UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number |
811-8709 |
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Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
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125 Broad Street, New York, NY |
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10004 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip code) |
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Robert I. Frenkel, Esq. Legg Mason & Co., LLC 300 First Stamford Place, 4th Floor Stamford, CT 06902 |
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(Name and address of agent for service) |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
(800) 451-2010 |
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Date of fiscal year end: |
April 30 |
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Date of reporting period: |
October 31, 2007 |
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ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
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Western Asset |
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SEMI-ANNUAL |
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REPORT |
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OCTOBER 31, 2007 |
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INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED · NO BANK GUARANTEE · MAY LOSE VALUE |
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Western Asset |
Semi-Annual Report · October 31, 2007
Whats
Fund Objective The Fund seeks to maximize current income by investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in high-yield debt securities. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital appreciation to the extent consistent with its objective of seeking to maximize current income. |
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Letter from the Chairman |
I |
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Fund at a Glance |
1 |
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Schedule of Investments |
2 |
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Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
21 |
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Statement of Operations |
22 |
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Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
23 |
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Statement of Cash Flows |
24 |
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Financial Highlights |
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Notes to Financial Statements |
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Additional Shareholder Information |
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan |
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Letter from the Chairman
R. JAY GERKEN, CFA Chairman,
President and |
Dear Shareholder, |
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Despite continued weakness in the housing market and a credit crunch that began in the summer of 2007, the U.S. economy proved to be resilient during the six-month reporting period ended October 31, 2007. In the first quarter of 2007, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP)i growth was a tepid 0.6%, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. This was the lowest growth rate since the fourth quarter of 2002. The economy then rebounded, as second quarter 2007 GDP growth was a solid 3.8%. Given the modest increase earlier in the year, this higher growth rate was not unexpected. The preliminary estimate for third quarter GDP growth was 4.9%. A surge in inventory-building and robust exports supported the economy during the third calendar quarter. |
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Ongoing issues related to the housing and subprime mortgage markets and an abrupt tightening in the credit markets prompted the Federal Reserve Board (Fed)ii to take several actions during the reporting period. The Fed initially responded by lowering the discount rate the rate the Fed uses for loans it makes directly to banks from 6.25% to 5.75% in mid-August 2007. Then, at its meeting on September 18, the Fed reduced the federal funds rateiii from 5.25% to 4.75% and the discount rate to 5.25%. This marked the first reduction in the federal funds rate since June 2003. The Fed again lowered rates at the end of October, as it cut both the discount rate and federal funds rate another 0.25% to 5.00% and 4.50%, respectively. In its statement accompanying the October meeting, the Fed stated: Economic growth was solid in the third quarter, and strains in financial markets have eased somewhat on balance. However, the pace of economic expansion will likely slow in the near term, partly reflecting the intensification of the housing correction. The Fed went on to say: The |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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Committee judges that, after this action, the upside risks to inflation roughly balance the downside risks to growth. |
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During the six-month reporting period, both short- and long-term Treasury yields experienced periods of significant volatility. After falling during the first three months of 2007, yields then moved steadily higher during much of the second quarter. This was due, in part, to inflationary fears, a solid job market and expectations that the Fed would not be cutting short-term rates in the foreseeable future. During the remainder of the reporting period, the U.S. fixed-income markets were extremely volatile, which negatively impacted market liquidity conditions. Initially, the concern on the part of market participants was limited to the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed market. These concerns broadened, however, to include a wide range of financial institutions and markets. As a result, other fixed-income instruments also experienced increased price volatility. This turmoil triggered a significant flight to quality, causing Treasury yields to move sharply lower (and their prices higher), while riskier segments of the market saw their yields move higher (and their prices lower). Overall, during the six months ended October 31, 2007, two-year Treasury yields fell from 4.60% to 3.94%. Over the same period, 10-year Treasury yields moved from 4.63% to 4.48%. Looking at the six-month period as a whole, the overall bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Indexiv, returned 2.68%. |
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Due in large part to a dramatic flight to quality earlier in the reporting period, the high-yield bond market largely treaded water over the six months ended October 31, 2007. During that time, the Citigroup High Yield Market Indexv returned -0.06%. High-yield bond prices weakened significantly in June and July. While they subsequently posted positive results in August, September and October, it was not enough to overcome their earlier negative returns. |
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Despite a dramatic flight to quality and weakness earlier in the reporting period, emerging markets debt generated positive results, as the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (EMBI Global)vi returned 2.64% during the reporting period. Overall solid demand, an expanding global |
II |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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economy, strong domestic spending and the Feds rate cuts supported the emerging market debt asset class. |
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Performance Review |
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For the six months ended October 31, 2007, Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. returned -1.34% based on its net asset value (NAV)vii and -6.61% based on its New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) market price per share. In comparison, the Funds new unmanaged benchmarks, the Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Indexviii and the EMBI Global, returned -0.07% and 2.64%, respectively, over the same period. The Funds former unmanaged benchmark, the Citigroup High Yield Market Index, returned -0.06% for the same time frame. The Lipper High Current Yield (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds Category Averageix returned -5.75% over the same period. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each funds NAV per share. |
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During this six-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $0.47 per share (which may have included a return of capital). The performance table shows the Funds six-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of October 31, 2007. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
Performance Snapshot as of October 31, 2007 (unaudited)
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6-Month |
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$11.74 (NAV) |
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-1.34 |
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$10.38 (Market Price) |
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-6.61 |
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All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results.
Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
III |
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Special Shareholder Notices |
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On August 15, 2007, the Board of Directors of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. approved, to be effective September 17, 2007, amending the Funds non-fundamental investment policies relating to the types of securities in which the Fund may invest. As a result of the amendment to the Funds non-fundamental investment policies, the Fund will be able to invest in, among other things, dollar rolls, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities as part of its investment strategies. Investments in these types of securities, and other types of securities that will be permissible under the amended non-fundamental investment policies, may involve additional risk. |
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Under a dollar roll transaction, the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month, or sells securities it has purchased on a to-be-announced basis, and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the purchased securities. Dollar rolls are speculative techniques involving leverage, and are considered borrowings by the Fund if the Fund does not establish and maintain a segregated account. In addition, dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities the Fund is obligated to repurchase may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities under a dollar roll files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Funds use of proceeds may be restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or receiver, whether to enforce the Funds obligation to repurchase the securities. Successful use of dollar rolls may depend upon the ability of the Funds investment manager to correctly predict interest rates and prepayments. There is no assurance that dollar rolls can be successfully employed. |
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Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by private companies or by agencies of the U.S. Government and represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Asset-backed securities represent participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such as installment sales |
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Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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or loan contracts, leases, credit card receivables and other categories of receivables. Certain debt instruments may only pay principal at maturity or may only represent the right to receive payments of principal or payments of interest on underlying pools of mortgages, assets or government securities, but not both. The value of these types of instruments may change more drastically than debt securities that pay both principal and interest during periods of changing interest rates. The Fund may obtain a below market yield or incur a loss on such instruments during periods of declining interest rates. Principal only and interest only instruments are subject to extension risk. For mortgage derivatives and structured securities that have imbedded leverage features, small changes in interest or prepayment rates may cause large and sudden price movements. Mortgage derivatives may be illiquid and hard to value in declining markets. |
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These changes are intended to provide the portfolio managers with additional flexibility to meet the Funds investment objectives and address developments in the market, but the Funds portfolio managers do not currently anticipate that any dramatic changes in the Funds portfolio composition or investment approach will result. |
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Information About Your Fund |
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Important information with regard to recent regulatory developments that may affect the Fund is contained in the Notes to Financial Statements included in this report. |
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Looking for Additional Information? |
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The Fund is traded under the symbol HIX and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available on-line under the symbol XHGIX on most financial websites. Barrons and The Wall Street Journals Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites, as well as www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors. |
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In a continuing effort to provide information
concerning the Fund, shareholders may call |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Funds current NAV, market price and other information. |
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As always, thank you for your confidence in our stewardship of your assets. We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals. |
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Sincerely, |
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R.
Jay Gerken, CFA |
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November 30, 2007 |
The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.
RISKS: As interest rates rise, bond prices fall generally, reducing the value of the Fund. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on fund performance. High-yield bonds involve greater credit and liquidity risks than investment grade bonds. Foreign securities are subject to certain risks not associated with domestic investing, such as currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions which could result in significant fluctuations. The risks are magnified in emerging markets.
All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
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Gross domestic product (GDP) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time. |
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The Federal Reserve Board (Fed) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments. |
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The federal funds rate is the rate charged by one depository institution on an overnight sale of immediately available funds (balances at the Federal Reserve) to another depository institution; the rate may vary from depository institution to depository institution and from day to day. |
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iv |
The Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index is a broad-based bond index comprised of government, corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed issues, rated investment grade or higher, and having at least one year to maturity. |
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The Citigroup High Yield Market Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of high-yield securities. |
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The JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (EMBI Global) tracks total returns for U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady bonds, loans, Eurobonds, and local market instruments. Countries covered are Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote dIvoire, Croatia, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela. |
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vii |
NAV is calculated by subtracting total liabilities and outstanding preferred stock (if any) from the closing value of all securities held by the Fund (plus all other assets) and dividing the result (total net assets) by the total number of the common shares outstanding. The NAV fluctuates with changes in the market prices of securities in which the Fund has invested. However, the price at which an investor may buy or sell shares of the Fund is at the Funds market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Funds shares. |
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viii |
The Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Cap Index is an index of the 2% Issuer Cap component of the Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, which covers the U.S. dollar-denominated, non-investment grade fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. |
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ix |
Lipper, Inc. is a major independent mutual-fund tracking organization. Returns are based on the six-month period ended October 31, 2007, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 31 funds in the Funds Lipper category. |
VI |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
Fund at a Glance (unaudited)
Investment Breakdown
As a Percent of Total Investments
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
1 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited)
WESTERN ASSET HIGH INCOME FUND II INC.
