
     
1,618,336
 
 
           
 
                 
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
     
156,818
     
217,507
 
 
           
 
                 
WP Supply Holding Corporation
           
 
                 
A distributor of fresh fruits and vegetables to grocery wholesalers and foodservice distributors in the upper Midwest.
 
14.5% (2.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/12/2020
 
$
1,009,773
     
11/03/11
     
1,009,428
     
989,071
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,500 shs.
     
11/03/11
     
150,000
     
104,057
 
 
           
 
     
1,159,428
     
1,093,128
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 
 

22
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
York Wall Holding Company
                       
A designer, manufacturer and marketer of wall covering products for both residential and commercial wall coverings.
 
14.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 03/04/2021 (D)
 
$
1,946,834
   
03/04/15
   
$
1,549,582
   
$
1,810,024
 
Common Stock (B)
 
2,046 shs.
     
*
     
200,418
     
94,758
 
 
                               
* 03/04/15 and 02/07/18
                   
1,750,000
     
1,904,782
 
 
                               
                                 
Total Private Placement Investments (E)
                 
$
109,983,886
   
$
105,987,170
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

23
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                           
Rule 144A Securities - 12.41%:
     
 
                 
                           
Bonds - 12.41%
     
 
                 
Acrisure, LLC
 
7.000
%
11/15/25
 
$
500,000
   
$
455,914
   
$
466,225
 
Alliance Residential Company
 
7.500
 
05/01/25
   
500,000
     
518,975
     
532,500
 
Altice Financing S.A.
 
7.500
 
05/15/26
   
400,000
     
400,000
     
390,000
 
Amsted Industries
 
5.375
 
09/15/24
   
240,000
     
240,000
     
237,600
 
Avantor Inc.
 
6.000
 
10/01/24
   
406,000
     
406,000
     
412,090
 
Avantor Inc.
 
9.00
 
10/01/25
   
500,000
     
516,722
     
516,250
 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
 
4.875
 
11/01/25
   
406,000
     
406,000
     
374,027
 
Boyne USA, Inc.
 
7.250
 
05/01/25
   
167,000
     
167,000
     
176,603
 
Cimpress N.V.
 
7.000
 
06/15/26
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
508,065
 
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
 
6.250
 
08/15/22
   
425,000
     
425,000
     
423,937
 
CVR Partners, L.P.
 
9.250
 
06/15/23
   
500,000
     
490,744
     
530,000
 
Endo Finance LLC
 
6.000
 
02/01/25
   
480,000
     
394,500
     
413,760
 
Endo Finance LLC
 
6.000
 
07/15/23
   
250,000
     
223,125
     
221,875
 
Enterprise Merger Sub Inc.
 
8.750
 
10/15/26
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
500,000
 
EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition Finance Inc.
 
9.375
 
05/01/24
   
406,000
     
249,444
     
334,950
 
Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc.
 
6.250
 
05/15/26
   
151,000
     
151,000
     
151,557
 
Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc.
 
8.250
 
11/15/26
   
195,000
     
195,000
     
193,818
 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
 
7.500
 
04/01/25
   
500,000
     
483,616
     
474,375
 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
 
7.250
 
04/01/23
   
500,000
     
494,414
     
477,813
 
Flex Acquisition Co Inc.
 
7.875
 
07/15/26
   
386,000
     
386,000
     
381,175
 
Hertz Corporation
 
7.625
 
06/01/22
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
493,750
 
Hilcorp Energy Company
 
5.000
 
12/01/24
   
335,000
     
335,000
     
326,876
 
IAMGOLD Corporation
 
7.000
 
04/15/25
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
496,150
 
JBS USA Lux S.A.
 
6.750
 
02/15/28
   
476,000
     
476,000
     
473,025
 
Jonah Energy LLC
 
7.250
 
10/15/25
   
500,000
     
427,580
     
382,500
 
Jupiter Resources Inc.
 
8.500
 
10/01/22
   
500,000
     
469,920
     
237,500
 
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands B.V.
 
6.875
 
05/15/23
   
663,000
     
674,940
     
658,028
 
Mattamy Group Corp.
 
6.500
 
10/01/25
   
500,000
     
490,127
     
485,000
 
Mattel, Inc.
 
6.750
 
12/31/25
   
500,000
     
482,102
     
490,000
 
Moog Inc.
 
