Barings
Participation Investors
 
 
Report for the  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adviser
 
Barings LLC
1500 Main Street, P.O. Box 15189
Springfield, Massachusetts 01115-5189
 
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 maximize total return by providing a high level of current income, the potential for growth of income, and capital appreciation. The Trust's principal investments are privately placed, below-investment grade, long-term debt obligations purchased directly from their issuers, which tend to be smaller companies. The Trust will also invest in publicly traded debt securities (including high yield securities) again with an emphasis on those with equity features, and in convertible preferred stocks and, subject to certain limitations, readily marketable equity securities. Below-investment grade or high yield securities have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the capacity of the issuer to pay interest and repay principal. The Trust is prohibited from purchasing below-investment grade securities if, after giving effect to the purchase, more than 75% of the Trust's total assets would be invested in below-investment grade securities, which are securities that are rated, at the time of purchase, BB or B by S&P or Ba or B by Moody's, or, if unrated, are believed by Barings LLC ("Barings") to be of an equivalent quality. In addition, the Trust will not invest in any debt security that is rated, at the time of acquisition, below B by S&P or Moody's, or if unrated, is believed by Barings to be of an equivalent quality. In addition, the Trust may invest in high quality, readily marketable securities.
 
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
April 30, 2018
 
 
We are pleased to present the March 31, 2018 Quarterly Report of Barings Participation Investors (the "Trust").
 
The Board of Trustees declared a quarterly dividend of $0.27 per share, payable on May 18, 2018 to shareholders of record on May 7, 2018. The Trust paid a $0.27 per share dividend for the preceding quarter. The Trust earned $0.26 per share of net investment income for the first quarter of 2018, compared to $0.27 per share, including $0.02 per share of non-recurring income, in the previous quarter.
 
During the first quarter, the net assets of the Trust increased to $145,920,470 or $13.93 per share compared to $145,480,065 or $13.91 per share on December 31, 2017. This translates into a 0.1% 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 11.0%, 8.2%, 9.9%, 9.9% and 12.2% for the 1, 3, 5, 10, and 25-year periods ended March 31, 2018, respectively, based on the change in the Trust's net assets assuming the reinvestment of all dividends.
 
The Trust's market price increased 4.3% during the quarter, from $14.10 per share as of December 31, 2017 to $14.70 per share as of March 31, 2018. The Trust's market price of $14.70 per share equates to a 5.5% premium over the March 31, 2018 net asset value per share of $13.93. The Trust's average quarter-end premium for the 3, 5 and 10-year periods ended March 31, 2018 was 2.8%, 2.1% and 6.2%, respectively. U.S. small cap equity markets, as approximated by the Russell 2000 Index, decreased 0.1% for the quarter. U.S. high yield income markets, as approximated by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, decreased 0.8% for the quarter.
 
The Trust closed four new private placement investments and three add-on investments to existing portfolio companies during the first quarter. The four new investments were in Clubessential LLC, MeTEOR Education LLC, New Mountain Learning, LLC and U.S. Retirement and Benefit Partners, Inc. The three add-on investments were in MES Partners, Inc., Polytex Holdings LLC and York Wall 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 $5,975,826.
 
It was a good quarter for the Trust in terms of new investments. As noted above, the Trust closed four new investments and three add-on investments this quarter despite middle-market merger and acquisition activity getting off to a slower start in the first quarter of 2018. 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 the investment adviser's private debt platform have been key contributors to increasing the Trust's new investment volume. Overall, we believe 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. As always, we've continued to be selective in our investment choices and maintained our underwriting discipline.
 
The Trust's remaining portfolio remains in good condition. There were seven private debt investment exits during the quarter, five of which resulted in realized gains, while two long-time troubled investments (NetShape / Hawk and Church Services) resulted in realized losses. In addition, one company prepaid its subordinated debt held by the Trust. Several companies in which the Trust has outstanding investments are in the process of being sold and we are cautiously optimistic about realization activity from these investments over the next few quarters.
 
The Trust was able to maintain its $0.27 per share quarterly dividend in the first quarter. However, the Trust's recurring investment income was not sufficient to cover this quarter's dividend. As discussed in prior reports, since 2013, recurring investment income alone has 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 generally lower investment returns available 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 has allowed for increased private debt investment opportunities, and as a result, higher recurring investment income than the Trust has experienced over the past several years, although recurring investment income was still slightly lower than the quarterly dividend. The level of expected recurring investment income 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. However, if recurring investment income fails to consistently equal the current dividend rate, there is the risk that the dividend may need to be reduced in the future.
 
(Continued)


1
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Barings Participation Investors.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Robert M. Shettle
 
President
 
 
Portfolio Composition as of 3/31/18*
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Based on market value of total investments (including cash)
Cautionary Notice: Certain statements contained in this report may be "forward looking" statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and which reflect management's current estimates, projections, expectations or beliefs, and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and may not be relied upon as investment advice or an indication of the Trust's trading intent. References to specific securities are not recommendations of such securities, and may not be representative of the Trust's current or future investments. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets:
     
Investments
(See Consolidated Schedule of Investments)
     
Corporate restricted securities at fair value
(Cost - $106,553,175)
 
$
105,827,657
 
Corporate restricted securities at market value
(Cost - $14,376,513)
   
14,286,244
 
Corporate public securities at market value
(Cost - $26,469,155)
   
26,472,892
 
Short-term securities at amortized cost
   
3,997,131
 
         
Total investments (Cost - $151,395,974)
   
150,583,924
 
Cash
   
10,730,877
 
Interest receivable
   
1,536,430
 
Other assets
   
31,230
 
 
       
Total assets
   
162,882,461
 
 
       
         
Liabilities:
       
Note payable
   
15,000,000
 
Payable for investments purchased
   
503,667
 
Deferred tax liability
   
497,610
 
Tax payable
   
437,734
 
Investment advisory fee payable
   
328,321
 
Interest payable
   
27,267
 
Accrued expenses
   
167,392
 
 
       
Total liabilities
   
16,961,991
 
 
       
Total net assets
 
$
145,920,470
 
 
       
         
Net Assets:
       
Common shares, par value $.01 per share
 
$
104,764
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
94,742,470
 
Retained net realized gain on investments, prior years
   
44,296,000
 
Undistributed net investment income
   
3,468,827
 
Accumulated net realized gain on investments
   
4,618,069
 
Net unrealized depreciation of investments
   
(1,309,660
)
 
       
Total net assets
 
$
145,920,470
 
 
       
Common shares issued and outstanding (14,787,750 authorized)
   
10,476,416
 
 
       
Net asset value per share
 
$
13.93
 
 
       
 




 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

3
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the three months ended March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Investment Income:
     
Interest
 
$
3,343,691
 
Dividends
   
46,721
 
Other
   
2,065
 
 
       
Total investment income
   
3,392,477
 
 
       
         
Expenses:
       
Investment advisory fees
   
328,321
 
Interest
   
153,375
 
Trustees' fees and expenses
   
60,000
 
Professional fees
   
55,565
 
Reports to shareholders
   
24,000
 
Custodian fees
   
6,000
 
Other
   
26,702
 
 
       
Total expenses
   
653,963
 
 
       
Investment income - net
   
2,738,514
 
 
       
         
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments:
       
Net realized gain on investments before taxes
   
2,314,375
 
Income tax expense
   
(14,240
)
 
       
Net realized gain on investments after taxes
   
2,300,135
 
 
       
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments before taxes
   
(5,125,195
)
Net (increase) decrease in deferred income tax expense
   
272,103
 
 
       
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments after taxes
   
(4,853,092
)
 
       
Net gain on investments
   
(2,552,957
)
 
       
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
 
$
185,557
 
 
       
 




 








 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

4
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the three months ended March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Net increase in cash:
     
Cash flows from operating activities:
     
Purchases/Proceeds/Maturities from short-term portfolio securities, net
 
$
2,062,904
 
Purchases of portfolio securities
   
(7,756,587
)
Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities
   
12,608,148
 
Interest, dividends and other income received
   
2,640,861
 
Interest expense paid
   
(153,375
)
Operating expenses paid
   
(485,540
)
Income taxes paid
   
(1,389,855
)
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
7,526,556
 
 
       
Cash flows from financing activities:
       
Cash dividends paid from net investment income
   
(2,823,704
)
Receipts for shares issued on reinvestment of dividends
   
254,848
 
 
       
Net cash used for financing activities
   
(2,568,856
)
 
       
Net increase in cash
   
4,957,700
 
Cash - beginning of period
   
5,773,177
 
 
       
Cash - end of period
 
$
10,730,877
 
 
       
         
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets to
net cash provided by operating activities:
       
 
       
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
 
$
185,557
 
         
Decrease in investments
   
8,716,697
 
Increase in interest receivable
   
(241,479
)
Increase in other assets
   
(5,216
)
Increase in payable for investments purchased
   
503,667
 
Decrease in deferred tax liability
   
(272,103
)
Decrease in tax payable
   
(1,375,615
)
Increase in investment advisory fee payable
   
991
 
Increase in accrued expenses
   
14,057
 
 
       