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Security |
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CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES 90.4% |
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Aerospace & Defense 1.8% |
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1,585,000 |
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Alliant Techsystems Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.750% due 4/1/16 |
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1,585,000 |
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DRS Technologies Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes: |
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1,535,000 |
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6.625% due 2/1/16 |
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1,527,326 |
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3,320,000 |
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7.625% due 2/1/18 |
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3,411,300 |
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Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co.: |
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3,710,000 |
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Senior Notes, 8.875% due 4/1/15 (a)(b) |
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3,747,100 |
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4,350,000 |
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Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.750% due 4/1/17 (a) |
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4,437,000 |
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106,119 |
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Kac Acquisition Co., Subordinated Notes, 0.000% due 4/26/26 (c)(d)(e) |
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L-3 Communications Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes: |
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4,935,000 |
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7.625% due 6/15/12 |
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5,101,556 |
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2,600,000 |
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6.125% due 1/15/14 |
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2,587,000 |
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Total Aerospace & Defense |
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22,396,282 |
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Airlines 2.0% |
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Continental Airlines Inc.: |
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965,000 |
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Notes, 8.750% due 12/1/11 |
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955,350 |
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Pass-Through Certificates: |
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172,837 |
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6.541% due 9/15/08 |
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171,541 |
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1,195,107 |
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8.312% due 10/2/12 |
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1,190,356 |
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1,765,000 |
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7.339% due 4/19/14 |
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1,671,014 |
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7,680,000 |
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DAE Aviation Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 11.250% due 8/1/15 (a) |
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8,102,400 |
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Delta Air Lines Inc.: |
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1,675,000 |
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8.954% due 8/10/14 (a) |
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1,675,000 |
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Pass-Through Certificates: |
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1,781,295 |
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6.619% due 3/18/11 |
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1,792,428 |
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6,135,000 |
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7.111% due 9/18/11 |
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6,265,369 |
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2,135,000 |
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7.711% due 9/18/11 |
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2,106,978 |
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Total Airlines |
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23,930,436 |
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Auto Components 2.0% |
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Allison Transmission Inc.: |
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2,120,000 |
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11.000% due 11/1/15 (a) |
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2,170,350 |
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4,190,000 |
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11.250% due 11/1/15 (a)(b) |
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4,153,337 |
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5,000,000 |
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Allison Transmission, Term Loan B, 8.540% due 8/7/14 |
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4,885,415 |
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3,335,000 |
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Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., Senior Subordinated
Notes, |
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2,726,363 |
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11,250,000 |
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Visteon Corp., Senior Notes, 8.250% due 8/1/10 (f) |
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10,518,750 |
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Total Auto Components |
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24,454,215 |
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Automobiles 1.8% |
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Ford Motor Co.: |
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Debentures: |
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1,880,000 |
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8.875% due 1/15/22 |
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1,630,900 |
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3,425,000 |
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8.900% due 1/15/32 |
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3,039,687 |
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2,385,000 |
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Notes, 7.450% due 7/16/31 |
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1,896,075 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
2 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
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Automobiles 1.8% (continued) |
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General Motors Corp.: |
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5,320,000 |
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Notes, 7.200% due 1/15/11 |
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$ |
5,107,200 |
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Senior Debentures: |
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2,375,000 |
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8.250% due 7/15/23 |
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2,155,313 |
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8,265,000 |
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8.375% due 7/15/33 |
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7,562,474 |
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Total Automobiles |
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21,391,649 |
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Building Products 1.7% |
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Ainsworth Lumber Co., Ltd., Senior Notes: |
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1,200,000 |
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7.250% due 10/1/12 |
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831,000 |
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1,180,000 |
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6.750% due 3/15/14 |
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764,050 |
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Associated Materials Inc.: |
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9,725,000 |
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Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield 14.468% due 3/1/14 |
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6,515,750 |
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2,585,000 |
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Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.750% due 4/15/12 |
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2,649,625 |
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2,302,000 |
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GTL Trade Finance Inc., 7.250% due 10/20/17 (a) |
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2,335,425 |
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1,750,000 |
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Nortek Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.500% due 9/1/14 |
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1,557,500 |
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9,655,000 |
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NTK Holdings Inc., Senior Discount Notes, step bond
to yield |
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6,372,300 |
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Total Building Products |
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21,025,650 |
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Capital Markets 0.2% |
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3,000,000 |
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E*TRADE Financial Corp., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 9/15/13 |
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2,820,000 |
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Chemicals 1.8% |
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Georgia Gulf Corp.: |
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3,110,000 |
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10.750% due 10/15/16 |
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2,480,225 |
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3,630,000 |
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Senior Notes, 9.500% due 10/15/14 |
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3,158,100 |
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2,390,000 |
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Huntsman International LLC, Senior Subordinated
Notes, |
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2,581,200 |
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Lyondell Chemical Co.: |
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2,191,000 |
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6.875% due 6/15/17 |
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2,421,055 |
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Senior Notes: |
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1,400,000 |
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8.000% due 9/15/14 |
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1,557,500 |
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1,155,000 |
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8.250% due 9/15/16 |
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1,325,362 |
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100,000 |
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Senior Secured Notes, 10.500% due 6/1/13 |
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108,250 |
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3,075,000 |
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Methanex Corp., Senior Notes, 8.750% due 8/15/12 |
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3,313,312 |
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4,475,000 |
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Montell Finance Co. BV, Debentures, 8.100% due 3/15/27 (a) |
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3,915,625 |
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1,015,000 |