5.250
 
12/01/22
   
500,000
     
502,401
     
503,750
 
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.
 
6.250
 
03/15/26
   
500,000
     
508,406
     
503,750
 
New Gold Inc.
 
6.250
 
11/15/22
   
500,000
     
501,890
     
436,250
 
OPE KAG Finance Sub
 
7.875
 
07/31/23
   
500,000
     
516,241
     
517,188
 
Prime Security Services Borrower
 
9.250
 
05/15/23
   
608,000
     
617,951
     
650,256
 
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
 
5.875
 
03/15/26
   
204,000
     
204,000
     
198,920
 
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
 
5.125
 
02/15/27
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
459,375
 
Suncoke Energy
 
7.500
 
06/15/25
   
500,000
     
493,229
     
515,000
 
Teine Energy Ltd.
 
6.875
 
09/30/22
   
500,000
     
506,250
     
503,750
 
Topaz Marine S.A.
 
9.125
 
07/26/22
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
512,480
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

24
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
 
7.000
%
03/15/24
 
$
173,000
   
$
173,000
   
$
182,775
 
Vine Oil & Gas, LP
 
8.750
 
04/15/23
   
500,000
     
463,614
     
488,750
 
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC
 
5.250
 
01/15/26
   
500,000
     
501,274
     
488,895
 
VRX Escrow Corp.
 
6.125
 
04/15/25
   
182,000
     
182,000
     
172,900
 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.
 
8.000
 
11/01/24
   
209,000
     
209,000
     
214,225
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Bonds
     
 
           
18,338,379
     
18,107,713
 
 
     
 
                       
Common Stock - 0.00%
     
 
                       
TherOX, Inc. (B)
     
 
   
2
     
     
 
Touchstone Health Partnership (B)
     
 
   
292
     
     
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Common Stock
     
 
           
     
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Total Rule 144A Securities
     
 
           
18,338,379
     
18,107,713
 
 
     
 
                       


Corporate Public Securities - 15.86%: (A)
 
LIBOR
Spread
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                               
Bank Loans - 4.25%
         
 
                 
Argon Medical Devices, Inc.
 
8.000
%
10.242
%
01/23/26
 
$
500,000
   
$
503,750
   
$
503,125
 
Big River Steel LLC.
 
5.000
 
7.386
 
08/11/23
   
118,173
     
117,206
     
119,798
 
BMC Software Finance, Inc.
 
4.250
 
6.586
 
06/26/25
   
500,000
     
495,000
     
504,685
 
CenturyLink Inc.
 
2.750
 
5.148
 
05/15/25
   
498,744
     
495,180
     
495,128
 
Coronado Coal LLC
 
6.500
 
8.886
 
03/29/25
   
223,269
     
216,995
     
225,223
 
Coronado Coal LLC
 
6.500
 
8.886
 
03/29/25
   
61,044
     
59,339
     
61,578
 
Edelman Financial Services
 
6.750
 
9.092
 
07/20/26
   
128,178
     
127,552
     
130,742
 
Getty Images, Inc.
 
3.500
 
5.742
 
10/18/19
   
389,592
     
379,779
     
386,494
 
Gulf Finance, LLC
 
5.250
 
7.640
 
08/25/23
   
251,510
     
249,772
     
210,280
 
ION Trading Technologies Sarl
 
4.000
 
6.386
 
11/21/24
   
276,243
     
269,410
     
274,947
 
Murray Energy Corporation
 
7.250
 
9.492
 
10/17/22
   
39,087
     
36,902
     
35,785
 
OCI Beaumont LLC
 
4.000
 
6.386
 
02/14/25
   
121,675
     
121,534
     
123,299
 
PowerSchool
 
7.000
 
8.854
 
05/29/26
   
500,000
     
495,096
     
500,000
 
Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc.
 
5.500
 
7.652
 
02/13/24
   
255,441
     
250,835
     
258,634
 
PS Logistics LLC
 
5.250
 
7.398
 
03/01/25
   
500,000
     
504,853
     
500,625
 
Schenectady International Group Inc.
 
4.750
 
4.750
 
08/10/25
   
307,325
     
295,032
     
308,093
 
Seadrill Partners Finco, LLC
 
6.000
 
8.386
 
02/21/21
   
464,734
     
325,525
     
440,452
 
STS Operating, Inc.
 