Total adjustments to net assets from operations
   
7,340,999
 
 
       
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
7,526,556
 
 
       
 











See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three
months ended
3/31/2018
(Unaudited)
   
For the
year ended
12/31/2017
 
Increase in net assets:
           
Operations:
           
Investment income - net
 
$
2,738,514
   
$
11,340,081
 
Net realized gain on investments after taxes
   
2,300,135
     
2,280,108
 
Net change in unrealized (depreciation) appreciation of investments after taxes
   
(4,853,092
)
   
5,517,329
 
                 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
   
185,557
     
19,137,518
 
 
               
Increase from common shares issued on reinvestment of dividends
               
Common shares issued (2018 - 18,254; 2017 - 71,989)
   
254,848
     
1,001,726
 
 
               
Dividends to shareholders from:
               
Net investment income (2018 - $0.00 per share; 2017 - $1.08 per share)
         
(11,265,910
)
 
               
Total increase in net assets
   
440,405
     
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
$3,468,827 and $730,313, respectively)
 
$
145,920,470
   
$
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 three
months ended
3/31/2018
(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)
   
0.26
     
1.09
     
1.00
     
0.95
     
1.04
 
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments
   
(0.24
)
   
0.75
     
0.13
     
(0.12
)
   
0.57
 
 
                                       
Total from investment operations
   
0.02
     
1.84
     
1.13
     
0.83
     
1.61
 
 
                                       
Dividends from net investment income to common shareholders
   
     
(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
   
     
(1.08
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.08
)
   
(1.09
)
 
                                       
Net asset value:
                                       
End of period/year
 
$
13.93
   
$
13.91
   
$
13.15
   
$
13.10
   
$
13.35
 
 
                                       
Per share market value:
                                       
End of period/year
 
$
14.70
   
$
14.10
   
$
14.20
   
$
13.75
   
$
13.23
 
 
                                       
Total investment return
                                       
Net asset value (c)
   
0.14%
 
   
14.29%
 
   
8.75%
 
   
6.23%
 
   
13.61%
 
Market value (c)
   
4.26%
 
   
7.21%
 
   
11.45%
 
   
12.66%
 
   
12.54%
 
                                         
Net assets (in millions):
                                       
End of period/year
 
$
145.92
   
$
145.48
 
$
136.61
   
$
135.35
   
$
137.57
 
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets
   
1.86%
 (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
   
0.43%
 (d)
   
0.43%
 
   
0.44%
 
   
0.44%
 
   
0.45%
 
Ratio of income tax expense to average net assets
   
0.04%
 (d)
   
1.31%
 
   
0.47%
 
   
0.24%
 
   
0.90%
 
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets
   
7.60%
 (d)
   
7.92%
 
   
7.45%
 
   
6.95%
 
   
7.82%
 
Portfolio turnover
   
5%
 
   
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
 
$
10,728
   
$
10,699
   
$
10,107
   
$
10,023
   
$
10,171
 
 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7
 
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities - 82.31%: (A)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
Private Placement Investments - 72.52%: (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.
 
10.13% Second Lien Term Loan due 12/22/2022
(LIBOR + 8.250%)
 
$
1,725,000
   
12/21/17
   
$
1,692,526
   
$
1,696,653
 
 
                             
 
                             
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
     
106,135
     
109,335
 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)
 
125,000 shs.
   
08/01/12
     
125,000
     
225,763
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2022, to purchase
common stock at $.02 per share (B)
 
22,414 shs.
   
08/01/12
     
42,446
     
37,807
 
 
                 
273,581
     
372,905
 
 
                             
                               
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
     
24,489
 
* 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
 
$
1,218,447
   
03/27/15
     
1,205,713
     
1,218,447
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
1,122 shs.
   
03/27/15
     
112,154
     
144,498
 
Common Stock (B)
 
346 shs.
   
03/27/15
     
346
     
 
 
                   
1,318,213
     
1,362,945
 
 
                               
   
Airxcel Holdings
 
A leading manufacturer of a broad range of climate control solutions, including air-conditioners, heat pumps, cooking appliances, furnaces, powered vents, and water heaters.
 
Limited Liability Company Unit
 
288 uts.
   
11/18/14
     
288,000
     
903,249
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
     
1,542,172
     
1,557,481
 
11.5% (1.25% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 04/30/2023
 
$
206,039
   
10/06/17
     
202,183
     
204,166
 
Common Stock (B)
 
156,818 shs.
   
10/31/16
     
156,818
     
184,475
 
 
                   
1,901,173
     
1,946,122
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

8
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
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
   
$
232,510
 
 
                           
                             
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.
 
12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 04/22/2023
 
$
1,406,978
   
04/22/16
     
1,401,943
     
1,421,048
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
0.40% int.
   
04/20/16
     
345,000
     
565,800
 
 
                 
1,746,943
     
1,986,848
 
 
                             
   
ARI Holding Corporation
 
A leading national supplier of products used primarily by specialty contractors.
 
11.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 02/01/2020
 
$
1,723,846
     
*
     
1,712,926
     
1,723,846
 
Limited Partnership Interest
 
524 uts.
   
08/01/14
     
523,950
     
984,031
 
* 05/21/13 and 08/01/14.
                   
2,236,876
     
2,707,877
 
 
                               
 
                               
ASC Holdings, Inc.
 
A manufacturer of capital equipment used by corrugated box manufacturers.
 
13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 05/18/2021
 
$
758,089
   
11/19/15
     
748,373
     
727,862
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
111,100 uts.
   
11/18/15
     
111,100
     
48,551
 
 
                   
859,473
     
776,413
 
 
                               
                                 
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
     
1,495,326
     
1,475,715
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
210 shs.
   
08/17/15
     
209,390
     
128,380
 
Common Stock (B)
 
210 shs.
   
08/17/15
     
210
     
 
 
                   
1,704,926
     
1,604,095
 
 
                               
   
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
03/21/2021 (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
     
 
 
                               
 



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

9
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
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
 
$
1,498,904
     
10/11/17
   
$
1,470,919
   
$
1,481,118
 
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
     
3,458
 
 
           
 
     
1,704,027
     
1,716,976
 
 
           
 
                 
   
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
 
$
1,462,403
     
04/28/17
     
1,435,986
     
1,459,283
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
2,760 uts.
     
04/28/17
     
276,000
     
161,179
 
 
           
 
     
1,711,986
     
1,620,462
 
 
           
 
                 
   
Blue Wave Products, Inc.
 
A distributor of pool supplies.
           
 
                 
10% Senior Secured Term Note due 09/30/2018
 
$
39,716
     
10/12/12
     
39,633
     
39,716
 
13% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 09/30/2019
 
$
335,579
     
10/12/12
     
328,421
     
335,579
 
Common Stock (B)
 
51,064 shs.
     
10/12/12
     
51,064
     
369,886
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2022, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
20,216 shs.
     
10/12/12
     
20,216
     
146,436
 
 
           
 
     
439,334
     
891,617
 
 
           
 
                 
   
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.
 
12.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/30/2021 (D)
 
$
1,585,908
     
06/30/15
     
1,561,276
     
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,417 shs.
     
06/30/15
     
156,800
     
 
 
           
 
     
1,718,076
     
 
 
           
 
                 
   
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
 
$
794,786
     
01/19/11
     
789,043
     
794,786
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/19/2020
 
$
210,244
     
08/03/12
     
208,991
     
210,244
 
Common Stock (B)
 
375 shs.
     
01/19/11
     
37,500
     
37,655
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2021, to purchase common
           
 
                 
stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
295 shs.
     
01/19/11
     
29,250
     
29,599
 
 
           
 
     
1,064,784
     
1,072,284
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

10
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 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.
 
12.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 04/01/2021
 
$
2,061,665
     
*
   
$
2,036,963
   
$
2,062,880
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
1,853 uts.
   
07/18/16
     
189,267
     
181,462
 
* 10/01/14 and 07/18/16.
                   
2,226,230
     
2,244,342
 
 
                               
 
                               
Clough, Harbour and Associates
 
An engineering service firm that is located in Albany, NY.
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
147 shs.
   
12/02/08
     
146,594
     
1,311,014
 
 
                               
 
                               
Clubessential LLC
 
A leading SaaS platform for private clubs and resorts.
 
7% (5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 01/12/24
 
$
1,742,729
   
01/16/18
     
1,708,984
     
1,713,111
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
     
221,612
 
 
                               
 
                               
CORA Health Services, Inc.
 
A provider of outpatient rehabilitation therapy services.
 
12.75% (1.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note
due 06/30/2023
 
$
781,809
   
06/30/16
     
769,372
     
797,445
 
Preferred Stock Series A (B)
 
758 shs.
   