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Westlake Chemical Corp., Senior Notes, 6.625% due 1/15/16 |
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976,938 |
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Total Chemicals |
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21,837,567 |
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Commercial Banks 2.2% |
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5,260,000 |
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ATF Capital BV, Senior Notes, 9.250% due 2/21/14 (a) |
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5,430,950 |
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8,750,000 |
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First Data Corp., 7.960% due 10/15/14 (g) |
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8,450,129 |
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4,490,000 |
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HSBK Europe BV, 7.250% due 5/3/17 (a) |
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4,217,457 |
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ICICI Bank Ltd., Subordinated Bonds: |
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1,170,000 |
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6.375% due 4/30/22 (g) |
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1,103,390 |
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1,174,000 |
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6.375% due 4/30/22 (a)(g) |
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1,088,918 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
3 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
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Security |
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Value |
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Commercial Banks 2.2% (continued) |
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Russian Agricultural Bank: |
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1,055,000 |
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Loan Participation Notes, 6.299% due 5/15/17 (a) |
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$ |
1,002,144 |
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1,654,000 |
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Notes, 7.175% due 5/16/13 (a) |
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1,710,071 |
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TuranAlem Finance BV, Bonds: |
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2,785,000 |
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8.250% due 1/22/37 (a) |
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2,569,162 |
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1,059,000 |
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8.250% due 1/22/37 (a) |
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961,042 |
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Total Commercial Banks |
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26,533,263 |
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Commercial Services & Supplies 2.6% |
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5,985,000 |
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Allied Security Escrow Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, |
|
5,745,600 |
|
|||
|
|
Allied Waste North America Inc., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|||
5,690,000 |
|
7.375% due 4/15/14 |
|
5,775,350 |
|
|||
1,050,000 |
|
7.250% due 3/15/15 |
|
1,063,125 |
|
|||
675,000 |
|
Ashtead Holdings PLC, Secured Notes, 8.625% due 8/1/15 (a) |
|
648,000 |
|
|||
7,693,000 |
|
DynCorp International LLC/DIV Capital Corp., Senior Subordinated
Notes, |
|
8,173,813 |
|
|||
|
|
Interface Inc.: |
|
|
|
|||
2,875,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 10.375% due 2/1/10 |
|
3,061,875 |
|
|||
1,500,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.500% due 2/1/14 |
|
1,590,000 |
|
|||
4,065,000 |
|
Rental Services Corp., 9.500% due 12/1/14 |
|
3,927,806 |
|
|||
2,380,000 |
|
US Investigations Services Inc., 11.750% due 5/1/16 (a) |
|
2,237,200 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Commercial Services & Supplies |
|
32,222,769 |
|
|||
Communications Equipment 0.4% |
|
|
|
|||||
6,100,000 |
|
Lucent Technologies Inc., Debentures, 6.450% due 3/15/29 |
|
5,124,000 |
|
|||
Construction & Engineering 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||||
1,240,000 |
|
Odebrecht Finance Ltd., 7.500% due 10/18/17 (a) |
|
1,243,100 |
|
|||
Consumer Finance 3.2% |
|
|
|
|||||
4,080,000 |
|
AmeriCredit Corp., Senior Notes, 8.500% due 7/1/15 (a) |
|
3,672,000 |
|
|||
|
|
Ford Motor Credit Co.: |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Notes: |
|
|
|
|||
3,075,000 |
|
7.875% due 6/15/10 |
|
2,966,108 |
|
|||
3,320,000 |
|
7.000% due 10/1/13 |
|
2,983,581 |
|
|||
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|||
4,248,000 |
|
10.944% due 6/15/11 (g) |
|
4,250,400 |
|
|||
1,950,000 |
|
9.875% due 8/10/11 |
|
1,948,551 |
|
|||
1,210,000 |
|
7.993% due 1/13/12 (g) |
|
1,121,172 |
|
|||
2,490,000 |
|
8.000% due 12/15/16 |
|
2,308,830 |
|
|||
|
|
General Motors Acceptance Corp.: |
|
|
|
|||
14,270,000 |
|
Bonds, 8.000% due 11/1/31 (f) |
|
13,223,424 |
|
|||
6,890,000 |
|
Notes, 6.875% due 8/28/12 |
|
6,217,433 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Consumer Finance |
|
38,691,499 |
|
|||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
4 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Containers & Packaging 1.3% |
|
|
|
|||
2,000,000 |
|
Berry Plastics Holding Corp., 8.875% due 9/15/14 |
|
$ |
2,060,000 |
|
2,175,000 |
|
Graham Packaging Co. Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.875% due 10/15/14 |
|
2,164,125 |
|
|
4,725,000 |
|
Graphic Packaging International Corp., Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
4,984,875 |
|
|
2,349,000 |
|
Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc., Senior Secured
Notes, |
|
2,451,769 |
|
|
1,490,000 |
|
Plastipak Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 8.500% due 12/15/15 (a) |
|
1,542,150 |
|
|
1,975,000 |
|
Radnor Holdings Corp., Senior Notes, 11.000% due 3/15/10 (e) |
|
24,687 |
|
|
195,000 |
|
Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 3/15/17 |
|
194,756 |
|
|
2,355,000 |
|
Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 7/1/12 |
|
2,366,775 |
|
|
|
|
Total Containers & Packaging |
|
15,789,137 |
|
|
Diversified Consumer Services 0.8% |
|
|
|
|||
6,870,000 |
|
Education Management LLC/Education Management
Finance Corp., |
|
7,127,625 |
|
|
|
|
Service Corp. International: |
|
|
|
|
650,000 |
|
Debentures, 7.875% due 2/1/13 |
|
679,285 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
7.625% due 10/1/18 |
|
1,236,000 |
|
|
1,010,000 |
|
7.500% due 4/1/27 |
|
949,400 |
|
|
|
|
Total Diversified Consumer Services |
|
9,992,310 |
|
|
Diversified Financial Services 2.4% |
|
|
|
|||
4,060,000 |
|
Basell AF SCA, Senior Secured Subordinated Second
Priority Notes, |
|
3,654,000 |
|
|
2,110,000 |
|
CCM Merger Inc., Notes, 8.000% due 8/1/13 (a) |
|
2,036,150 |
|
|
135,000 |
|
El Paso Performance-Linked Trust Certificates, Notes, 7.750% due 7/15/11 (a) |
|
139,862 |
|
|
4,400,000 |
|
Hexion U.S. Finance Corp./Hexion Nova Scotia
Finance ULC, |
|
4,576,000 |
|
|
3,930,000 |
|
Leucadia National Corp., Senior Notes, 8.125% due 9/15/15 |
|
3,984,037 |
|
|
2,990,000 |
|
Residential Capital Corp., Notes, 7.375% due 6/30/10 (g) |
|
2,206,336 |
|
|
|
|
Residential Capital LLC: |
|
|
|
|
230,000 |
|
9.044% due 4/17/09 (a)(g) |
|
142,888 |
|
|
3,945,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 7.000% due 2/22/11 (g) |
|
2,881,795 |
|
|
700,000 |
|
Smurfit Kappa Funding PLC, Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750% due 4/1/15 |
|
693,000 |
|
|
1,360,000 |
|
TNK-BP Finance SA, 7.500% due 7/18/16 (a) |
|
1,329,400 |
|
|
670,000 |
|
UCAR Finance Inc., Senior Notes, 10.250% due 2/15/12 |
|
703,500 |
|
|
490,000 |
|
Vangent Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.625% due 2/15/15 (a) |
|
455,700 |
|
|
3,150,000 |
|
Vanguard Health Holdings Co. I LLC, Senior Discount
Notes, step bond to yield |
|
2,472,750 |
|
|
3,775,000 |
|
Vanguard Health Holdings Co. II LLC, Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
3,699,500 |
|
|
|
|
Total Diversified Financial Services |
|
28,974,918 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
5 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Diversified Telecommunication Services 6.0% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Axtel SAB de CV: |
|
|
|
|
370,000 |
|
7.625% due 2/1/17 (a) |
|
$ |
374,625 |
|
4,740,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 7.625% due 2/1/17 (a) |
|
4,799,250 |
|
|
1,005,000 |
|
Cincinnati Bell Inc., Senior Notes, 7.000% due 2/15/15 |
|
987,413 |
|
|
1,260,000 |
|
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Co., Senior Debentures, 6.300% due 12/1/28 |
|
1,102,500 |
|
|
|
|
Citizens Communications Co.: |
|
|
|
|
315,000 |
|
7.050% due 10/1/46 |
|
259,875 |
|
|
4,220,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 7.875% due 1/15/27 |
|
4,167,250 |
|
|
2,171,000 |
|
Hawaiian Telcom Communications Inc., Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
2,366,390 |
|
|
|
|
Intelsat Bermuda Ltd.: |
|
|
|
|
4,315,000 |
|
9.250% due 6/15/16 |
|
4,498,388 |
|
|
6,530,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 11.250% due 6/15/16 |
|
7,052,400 |
|
|
1,355,000 |
|
Intelsat Corp., Senior Notes, 9.000% due 8/15/14 |
|
1,388,875 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
L-3 Communications Corp., Senior Subordinated
Notes, |
|
150,750 |
|
|
|
|
Level 3 Financing Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
4,915,000 |
|
9.250% due 11/1/14 |
|
4,656,962 |
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
9.150% due 2/15/15 (g) |
|
2,722,500 |
|
|
4,525,000 |
|
Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, Senior Secured Bonds, 8.875% due 5/1/16 (a) |
|
4,807,812 |
|
|
|
|
Qwest Communications International Inc., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,250,000 |
|
9.058% due 2/15/09 (g) |
|
1,262,500 |
|
|
2,100,000 |
|
7.500% due 2/15/14 |
|
2,136,750 |
|
|
|
|
Qwest Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
3,878,000 |
|
Debentures, 6.875% due 9/15/33 |
|
3,674,405 |
|
|
5,995,000 |
|
Notes, 8.875% due 3/15/12 |
|
6,594,500 |
|
|
4,770,000 |
|
Telcordia Technologies Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.000% due 3/15/13 (a) |
|
3,982,950 |
|
|
9,400,000 |
|
Virgin Media Finance PLC, Senior Notes, 9.125% due 8/15/16 (f) |
|
9,964,000 |
|
|
610,000 |
|
Wind Acquisition Finance SA, Senior Bonds, 10.750% due 12/1/15 (a) |
|
681,675 |
|
|
5,680,000 |
|
Windstream Corp., Senior Notes, 8.625% due 8/1/16 |
|
6,106,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Diversified Telecommunication Services |
|
73,737,770 |
|
|
Electric Utilities 1.1% |
|
|
|
|||
2,880,000 |
|
EEB International Ltd., 8.750% due 10/31/14 (a) |
|
2,980,800 |
|
|
202,000 |
|
Enersis SA, Notes, 7.375% due 1/15/14 |
|
214,839 |
|
|
1,665,000 |
|
IPALCO Enterprises Inc., Secured Notes, 8.625% due 11/14/11 |
|
1,760,738 |
|
|
1,106,110 |
|
Midwest Generation LLC, Pass-Through Certificates, 8.560% due 1/2/16 |
|
1,189,069 |
|
|
3,999,000 |
|
Orion Power Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 12.000% due 5/1/10 |
|
4,438,890 |
|
|
4,055,000 |
|
VeraSun Energy Corp., Senior Notes, 9.375% due 6/1/17 (a) |
|
3,355,512 |
|
|
|
|
Total Electric Utilities |
|
13,939,848 |
|
|
Electronic Equipment & Instruments 0.4% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC: |
|
|
|
|
2,795,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 9.500% due 10/15/15 |
|
2,648,262 |
|
|
2,495,000 |
|
Senior Secured Notes, 7.875% due 10/15/14 |
|
2,448,219 |
|
|
|
|
Total Electronic Equipment & Instruments |
|
5,096,481 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Energy Equipment & Services 0.5% |
|
|
|
|||
3,270,000 |
|
Complete Production Services Inc., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 12/15/16 |
|
$ |
3,188,250 |
|
1,275,000 |
|
GulfMark Offshore Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750% due 7/15/14 |
|
1,287,750 |
|
|
1,210,000 |
|
Pride International Inc., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 7/15/14 |
|
1,246,300 |
|
|
400,000 |
|
Southern Natural Gas Co., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 3/1/32 |
|
458,229 |
|
|
|
|
Total Energy Equipment & Services |
|
6,180,529 |
|
|
Food & Staples Retailing 0.3% |
|
|
|
|||
2,591,000 |
|
Delhaize America Inc., Debentures, 9.000% due 4/15/31 |
|
3,149,091 |
|
|
Food Products 0.4% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Dole Food Co. Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
1,600,000 |
|
Debentures, 8.750% due 7/15/13 |
|
1,576,000 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
2,065,000 |
|
7.250% due 6/15/10 |
|
1,972,075 |
|
|
1,050,000 |
|
8.875% due 3/15/11 |
|