8.000
 
10.242
 
04/25/26
   
500,000
     
505,000
     
498,750
 
Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC
 
6.000
 
8.242
 
05/15/22
   
116,885
     
116,060
     
118,420
 
Unifrax Corporation
 
7.500
 
9.886
 
10/31/25
   
499,067
     
508,424
     
504,058
 
 
         
 
                       
Total Bank Loans
         
 
           
6,073,244
     
6,220,116
 
 
         
 
                       
                                     
Bonds - 11.27%
         
 
                       
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
     
6.125
%
05/15/27
 
$
500,000
   
$
487,410
   
$
478,750
 
Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C.
 
7.250
 
9.598
 
01/15/29
   
500,000
     
517,187
     
506,927
 
 
 
 
 
 

25
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Public Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
Anixter, Inc.
 
5.125
%
10/01/21
 
$
165,000
   
$
165,000
   
$
167,888
 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
 
8.750
 
03/15/22
   
160,000
     
160,000
     
169,200
 
Brunswick Corporation
 
7.125
 
08/01/27
   
500,000
     
503,516
     
568,893
 
Bunge Limited Finance Corp.
 
3.250
 
08/15/26
   
600,000
     
601,793
     
542,933
 
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
 
7.750
 
04/15/23
   
500,000
     
498,765
     
500,000
 
Clearwater Paper Corporation
 
4.500
 
02/01/23
   
489,000
     
486,564
     
454,770
 
CVR Refining LLC
 
6.500
 
11/01/22
   
350,000
     
343,550
     
355,250
 
CVS Health Corp.
 
4.300
 
03/25/28
   
345,000
     
340,192
     
342,295
 
Discovery Communications
 
4.900
 
03/11/26
   
600,000
     
644,753
     
615,805
 
Dish DBS Corporation
 
7.750
 
07/01/26
   
500,000
     
539,202
     
471,650
 
Expedia Inc.
 
4.500
 
08/15/24
   
600,000
     
621,815
     
603,449
 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
6.750
 
01/15/22
   
265,000
     
267,058
     
231,213
 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
8.625
 
06/15/20
   
650,000
     
650,212
     
617,500
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
 
4.375
 
08/06/23
   
600,000
     
636,141
     
593,192
 
General Motors Financial Co. Inc.
 
4.000
 
01/15/25
   
500,000
     
506,972
     
483,658
 
Genesis Energy, L.P.
 
5.625
 
06/15/24
   
500,000
     
472,841
     
472,500
 
Hospital Corporation of America
 
5.375
 
02/01/25
   
100,000
     
101,283
     
102,000
 
Hospital Corporation of America
 
5.250
 
06/15/26
   
174,000
     
174,000
     
179,003
 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
4.900
 
10/15/25
   
500,000
     
498,800
     
513,971
 
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation
 
6.625
 
08/01/26
   
500,000
     
497,029
     
483,750
 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
 
5.625
 
01/15/22
   
500,000
     
481,625
     
496,250
 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
 
6.250
 
03/15/23
   
500,000
     
501,193
     
500,000
 
M/I Homes, Inc.
 
5.625
 
08/01/25
   
500,000
     
475,989
     
470,000
 
NRG Energy, Inc.
 
7.250
 
05/15/26
   
500,000
     
502,720
     
542,500
 
Oasis Petroleum Inc.
 
6.875
 
03/15/22
   
474,000
     
455,776
     
482,286
 
PBF Holding Company LLC
 
6.997
 
11/15/23
   
33,000
     
33,000
     
34,320
 
PBF Holding Company LLC
 
7.250
 
06/15/25
   
500,000
     
516,701
     
525,000
 
Pitney Bowes Inc.
 
3.625
 
10/01/21
   
500,000
     
498,296
     
476,875
 
Reinsurance Group of America
 
3.950
 
09/15/26
   
500,000
     
502,671
     
485,000
 
SM Energy Company
 
6.750
 
09/15/26
   
750,000
     
744,811
     
779,062
 
Sprint Corporation
 
7.125
 
06/15/24
   
155,000
     
155,000
     
160,812
 
Trinity Acquisition Plc
 
4.400
 
03/15/26
   
500,000
     
514,006
     
497,478
 
William Lyon Homes
 
7.000
 
08/15/22
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
509,375
 
WPX Energy, Inc.
 
5.250
 
09/15/24
   
425,000
     
425,000
     
427,125
 
Xlit Ltd.
 