06/30/16
     
72,033
     
89,564
 
Common Stock Class A (B)
 
3,791 shs.
   
06/30/16
     
3,791
     
23,926
 
 
                   
845,196
     
910,935
 
 
                               
   
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 11/22/2019
 
$
1,346,250
   
11/22/13
     
1,337,529
     
1,346,250
 
Common Stock (B)
 
90 shs.
     
*
     
514,284
     
582,502
 
* 11/22/13 and 09/16/16.
                   
1,851,813
     
1,928,752
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
     
1,396,973
     
1,403,895
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
304,412 uts.
   
10/07/16
     
304,412
     
337,897
 
 
                   
1,701,385
     
1,741,792
 
 
                               



 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

11
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
DPL Holding Corporation
         
 
             
A distributor and manufacturer of aftermarket undercarriage parts for medium and heavy duty trucks and trailers.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
11/04/2020
 
$
1,439,412
     
05/04/12
   
$
1,430,797
   
$
1,438,470
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
25 shs.
     
05/04/12
     
252,434
     
250,284
 
Common Stock (B)
 
25 shs.
     
05/04/12
     
28,048
     
 
 
           
 
     
1,711,279
     
1,688,754
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
Dunn Paper
           
 
                 
A provider of specialty paper for niche product applications.
 
10.63% Second Lien Term Loan due 08/26/2023
(LIBOR + 8.750%)
 
$
1,725,000
     
09/28/16
     
1,697,849
     
1,716,375
 
 
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 
Eagle Family Foods, Inc.
           
 
                 
A producer of low-cost branded and private label canned milk.
 
11.35% Last Out Term Loan due 12/31/2021
(LIBOR + 9.050%)
 
$
1,725,000
     
12/22/15
     
1,708,828
     
1,719,624
 
11.35% Second Last Out Term Loan due 12/31/2021
(LIBOR + 9.050%)
 
$
177,404
     
09/07/17
     
175,858
     
176,851
 
 
           
 
     
1,884,686
     
1,896,475
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
ECG Consulting Group
           
 
                 
A healthcare management consulting company who provides strategic, financial, operational, and technology related consulting services to healthcare providers.
 
11.75% (0.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
11/21/2020
 
$
1,326,719
     
11/21/14
     
1,311,119
     
1,326,719
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
230 uts.
     
11/19/14
     
71,875
     
175,617
 
 
           
 
     
1,382,994
     
1,502,336
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
10/13/2021
 
$
1,588,640
     
10/14/16
     
1,567,693
     
1,438,053
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
101 uts.
     
10/14/16
     
159,722
     
68,320
 
 
           
 
     
1,727,415
     
1,506,373
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
 
$
1,332,289
     
06/30/17
     
1,308,016
     
1,317,959
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
397,695 uts.
     
06/30/17
     
397,695
     
429,511
 
 
           
 
     
1,705,711
     
1,747,470
 
 
           
 
                 
 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

12
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
ERG Holding Company LLC
         
 
             
A provider of inpatient and outpatient clinical trial services to pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations.
 
13.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
10/04/2019
 
$
987,658
     
04/04/14
   
$
981,083
   
$
987,658
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
10/04/2019
 
$
260,936
     
07/01/16
     
258,310
     
263,545
 
Common Stock (B)
 
0.31% int.
     
04/04/14
     
77,533
     
191,889
 
 
           
 
     
1,316,926
     
1,443,092
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
89,191
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)
 
171 uts.
     
09/27/10
     
17,073
     
164,196
 
 
           
 
     
75,418
     
253,387
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
     
80,559
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B)
 
65,789 uts.
     
12/15/10
     
65,789
     
390,027
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-2 (B)
 
8,248 uts.
     
12/15/10
     
8,248
     
48,898
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-3 (B)
 
6,522 uts.
     
08/30/12
     
15,000
     
40,360
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class C (B)
 
1,575 uts.
     
12/20/10
     
16,009
     
63,697
 
 
           
 
     
105,046
     
623,541
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
4,390
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)
 
767 uts.
     
10/05/12
     
767
     
 
 
           
 
     
76,687
     
4,390
 
 
           
 
                 
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
 
$
1,250,828
     
03/27/13
     
1,245,674
     
1,125,745
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,181 shs.
     
03/27/13
     
118,110
     
21,769
 
 
           
 
     
1,363,784
     
1,147,514
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
230,223
 
 
           
 
                 



 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

13
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 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
   
$
85,969
 
Common Stock (B)
 
342 shs.
   
06/19/15
     
2,945
     
79,571
 
 
               
73,628
     
165,540
 
 
                           
                             
Grakon Parent
                           
The leading designer and manufacturer of highly-engineered and customized LED and incandescent lighting systems for transportation-based markets.
 
Common Stock (B)
 
175 shs.
   
10/31/14
     
174,831
     
234,860
 
 
                           
 
                           
GraphPad Software, Inc.
                           
A provider of data analysis, statistics and graphing software solution for scientific research applications, with a focus on the life sciences and academic end-markets.
 
7.66% Term Loan due 12/21/2022 (LIBOR + 6.000%)
 
$
2,465,000
   
12/19/17
     
2,417,979
     
2,425,044
 
 
                             
 
                             
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
     
705,100
     
727,865
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,046 shs.
     
*
     
104,636
     
136,533
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2027, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
397 shs.
   
02/05/14
     
36,816
     
51,820
 
* 02/05/14 and 11/22/17.
                   
846,552
     
916,218
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
     
*
     
1,703,391
     
1,725,000
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B)
 
372 uts.
     
**
 
   
371,644
     
453,479
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common Class A (B)
 
3,594 uts.
   
12/19/14
     
     
30,541
 
* 12/19/14 and 02/21/17.
                   
2,075,035
     
2,209,020
 
* *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
 
$
1,603,279
   
07/01/16
     
1,578,847
     
1,614,703
 
Common Stock (B)
 
150 shs.
   
07/01/16
     
149,500
     
195,455
 
 
                   
1,728,347
     
1,810,158
 
 
                               

 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

14
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Hartland Controls Holding Corporation
                       
A manufacturer and distributor of electronic and electromechanical components.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
08/14/2020
 
$
1,134,316
   
02/14/14
   
$
1,125,509
   
$
1,134,316
 
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 08/14/2020
 
$
431,250
   
06/22/15
     
429,205
     
435,563
 
Common Stock (B)
 
821 shs.
   
02/14/14
     
822
     
279,417
 
 
                 
1,555,536
     
1,849,296
 
 
                             
                               
HHI Group, LLC
                             
A developer, marketer, and distributor of hobby-grade radio control products.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
11/26/2020
 
$
1,659,144
   
01/17/14
     
1,646,551
     
1,659,144
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
102 uts.
   
01/17/14
     
101,563
     
38,959
 
 
                 
1,748,114
     
1,698,103
 
 
                             
                               
Hollandia Produce LLC
                             
A hydroponic greenhouse producer of branded root vegetables.
 
14.25% (2.75% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
12/11/2020
 
$
1,411,671
     
*
     
1,394,952
     
1,129,336
 
* 12/30/15 and 12/23/16.
                               
 
                               
                                 
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
     
     
 
 
                   
     
 
 
                               
                                 
Hospitality Mints Holding Company
                               
A manufacturer of individually-wrapped imprinted promotional mints.
 
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 10/01/2019
 
$
1,098,837
   
08/19/08
     
1,097,523
     
988,953
 
Common Stock (B)
 
251 shs.
   
08/19/08
     
251,163
     
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2018, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
65 shs.
   
08/19/08
     
60,233
     
 
 
                   
1,408,919
     
988,953
 
 
                               
                                 
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
 
$
1,213,848
   
11/10/14
     
1,202,516
     
 
Common Stock (B)
 
2,300 shs.
   
11/10/14
     
230,000
     
 
 
                   
1,432,516
     
 
 
                               

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
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
     
243,694
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A-2 (B)(F)
 
1,032,609 uts.
     
10/31/16
     
     
107,278
 
 
         
 
     
391,255
     
350,972
 
 
         
 
                 
                               
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
     
     
92,266
 
Common Stock (B)
 
353 shs.
     
07/15/08
     
285,619
     
446,690
 
 
         
 
     
285,619
     
538,956
 
 
         
 
                 
                               
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
     
13,742
 
Common Stock Class B (B)
 
118 shs.
     
01/15/10
     
117,647
     
45,670
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2019, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
104 shs.
     
10/05/10
     
94,579
     
40,418
 
 
           
 
     
766,351
     
581,531
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
863,322
     
651,077
 
Limited Liability Company Unit
 
5 uts.
     
04/17/15
     
678,329
     
 
 
           
 
     
1,541,651
     
651,077
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
340,721
 
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
 
$
64,149
     
*
     
64,149
     
63,917
 
Common Stock Class A (B)
 
83,080 shs.
     
**
     
170,705
     
 
* 10/21/16, 01/27/17 and 10/13/17.
           