1,038,188 |
|
|
|
|
Total Food Products |
|
4,586,263 |
|
|
Gas Utilities 0.6% |
|
|
|
|||
7,425,000 |
|
Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy
Finance Corp., Senior Notes, |
|
7,276,500 |
|
|
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
1,960,000 |
|
Advanced Medical Optics Inc., 7.500% due 5/1/17 |
|
1,857,100 |
|
|
Health Care Providers & Services 5.0% |
|
|
|
|||
4,890,000 |
|
Community Health Systems Inc., Senior Notes, 8.875% due 7/15/15 (a) |
|
4,975,575 |
|
|
|
|
DaVita Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 6.625% due 3/15/13 |
|
240,000 |
|
|
4,885,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.250% due 3/15/15 |
|
4,964,381 |
|
|
|
|
HCA Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
950,000 |
|
Debentures, 7.500% due 11/15/95 |
|
739,445 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
Notes, 6.375% due 1/15/15 |
|
1,288,125 |
|
|
6,115,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 6.500% due 2/15/16 |
|
5,251,256 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Notes: |
|
|
|
|
3,580,000 |
|
9.250% due 11/15/16 (a) |
|
3,776,900 |
|
|
9,560,000 |
|
9.625% due 11/15/16 (a)(b) |
|
10,133,600 |
|
|
4,800,000 |
|
IASIS Healthcare LLC/IASIS Capital Corp., Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
4,872,000 |
|
|
|
|
Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
3,555,000 |
|
6.375% due 12/1/11 |
|
3,128,400 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
6.500% due 6/1/12 |
|
1,278,750 |
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
7.375% due 2/1/13 |
|
5,130,000 |
|
|
4,375,000 |
|
9.875% due 7/1/14 |
|
4,003,125 |
|
|
1,470,000 |
|
6.875% due 11/15/31 |
|
1,087,800 |
|
|
|
|
Universal Hospital Services Inc., Secured Notes: |
|
|
|
|
4,505,000 |
|
8.500% due 6/1/15 (a)(b) |
|
4,606,363 |
|
|
910,000 |
|
8.759% due 6/1/15 (a)(g) |
|
916,825 |
|
|
5,850,000 |
|
US Oncology Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 10.759% due 3/15/12 (a)(b) |
|
5,177,250 |
|
|
|
|
Total Health Care Providers & Services |
|
61,569,795 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
7 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 5.2% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Boyd Gaming Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes: |
|
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
7.750% due 12/15/12 |
|
$ |
621,000 |
|
1,000,000 |
|
6.750% due 4/15/14 |
|
986,250 |
|
|
4,560,000 |
|
Buffets Inc., Senior Notes, 12.500% due 11/1/14 |
|
2,975,400 |
|
|
4,500,000 |
|
Caesars Entertainment Inc., Senior Subordinated
Notes, |
|
4,573,125 |
|
|
2,725,000 |
|
Carrols Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.000% due 1/15/13 |
|
2,616,000 |
|
|
500,000 |
|
Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise, Senior Notes, 7.250% due 11/15/19 (a) |
|
490,000 |
|
|
4,515,000 |
|
Dennys Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 10.000% due 10/1/12 |
|
4,661,737 |
|
|
1,740,000 |
|
Downstream Development Quapaw, Senior Notes, 12.000% due 10/15/15 (a) |
|
1,687,800 |
|
|
2,360,000 |
|
El Pollo Loco Inc., Senior Notes, 11.750% due 11/15/13 |
|
2,383,600 |
|
|
975,000 |
|
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Holdings LLC/Fontainebleau
Las Vegas Capital Corp., |
|
916,500 |
|
|
4,150,000 |
|
Herbst Gaming Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.000% due 11/15/14 |
|
3,382,250 |
|
|
2,620,000 |
|
Indianapolis Downs LLC & Capital Corp., 11.000% due 11/1/12 (a) |
|
2,646,200 |
|
|
4,070,000 |
|
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino,
Senior Notes, |
|
4,314,200 |
|
|
3,850,000 |
|
Las Vegas Sands Corp., Senior Notes, 6.375% due 2/15/15 |
|
3,758,563 |
|
|
|
|
MGM MIRAGE Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
955,000 |
|
Notes, 6.750% due 9/1/12 |
|
945,450 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
355,000 |
|
8.500% due 9/15/10 |
|
373,194 |
|
|
450,000 |
|
5.875% due 2/27/14 |
|
419,625 |
|
|
620,000 |
|
7.500% due 6/1/16 |
|
619,225 |
|
|
4,470,000 |
|
7.625% due 1/15/17 |
|
4,492,350 |
|
|
455,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.375% due 2/1/11 |
|
477,750 |
|
|
380,000 |
|
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
373,350 |
|
|
1,805,000 |
|
Outback Steakhouse Inc., Senior Notes, 10.000% due 6/15/15 (a) |
|
1,561,325 |
|
|
4,700,000 |
|
Pinnacle Entertainment Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.250% due 3/15/12 |
|
4,864,500 |
|
|
3,930,000 |
|
Pokagon Gaming Authority, Senior Notes, 10.375% due 6/15/14 (a) |
|
4,362,300 |
|
|
2,255,000 |
|
Sbarro Inc., Senior Notes, 10.375% due 2/1/15 |
|
2,049,231 |
|
|
|
|
Snoqualmie Entertainment Authority, Senior Secured Notes: |
|
|
|
|
885,000 |
|
9.063% due 2/1/14 (a)(g) |
|
857,344 |
|
|
840,000 |
|
9.125% due 2/1/15 (a) |
|
829,500 |
|
|
|
|
Station Casinos Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
|
6.000% due 4/1/12 |
|
37,300 |
|
|
4,150,000 |
|
7.750% due 8/15/16 |
|
4,082,562 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Subordinated Notes: |
|
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
6.875% due 3/1/16 |
|
66,600 |
|
|
1,635,000 |
|
6.625% due 3/15/18 |
|
1,303,913 |
|
|
|
|
Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure |
|
63,728,144 |
|
|
Household Durables 1.4% |
|
|
|
|||
310,000 |
|
American Greetings Corp., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 6/1/16 |
|
305,350 |
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Holt Group Inc., Senior Notes, 9.750% due 1/15/06 (c)(d)(e) |
|
0 |
|
|
3,355,000 |
|
Jarden Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.500% due 5/1/17 |
|
3,204,025 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Household Durables 1.4% (continued) |
|
|
|
|||
2,605,000 |
|
K Hovnanian Enterprises Inc., Senior Notes, 7.500% due 5/15/16 |
|
$ |
2,070,975 |
|
3,010,000 |
|
KB Home, 7.750% due 2/1/10 |
|
2,919,700 |
|
|
3,230,000 |
|
Norcraft Cos. LP/Norcraft Finance Corp., Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
3,326,900 |
|
|
5,765,000 |
|
Norcraft Holdings LP/Norcraft Capital Corp., Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield 9.952% due 9/1/12 |
|
5,159,675 |
|
|
|
|
Total Household Durables |
|
16,986,625 |
|
|
Household Products 0.3% |
|
|
|
|||
1,265,000 |
|
American Achievement Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.250% due 4/1/12 |
|
1,271,325 |
|
|
1,890,000 |
|
Visant Holding Corp., Senior Notes, 8.750% due 12/1/13 |
|
1,946,700 |
|
|
|
|
Total Household Products |
|
3,218,025 |
|
|
Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders 7.5% |
|
|
|
|||
2,480,000 |
|
AES China Generating Co., Ltd., 8.250% due 6/26/10 |
|
2,452,048 |
|
|
|
|
AES Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
6,635,000 |
|
8.000% due 10/15/17 (a) |
|
6,726,231 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,177,000 |
|
9.500% due 6/1/09 |
|
1,229,965 |
|
|
1,900,000 |
|
9.375% due 9/15/10 |
|
2,018,750 |
|
|
2,930,000 |
|
Senior Secured Notes, 9.000% due 5/15/15 (a) |
|
3,135,100 |
|
|
|
|
Dynegy Holdings Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
3,605,000 |
|
Senior Debentures, 7.625% due 10/15/26 |
|
3,217,463 |
|
|
3,770,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 7.750% due 6/1/19 (a) |
|
3,557,938 |
|
|
4,000,000 |
|
Dynegy Inc., 7.670% due 11/8/16 |
|
4,010,000 |
|
|
|
|
Edison Mission Energy, Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
445,000 |
|
7.500% due 6/15/13 |
|
453,344 |
|
|
2,600,000 |
|
7.750% due 6/15/16 |
|
2,684,500 |
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
7.200% due 5/15/19 (a) |
|
2,456,250 |
|
|
2,670,000 |
|
7.625% due 5/15/27 (a) |
|
2,556,525 |
|
|
|
|
Energy Future Holdings: |
|
|
|
|
5,160,000 |
|
10.875% due 11/1/17 (a) |
|
5,243,850 |
|
|
28,770,000 |
|
11.250% due 11/1/17 (a)(b) |
|
29,273,475 |
|
|
|
|
Mirant Mid Atlantic LLC: |
|
|
|
|
584,577 |
|
10.060% due 12/30/28 |
|
695,646 |
|
|
1,923,235 |
|
Pass-Through Certificates, 9.125% due 6/30/17 |
|
2,117,962 |
|
|
4,235,000 |
|
Mirant North America LLC, Senior Notes, 7.375% due 12/31/13 |
|
4,314,406 |
|
|
|
|
NRG Energy Inc., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
890,000 |
|
7.250% due 2/1/14 |
|
892,225 |
|
|
11,570,000 |
|
7.375% due 2/1/16 (f) |
|
11,570,000 |
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
7.375% due 1/15/17 |
|
1,795,500 |
|
|
890,000 |
|
TXU Corp., Senior Notes, 6.500% due 11/15/24 |
|
658,269 |
|
|
|
|
Total Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders |
|
91,059,447 |
|
|
Industrial Conglomerates 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
680,000 |
|
Koppers Inc., Senior Notes, 9.875% due 10/15/13 |
|
722,500 |
|
|
2,750,000 |
|
Moll Industries Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 7/1/08 (c)(d)(e) |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
Total Industrial Conglomerates |
|
722,500 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
9 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
IT Services 1.5% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Ceridian Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
1,580,000 |
|
11.250% due 11/15/15 (a) |
|
$ |
1,568,150 |
|
2,380,000 |
|
12.250% due 11/15/15 (a)(b) |
|
2,362,150 |
|
|
5,720,000 |
|
First Data Corp., 9.875% due 9/24/15 (a) |
|
5,484,050 |
|
|
|
|
SunGard Data Systems Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
2,900,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 9.125% due 8/15/13 |
|
2,972,500 |
|
|
5,390,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.250% due 8/15/15 |
|
5,646,025 |
|
|
|
|
Total IT Services |
|
18,032,875 |
|
|
Machinery 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
1,260,000 |
|
American Railcar Industries Inc., Senior Notes, 7.500% due 3/1/14 |
|
1,250,550 |
|
|
Media 7.8% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Affinion Group Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
4,465,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 10.125% due 10/15/13 |
|
4,677,087 |
|
|
4,030,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.500% due 10/15/15 |
|
4,221,425 |
|
|
|
|
CCH I Holdings LLC/CCH I Holdings Capital Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
2,265,000 |
|
Senior Accreting Notes, 12.125% due 1/15/15 |
|
2,004,525 |
|
|
8,010,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 11.750% due 5/15/14 |
|
7,028,775 |
|
|
8,676,000 |
|
CCH I LLC/CCH Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 11.000% due 10/1/15 (f) |
|
8,459,100 |
|
|
|
|
CCH II LLC/CCH II Capital Corp., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
4,390,000 |
|
10.250% due 9/15/10 |
|
4,499,750 |
|
|
1,593,000 |
|
10.250% due 10/1/13 |
|
1,648,755 |
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
Charter Communications Holdings LLC, Senior
Discount Notes, |
|
1,395,000 |
|
|
1,325,000 |
|
Charter Communications Holdings LLC/Charter Communications Holdings Capital Corp., Senior Discount Notes, 11.750% due 5/15/11 |
|
1,252,125 |
|
|
1,375,000 |
|
Chukchansi Economic Development Authority, Senior
Notes, |
|
1,392,188 |
|
|
3,270,000 |
|
CMP Susquehanna Corp., 9.875% due 5/15/14 |
|
3,020,663 |
|
|
|
|
CSC Holdings Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
4,210,000 |
|
Senior Debentures, 8.125% due 8/15/09 |
|
4,304,725 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
280,000 |
|
8.125% due 7/15/09 |
|
286,300 |
|
|
3,400,000 |
|
7.625% due 4/1/11 |
|
3,408,500 |
|
|
813,000 |
|
Dex Media East LLC/Dex Media East Finance Co.,
Senior Notes, |
|
866,861 |
|
|
3,350,000 |
|
Dex Media Inc., Discount Notes, step bond to yield 8.367% due 11/15/13 |
|
3,190,875 |
|
|
2,344,000 |
|
Dex Media West LLC/Dex Media Finance Co., Senior
Subordinated Notes, |
|
2,511,010 |
|
|
|
|
EchoStar DBS Corp., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
3,410,000 |
|
7.000% due 10/1/13 |
|
3,567,713 |
|
|
8,010,000 |
|
7.125% due 2/1/16 |
|
8,410,500 |
|
|
2,419,000 |
|
Globo Communicacoes e Participacoes SA, Bonds, 7.250% due 4/26/22 (a) |
|
2,406,905 |
|
|
5,025,000 |
|
Idearc Inc., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 11/15/16 |
|
5,062,687 |
|
|
1,260,000 |
|
Lamar Media Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.625% due 8/15/15 |
|
1,215,900 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Media 7.8% (continued) |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
R.H. Donnelley Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
3,200,000 |
|
Senior Discount Notes, 6.875% due 1/15/13 |
|
$ |
3,024,000 |
|
5,200,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 8.875% due 1/15/16 |
|
5,226,000 |
|
|
2,345,000 |
|
Sun Media Corp., 7.625% due 2/15/13 |
|
2,321,550 |
|
|
|
|
TL Acquisitions Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
4,350,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 10.500% due 1/15/15 (a) |
|
4,350,000 |
|
|
3,380,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, step bond to yield 13.358% due 7/15/15 (a) |
|
2,771,600 |
|
|
|
|
XM Satellite Radio Inc., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