4.450
 
03/31/25
   
600,000
     
611,508
     
594,410
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Bonds
     
 
           
16,632,379
     
16,435,090
 
 
     
 
                       
Preferred Stock - 0.34%
     
 
                       
B. Riley Financial Inc.
     
 
   
20,000
     
500,000
     
501,000
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Preferred Stock
     
 
           
500,000
     
501,000
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Total Corporate Public Securities
     
 
         
$
23,205,623
   
$
23,136,206
 
 
     
 
                       
 
 
 
 
 
 

26
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Short-Term Security:
 
Interest
Rate/Yield^
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market Value
 
                           
Commercial Paper - 1.37%
     
 
                 
Aon Corp.
 
2.280
%
10/10/18
 
$
1,000,000
   
$
999,430
   
$
999,430
 
Comcast Corporation
 
2.370
 
10/16/18
   
1,000,000
     
999,013
     
999,013
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Short-Term Security
     
 
         
$
1,998,443
   
$
1,998,443
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Total Investments
 
102.29
%
 
         
$
153,526,331
   
$
149,229,532
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Other Assets
 
9.71
 
 
                   
14,166,925
 
Liabilities
 
(12.00
)
 
                   
(17,508,160
)
 
     
 
                       
Total Net Assets
 
100.00
%
 
                 
$
145,888,297
 
 
     
 
                       
 
 
(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 September 30, 2018 the values of these securities amounted to $105,987,170 or 72.65% of net assets.
(F)
Held in PI Subsidiary Trust
PIK - Payment-in-kind
 
 
 

27
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification:
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 4.02% 
 
API Technologies Corp.
 
$
451,950
 
BEI Precision Systems & Space
Company, Inc.
   
1,595,322
 
Merex Holding Corporation
   
227,409
 
Sunvair Aerospace Group Inc.
   
1,194,605
 
Trident Maritime Systems
   
2,400,931
 
 
   
5,870,217
 
 
       
AUTOMOTIVE - 5.03%
       
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC
   
1,586,422
 
BBB Industries LLC
   
1,707,750
 
DPL Holding Corporation
   
265,889
 
English Color & Supply LLC
   
1,631,429
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
   
593,192
 
General Motors Financial Co. Inc.
   
483,658
 
Moog Inc.
   
503,750
 
Power Stop Holdings LLC
   
259,879
 
Randy's Worldwide Automotive
   
305,572
 
 
   
7,337,541
 
 
       
BUILDING MATERIALS - 5.39%
       
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
   
374,027
 
Happy Floors Acquisition, Inc.
   
1,217,520
 
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc.
   
503,750
 
NSi Industries Holdings, Inc.
   
1,777,433
 
Signature Systems Holding Company
   
363,717
 
Sunrise Windows Holding Company
   
1,540,293
 
Torrent Group Holdings, Inc.
   
70,819
 
Wellborn Forest Holding Company
   
1,799,830
 
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.
   
217,507
 
 
   
7,864,896
 
 
       
CABLE & SATELLITE - 1.35%
       
Comcast Corporation
   
999,013
 
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation
   
483,750
 
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC
   
488,895
 
 
   
1,971,658
 
 
       
CHEMICALS - 3.39%
       
Compass Chemical International LLC
   
244,984
 
CVR Partners, L.P.
   
530,000
 
DuBois Chemicals, Inc.
   
1,707,750
 
 
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
LBC Tank Terminals Holding
Netherlands B.V.
 
$
658,028
 
OCI Beaumont LLC
   
123,299
 
Polytex Holdings LLC
   
867,788
 
Schenectady International Group Inc.
   
308,093
 
Unifrax Corporation
   
504,058
 
 
   
4,944,000
 
 
       
CONSUMER CYCLICAL SERVICES - 3.61% 
 
CHG Alternative Education
Holding Company
   
1,059,866
 
MeTEOR Education LLC
   
899,303
 
PPC Event Services
   
1,523,439
 
Prime Security Services Borrower
   
650,256
 
PS Logistics LLC
   
500,625
 
ROI Solutions
   
638,646
 
 
   
5,272,135
 
 
       
CONSUMER PRODUCTS - 10.40% 
 
AMS Holding LLC
   
218,719
 
Blue Wave Products, Inc.
   
654,930
 
Elite Sportwear Holding, LLC
   
1,549,870
 
gloProfessional Holdings, Inc.
   