 
     
707,706
     
404,638
 
** 08/18/15, 10/20/16 and 01/27/17.
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

16
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
MES Partners, Inc.
                       
An industrial service business offering an array of cleaning and environmental services to the Gulf Coast region of the U.S.
 
12% (1% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
09/30/2021
 
$
1,120,538
   
09/30/14
   
$
1,107,449
   
$
1,119,273
 
12% Senior Subordinated Note due 09/30/2021
 
$
301,038
   
02/28/18
     
295,142
     
300,699
 
Common Stock Class B (B)
 
259,252 shs.
     
*
     
244,163
     
160,736
 
* 09/30/14 and 02/28/18.
                   
1,646,754
     
1,580,708
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
     
897,644
     
919,342
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
182 uts.
   
03/09/18
     
183,164
     
164,794
 
 
                   
1,080,808
     
1,084,136
 
 
                               
                                 
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
 
$
1,574,427
   
12/02/16
     
1,548,401
     
1,583,365
 
Preferred Stock (B)
 
1,711 shs.
   
12/02/16
     
171,116
     
159,908
 
Common Stock (B)
 
242 shs.
   
12/02/16
     
242
     
 
 
                   
1,719,759
     
1,743,273
 
 
                               
                                 
MNX Holding Company
                               
An international third party logistics company providing customized logistics services to customers across the globe.
 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
05/02/2020
 
$
1,342,840
   
11/02/12
     
1,334,765
     
1,342,840
 
Common Stock (B)
 
45 shs.
   
11/02/12
     
44,643
     
71,871
 
 
                   
1,379,408
     
1,414,711
 
 
                               
                                 
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
 
$
1,756,918
   
04/29/16
     
1,732,210
     
1,625,761
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
 
$
285,428
   
11/30/10
     
283,873
     
285,428
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B)(F)
 
75,000 uts.
   
11/30/10
     
     
41,932
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-2 (B)(F)
 
6,801 uts.
   
11/30/10
     
     
3,802
 
 
                   
283,873
     
331,162
 
 
                               


 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

17

CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
New Mountain Learning, LLC
                       
A leading provider of blended learning solutions to the K-12 and post-secondary school market.
 
8.65% Term Loan due 3/16/2024 (LIBOR + 5.500%)
 
$
1,792,448
   
03/15/18
   
$
1,383,358
   
$
1,384,410
 
 
                             
 
                             
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
     
1,503,669
     
1,535,805
 
Common Stock (B)
 
207 shs.
   
05/17/16
     
207,000
     
258,516
 
 
                 
1,710,669
     
1,794,321
 
 
                             
                               
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
     
1,750,033
     
1,776,902
 
Common Stock Class B (B)
 
380,545 shs.
     
*
     
380,545
     
489,967
 
* 01/29/16 and 02/17/17.
                   
2,130,578
     
2,266,869
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
 
$
346,855
   
11/14/17
     
337,169
     
338,086
 
7.84% Term Loan due 11/17/2024 (LIBOR + 6.250%)
 
$
2,122,639
   
11/14/17
     
1,936,298
     
1,943,515
 
 
                   
2,273,467
     
2,281,601
 
 
                               
                                 
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
     
18,929
 
* 11/29/12 and 12/20/16.
                   
175,339
     
18,929
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
 
$
1,112,667
   
07/31/14
     
1,103,503
     
834,499
 
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.
                   
1,276,401
     
834,499
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

18
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                           
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
   
$
116,220
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)(F)
 
1,149 uts.
     
05/29/15
     
     
173,920
 
 
         
 
     
114,900
     
290,140
 
 
         
 
                 
                               
PPC Event Services
         
 
                 
A special event equipment rental business.
         
 
                 
14% (2% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
05/20/2020
 
$
1,196,358
     
11/20/14
     
1,185,660
     
1,196,358
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
3,450 uts.
     
11/20/14
     
172,500
     
406,473
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A-1 (B)
 
339 uts.
     
03/16/16
     
42,419
     
45,716
 
 
           
 
     
1,400,579
     
1,648,547
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
Randy's Worldwide Automotive
           
 
                 
A designer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts.
 
Common Stock (B)
 
118 shs.
     
05/12/15
     
118,476
     
317,186
 
 
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 
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
 
$
1,434,146
     
11/13/17
     
1,434,146
     
1,420,606
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B
 
293,617 uts.
     
11/13/17
     
293,617
     
352,647
 
 
           
 
     
1,727,763
     
1,773,253
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
135,211
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2023, to purchase
common stock A at $.01 per share (B)
 
31 shs.
     
03/15/13
     
28,316
     
55,241
 
 
           
 
     
103,825
     
190,452
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
Smart Source Holdings LLC
           
 
                 
A short-term computer rental company.
           
 
                 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)
 
328 uts.
     
*
     
261,262
     
491,723
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2020, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
83 shs.
     
*
     
67,467
     
124,554
 
* 08/31/07 and 03/06/08.
           
 
     
328,729
     
616,277
 
 
           
 
                 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

19
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
     
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
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
     
 
 
           
 
                 
                                 
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
     
1,699,558
     
1,730,504
 
 
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 
SR Smith LLC
           
 
                 
A manufacturer of mine and tunneling ventilation products in the United States.
 
11% Senior Subordinated Note due 03/27/2022
 
$
867,652
     
03/27/17
     
858,548
     
867,098
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A (B)(F)
14 uts.
     
03/27/17
     
846,631
     
1,082,971
 
 
           
 
     
1,705,179
     
1,950,069
 
 
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 
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
     
255,188
 
Preferred Stock Series A-2 (B)
26,543 shs.
     
09/10/15
     
29,994
     
42,609
 
 
           
 
     
188,961
     
297,797
 
 
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 
Strategic Insight, Inc.
           
 
                 
A provider of largely proprietary data, market research, and business intelligence to the global asset management industry.
 
10.94% Second Lien Term Loan due 12/21/2024
(LIBOR + 9.250%)
 
$
1,725,000
     
12/28/17
     
1,687,604
     
1,692,260
 
 
           
 
                 
 
           
 
                 
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 01/31/2019 (D)
 
$
1,428,470
     
*
     
1,358,229
     
999,929
 
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
     
999,929
 
 
           
 
                 

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

20
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
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
 
$
1,311,972
   
07/31/15
   
$
1,296,893
   
$
1,147,975
 
Common Stock (B)
 
68 shs.
     
*
     
104,986
     
4,885
 
* 07/31/15 and 11/08/17.
                   
1,401,879
     
1,152,860
 
 
                               
                                 
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
     
184,032
 
 
                               
 
                               
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
 
$
1,367,920
   
11/30/17
     
1,367,920
     
1,354,684
 
Limited Liability Company Unit
 
359,375 uts.
   
11/30/17
     
342,851
     
273,628
 
 
                   
1,710,771
     
1,628,312
 
 
                               
                                 
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
 
$
75,063
   
12/05/13
     
229,252
     
75,063
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2023, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
28,079 shs.
   
12/05/13
     
     
21,340
 
 
                   
229,252
     
96,403
 
 
                               
                                 
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
 
$
1,164,991
   
01/23/15
     
1,153,464
     
1,055,906
 
 
                               
 
                               
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.
 
10.38% Second Lien Term Loan due 2/14/2023
(LIBOR + 8.500%)
 
$
1,725,000
   
03/05/18
     
1,345,546
     
1,347,328
 
 
                               
 
                               
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.
 
8.03% Lien Term Loan due 12/07/2023
(LIBOR + 6.000%)
 
$
2,100,000
   
12/07/17
     
2,080,066
     
2,088,014
 
 
                               

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

21
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
Veritext Corporation
                       
A provider of stenographic staffing and other services used during the legal deposition process.
 
11.30% Second Lien Term Loan due 01/29/2023
(LIBOR + 9.000%)
 
$
2,012,500
     
*
   
$
1,984,017
   
$
1,994,258
 
* 01/21/16 and 02/23/17.
                               
 
                               
 
                               
VP Holding Company
                               
A provider of school transportation services for special-needs and homeless children in Massachusetts.
         
Common Stock (B)
 
3,632 shs.
   
03/31/14
     
363,158
     
720,667
 
 
                               
 
                               
Wellborn Forest Holding Company
                               
A manufacturer of semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinetry.
                 
8% Senior Subordinated Note due 09/30/2019 (D)
 
$
1,778,423
   
11/30/06
     
1,114,956
     
1,778,423
 
Common Stock (B)
 
101 shs.
   
11/30/06
     
101,250
     
14,033
 
Warrant, exercisable until 2019, to purchase
common stock at $.01 per share (B)
 
51 shs.
   
11/30/06
     
45,790
     
7,006
 
 
                   
1,261,996
     
1,799,462
 
 
                               
                                 
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
 
$
380,203
   
08/03/15
     
375,948
     
384,005
 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)(F)
 
370,241 uts.
   