2,065,000 |
|
9.856% due 5/1/13 (g) |
|
2,065,000 |
|
|
790,000 |
|
9.750% due 5/1/14 |
|
801,850 |
|
|
|
|
Total Media |
|
95,391,369 |
|
|
Metals & Mining 4.6% |
|
|
|
|||
17,960,000 |
|
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 4/1/17 (f) |
|
19,711,100 |
|
|
2,545,000 |
|
Metals USA Holdings Corp., Senior Notes, 11.231% due 7/1/12 (a)(b) |
|
2,366,850 |
|
|
5,685,000 |
|
Metals USA Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 11.125% due 12/1/15 |
|
6,097,163 |
|
|
1,240,000 |
|
Noranda Aluminium Acquisition Corp., 9.360% due 5/15/15 (a)(b) |
|
1,150,100 |
|
|
3,375,000 |
|
Noranda Aluminum Holding Corp., Senior Notes, 11.146% due 11/15/14 (a)(b) |
|
3,189,375 |
|
|
3,750,000 |
|
Novelis Inc., Senior Notes, 7.250% due 2/15/15 |
|
3,618,750 |
|
|
6,235,000 |
|
Ryerson Inc., 12.000% due 11/1/15 (a) |
|
6,437,637 |
|
|
1,720,000 |
|
Steel Dynamics Inc., 7.375% due 11/1/12 (a) |
|
1,728,600 |
|
|
4,930,000 |
|
Tube City IMS Corp., 9.750% due 2/1/15 |
|
4,868,375 |
|
|
|
|
Vale Overseas Ltd., Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,284,000 |
|
8.250% due 1/17/34 |
|
1,547,509 |
|
|
5,008,000 |
|
6.875% due 11/21/36 |
|
5,231,071 |
|
|
|
|
Total Metals & Mining |
|
55,946,530 |
|
|
Multiline Retail 1.3% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Dollar General Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
2,165,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 10.625% due 7/15/15 (a) |
|
2,089,225 |
|
|
5,365,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.875% due 7/15/17 (a)(b) |
|
4,761,437 |
|
|
|
|
Neiman Marcus Group Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
1,040,000 |
|
7.125% due 6/1/28 |
|
1,008,800 |
|
|
3,200,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 9.000% due 10/15/15 (b) |
|
3,392,000 |
|
|
3,940,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.375% due 10/15/15 |
|
4,304,450 |
|
|
|
|
Total Multiline Retail |
|
15,555,912 |
|
|
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 9.5% |
|
|
|
|||
5,145,000 |
|
Belden & Blake Corp., Secured Notes, 8.750% due 7/15/12 |
|
5,273,625 |
|
|
|
|
Chesapeake Energy Corp., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
4,430,000 |
|
6.625% due 1/15/16 |
|
4,363,550 |
|
|
2,755,000 |
|
6.500% due 8/15/17 |
|
2,672,350 |
|
|
1,005,000 |
|
Compagnie Generale de Geophysique SA, Senior Notes, 7.500% due 5/15/15 |
|
1,030,125 |
|
|
2,598,625 |
|
Corral Finans AB, 10.243% due 4/15/10 (a)(b) |
|
2,468,694 |
|
|
|
|
El Paso Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Medium-Term Notes: |
|
|
|
|
5,025,000 |
|
7.800% due 8/1/31 |
|
5,044,874 |
|
|
7,525,000 |
|
7.750% due 1/15/32 |
|
7,579,308 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
11 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 9.5% (continued) |
|
|
|
|||
5,200,000 |
|
Notes, 7.875% due 6/15/12 |
|
$ |
5,434,796 |
|
3,000,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.000% due 6/15/17 |
|
3,021,126 |
|
|
|
|
Enterprise Products Operating LP: |
|
|
|
|
4,740,000 |
|
7.034% due 1/15/68 (g) |
|
4,364,109 |
|
|
2,250,000 |
|
Junior Subordinated Notes, 8.375% due 8/1/66 (g) |
|
2,345,749 |
|
|
5,670,000 |
|
EXCO Resources Inc., Senior Notes, 7.250% due 1/15/11 |
|
5,627,475 |
|
|
|
|
Gazprom: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bonds: |
|
|
|
|
104,590,000 |
RUB |
6.790% due 10/29/09 |
|
4,238,789 |
|
|
34,860,000 |
RUB |
7.000% due 10/27/11 |
|
1,416,326 |
|
|
|
|
Loan Participation Notes: |
|
|
|
|
873,000 |
|
6.212% due 11/22/16 (a) |
|
862,961 |
|
|
1,770,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 6.510% due 3/7/22 (a) |
|
1,739,025 |
|
|
50,960,000 |
RUB |
Gazprom OAO, 6.950% due 8/6/09 |
|
2,070,721 |
|
|
3,705,000 |
|
International Coal Group Inc., Senior Notes, 10.250% due 7/15/14 |
|
3,612,375 |
|
|
1,720,000 |
|
LUKOIL International Finance BV, 6.356% due 6/7/17 (a) |
|
1,666,336 |
|
|
|
|
Mariner Energy Inc., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,465,000 |
|
7.500% due 4/15/13 |
|
1,432,037 |
|
|
1,110,000 |
|
8.000% due 5/15/17 |
|
1,101,675 |
|
|
995,000 |
|
Northwest Pipeline Corp., Senior Notes, 7.000% due 6/15/16 |
|
1,062,162 |
|
|
2,525,000 |
|
OPTI Canada Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 8.250% due 12/15/14 (a) |
|
2,543,937 |
|
|
|
|
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust: |
|
|
|
|
1,846,000 |
|
6.125% due 8/15/08 |
|
1,863,906 |
|
|
245,000 |
|
6.994% due 6/15/10 (a)(g) |
|
249,288 |
|
|
142,000 |
|
6.994% due 6/15/10 (a)(g) |
|
145,202 |
|
|
230,000 |
|
6.625% due 6/15/35 (a) |
|
247,020 |
|
|
689,000 |
|
Bonds, 6.625% due 6/15/35 |
|
737,402 |
|
|
908,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 6.180% due 12/3/12 (a)(g) |
|
910,951 |
|
|
1,705,000 |
|
Petrohawk Energy Corp., Senior Notes, 9.125% due 7/15/13 |
|
1,817,956 |
|
|
|
|
Petroplus Finance Ltd.: |
|
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
6.750% due 5/1/14 (a) |
|
1,432,500 |
|
|
2,250,000 |
|
Senior Note, 7.000% due 5/1/17 (a) |
|
2,126,250 |
|
|
|
|
Petrozuata Finance Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
4,276,000 |
|
8.220% due 4/1/17 (a) |
|
4,297,380 |
|
|
268,000 |
|
8.220% due 4/1/17 (a) |
|
269,340 |
|
|
1,130,000 |
|
Pogo Producing Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.875% due 5/1/13 |
|
1,158,250 |
|
|
5,665,000 |
|
SemGroup LP, Senior Notes, 8.750% due 11/15/15 (a) |
|
5,466,725 |
|
|
160,000 |
|
SESI LLC, Senior Notes, 6.875% due 6/1/14 |
|
156,000 |
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
Stallion Oilfield Services, 9.626% due 7/31/12 (g) |
|
2,955,000 |
|
|
230,000 |
|
TNK-BP Finance SA, 6.625% due 3/20/17 (a) |
|
210,738 |
|
|
2,275,000 |
|
W&T Offshore Inc., Senior Notes, 8.250% due 6/15/14 (a) |
|
2,218,125 |
|
|
|
|
Whiting Petroleum Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes: |
|
|
|
|
2,550,000 |
|
7.250% due 5/1/12 |
|
2,530,875 |
|
|
1,975,000 |
|
7.000% due 2/1/14 |
|
1,952,781 |
|
|
|
|
Williams Cos. Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
Debentures, 7.500% due 1/15/31 |
|
95,400 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
12 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 9.5% (continued) |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Notes: |
|
|
|
|
3,650,000 |
|
7.875% due 9/1/21 |
|
$ |
4,033,250 |
|
5,225,000 |
|
8.750% due 3/15/32 |
|
6,113,250 |
|
|
3,700,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 7.625% due 7/15/19 |
|
4,033,000 |
|
|
|
|
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels |
|
115,992,714 |
|
|
Paper & Forest Products 2.0% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Abitibi-Consolidated Co. of Canada: |
|
|
|
|
700,000 |
|
Notes, 7.750% due 6/15/11 |
|
584,500 |
|
|
|
|
Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
2,845,000 |
|
6.000% due 6/20/13 |
|
2,105,300 |
|
|
2,550,000 |
|
8.375% due 4/1/15 |
|
1,989,000 |
|
|
|
|
Abitibi-Consolidated Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
1,750,000 |
|
Debentures, 7.400% due 4/1/18 |
|
1,242,500 |
|
|
1,335,000 |
|
Notes, 8.550% due 8/1/10 |
|
1,191,488 |
|
|
|
|
Appleton Papers Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
3,895,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 8.125% due 6/15/11 |
|
3,885,262 |
|
|
4,685,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.750% due 6/15/14 |
|
4,685,000 |
|
|
|
|
NewPage Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
5,690,000 |
|
Senior Secured Notes, 11.606% due 5/1/12 (g) |
|
6,159,425 |
|
|
1,170,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 12.000% due 5/1/13 |
|
1,269,450 |
|
|
1,535,000 |
|
Smurfit Capital Funding PLC, Debentures, 7.500% due 11/20/25 |
|
1,496,625 |
|
|
|
|
Total Paper & Forest Products |
|
24,608,550 |
|
|
Pharmaceuticals 0.7% |
|
|
|
|||
10,855,000 |
|
Leiner Health Products Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.000% due 6/1/12 (f) |
|
9,145,338 |
|
|
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) 0.8% |
|
|
|
|||
130,000 |
|
Forest City Enterprises Inc., Senior Notes, 7.625% due 6/1/15 |
|
128,375 |
|
|
|
|
Host Marriott LP, Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
2,500,000 |
|
7.125% due 11/1/13 |
|
2,550,000 |
|
|
1,860,000 |
|
6.375% due 3/15/15 |
|
1,846,050 |
|
|
920,000 |
|
Kimball Hill Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 12/15/12 |
|
588,800 |
|
|
|
|
Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,245,000 |
|
6.500% due 6/1/16 |
|
1,235,662 |
|
|
3,105,000 |
|
6.750% due 4/1/17 |
|
3,120,525 |
|
|
|
|
Total Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) |
|
9,469,412 |
|
|
Real Estate Management & Development 0.7% |
|
|
|
|||
2,180,000 |
|
Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co.,
Senior Subordinated Notes, |
|
1,635,000 |
|
|
9,270,000 |
|
Realogy Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 12.375% due 4/15/15 (a) |
|
6,790,275 |
|
|
|
|
Total Real Estate Management & Development |
|
8,425,275 |
|
|
Road & Rail 1.7% |
|
|
|
|||
6,090,000 |
|
Grupo Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana SA de CV,
Senior Notes, |
|
6,485,850 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
13 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Road & Rail 1.7% (continued) |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Hertz Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
3,930,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 8.875% due 1/1/14 |
|
$ |
4,067,550 |
|
7,905,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 1/1/16 (f) |
|
8,537,400 |
|
|
|
|
Kansas City Southern de Mexico, Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
910,000 |
|
7.625% due 12/1/13 (a) |
|
930,475 |
|
|
125,000 |
|
7.375% due 3/1/14 (a) |
|
125,312 |
|
|
820,000 |
|
Kansas City Southern Railway, Senior Notes, 7.500% due 6/15/09 |
|
834,350 |
|
|
|
|
Total Road & Rail |
|
20,980,937 |
|
|
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||
2,195,000 |
|
Freescale Semiconductor Inc., 8.875% due 12/15/14 |
|
2,087,994 |
|
|
Software 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||
2,960,000 |
|
Activant Solutions Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.500% due 5/1/16 |
|
2,715,800 |
|
|
Specialty Retail 0.8% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
AutoNation Inc., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
850,000 |
|
7.243% due 4/15/13 (g) |
|
835,125 |
|
|
830,000 |
|
7.000% due 4/15/14 |
|
807,175 |
|
|
4,005,000 |
|
Blockbuster Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.000% due 9/1/12 |
|
3,624,525 |
|
|
1,995,000 |
|
Eye Care Centers of America, Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.750% due 2/15/15 |
|
2,119,687 |
|
|
2,410,000 |
|
Michaels Stores Inc., 10.000% due 11/1/14 |
|
2,440,125 |
|
|
|
|
Total Specialty Retail |
|
9,826,637 |
|
|
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods 0.3% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Levi Strauss & Co., Senior Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,320,000 |
|
9.750% due 1/15/15 |
|
1,384,350 |
|
|
400,000 |
|
8.875% due 4/1/16 |
|
412,000 |
|
|
2,950,000 |
|
Simmons Co., Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield 9.995% due 12/15/14 |
|
2,396,875 |
|
|
|
|
Total Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods |
|
4,193,225 |
|
|
Tobacco 0.4% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Alliance One International Inc.: |
|
|
|
|
875,000 |
|
8.500% due 5/15/12 |
|
875,000 |
|
|
3,780,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 11.000% due 5/15/12 |
|
4,063,500 |
|
|
|
|
Total Tobacco |
|
4,938,500 |
|
|
Trading Companies & Distributors 1.3% |
|
|
|
|||
2,955,000 |
|
Ashtead Capital Inc., Notes, 9.000% due 8/15/16 (a) |
|
2,881,125 |
|
|
6,865,000 |
|
H&E Equipment Services Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 7/15/16 |
|
6,693,375 |
|
|
5,865,000 |
|
Penhall International Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 12.000% due 8/1/14 (a) |
|
6,026,287 |
|
|
|
|
Total Trading Companies & Distributors |
|
15,600,787 |
|
|
Transportation Infrastructure 0.5% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Saint Acquisition Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
6,585,000 |
|
Secured Notes, 12.500% due 5/15/17 (a) |
|
4,230,863 |
|
|
3,520,000 |
|
Senior Secured Notes, 13.308% due 5/15/15 (a)(g) |
|
2,261,600 |
|
|
|
|
Total Transportation Infrastructure |
|
6,492,463 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
14 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
Wireless Telecommunication Services 2.8% |
|
|
|
|||
1,825,000 |
|
American Tower Corp., Senior Notes, 7.500% due 5/1/12 |
|
$ |
1,888,875 |
|
4,860,000 |
|
MetroPCS Wireless Inc., Senior Notes, 9.250% due 11/1/14 (a) |
|
4,847,850 |
|
|
4,180,000 |
|
Nextel Communications Inc., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 8/1/15 |
|
4,225,207 |
|
|
440,000 |
|
Rogers Wireless Communications Inc., Senior Secured
Notes, |
|
470,096 |
|
|
|
|
Rural Cellular Corp.: |
|
|
|
|
1,575,000 |
|
Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2/1/10 |
|
1,649,813 |
|
|
2,105,000 |
|
Senior Secured Notes, 8.250% due 3/15/12 |
|
2,204,988 |
|
|
2,590,000 |
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.621% due 6/1/13 (a)(g) |
|
2,657,987 |
|
|
13,510,000 |
|
True Move Co., Ltd., 10.750% due 12/16/13 (a) |
|
13,949,075 |
|
|
2,220,000 |
|
UBS Luxembourg SA for OJSC Vimpel Communications,
Loan Participation Notes, |
|
2,303,250 |
|
|
|
|
Total Wireless Telecommunication Services |
|
34,197,141 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES |
|
1,104,386,922 |
|
|
ASSET-BACKED SECURITY 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
Diversified Financial Services 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
1,975,400 |
|
Airplanes Pass-Through Trust, Subordinated Notes, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $2,001,007) |
|
0 |
|
|
CONVERTIBLE BOND & NOTE 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
Airlines 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
704,459 |
|
Delta Air Lines Inc., Pass-Through Certificates,
7.379% due 5/18/10 (g) |
|
711,064 |
|
|
SOVEREIGN BONDS 5.6% |
|
|
|
|||
Argentina 0.5% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Republic of Argentina: |
|
|
|
|
1,400,000 |
EUR |
9.250% due 10/21/02 (e) |
|
638,017 |
|
|
300,000 |
EUR |
9.000% due 6/20/03 (e) |
|
141,058 |
|
|
250,000 |
EUR |
10.250% due 1/26/07 (e) |
|
122,974 |
|
|
275,000 |
EUR |
8.000% due 2/26/08 (e) |
|
131,790 |
|
|
4,979,251 |
ARS |
Bonds, 2.000% due 1/3/10 (g) |
|
3,217,204 |
|
|
665,000 |
|
Bonds, Series VII, 7.000% due 9/12/13 |
|
597,299 |
|
|
97,000 |
EUR |
GDP Linked Securities, 0.662% due 12/15/35 (g) |
|
17,472 |
|
|
|
|
Medium-Term Notes: |
|
|
|
|
1,175,000 |
EUR |
7.000% due 3/18/04 (e) |
|
556,728 |
|
|
525,000 |
EUR |
9.000% due 5/24/04 (a)(e) |
|
247,801 |
|
|
600,000 |
EUR |
8.125% due 10/4/05 (e) |
|
274,521 |
|
|
|
|
Total Argentina |
|
5,944,864 |
|
|
Brazil 1.2% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Brazil Nota do Tesouro Nacional: |
|
|
|
|
1,000 |
BRL |
9.762% due 1/1/10 (g) |
|
558 |
|
|
18,729,000 |
BRL |
9.762% due 7/1/10 (f)(g) |
|
10,407,337 |
|
|
2,175,000 |
BRL |
Series B, 6.000% due 5/15/45 (g) |
|
1,981,767 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
15 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|||
Brazil 1.2% (continued) |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Federative Republic of Brazil: |
|
|
|
|||
720,000 |
|
11.000% due 8/17/40 |
|
$ |
967,860 |
|
||
|
|
Collective Action Securities: |
|
|
|
|||
1,203,000 |
|
8.750% due 2/4/25 |
|
1,569,314 |
|
|||
197,000 |
|
Notes, 8.000% due 1/15/15 |
|
220,640 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Brazil |
|
15,147,476 |
|
|||
Colombia 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||||
2,055,000 |
|
Republic of Colombia, 7.375% due 9/18/37 |
|
2,352,975 |
|
|||
Ecuador 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||||
2,100,000 |
|
Republic of Ecuador, 10.000% due 8/15/30 (g) |
|
2,027,550 |
|
|||
Indonesia 0.3% |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Republic of Indonesia: |
|
|
|
|||
8,077,000,000 |
IDR |
Series FR40, 11.000% due 9/15/25 |
|
953,790 |
|
|||
6,948,000,000 |
IDR |
Series FR42, 10.250% due 7/15/27 |
|
770,414 |
|
|||
11,011,000,000 |
IDR |
Series FR43, 10.250% due 7/15/22 |
|
1,242,832 |
|
|||
8,327,000,000 |
IDR |
Series FR45, 9.750% due 5/15/37 |
|
887,008 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Indonesia |
|
3,854,044 |
|
|||
Mexico 0.8% |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
United Mexican States: |
|
|
|
|||
50,000 |
|
11.375% due 9/15/16 |
|
71,438 |
|
|||
8,386,000 |
|
Medium-Term Notes, 6.750% due 9/27/34 (f) |
|
9,402,802 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Mexico |
|
9,474,240 |
|
|||
Panama 0.5% |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Republic of Panama: |
|
|
|
|||
1,285,000 |
|
9.625% due 2/8/11 |
|
1,452,050 |
|
|||
350,000 |
|
7.250% due 3/15/15 |
|
383,250 |
|
|||
4,130,000 |
|
6.700% due 1/26/36 |
|
4,398,450 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Panama |
|
6,233,750 |
|
|||
Peru 0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Republic of Peru: |
|
|
|
|||
259,000 |
|
Bonds, 6.550% due 3/14/37 |
|
272,921 |
|
|||
198,000 |
|
Global Bonds, 7.350% due 7/21/25 |
|
228,195 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Peru |
|
501,116 |
|
|||
Russia 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||||
244,000 |
|
Russian Federation, 12.750% due 6/24/28 (a) |
|
440,267 |
|
|||
Turkey 1.0% |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Republic of Turkey: |
|
|
|
|||
2,023,000 |
TRY |
14.000% due 1/19/11 |
|
1,673,316 |
|
|||
490,000 |
|
7.000% due 6/5/20 |
|
510,825 |
|
|||
1,175,000 |
|
11.875% due 1/15/30 |
|
1,871,187 |
|
|||
594,000 |
|
Bonds, 7.000% due 9/26/16 |
|
621,473 |
|
|||
7,954,000 |
|
Notes, 6.875% due 3/17/36 |
|
7,904,287 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Turkey |
|
12,581,088 |
|
|||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
16 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|||
Uruguay 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||||
1,026,307 |
|
Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Bonds, 7.625% due 3/21/36 |
|
$ |
1,152,030 |
|
||
Venezuela 0.8% |
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: |
|
|
|
|||
273,000 |
|
8.500% due 10/8/14 |
|
281,054 |
|
|||
8,258,000 |
|
5.750% due 2/26/16 |
|
7,143,170 |
|
|||
241,000 |
|
7.650% due 4/21/25 |
|
229,251 |
|
|||
|
|
Collective Action Securities: |
|
|
|
|||
1,164,000 |
|
9.375% due 1/13/34 |
|
1,283,892 |
|
|||
183,000 |
|
Notes, 10.750% due 9/19/13 |
|
205,326 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Venezuela |
|
9,142,693 |
|
|||
|
|
TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS |
|
68,852,093 |
|
|||
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATION 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||||
U.S. Government Agency 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||||
2,000,000 |
|
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA),
5.625% due 11/15/21 |
|
2,004,016 |
|
|||
COLLATERALIZED SENIOR LOANS 1.9% |
|
|
|
|||||
Containers & Packaging 0.4% |
|
|
|
|||||
5,026,500 |
|
Berry Plastics Corp., Senior Term Loan, 12.244% due 6/15/14 (g) |
|
4,624,380 |
|
|||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 0.4% |
|
|
|
|||||
5,000,000 |
|
Univision Communications Inc., Term Loan B, 7.610% due 9/15/14 (g) |
|
4,746,875 |
|
|||
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels 0.8% |
|
|
|
|||||
2,107,592 |
|
Ashmore Energy International Term Loan, 8.360% due 3/30/14 (g) |
|
2,065,440 |
|
|||
279,613 |
|
Ashmore Energy International, Synthetic Revolving
Credit Facility, |
|
274,021 |
|
|||
7,500,000 |
|
SandRidge Energy, Term Loan, 8.625% due 4/1/15 (g) |
|
7,406,250 |
|
|||
|
|
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels |
|
9,745,711 |
|
|||
Paper & Forest Products 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||||
2,500,000 |
|
Verso Paper Holdings Term Loan, 11.606% due 2/1/12 (g) |
|
2,443,750 |
|
|||
Trading Companies & Distributors 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||||
2,000,000 |
|
Penhall International Corp., Term Loan, 12.824% due 4/1/12 (g) |
|
2,040,000 |
|
|||
|
|
TOTAL COLLATERALIZED SENIOR LOANS |
|
23,600,716 |
|
|||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
17 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Shares |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
COMMON STOCKS 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
Household Durables 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
10,685,938 |
|
Home Interiors & Gifts Inc. (c)(d)* |
|
$ |
106,860 |
|
52,472 |
|
Mattress Discounters Corp. (c)(d)* |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY |
|
106,860 |
|
|
CONSUMER STAPLES 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
Food Products 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
3,784 |
|
Imperial Sugar Co. |
|
97,589 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS |
|
204,449 |
|
|
ESCROWED SHARES 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
2,025,000 |
|
Pillowtex Corp. (c)(d)(e)* (Cost $0) |
|
0 |
|
|
PREFERRED STOCKS 0.2% |
|
|
|
|||
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
Automobiles 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Ford Motor Co.: |
|
|
|
|
65,000 |
|
7.400% |
|
1,106,300 |
|
|
1,800 |
|
8.000% |
|
34,200 |
|
|
1,800 |
|
Series F, 7.550% |
|
32,580 |
|
|
|
|
Total Automobiles |
|
1,173,080 |
|
|
Media 0.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
8 |
|
ION Media Networks Inc., Series B, 12.000% |
|
45,375 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY |
|
1,218,455 |
|
|
FINANCIALS 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
Diversified Financial Services 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Preferred Plus: |
|
|
|
|
12,100 |
|
Series FRD-1, 7.400% |
|
205,700 |
|
|
8,200 |
|
Series FMC1 Trust, Senior Debentures, Series LMG-3, 8.250% |
|
173,020 |
|
|
44,100 |
|
Saturns, Series F 2003-5, 8.125% |
|
829,962 |
|
|
|
|
TCR Holdings Corp., |
|
|
|
|
17,552 |
|
Class B Shares (c)(d)* |
|
17 |
|
|
9,654 |
|
Class C Shares (c)(d)* |
|
10 |
|
|
25,451 |
|
Class D Shares (c)(d)* |
|
25 |
|
|
52,657 |
|
Class E Shares (c)(d)* |
|
53 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL FINANCIALS |
|
1,208,787 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS |
|
2,427,242 |
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
Warrants |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
WARRANTS 0.1% |
|
|
|
|||
18,500 |
|
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Oil-linked
payment obligations, |
|
$ |
693,750 |
|
3,500 |
|
Brown Jordan International Inc., Expires 8/15/07* |
|
31 |
|
|
31,517,970 |
|
ContiFinancial Corp., Liquidating Trust, Units of
Interest |
|
32 |
|
|
2,750 |
|
Leap Wireless International Inc., Expires 4/15/10(c)(d)* |
|
0 |
|
|
3,500 |
|
Mattress Discounters Co., Expires 7/15/07(c)(d)* |
|
0 |
|
|
13,614 |
|
Pillowtex Corp., Expires 11/24/09(c)(d)* |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL WARRANTS |
|
693,813 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS |
|
1,202,880,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Face |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 1.5% |
|
|
|
|||
Sovereign Bonds 1.5% |
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Bank Negara Malaysia Monetary Notes: |
|
|
|
|
4,491,000 |
MYR |
Series 0207, 3.569% due 2/14/08 |
|
1,332,622 |
|
|
6,600,000 |
MYR |
Series 2307, zero coupon bond to yield 3.487% due 1/17/08 |
|
1,963,772 |
|
|
3,379,000 |
MYR |
Series 3007, zero coupon bond to yield 3.490% due 11/6/07 |
|
1,012,712 |
|
|
|
|
Egypt Treasury Bills: |
|
|
|
|
33,275,000 |
EGP |
Zero coupon bond to yield 9.680% due 11/6/07 |
|
6,023,515 |
|
|
43,825,000 |
EGP |
Zero coupon bond to yield, 7.080% due 10/28/08 |
|
7,385,158 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS |
|
17,717,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Government Agency 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
25,000 |
|
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA),
Discount Notes, |
|
24,600 |
|
|
Repurchase Agreement 0.0% |
|
|
|
|||
17,000 |
|
Morgan Stanley tri-party repurchase agreement dated
10/31/07, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $17,000) |
|
17,000 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS |
|
17,759,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 100.0% (Cost $1,240,251,390#) |
|
$ |
1,220,639,694 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
19 |
Schedule of Investments (October 31, 2007) (unaudited) (continued)
* |
Non-income producing security. |
||
|
Face amount denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. |
||
(a) |
Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security has been deemed liquid pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, unless otherwise noted. |
||
(b) |
Payment-in-kind security for which part of the income earned may be paid as additional principal. |
||
(c) |
Illiquid security. |
||
(d) |
Security is valued in good faith at fair value by or under the direction of the Board of Directors (See Note 1). |
||
(e) |
Security is currently in default. |
||
(f) |
All or a portion of this security is segregated for open futures contracts, extended settlements and reverse repurchase agreements. |
||
(g) |
Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is that which is in effect at October 31, 2007. |
||
(h) |
Rate shown represents yield-to-maturity. |
||
|
Exercised warrants disclosed in the Schedule of Investments pending final determination from the agent. |
||
# |
Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is substantially the same. |
||
|
|
||
|
Abbreviations used in this schedule: |
||
|
ARS |
|
Argentine Peso |
|
BRL |
|
Brazilian Real |
|
EGP |
|
Egyptian Pound |
|
EUR |
|
Euro |
|