1,352,979
 
GTI Holding Company
   
909,748
 
Handi Quilter Holding Company
   
2,217,187
 
HHI Group, LLC
   
1,720,030
 
Manhattan Beachwear Holding Company
   
481,701
 
Master Cutlery LLC
   
390,646
 
Mattel, Inc.
   
490,000
 
New Mountain Learning, LLC
   
1,658,725
 
Whitebridge Pet Brands Holdings, LLC
   
1,618,336
 
York Wall Holding Company
   
1,904,782
 
 
   
15,167,653
 
 
       
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - 7.13%
 
ABC Industries, Inc.
   
394,323
 
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
   
26,868
 
Amsted Industries
   
237,600
 
F G I Equity LLC
   
667,555
 
K P I Holdings, Inc.
   
394,122
 
Motion Controls Holdings
   
344,369
 
Reelcraft Industries, Inc.
   
1,740,042
 
SR Smith LLC
   
2,368,922
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

28
 
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification: (Continued)
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Strahman Holdings Inc.
 
$
340,707
 
Therma-Stor Holdings LLC
   
1,580,261
 
Trystar, Inc.
   
2,311,039
 
 
   
10,405,808
 
 
       
ELECTRIC - 1.72%
       
AM Conservation Holding Corp.
   
1,968,893
 
NRG Energy, Inc.
   
542,500
 
 
   
2,511,393
 
 
       
FINANCIAL OTHER - 4.16%
       
Acrisure, LLC
   
466,225
 
Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C.
   
506,927
 
Aon Corp.
   
999,430
 
B. Riley Financial Inc.
   
501,000
 
Edelman Financial Services
   
130,742
 
Financial & Risk US Holdings, Inc.
   
345,375
 
Strategic Insight, Inc.
   
1,633,554
 
U.S. Retirement and Benefit Partners, Inc.
   
1,480,026
 
 
   
6,063,279
 
 
       
FOOD & BEVERAGE - 7.15%
       
Bunge Limited Finance Corp.
   
542,933
 
Del Real LLC
   
1,634,617
 
F F C Holding Corporation
   
24,100
 
Hollandia Produce LLC
   
1,619,112
 
Impact Confections
   
 
JBS USA Lux S.A.
   
473,025
 
JMH Investors LLC
   
463,494
 
PANOS Brands LLC
   
2,347,536
 
Sara Lee Frozen Foods
   
1,496,970
 
Westminster Acquisition LLC
   
735,666
 
WP Supply Holding Corporation
   
1,093,128
 
 
   
10,430,581
 
 
       
GAMING - 1.86%
       
CTM Holding, Inc.
   
2,718,897
 
 
       
HEALTHCARE - 5.02%
       
Argon Medical Devices, Inc.
   
503,125
 
Avantor Inc.
   
928,340
 
Cadence, Inc.
   
792,814
 
CORA Health Services, Inc.
   
1,526,642
 
ECG Consulting Group
   
2,169,364
 
 
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Enterprise Merger Sub Inc.
 
$
500,000
 
GD Dental Services LLC
   
 
Hospital Corporation of America
   
281,003
 
Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc.
   
258,634
 
TherOX, Inc.
   
 
Touchstone Health Partnership
   
 
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
   
182,775
 
VRX Escrow Corp.
   
172,900
 
 
   
7,315,597
 
 
       
HEALTH INSURANCE - 0.33%
       
Reinsurance Group of America
   
485,000
 
 
       
HOME CONSTRUCTION - 1.12% 
 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
   
169,200
 
Mattamy Group Corp.
   
485,000
 
M/I Homes, Inc.
   
470,000
 
William Lyon Homes
   
509,375
 
 
   
1,633,575
 
 
       
INDEPENDENT - 1.71%
       
Jupiter Resources Inc.
   
237,500
 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
   
996,250
 
Oasis Petroleum Inc.
   
482,286
 
SM Energy Company
   
779,062
 
 
   
2,495,098
 
 
       
INDUSTRIAL OTHER - 5.14%
       
AFC - Dell Holding Corporation
   
1,310,825
 
Brunswick Corporation
   
568,893
 
E.S.P. Associates, P.A.
   
930,284
 
Hartland Controls Holding Corporation
   
1,843,898
 
Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc.
   
1,737,405
 
Smart Source Holdings LLC
   
601,075
 
SMB Machinery Holdings, Inc.
   