08/03/15
     
370,241
     
445,221
 
 
                   
746,189
     
829,226
 
 
                               
                                 
Whitebridge Pet Brands Holdings, LLC
                               
A portfolio of natural treats and foods for dogs and cats.
                 
11.5% (0.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
08/18/2021
 
$
1,488,115
   
04/18/17
     
1,469,701
     
1,481,132
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B)(F)
 
123 uts.
   
04/18/17
     
148,096
     
136,401
 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B)(F)
 
123 uts.
   
04/18/17
     
     
34,895
 
 
                   
1,617,797
     
1,652,428
 
 
                               
                                 
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.
                               
A designer and specialty distributor of wallcoverings and related building products, including textiles, paint, and writeable surfaces.
 
12.5% (1.5% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due
07/22/2021
 
$
1,620,495
   
01/22/16
     
1,599,070
     
1,636,700
 
Common Stock (B)
 
157 shs.
   
01/22/16
     
156,818
     
186,034
 
 
                   
1,755,888
     
1,822,734
 
 
                               


 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

22
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership
Percentage
   
Acquisition
Date
   
Cost
   
Fair Value
 
                         
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
 
$
997,268
   
11/03/11
   
$
995,070
   
$
997,268
 
Common Stock (B)
 
1,500 shs.
   
11/03/11
     
150,000
     
135,414
 
 
                 
1,145,070
     
1,132,682
 
 
                             
                               
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
     
1,750,985
 
Common Stock (B)
 
2,046 shs.
     
*
     
200,418
     
4,931
 
* 03/04/15 and 02/07/18.
                   
1,750,000
     
1,755,916
 
 
                               
                                 
                                 
Total Private Placement Investments (E)
                 
$
106,553,175
   
$
105,827,657
 
 
                               
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

23
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Restricted Securities: (A) (Continued)
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                           
Rule 144A Securities - 9.79%:
     
 
                 
Bonds - 9.79%
     
 
                 
Alliance Residential Company
 
7.500
%
05/01/25
 
$
500,000
   
$
520,107
   
$
525,000
 
Altice Financing S.A.
 
7.500
 
05/15/26
   
400,000
     
400,000
     
392,000
 
Amsted Industries
 
5.375
 
09/15/24
   
240,000
     
240,000
     
240,000
 
Avantor Inc.
 
6.000
 
10/01/24
   
406,000
     
406,000
     
403,970
 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
 
4.875
 
11/01/25
   
406,000
     
406,000
     
386,715
 
Boyne USA, Inc.
 
7.250
 
05/01/25
   
167,000
     
167,000
     
171,384
 
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
 
6.250
 
08/15/22
   
425,000
     
425,000
     
421,281
 
CVR Partners, LP.
 
9.250
 
06/15/23
   
500,000
     
489,978
     
532,350
 
Dell Inc.
 
4.420
 
06/15/21
   
600,000
     
619,691
     
615,460
 
EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition Finance Inc.
 
9.375
 
05/01/24
   
406,000
     
242,270
     
288,768
 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
 
7.500
 
04/01/25
   
500,000
     
484,518
     
492,500
 
Hertz Corporation
 
7.625
 
06/01/22
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
507,500
 
Hilcorp Energy Company
 
5.000
 
12/01/24
   
335,000
     
335,000
     
329,975
 
IAMGOLD Corporation
 
7.000
 
04/15/25
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
511,250
 
J.B. Poindexter Co., Inc.
 
9.000
 
04/01/22
   
401,000
     
401,000
     
413,531
 
JBS USA Lux S.A.
 
6.750
 
02/15/28
   
476,000
     
476,000
     
456,960
 
Jupiter Resources Inc.
 
8.500
 
10/01/22
   
500,000
     
470,827
     
230,000
 
LBC Tank Terminals Holding Netherlands B.V.
 
6.875
 
05/15/23
   
663,000
     
676,036
     
681,233
 
Moog Inc.
 
5.250
 
12/01/22
   
500,000
     
502,661
     
512,500
 
New Gold Inc.
 
6.250
 
11/15/22
   
500,000
     
502,096
     
510,625
 
OPE KAG Finance Sub
 
7.875
 
07/31/23
   
500,000
     
517,654
     
512,500
 
Penske Corporation
 
4.875
 
07/11/22
   
500,000
     
498,852
     
526,234
 
Prime Security Services Borrower
 
9.250
 
05/15/23
   
608,000
     
618,852
     
658,877
 
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
 
5.875
 
03/15/26
   
204,000
     
204,000
     
201,960
 
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
 
5.125
 
02/15/27
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
463,750
 
Suncoke Energy
 
7.500
 
06/15/25
   
500,000
     
492,861
     
515,000
 
Teine Energy Ltd.
 
6.875
 
09/30/22
   
500,000
     
506,250
     
510,000
 
Topaz Marine S.A.
 
9.125
 
07/26/22
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
518,500
 
Unitymedia KabelBW GmbH
 
6.125
 
01/15/25
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
524,375
 
UPCB Finance IV Limited
 
5.375
 
01/15/25
   
208,000
     
208,000
     
200,719
 
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
 
7.000
 
03/15/24
   
173,000
     
173,000
     
180,353
 
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC
 
5.250
 
01/15/26
   
500,000
     
501,860
     
481,250
 
VRX Escrow Corp.
 
6.125
 
04/15/25
   
182,000
     
182,000
     
157,066
 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.
 
8.000
 
11/01/24
   
209,000
     
209,000
     
212,658
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Bonds
     
 
           
14,376,513
     
14,286,244
 
 
     
 
                       
Common Stock - 0.00%
     
 
                       
TherOX, Inc. (B)
     
 
   
2
     
     
 
Touchstone Health Partnership (B)
     
 
   
292
     
     
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Common Stock
     
 
           
     
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Total Rule 144A Securities
     
 
           
14,376,513
     
14,286,244
 
 
     
 
                       
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

24
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Public Securities - 18.15%: (A)
 
LIBOR
Spread
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                               
Bank Loans - 2.35%
         
 
                 
Big River Steel LLC.
 
5.000
%
7.300
%
08/23/23
 
$
118,770
   
$
117,698
   
$
120,255
 
Coronado Coal LLC
 
6.500
 
8.812
 
03/14/25
   
253,841
     
246,226
     
250,034
 
Coronado Coal LLC
 
6.500
 
8.812
 
03/21/25
   
69,229
     
67,153
     
68,191
 
Cunningham Lindsey U.S., Inc.
 
3.750
 
6.050
 
12/10/19
   
124,297
     
119,372
     
123,778
 
DigiCert, Inc.
 
8.000
 
6.520
 
10/31/24
   
205,369
     
204,401
     
207,552
 
Focus Financial Partners, LLC.
 
7.500
 
9.800
 
05/22/25
   
400,000
     
409,000
     
407,000
 
Gulf Finance, LLC
 
5.250
 
7.560
 
08/25/23
   
259,739
     
257,760
     
238,635
 
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc.
 
7.250
 
9.130
 
05/10/22
   
198,238
     
196,317
     
196,751
 
Murray Energy Corporation
 
7.250
 
9.550
 
04/16/20
   
453,896
     
420,390
     
383,542
 
OCI Beaumont LLC
 
4.250
 
6.550
 
02/14/25
   
122,286
     
122,134
     
122,846
 
Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc.
 
5.500
 
7.190
 
02/13/24
   
256,082
     
251,035
     
256,082
 
PS Logistics LLC
 
5.250
 
7.339
 
03/01/25
   
500,000
     
505,000
     
503,750
 
Seadrill Partners Finco, LLC
 
6.000
 
8.300
 
02/21/21
   
488,520
     
311,546
     
408,730
 
Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC
 
6.000
 
7.880
 
05/13/22
   
129,654
     
128,612
     
130,951
 
 
         
 
                       
Total Bank Loans
         
 
           
3,356,644
     
3,418,097
 
 
         
 
                       
 
         
 
                       
 
 
 
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                           
Bonds - 15.80%
     
 
                 
Air Lease Corp.
 
3.000
%
09/15/23
 
$
600,000
   
$
593,959
   
$
574,881
 
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
 
6.125
 
05/15/27
   
500,000
     
486,877
     
492,550
 
Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C.
 
8.970
 
01/15/29
   
500,000
     
517,188
     
512,733
 
Anglogold Holdings PLC
 
5.375
 
04/15/20
   
600,000
     
601,666
     
617,621
 
Anixter, Inc.
 
5.125
 
10/01/21
   
165,000
     
165,000
     
169,125
 
A. Schulman Inc.
 
6.875
 
06/01/23
   
500,000
     
505,075
     
527,500
 
Bank of America Corporation
 
4.000
 
04/01/24
   
500,000
     
498,787
     
510,929
 
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
 
8.750
 
03/15/22
   
160,000
     
160,000
     
172,400
 
Brunswick Corporation
 
7.125
 
08/01/27
   
500,000
     
503,663
     
607,820
 
Bunge Limited Finance Corp.
 