GDP |
|
Gross Domestic Product |
|
IDR |
|
Indonesian Rupiah |
|
MYR |
|
Malaysian Ringgit |
|
OJSC |
|
Open Joint Stock Company |
|
RUB |
|
Russian Ruble |
|
TRY |
|
Turkish Lira |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
20 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (October 31, 2007) (unaudited)
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value (Cost $1,240,251,390) |
|
$ |
1,220,639,694 |
|
Foreign currency, at value (Cost $754,480) |
|
813,813 |
|
|
Cash |
|
599,594 |
|
|
Dividends and interest receivable |
|
26,729,233 |
|
|
Receivable for securities sold |
|
13,645,339 |
|
|
Receivable from broker variation margin on open futures contracts |
|
12,813 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
77,127 |
|
|
Total Assets |
|
1,262,517,613 |
|
|
LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
|
Loan payable (Note 4) |
|
225,000,000 |
|
|
Payable for open reverse repurchase agreement |
|
103,579,847 |
|
|
Payable for securities purchased |
|
20,407,914 |
|
|
Interest payable (Note 4) |
|
1,411,798 |
|
|
Investment management fee payable |
|
838,815 |
|
|
Accrued expenses |
|
25,365 |
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
351,263,739 |
|
|
Total Net Assets |
|
$ |
911,253,874 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
Par value ($0.001 par value; 77,614,787 shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 shares authorized) |
|
$ |
77,615 |
|
Paid-in capital in excess of par value |
|
1,041,434,075 |
|
|
Undistributed net investment income |
|
7,127,184 |
|
|
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions |
|
(117,879,315 |
) |
|
Net unrealized depreciation on investments, futures contracts and foreign currencies |
|
(19,505,685 |
) |
|
Total Net Assets |
|
$ |
911,253,874 |
|
Shares Outstanding |
|
77,614,787 |
|
|
Net Asset Value |
|
$11.74 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
21 |
Statement of Operations (For the six months ended October 31, 2007) (unaudited)
INVESTMENT INCOME: |
|
|
|
|
Interest |
|
$ |
50,829,897 |
|
Dividends |
|
226,686 |
|
|
Less: Foreign taxes withheld |
|
(7,576 |
) |
|
Total Investment Income |
|
51,049,007 |
|
|
EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
|
Interest expense (Notes 3 and 4) |
|
7,649,777 |
|
|
Investment management fee (Note 2) |
|
4,788,786 |
|
|
Commitment fees (Note 4) |
|
117,351 |
|
|
Shareholder reports |
|
81,593 |
|
|
Directors fees |
|
52,178 |
|
|
Legal fees |
|
38,972 |
|
|
Custody fees |
|
35,614 |
|
|
Audit and tax |
|
31,172 |
|
|
Stock exchange listing fees |
|
28,888 |
|
|
Transfer agent fees |
|
13,031 |
|
|
Insurance |
|
10,267 |
|
|
Miscellaneous expenses |
|
11,594 |
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
12,859,223 |
|
|
Net Investment Income |
|
38,189,784 |
|
|
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FUTURES CONTRACTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 1 AND 3): |
|
|
|
|
Net Realized Loss From: |
|
|
|
|
Investment transactions |
|
(3,097,333 |
) |
|
Foreign currency transactions |
|
(51,704 |
) |
|
Net Realized Loss |
|
(3,149,037 |
) |
|
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation From: |
|
|
|
|
Investments |
|
(47,960,033 |
) |
|
Futures contracts |
|
6,463 |
|
|
Foreign currencies |
|
91,141 |
|
|
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation |
|
(47,862,429 |
) |
|
Net Loss on Investments, Futures Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions |
|
(51,011,466 |
) |
|
Decrease in Net Assets From Operations |
|
$ (12,821,682 |
) |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
22 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the six months ended October 31, 2007 (unaudited)
and the year ended April 30, 2007
|
|
October 31 |
|
April 30 |
|
||
OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment income |
|
$ |
38,189,784 |
|
$ |
69,783,200 |
|
Net realized gain (loss) |
|
(3,149,037 |
) |
25,847,494 |
|
||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
|
(47,862,429 |
) |
22,252,936 |
|
||
Increase from payment by affiliate |
|
|
|
21,963 |
|
||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations |
|
(12,821,682 |
) |
117,905,593 |
|
||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM (NOTE 1): |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Net investment income |
|
(36,478,950 |
) |
(68,689,087 |
) |
||
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders |
|
(36,478,950 |
) |
(68,689,087 |
) |
||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets |
|
(49,300,632 |
) |
49,216,506 |
|
||
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
Beginning of period |
|
960,554,506 |
|
911,338,000 |
|
||
End of period* |
|
$ |
911,253,874 |
|
$ |
960,554,506 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
* Includes undistributed net investment income of: |
|
$ |
7,127,184 |
|
$ |
5,416,350 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
23 |
Statement of Cash Flows (For the six months ended October 31, 2007) (unaudited)
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
Interest and dividends received |
|
$ |
44,814,341 |
|
Operating expenses paid |
|
(5,121,591 |
) |
|
Net sales of short-term investments |
|
22,148,613 |
|
|
Realized loss on foreign currency transactions |
|
(51,704 |
) |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation on futures contracts |
|
6,463 |
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currencies |
|
52,374 |
|
|
Purchases of long-term investments |
|
(447,549,684 |
) |
|
Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments |
|
299,670,182 |
|
|
Change in receivable from broker variation margin |
|
(12,813 |
) |
|
Interest paid |
|
(7,585,381 |
) |
|
Net Cash Flows Used By Operating Activities |
|
(93,629,200 |
) |
|
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
Cash distributions paid on Common Stock |
|
(36,478,950 |
) |
|
Proceeds from loan |
|
100,000,000 |
|
|
Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements |
|
30,468,833 |
|
|
Net Cash Flows Provided By Financing Activities |
|
93,989,883 |
|
|
Net Increase in Cash |
|
360,683 |
|
|
Cash, Beginning of period |
|
1,052,724 |
|
|
Cash, End of period |
|
$ |
1,413,407 |
|
RECONCILIATION OF DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS TO NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
|
|
|
|
Decrease in Net Assets From Operations |
|
$ |
(12,821,682 |
) |
Accretion of discount on investments |
|
(3,256,390 |
) |
|
Amortization of premium on investments |
|
802,271 |
|
|
Increase in investments, at value |
|
(68,413,828 |
) |
|
Increase in payable for securities purchased |
|
1,595,111 |
|
|
Increase in interest and dividends receivable |
|
(3,780,547 |
) |
|
Increase in receivable for securities sold |
|
(7,893,573 |
) |
|
Increase in receivable from broker variation margin |
|
(12,813 |
) |
|
Increase in prepaid expenses |
|
(19,147 |
) |
|
Increase in interest payable |
|
181,747 |
|
|
Decrease in accrued expenses |
|
(10,349 |
) |
|
Total Adjustments |
|
(80,807,518 |
) |
|
Net Cash Flows Used By Operating Activities |
|
$ |
(93,629,200 |
) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
24 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Financial Highlights
For a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended April 30, unless otherwise noted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007(1)(2) |
|
2007(2) |
|
2006 |
|
2005(2) |
|
2004 |
|
2003 |
|
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period |
|
$12.38 |
|
$11.74 |
|
$11.10 |
|
$11.03 |
|
$10.42 |
|
$10.48 |
|
Income (Loss) From Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
0.49 |
|
0.90 |
|
0.92 |
|
1.02 |
|
1.12 |
|
1.18 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
|
(0.66 |
) |
0.63 |
|
0.63 |
|
0.27 |
|
0.85 |
|
0.12 |
|
Total Income (Loss) From Operations |
|
(0.17 |
) |
1.53 |
|
1.55 |
|
1.29 |
|
1.97 |
|
1.30 |
|
Less Distributions From: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
(0.47 |
) |
(0.89 |
) |
(0.91 |
) |
(1.22 |
) |
(1.38 |
) |
(1.16 |
) |
Return of capital |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
Total Distributions |
|
(0.47 |
) |
(0.89 |
) |
(0.91 |
) |
(1.22 |
) |
(1.38 |
) |
(1.38 |
) |
Increase in Net Asset Value Due to Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Distributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
0.02 |
|
Net Asset Value, End of Period |
|
$11.74 |
|
$12.38 |
|
$11.74 |
|
$11.10 |
|
$11.03 |
|
$10.42 |
|
Market Price, End of Period |
|
$10.38 |
|
$11.61 |
|
$10.04 |
|
$11.14 |
|
$11.75 |
|
$11.65 |
|
Total Return, Based on NAV(3)(4) |
|
(1.34 |
)% |
13.58 |
%(5) |
14.43 |
% |
12.13 |
% |
19.99 |
% |
15.58 |
% |
Total Return, Based on Market Price(4) |
|
(6.61 |
)% |
25.58 |
% |
(1.58 |
)% |
5.39 |
% |
13.51 |
% |
15.00 |
% |
Net Assets, End of Period (000s) |
|
$911,254 |
|
$960,555 |
|
$911,338 |
|
$861,635 |
|
$839,022 |
|
$771,566 |
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross expenses |
|
2.78 |
%(6) |
1.96 |
% |
2.31 |
% |
2.69 |
% |
2.17 |
% |
2.49 |
% |
Gross expenses, excluding interest expense |
|
1.10 |
(6) |
1.01 |
|
1.21 |
|
1.67 |
|
1.57 |
|
1.63 |
|
Net expenses |
|
2.78 |
(6) |
1.96 |
|
2.30 |
(7) |
2.69 |
|
2.17 |
|
2.49 |
|
Net expenses, excluding interest expense |
|
1.10 |
(6) |
1.01 |
|
1.20 |
(7) |
1.67 |
|
1.57 |
|
1.63 |
|
Net investment income |
|
8.25 |
(6) |
7.55 |
|
7.94 |
|
8.99 |
|
10.18 |
|
12.64 |
|
Portfolio Turnover Rate |
|
27 |
% |
90 |
% |
55 |
% |
54 |
% |
50 |
% |
87 |
% |
Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loans Outstanding, End of Period (000s) |
|
$225,000 |
|
$125,000 |
|
$125,000 |
|
$300,000 |
|
$300,000 |
|
$300,000 |
|
Asset Coverage for Loan Outstanding |
|
505 |
% |
868 |
% |
829 |
% |
387 |
% |
380 |
% |
357 |
% |
Weighted Average Loan (000s) |
|
$182,609 |
|
$125,000 |
|
$203,630 |
|
$300,000 |
|
$300,000 |
|
$300,000 |
|
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Loans |
|
5.749 |
% |
5.56 |
% |
4.21 |
% |
2.44 |
% |
1.64 |
% |
2.15 |
% |
(1) |
For the six months ended October 31, 2007 (unaudited). |
(2) |
Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
(3) |
Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
(4) |
The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
(5) |
The prior investment manager fully reimbursed the Fund for losses incurred resulting from an investment transaction error. Without this reimbursement, the total return would not have changed. |
(6) |
Annualized. |
(7) |
Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
25 |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated in Maryland and is registered as a diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the 1940 Act). The Fund seeks to maximize current income by investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in high-yield debt securities. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital appreciation to the extent consistent with its objective of seeking to maximize current income.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
(a) Investment Valuation. Debt securities are valued at the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service that are based on transactions in debt obligations, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various other relationships between securities. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. Publicly traded foreign government debt securities are typically traded internationally in the over-the-counter market, and are valued at the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices as of the close of business of that market. When prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund may value these securities at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Funds Board of Directors. Short-term obligations with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
(b) Repurchase Agreements. When entering into repurchase agreements, it is the Funds policy that its custodian or a third party custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the market value of which, at all times, at least equals the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market to ensure the adequacy of the collateral. If the seller defaults, and the market value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
(c) Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into a reverse repurchase agreement in which the Fund sells a portfolio security at a specified price with an agreement to purchase the same or substantially the same security from the same counterparty at a fixed or determinable price at a future date. When entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Funds custodian delivers to the counterparty liquid assets, the market value of which, at the inception of the transaction, at least equals the repurchase price
26 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
(including accrued interest). The Fund pays interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings, which may create leverage risk to the Fund.