 
STS Operating, Inc.
   
498,750
 
 
   
7,491,130
 
 
       
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT - 5.01% 
 
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
   
478,750
 
BlueSpire Holding, Inc.
   
 
Boyne USA, Inc.
   
176,603
 
Cimpress N.V.
   
508,065
 
Cross MediaWorks Inc.
   
1,020,908
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

29
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification: (Continued)
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Discovery Communications
 
$
615,805
 
Discovery Education, Inc.
   
1,876,252
 
Dish DBS Corporation
   
471,650
 
Getty Images, Inc.
   
386,494
 
GlynnDevins Acquisition Corporation
   
236,312
 
HOP Entertainment LLC
   
 
Money Mailer Equity LLC
   
882,893
 
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
   
198,920
 
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
   
459,375
 
 
   
7,312,027
 
 
       
METALS & MINING - 2.46%
       
Alliance Residential Company
   
532,500
 
Big River Steel LLC.
   
119,798
 
Coronado Coal LLC
   
286,801
 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
   
952,188
 
IAMGOLD Corporation
   
496,150
 
Murray Energy Corporation
   
35,785
 
New Gold Inc.
   
436,250
 
Suncoke Energy
   
515,000
 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.
   
214,225
 
 
   
3,588,697
 
 
       
MIDSTREAM - 1.23%
       
CVR Refining LLC
   
355,250
 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
   
848,713
 
Genesis Energy, L.P.
   
472,500
 
Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC
   
118,420
 
 
   
1,794,883
 
 
       
OIL FIELD SERVICES - 2.50%
       
Avantech Testing Services LLC
   
 
EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition
Finance Inc.
   
334,950
 
Gulf Finance, LLC
   
210,280
 
Hilcorp Energy Company
   
326,876
 
Jonah Energy LLC
   
382,500
 
Petroplex Inv Holdings LLC
   
19,255
 
Seadrill Partners Finco, LLC
   
440,452
 
Teine Energy Ltd.
   
503,750
 
Topaz Marine S.A.
   
512,480
 
WPX Energy, Inc.
   
427,125
 
Vine Oil & Gas, LP
   
488,750
 
      3,646,418  
 
       
 
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
PACKAGING - 0.74%
     
ASC Holdings, Inc.
 
$
699,224
 
Flex Acquisition Co Inc.
   
381,175
 
 
   
1,080,399
 
 
       
PAPER - 1.50%
       
Clearwater Paper Corporation
   
454,770
 
Dunn Paper
   
1,729,313
 
 
   
2,184,083
 
 
       
PHARMACEUTICALS - 0.80%
       
Clarion Brands Holding Corp.
   
192,807
 
CVS Health Corp.
   
342,295
 
Endo Finance LLC
   
635,635
 
 
   
1,170,737
 
 
       
PROPERTY & CASUALTY - 0.75% 
 
Trinity Acquisition Plc
   
497,478
 
Xlit Ltd.
   
594,410
 
 
   
1,091,888
 
 
       
REFINING - 2.81%
       
Calumet Specialty Products Partners, L.P.
   
500,000
 
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
   
423,937
 
MES Partners, Inc.
   
1,506,580
 
PBF Holding Company LLC
   
559,320
 
Tristar Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
   
1,113,391
 
 
   
4,103,228
 
 
       
TECHNOLOGY - 10.02%
       
1A Smart Start, Inc.
   
1,691,315
 
Anixter, Inc.
   
167,888
 
BCC Software, Inc.
   
1,736,226
 
BMC Software Finance, Inc.
   
504,685
 
Clubessential LLC
   
1,773,801
 
Expedia Inc.
   
603,449
 
Glynlyon Holding Companies, Inc.
   
193,076
 
GraphPad Software, Inc.
   
2,399,013
 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
   
513,971
 
ION Trading Technologies Sarl
   
274,947
 
Pitney Bowes Inc.
   
476,875
 
PowerSchool
   
500,000
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

30

 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification: (Continued)
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Software Paradigms International
Group, LLC
 
$
1,715,276
 
Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc.
   
2,070,793
 
 
   
14,621,315
 
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 0.27%
       
Altice Financing S.A.
   