3.250
 
08/15/26
   
600,000
     
601,894
     
564,101
 
Community Health Sysyems Inc.
 
5.125
 
08/01/21
   
372,000
     
367,081
     
345,960
 
Clearwater Paper Corporation
 
4.500
 
02/01/23
   
491,000
     
488,302
     
471,360
 
Crown Castle International Corp
 
5.250
 
01/15/23
   
600,000
     
658,078
     
637,591
 
CubeSmart, L.P.
 
4.000
 
11/15/25
   
500,000
     
506,046
     
498,197
 
CVR Refining LLC
 
6.500
 
11/01/22
   
350,000
     
342,886
     
357,000
 
CVS Health Corp
 
4.300
 
03/25/28
   
345,000
     
339,998
     
346,470
 
Discovery Communications
 
4.900
 
03/11/26
   
600,000
     
647,330
     
621,930
 
Dish DBS Corporation
 
7.750
 
07/01/26
   
500,000
     
541,140
     
468,875
 
Duke Realty Limited Partnership
 
3.875
 
10/15/22
   
500,000
     
498,684
     
509,639
 
Expedia Inc.
 
4.500
 
08/15/24
   
600,000
     
623,474
     
606,664
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

25
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Corporate Public Securities (A) (Continued)
 
Interest
Rate
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                                 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
6.750
%
01/15/22
 
$
265,000
   
$
267,337
   
$
251,088
 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
8.625
 
06/15/20
   
650,000
     
650,324
     
596,375
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
 
4.375
 
08/06/23
   
600,000
     
639,603
     
608,692
 
General Motors Financial Co. Inc.
 
4.000
 
01/15/25
   
500,000
     
507,464
     
492,938
 
Genesis Energy, L.P.
 
5.625
 
06/15/24
   
500,000
     
470,918
     
471,250
 
Hospital Corporation of America
 
5.375
 
02/01/25
   
100,000
     
101,369
     
100,250
 
Hospital Corporation of America
 
5.250
 
06/15/26
   
174,000
     
174,000
     
176,262
 
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
4.900
 
10/15/25
   
500,000
     
498,733
     
519,126
 
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation
 
6.625
 
08/01/26
   
500,000
     
496,895
     
497,500
 
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
 
3.600
 
02/01/25
   
500,000
     
499,428
     
492,650
 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
 
5.625
 
01/15/22
   
500,000
     
479,163
     
496,250
 
Lazard Group LLC
 
4.250
 
11/14/20
   
500,000
     
499,326
     
513,909
 
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
 
5.750
 
04/15/24
   
500,000
     
579,136
     
549,616
 
MPLX LP
 
4.875
 
12/01/24
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
524,284
 
NRG Energy, Inc.
 
7.250
 
05/15/26
   
500,000
     
502,858
     
528,900
 
Oasis Petroleum Inc.
 
6.875
 
03/15/22
   
500,000
     
478,431
     
507,120
 
PBF Holding Company LLC
 
6.997
 
11/15/23
   
33,000
     
33,000
     
34,155
 
Perry Ellis International, Inc.
 
7.875
 
04/01/19
   
125,000
     
124,739
     
124,844
 
Pitney Bowes Inc.
 
3.375
 
10/01/21
   
500,000
     
499,713
     
476,250
 
Reinsurance Group of America
 
3.950
 
09/15/26
   
500,000
     
502,811
     
494,890
 
SM Energy Company
 
6.750
 
09/15/26
   
750,000
     
744,395
     
742,500
 
Sprint Corporation
 
7.125
 
06/15/24
   
155,000
     
155,000
     
151,125
 
Steelcase, Inc.
 
6.375
 
02/15/21
   
500,000
     
503,034
     
538,127
 
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.
 
5.750
 
03/01/25
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
480,000
 
Time Warner Cable, Inc.
 
5.000
 
02/01/20
   
500,000
     
497,700
     
513,538
 
Trinity Acquisition Plc
 
4.400
 
03/15/26
   
500,000
     
514,805
     
506,657
 
Tyson Foods, Inc.
 
4.500
 
06/15/22
   
500,000
     
507,930
     
518,140
 
William Lyon Homes
 
7.000
 
08/15/22
   
500,000
     
500,000
     
512,500
 
WPX Energy, Inc.
 
5.250
 
09/15/24
   
425,000
     
425,000
     
418,625
 
Xlit Ltd
 
4.450
 
03/31/25
   
600,000
     
612,271
     
603,888
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Bonds
     
 
           
23,112,511
     
23,054,795
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Total Corporate Public Securities
     
 
         
$
26,469,155
   
$
26,472,892
 
 
     
 
                       
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

26
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Short-Term Security:
 
Interest
Rate/Yield^
 
Maturity
Date
 
Principal
Amount
   
Cost
   
Market
Value
 
                           
Commercial Paper - 2.74%
     
 
                 
Bemis Company, Inc.
 
2.350
%
04/04/18
 
$
1,000,000
   
$
999,804
   
$
999,804
 
CRH Finance America, Inc.
 
2.350
 
04/10/18
   
1,000,000
     
999,413
     
999,413
 
Lam Research Corporation
 
2.350
 
04/10/18
   
1,000,000
     
998,694
     
998,694
 
Molex Electronic Technologies LLC
 
3.120
 
04/16/18
   
1,000,000
     
999,220
     
999,220
 
 
     
 
                       
Total Short-Term Security
     
 
         
$
3,997,131
   
$
3,997,131
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Total Investments
 
103.20
%
 
         
$
151,395,974
   
$
150,583,924
 
 
     
 
                       
                                 
Other Assets
 
8.43
 
 
                   
12,298,537
 
                                 
Liabilities
 
(11.63
)
 
                   
(16,961,991
)
 
     
 
                       
Total Net Assets
 
100.00
%
 
                 
$
145,920,470
 
 
     
 
                       
 
 
 
 
(A)
In each of the convertible note, warrant, and common stock investments, the issuer has agreed to provide certain registration rights.
(B)
Non-income producing security.
(C)
Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees.
(D)
Defaulted security; interest not accrued.
(E)
Illiquid security. As of March 31, 2018, the values of these securities amounted to $105,827,657 or 72.52% of net assets.
(F)
Held in PI Subsidiary Trust
^
Effective yield at purchase
PIK - Payment-in-kind
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

27
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification:
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 3.54%
     
API Technologies Corp.
 
$
1,986,848
 
BEI Precision Systems & Space
Company, Inc.
   
1,620,462
 
Merex Holding Corporation
   
404,638
 
Sunvair Aerospace Group Inc.
   
1,152,860
 
 
   
5,164,808
 
 
       
AUTOMOTIVE - 5.42%
       
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC
   
1,604,095
 
DPL Holding Corporation
   
1,688,754
 
English Color & Supply LLC
   
1,747,470
 
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC
   
608,692
 
General Motors Financial Co. Inc.
   
492,938
 
Grakon Parent
   
234,860
 
J.B. Poindexter Co., Inc.
   
413,531
 
Moog Inc.
   
512,500
 
Power Stop Holdings LLC
   
290,140
 
Randy's Worldwide Automotive
   
317,186
 
 
   
7,910,166
 
 
       
BANKING - 0.35%
       
Bank of America Corporation
   
510,929
 
 
       
BROKERAGE, ASSET MANAGERS & EXCHANGES - 0.49%
 
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc.
   
196,751
 
Lazard Group LLC
   
513,909
 
 
   
710,660
 
 
       
BUILDING MATERIALS - 7.96%
       
ARI Holding Corporation
   
2,707,877
 
Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc.
   
386,715
 
Happy Floors Acquisition, Inc.
   
1,810,158
 
NSi Industries Holdings, Inc.
   
1,794,321
 
Signature Systems Holding Company
   
190,452
 
Sunrise Windows Holding Company
   
999,929
 
Torrent Group Holdings, Inc.
   
96,403
 
Wellborn Forest Holding Company
   
1,799,462
 
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.
   
1,822,734
 
 
   
11,608,051
 
 
       
CABLE & SATELLITE - 1.52%
       
Hughes Satellite Systems Corporation
   
497,500
 
Time Warner Cable, Inc.
   
513,538
 
   
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Unitymedia KabelBW GmbH
 
$
524,375
 
UPCB Finance IV Limited
   
200,719
 
Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC
   
481,250
 
 
   
2,217,382
 
 
       
CHEMICALS - 2.38%
       
A. Schulman Inc.
   
527,500
 
Compass Chemical International LLC
   
221,612
 
CVR Partners, LP.
   
532,350
 
LBC Tank Terminals Holding
Netherlands B.V.
   