390,000
 
 
       
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - 5.22%
 
Hertz Corporation
   
493,750
 
OPE KAG Finance Sub
   
517,188
 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation
   
2,283,580
 
Rock-it Cargo
   
2,400,844
 
Team Drive-Away Holdings LLC
   
203,000
 
VP Holding Company
   
1,713,097
 
 
   
7,611,459
 
 
       
   
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
WIRELESS - 0.45%
     
CenturyLink Inc.
 
$
495,128
 
Sprint Corporation
   
160,812
 
 
   
655,940
 
 
       
Total Investments - 102.29%
(Cost - $153,526,331)
 
$
149,229,532
 
 
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

31
 
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 $105,987,170 (72.65% of net assets) as of September 30, 2018 whose values 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 – 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 September 30, 2018, 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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

32

 
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.
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 review also includes an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations, a process Barings continues to perform annually. 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 – 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 – 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 tranches of the capital structure to senior then junior subordinated debt, followed by each class of preferred stock and finally the 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, of sufficient credit quality, with more than sixty days to maturity are valued at fair value, using external independent third-party services. Short-term securities having a maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

33

 
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 September 30, 2018:
 
 
Fair Value
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range
Weighted
Bank Loans
$7,898,384
Broker Quote
Single Broker
98.3% to 102.0%
99.4%
           
 
$28,936,730
Discounted cash
Flows
Discount Rate
5.4% to 12.9%
7.4%
           
Corporate Bonds
$47,200,233
Discounted cash
Flows
Discount Rate
8.0% to 18.1%
12.5%
           
 
$9,618,382
Market Approach
Valuation Multiple
3.8x to 9.7x
7.1x
           
     
EBITDA
$0.2 million to
$15.4 million
$5.8 million
           
Equity Securities
$14,530,285
Market Approach
Valuation Multiple
3.8x to 14.1x
8.9x
           
     
EBITDA
$0.2 million to
$272.8 million
$38.5 million
 
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)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

34
 
Barings Participation Investors
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
 
 
The following table summarizes the levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the Trust's financial instruments are categorized as of September 30, 2018.
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 September 30, 2018 are as follows:
 
Assets:
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Restricted Securities
                       
Corporate Bonds
 
$
74,926,328
   
$
   
$
18,107,713
   
$
56,818,615
 
Bank Loans
   
34,638,270
     
     
     
34,638,270
 
Common Stock - U.S.
   
5,150,763
     
     
     
5,150,763
 
Preferred Stock
   
1,648,633
     
     
     
1,648,633
 
Partnerships and LLCs
   
7,730,889
     
     
     
7,730,889
 
Public Securities
                               
Bank Loans
   
6,200,116
     
     
4,003,272
     
2,196,844
 
Corporate Bonds
   
16,435,090
     
     
16,435,090
     
 
Common Stock - U.S.
   
     
     
     
 
Preferred Stock
   
501,000
     
501,000
     
     
 
Short-term Securities
   
1,998,443
     
     
1,998,443
     
 
Total
 
$
149,229,532
   
$
501,000
   
$
40,544,518
   
$
108,184,014
 
 
See information disaggregated by security type and industry classification in the Consolidated Schedule of Investments.
 
 
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
 
Assets:
 
Beginning
balance at
12/31/2017
   
Included in
earnings
   
Purchases
   
Sales
   
Prepayments
   
Transfers
into
Level 3
   
Transfers
out of
Level 3
   
Ending
balance at
9/30/2018
 
Restricted Securities
                                               
Corporate Bonds
 
$
68,182,386
   
$
(1,333,207
)
 
$
5,136,820
   
$
(7,102,372
)
 
$
(8,065,012
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
56,818,615
 
Bank Loans
   
15,737,992
     
(46,706
)
   
22,920,214
     
(9,928
)
   
(3,963,302
)
   
     
     
34,638,270
 
Common Stock - U.S.
   