681,233
 
LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
   
549,616
 
OCI Beaumont LLC
   
122,846
 
Polytex Holdings LLC
   
834,499
 
 
   
3,469,656
 
 
       
CONSUMER CYCLICAL SERVICES - 3.40%
 
CHG Alternative Education
Holding Company
   
1,072,284
 
MeTEOR Education LLC
   
1,084,136
 
PPC Event Services
   
1,648,547
 
Prime Security Services Borrower
   
658,877
 
PS Logistics LLC
   
503,750
 
 
   
4,967,594
 
 
       
CONSUMER PRODUCTS - 10.12%
       
AMS Holding LLC
   
232,510
 
Blue Wave Products, Inc.
   
891,617
 
Elite Sportwear Holding, LLC
   
1,506,373
 
gloProfessional Holdings, Inc.
   
1,147,514
 
GTI Holding Company
   
916,218
 
Handi Quilter Holding Company
   
2,209,020
 
HHI Group, LLC
   
1,698,103
 
Manhattan Beachwear Holding Company
   
581,531
 
Master Cutlery LLC
   
651,077
 
New Mountain Learning, LLC
   
1,384,410
 
Perry Ellis International, Inc.
   
124,844
 
Whitebridge Pet Brands Holdings, LLC
   
1,652,428
 
York Wall Holding Company
   
1,755,916
 
 
   
14,751,561
 
 
       
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - 5.95% 
 
ABC Industries, Inc.
   
372,905
 
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
   
24,489
 
 
 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

28
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification: (Continued)
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Airxcel Holdings
 
$
903,249
 
Amsted Industries
   
240,000
 
F G I Equity LLC
   
623,541
 
K P I Holdings, Inc.
   
538,956
 
Motion Controls Holdings
   
331,162
 
Reelcraft Industries, Inc.
   
1,773,253
 
SR Smith LLC
   
1,950,069
 
Strahman Holdings Inc.
   
297,797
 
Therma-Stor Holdings LLC
   
1,628,312
 
 
   
8,683,733
 
 
       
ELECTRIC - 1.70%
       
AM Conservation Holding Corp.
   
1,946,122
 
NRG Energy, Inc.
   
528,900
 
 
   
2,475,022
 
 
       
FINANCE COMPANIES - 0.39%
       
Air Lease Corp.
   
574,881
 
 
       
FINANCIAL OTHER - 3.48%
       
Anchorage Capital Group, L.L.C.
   
512,733
 
CRH Finance America, Inc.
   
999,413
 
Cunningham Lindsey U.S., Inc.
   
123,778
 
Focus Financial Partners, LLC.
   
407,000
 
Strategic Insight, Inc.
   
1,692,260
 
U.S. Retirement and Benefit Partners, Inc.
   
1,347,328
 
 
   
5,082,512
 
 
       
FOOD & BEVERAGE - 8.31%
       
Bunge Limited Finance Corp.
   
564,101
 
Del Real LLC
   
1,741,792
 
Eagle Family Foods, Inc.
   
1,896,475
 
F F C Holding Corporation
   
253,387
 
Hollandia Produce LLC
   
1,129,336
 
Hospitality Mints Holding Company
   
988,953
 
Impact Confections
   
 
JBS USA Lux S.A.
   
456,960
 
JMH Investors LLC
   
350,972
 
PANOS Brands LLC
   
2,266,869
 
Tyson Foods, Inc.
   
518,140
 
Westminster Acquisition LLC
   
829,226
 
WP Supply Holding Corporation
   
1,132,682
 
 
   
12,128,893
 
 
       
   
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
GAMING - 1.32%
     
CTM Holding, Inc.
 
$
1,928,752
 
 
       
HEALTHCARE - 3.10%
       
Avantor Inc.
   
403,970
 
CORA Health Services, Inc.
   
910,935
 
Community Health Sysyems Inc.
   
345,960
 
ECG Consulting Group
   
1,502,336
 
GD Dental Services LLC
   
4,390
 
Hospital Corporation of America
   
276,512
 
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings
   
492,650
 
Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc.
   
256,082
 
TherOX, Inc.
   
 
Touchstone Health Partnership
   
 
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International
   
180,353
 
VRX Escrow Corp.
   
157,066
 
 
   
4,530,254
 
 
       
HEALTH INSURANCE - 0.34%
       
Reinsurance Group of America
   
494,890
 
 
       
HOME CONSTRUCTION - 0.47%
       
Beazer Homes USA, Inc.
   
172,400
 
William Lyon Homes
   
512,500
 
 
   
684,900
 
 
       
INDEPENDENT - 1.35%
       
Jupiter Resources Inc.
   
230,000
 
Laredo Petroleum, Inc.
   
496,250
 
Oasis Petroleum Inc.
   
507,120
 
SM Energy Company
   
742,500
 
 
   
1,975,870
 
 
       
INDUSTRIAL OTHER - 6.87%
       
AFC - Dell Holding Corporation
   
1,362,945
 
Brunswick Corporation
   
607,820
 
Clough, Harbour and Associates
   
1,311,014
 
Hartland Controls Holding Corporation
   
1,849,296
 
Lam Research Corporation
   
998,694
 
Midwest Industrial Rubber, Inc.
   
1,743,273
 
Molex Electronic Technologies LLC
   
999,220
 
Smart Source Holdings LLC
   
616,277
 
SMB Machinery Holdings, Inc.
   
 
Steelcase, Inc.
   
538,127
 
 
   
10,026,666
 
 
       
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

29
 
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification: (Continued)
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT - 2.89%
     
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.
 
$
492,550
 
BlueSpire Holding, Inc.
   
 
Boyne USA, Inc.
   
171,384
 
Discovery Communications
   
621,930
 
Dish DBS Corporation
   
468,875
 
GlynnDevins Acquisition Corporation
   
165,540
 
HOP Entertainment LLC
   
 
Money Mailer Equity LLC
   
1,625,761
 
Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc.
   
201,960
 
Sinclair Television Group, Inc.
   
463,750
 
 
   
4,211,750
 
 
       
METALS & MINING - 2.88%
       
Alliance Residential Company
   
525,000
 
Anglogold Holdings PLC
   
617,621
 
Big River Steel LLC.
   
120,255
 
Coronado Coal LLC
   
318,225
 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
   
492,500
 
IAMGOLD Corporation
   
511,250
 
Murray Energy Corporation
   
383,542
 
New Gold Inc.
   
510,625
 
Suncoke Energy
   
515,000
 
Warrior Met Coal, Inc.
   
212,658
 
 
   
4,206,676
 
 
       
MIDSTREAM - 1.57%
       
CVR Refining LLC
   
357,000
 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
   
847,463
 
Genesis Energy, L.P.
   
471,250
 
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.
   
480,000
 
Summit Midstream Holdings, LLC
   
130,951
 
 
   
2,286,664
 
 
       
OIL FIELD SERVICES - 1.87%
       
EP Energy LLC / Everest Acquisition
Finance Inc.
   
288,768
 
Gulf Finance, LLC
   
238,635
 
Hilcorp Energy Company
   
329,975
 
Petroplex Inv Holdings LLC
   
18,929
 
Seadrill Partners Finco, LLC
   
408,730
 
Teine Energy Ltd.
   
510,000
 
Topaz Marine S.A.
   
518,500
 
WPX Energy, Inc.
   
418,625
 
 
   
2,732,162
 
 
       
   
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
       
OTHER - REITS - 0.69%
     
Duke Realty Limited Partnership
 
$
509,639
 
CubeSmart, L.P.
   
498,197
 
 
   
1,007,836
 
 
       
PACKAGING - 1.22%
       
ASC Holdings, Inc.
   
776,413
 
Bemis Company, Inc.
   
999,804
 
 
   
1,776,217
 
 
       
PAPER - 1.50%
       
Clearwater Paper Corporation
   
471,360
 
Dunn Paper
   
1,716,375
 
 
   
2,187,735
 
 
       
PHARMACEUTICALS - 2.76%
       
Clarion Brands Holding Corp.
   
2,244,342
 
CVS Health Corp
   
346,470
 
ERG Holding Company LLC
   
1,443,092
 
 
   
4,033,904
 
 
       
PROPERTY & CASUALTY - 0.76%
       
Trinity Acquisition Plc
   
506,657
 
Xlit Ltd
   
603,888
 
 
   
1,110,545
 
 
       
REFINING - 2.48%
       
CITGO Petroleum Corporation
   
421,281
 
MES Partners, Inc.
   
1,580,708
 
MPLX LP
   
524,284
 
PBF Holding Company LLC
   
34,155
 
Tristar Global Energy Solutions, Inc.
   
1,055,906
 
 
   
3,616,334
 
 
       
TECHNOLOGY - 11.10%
       
1A Smart Start, Inc.
   
1,696,653
 
Anixter, Inc.
   
169,125
 
BCC Software, Inc.
   
1,716,976
 
Clubessential LLC
   
1,713,111
 
Dell Inc.
   
615,460
 
DigiCert, Inc.
   
207,552
 
Expedia Inc.
   
606,664
 
Glynlyon Holding Companies, Inc.
   
230,223
 
GraphPad Software, Inc.
   
2,425,044
 

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

30
 
Barings Participation Investors
CONSOLIDATED SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
March 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
 
 
Industry Classification: (Continued)
 
Fair Value/
Market Value
 
         
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company
 
$
519,126
 
Pitney Bowes Inc.
   
476,250
 
Software Paradigms International
Group, LLC
   
1,730,504
 
Velocity Technology Solutions, Inc.
   
2,088,014
 
Veritext Corporation
   
1,994,258
 
 
   
16,188,960
 
 
       
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 0.27%
       
Altice Financing S.A.
   
392,000
 
 
       
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - 4.21%
       
Hertz Corporation
   
507,500
 
MNX Holding Company
   
1,414,711
 
OPE KAG Finance Sub
   
512,500
 
Penske Corporation
   
526,234
 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation
   
2,281,601
 
Team Drive-Away Holdings LLC
   
184,032
 
VP Holding Company
   
720,667
 
 
   
6,147,245
 
 
       
WIRELESS - 0.54%
       
Crown Castle International Corp
   
637,591
 
Sprint Corporation
   
151,125
 
 
   
788,716
 
 
       
Total Investments - 103.20%
(Cost - $151,395,974)
 
$
150,583,924
 
 
       
 
 
 











 









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 maximize total return by providing a high level of current income, the potential for growth of income, and capital appreciation. The Trust's principal investments are privately placed, below-investment grade, long-term debt obligations purchased directly from their issuers, which tend to be smaller companies. The Trust will also invest in publicly traded debt securities (including high yield securities), and in convertible preferred stocks and, subject to certain limitations, readily marketable equity securities. 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. In addition, the Trust may invest in high quality, readily marketable securities.
 
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 $105,827,657 (72.52% of net assets) as of March 31, 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 March 31, 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.
 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 

32
 
Barings Participation Investors
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
 
 
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 – 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 March 31, 2018:
 
 
Fair Value
Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range
Weighted
Bank Loans
$3,393,306
Broker Quote
Single Broker
98.5% to 101.8%
100.0%
           
 
$16,806,042
Discounted Cash Flows
Discount Rate
6.2% to 12.3%
8.1%
           
Corporate Bonds
$58,579,781
Discounted Cash Flows
Discount Rate
8.4% to 19.1%
12.4%
           
 
$9,553,424
Market Approach
Valuation Multiple
3.9x to 8.3x
6.8x
           
     
EBITDA
$0 million to
$13.3 million
$5.2 million
           
Equity Securities
$19,172,035
Market Approach
Valuation Multiple
3.9x to 14.4x
8.9x
           
     
EBITDA
$0 million to
$221.6 million
$29.6 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 2018 are as follows:
 
Assets:
 
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Restricted Securities
                       
Corporate Bonds
 
$
82,419,449
   
$
   
$
14,286,244
   
$
68,133,205
 
Bank Loans
   
18,522,417
     
     
     
18,522,417
 
Common Stock - U.S.
   
6,091,393
     
     
     
6,091,393
 
Preferred Stock
   
2,925,577
     
     
     
2,925,577
 
Partnerships and LLCs
   
10,155,065
     
     
     
10,155,065
 
Public Securities
                               
Bank Loans
   
3,418,097
     
     
1,741,166
     
1,676,931
 
Corporate Bonds
   
23,054,795
     
     
23,054,795
     
 
Common Stock—U.S.
   
     
     
     
 
Preferred Stock
   
     
     
     
 
Short-term Securities
   
3,997,131
     
     
3,997,131
     
 
Total
 
$
150,583,924
   
$
   
$
43,079,336
   
$
107,504,588
 
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
3/31/2018
 
Restricted Securities
                                               
Corporate Bonds
 
$
68,182,386
   
$
(1,560,926
)
 
$
3,193,009
   
$
(36,550
)
 
$
(1,644,714
)
 
$
   
$
   
$
68,133,205
 
Bank Loans
   
15,737,992
     
55,774
     
2,728,651
     
     
     
     
     
18,522,417
 
Common Stock - U.S.
   
6,911,240
     
(180,558
)
   
41,537
     
(680,826
)
   
     
     
     
6,091,393
 
Preferred Stock
   
2,525,813
     
399,764
     
     
     
     
     
     
2,925,577
 
Partnerships and LLCs
   
14,061,127
     
(368,512
)
   
193,692
     
(3,731,242
)
   
     
     
     
10,155,065
 
Public Securities
                                                               
Bank Loans
   
523,461
     
7,334
     
818,379
     
     
(6,192
)
   
333,949
     
     
1,676,931
 
Total
 
$
107,942,019
   
$
(1,647,124
)
 
$
6,975,268
   
$
(4,448,618
)
 
$
(1,650,906
)
 
$
333,949
   
$
   
$
107,504,588
 
 
 
 
 
 

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)
 
$
166,323
   
$
 
Net realized gain on investments before taxes
 
$
2,112,814
   
$
 
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments before taxes
 
$
(3,926,261
)
 
$
(1,636,968
)
 
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 March 31, 2018, the PI Subsidiary Trust has incurred income tax expense of $14,240.
 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of the existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. As of March 31, 2018, the PI Subsidiary Trust has a deferred tax liability of $497,610.
 
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.

 
 
 
 

36
 
 
Barings Participation Investors
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(Unaudited)
 
 
B. Fee:
 
For its services under the Contract, Barings is paid a quarterly investment advisory fee equal to 0.225% of the value of the Trust's net assets as of the last business day of each fiscal quarter, an amount approximately equivalent to 0.90% on an annual basis. A majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Barings, approve the valuation of the Trust's net assets as of such day.
 
4.
Senior Indebtedness
MassMutual holds the Trust's $15,000,000 Senior Fixed Rate Convertible Note (the "Note") issued by the Trust on December 13, 2011. The Note is due December 13, 2023 and accrues interest at 4.09% per annum. MassMutual, at its option, can convert the principal amount of the Note into common shares. The dollar amount of principal would be converted into an equivalent dollar amount of common shares based upon the average price of the common shares for ten business days prior to the notice of conversion. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Trust incurred total interest expense on the Note of $153,375.
 
The Trust may redeem the Note, in whole or in part, at the principal amount proposed to be redeemed together with the accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the redemption date plus the Make Whole Premium. The Make Whole Premium equals the excess of (i) the present value of the scheduled payments of principal and interest which the Trust would have paid but for the proposed redemption, discounted at the rate of interest of U.S. Treasury obligations whose maturity approximates that of the Note plus 0.50% over (ii) the principal of the Note proposed to be redeemed.
 
5.
Purchases and Sales of Investments
 
   
For the three
months ended
03/31/2018
 
 
 
Cost of
Investments
Acquired
   
Proceeds
from
Sales or
Maturities
 
Corporate restricted securities
 
$
6,728,633
   
$
7,862,840
 
Corporate public securities
   
1,531,621
     
4,745,308
 
 
The aggregate cost of investments is substantially the same for financial reporting and Federal income tax purposes as of March 31, 2018. The net unrealized depreciation of investments for financial reporting and Federal tax purposes as of March 31, 2018 is $(812,050) and consists of $10,179,343 appreciation and $10,991,393 depreciation.
 
Net unrealized depreciation of investments on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects the balance net of a deferred tax liability of $497,610 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
)
 
 
7.
Investment Risks
In the normal course of its business, the Trust trades various financial instruments and enters into certain investment activities with investment risks. These risks include: (i) market risk, (ii) volatility risk and (iii) credit, counterparty and liquidity risk. It is the Trust's policy to identify, measure and monitor risk through various mechanisms including risk management strategies and credit policies. These include monitoring risk guidelines and diversifying exposures across a variety of instruments, markets and counterparties. There can be no assurance that the Trust will be able to implement its credit guidelines or that its risk monitoring strategies will be successful.
 
8.
Commitments and Contingencies
During the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties. The exposure, if any, to the Trust under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may or may not be made against the Trust and which have not yet occurred. The Trust has no history of prior claims related to such contracts and agreements.
 
At March 31, 2018, the Trust had the following unfunded commitments:
 
Investment
 
Unfunded Amount
 
CORA Health Services, Inc.
 
$
890,933
 
New Mountain Learning, LLC
 
$
373,448
 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation
 
$
136,944
 
Polytex Holdings LLC
 
$
14,274
 
U.S. Retirement & Benefit Partners
 
$
345,000
 
 
9.
Subsequent Events
The Trust held a Special Meeting of Shareholders on April 25, 2018, which was adjourned to May 8, 2018, at which shareholders approved the elimination of the Trust's fundamental investment restrictions (i) concerning the Trust's maximum level of investment in non-investment grade securities and (ii) prohibiting investment by the Trust in debt securities rated below B, or determined by Barings to be of a comparable quality, at the time of acquisition.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Barings Participation Investors
 











 










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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
 
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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