6,911,240
     
1,132,551
     
968,769
     
(3,861,797
)
   
     
     
     
5,150,763
 
Preferred Stock
   
2,525,813
     
(682,970
)
   
(146,595
)
   
(47,615
)
   
     
     
     
1,648,633
 
Partnerships and LLCs
   
14,061,127
     
(404,554
)
   
722,256
     
(6,647,940
)
   
     
     
     
7,730,889
 
Public Securities
                                                               
Bank Loans
   
523,461
     
23,602
     
2,113,411
     
(209,789
)
   
(401,237
)
   
1,723,930
     
(1,576,534
)
   
2,196,844
 
   
$
107,942,019
   
$
(1,311,284
)
 
$
31,714,875
   
$
(17,879,441
)
 
$
(12,429,551
)
 
$
1,723,930
   
$
(1,576,534
)
 
$
108,184,014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

35
 
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)
 
$
527,759
     
 
Net realized gain on
investments before taxes
 
$
5,334,456
     
 
Net change in unrealized
appreciation of investments
before taxes
 
$
(7,178,630
)
   
(3,998,828
)
B. Accounting for Investments:
Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis, including the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on bonds held using the yield-to-maturity method. The Trust does not accrue income when payment is delinquent and when management believes payment is questionable.
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.
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 September 30, 2018, the PI Subsidiary Trust has incurred income tax expense of $288,677.
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 September 30, 2018, the PI Subsidiary Trust has a deferred tax liability of $448,095.
E. Distributions to Shareholders:
The Trust records distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, on the ex-dividend date. The Trust's net investment income 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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

36

 
Barings Participation Investors
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
 
 
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 nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Trust incurred total interest expense on the Note of $460,125.
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 nine
months ended
09/30/2018
 
 
 
Cost of
Investments
Acquired
   
Proceeds
from Sales or
Maturities
 
Corporate restricted securities
 
$
35,760,943
   
$
33,937,689
 
Corporate public securities
   
8,372,460
     
14,850,455
 
The aggregate cost of investments is substantially the same for financial reporting and Federal income tax purposes as of September 30, 2018. The net unrealized depreciation of investments for financial reporting and Federal tax purposes as of September 30, 2018 is $(4,296,799) and consists of $7,957,876 appreciation and $12,254,675 depreciation.
Net unrealized depreciation of investments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects the balance net of a deferred tax liability of $448,095 on net unrealized gains on the PI Subsidiary Trust.
6.
Quarterly Results of Investment Operations
 
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
 
 
Amount
   
Per Share
 
Investment income
 
$
3,392,477
       
Net investment income
   
2,738,514
   
$
0.26
 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments (net of taxes)
   
(2,552,957
)
   
(0.24
)
 

 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
 
 
Amount
   
Per Share
 
Investment income
 
$
3,359,783
       
Net investment income
   
2,713,074
   
$
0.26
 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments (net of taxes)
   
(2,104,355
)
   
(0.20
)
 
 
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
 
Amount
   
Per Share
 
Investment income
 
$
3,555,549
       
Net investment income
   
2,887,579
   
$
0.28
 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments (net of taxes)
   
1,650,014
     
0.15
 
        
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 September 30, 2018, the Trust had the following unfunded commitments:
 
Investment
   
Unfunded Amount
 
ROI Solutions
 
$
961,561
 
VP Holding Company
 
$
693,100
 
CORA Health Services, Inc.
 
$
623,370
 
U.S. Retirement & Benefit Partners
 
$
207,000
 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation
 
$
136,944
 
New Mountain Learning, LLC
 
$
93,362
 
Polytex Holdings LLC
 
$
14,274
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

37
 
 
THIS PRIVACY NOTICE IS BEING PROVIDED ON BEHALF OF BARINGS LLC AND ITS AFFILIATES:
BARINGS SECURITIES LLC; BARINGS AUSTRALIA PTY LTD; BARINGS ADVISERS (JAPAN) KK; BARINGS INVESTMENT ADVISERS (HONG KONG) LIMITED; BARINGS FUNDS TRUST; BARINGS GLOBAL SHORT DURATION HIGH YIELD FUND; 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.
January 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 

38
 
Barings Participation Investors
 











 




 
 

 





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40
 
 
Members of the Board of
Trustees
 
Michael H. Brown*
 
Barbara M. Ginader*
 
Edward P. Grace III*
 
Robert E. Joyal
 
Clifford M. Noreen
 
Susan B. Sweeney*
 
Maleyne M. Syracuse*
 
 
*Member of the Audit Committee
 
 
 
Officers
 
Clifford M. Noreen
Chairman
 
Robert M. Shettle
President
 
James M. Roy
Vice President & Chief Financial
Officer
 
Janice M. Bishop
Vice President, Secretary & Chief
Legal Officer
 
Sean Feeley
Vice President
 
Christopher D. Hanscom
Treasurer
 
Melissa M. LaGrant
Chief Compliance Officer
 
Kristin Goodchild
Associate Secretary
 
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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