(d) Financial Futures Contracts. The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts typically, but not necessarily, to hedge a portion of the portfolio. Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or securities as initial margin, equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount (initial margin deposit). Additional securities are also segregated up to the current market value of the financial futures contracts. Subsequent payments, known as variation margin, are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying financial instruments. The Fund recognizes an unrealized gain or loss equal to the daily variation margin. When the financial futures contracts are closed, a realized gain or loss is recognized equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Funds basis in the contracts.
The risks associated with entering into financial futures contracts include the possibility that a change in the value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in the value of the underlying financial instruments. In addition, investing in financial futures contracts involves the risk that the Fund could lose more than the initial margin deposit and subsequent payments required for a futures transaction. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
(e) Credit and Market Risk. The Fund invests in high yield and emerging market instruments that are subject to certain credit and market risks. The yields of high yield and emerging market debt obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit and market risks. The Funds investment in securities rated below investment grade typically involves risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk related to timely and ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility and less liquid secondary market trading. The consequences of political, social, economic or diplomatic changes may have disruptive effects on the market prices of investments held by the Fund. The Funds investment in non-dollar denominated securities may also result in foreign currency losses caused by devaluations and exchange rate fluctuations.
(f) Cash Flow Information. The Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends from net investment income and net realized gains, which are paid in cash and may be reinvested at the discretion of shareholders. These activities are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets and additional information on cash receipts and cash payments are presented in the Statement of Cash Flows.
(g) Security Transactions and Investment Income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as practical after the Fund determines the existence of a dividend declaration after exercising reasonable due diligence. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults on an expected
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
27 |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
interest payment, the Funds policy is to generally halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default.
(h) Foreign Currency Translation. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, at the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.
(i) Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions from net investment income for the Fund, if any, are declared and paid on a monthly basis. Distributions of net realized gains, if any, are declared at least annually. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(j) Federal and Other Taxes. It is the Funds policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders each year. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required in the Funds financial statements. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and capital gains at various rates.
(k) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share.
28 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
2. Investment Management Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) is the Funds investment manager. Western Asset Management Company (Western Asset) and Western Asset Management Company Limited (Western Asset Limited) are the Funds subadvisers. LMPFA, Western Asset and Western Asset Limited are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason Inc. (Legg Mason).
Under the investment management agreement, the Fund pays an investment management fee calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Funds average weekly net assets plus the proceeds of any outstanding borrowings used for leverage.
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. LMPFA has delegated to the subadvisers the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. Western Asset Limited provides certain advisory services to the Fund relating to currency transactions and investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund. In turn, Western Asset pays Western Asset Limited a subadvisory fee of 0.30% on assets managed by Western Asset Limited.
During periods in which the Fund utilizes financial leverage, the fees which are payable to the investment manager as a percentage of the Funds assets will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize leverage because the fees are calculated as a percentage of the Funds assets, including those investments purchased with leverage.
Certain officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.
3. Investments
During the six months ended October 31, 2007, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) and U.S Government & Agency Obligations were as follows:
|
|
|
|
U.S. Government & |
|
||
|
|
Investments |
|
Agency Obligations |
|
||
Purchases |
|
$438,392,622 |
|
|
$10,752,173 |
|
|
Sales |
|
299,080,480 |
|
|
8,671,541 |
|
|
At October 31, 2007, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were substantially as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation |
|
$ |
28,643,210 |
|
Gross unrealized depreciation |
|
(48,254,906 |
) |
|
Net unrealized depreciation |
|
$ |
(19,611,696 |
) |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
29 |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
At October 31, 2007, the Fund had the following open futures contracts:
|
|
Number of |
|
Expiration |
|
Basis |
|
Market |
|
Unrealized |
|
Contracts to Sell: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Treasury 10 Year Notes |
|
20 |
|
12/07 |
|
$2,206,775 |
|
$2,200,312 |
|
$6,463 |
|
Transactions in reverse repurchase agreements for the Fund during the six months ended October 31, 2007 were as follows:
Average |
|
Weighted |
|
Maximum |
|
$89,797,602 |
|
5.232% |
|
$107,084,410 |
|
* Average based on the number of days that the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding.
Interest rates on reverse repurchase agreements ranged from 1.000% to 5.850% during the six months ended October 31, 2007. Interest expense incurred on reverse repurchase agreements totaled $2,401,269.
At October 31, 2007, the Fund had the following open reverse repurchase agreements:
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
$4,864,974 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $5,260,000 ATF Capital BV, 9.250% due 2/21/14; Market value (including accrued interest) $5,526,145. |
|
$ |
4,864,974 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,228,080 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.050% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,740,000 Axtel Sab de CV, 7.625% due 2/1/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $4,889,606. |
|
4,228,080 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
496,220 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $430,000 Federative Republic of Brazil, 11.000% due 8/17/40; Market value (including accrued interest) $587,796. |
|
496,220 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,153,300 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.050% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,000,000 Federative Republic of Brazil, 8.750% due 2/4/25; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,325,662. |
|
1,153,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,017,200 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/30/07 bearing 4.800% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,000,000 Republic of Colombia 7.375% due 9/18/37; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,307,830. |
|
2,017,200 |
|
|
30 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
$2,630,880 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 10/31/07 bearing 5.150% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,880,000 EEB International Ltd., 8.750% due 10/31/14; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,981,488. |
|
$ |
2,630,880 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,996,985 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/31/07 bearing 5.150% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,302,000 GTL Trade Finance Inc., 7.250% due 10/20/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,339,984. |
|
1,996,985 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
790,851 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $873,000 Gaz Cap SA Luxembourg, 6.212% due 11/22/16; Market value (including accrued interest) $886,981. |
|
790,851 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,765,575 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.900% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,770,000 Gaz Cap SA Luxembourg, 6.510% due 3/7/22; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,756,436. |
|
1,765,575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,803,848 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.050% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,419,000 Globo Communicacoes Part, 7.250% due 4/26/22; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,409,780. |
|
1,803,848 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,910,790 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,490,000 HSBK Europe BV, 7.250% due 5/3/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $4,378,450. |
|
3,910,790 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,008,936 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,174,000 ICICI Bank Ltd., 6.375% due 4/30/22; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,126,339. |
|
1,008,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,118,480 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 10/30/07 bearing 5.150% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,240,000 Odebrecht Finance Ltd., 7.500% due 10/18/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,246,657. |
|
1,118,480 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,342,568 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.900% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,285,000 Republic of Panama 9.625% due 2/8/11; Market value (including accrued interest $1,480,618. |
|
1,342,568 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,000 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $350,000 Republic of Panama, 7.250% due 3/15/15; Market value (including accrued interest) $386,526. |
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,267,068 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.900% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,320,000 Republic of Panama 6.700% due 1/26/36; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,429,254. |
|
1,267,068 |
|
|
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
31 |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
$2,728,510 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,810,000 Republic of Panama, 6.700% due 1/26/36; Market value (including accrued interest) $3,042,579. |
|
$ |
2,728,510 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,565,180 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.050% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,654,000 RSHB Capital SA, 7.175% due 5/16/13; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,764,571. |
|
1,565,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
908,144 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,055,000 RSHB Capital SA, 6.299% due 5/15/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,033,028. |
|
908,144 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,100,715 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.850% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,026,308 Republic Oriental Del Uruguay, 7.625% due 3/21/36; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,160,845. |
|
1,100,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,230,576 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,240,000 Kansas City Southern de Mexico, 9.375% due 5/1/12; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,378,725. |
|
1,230,576 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,227,808 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,360,000 TNK-BP Finance SA. 7.500% due 7/18/16; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,358,780. |
|
1,227,808 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,752,730 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $11,050,000 True Move Co., Ltd., 10.750% due 12/16/13; Market value (including accrued interest) $11,857,060. |
|
9,752,730 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,082,936 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,360,000 True Move Co. Ltd., 10.750% due 12/16/13; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,532,368. |
|
2,082,936 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,502,323 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.850% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,785,000 Turanalem Finance BV Global, 8.250% due 1/22/37; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,632,847. |
|
2,502,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,688,945 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/26/07 bearing 4.500% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,175,000 Republic of Turkey, 11.875% due 1/15/30; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,912,516. |
|
1,688,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
462,168 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $490,000 Republic of Turkey, 7.000% due 6/5/20; Market value (including accrued interest) $524,789. |
|
462,168 |
|
|
32 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
$6,695,677 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.750% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $7,954,000 Republic of Turkey 6.875% due 3/17/36; Market value (including accrued interest) $7,971,891. |
|
$ |
6,695,677 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
627,561 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 9/21/07 bearing 4.850% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $594,000 Republic of Turkey 7.000% due 9/26/16; Market value (including accrued interest) $625,585. |
|
627,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,096,760 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/2/07 bearing 4.900% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $8,262,000 United Mexican States, 6.750% due 9/27/34; Market value (including accrued interest) $9,317,391. |
|
8,096,760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,429,862 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.050% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,284,000 Vale Overseas Ltd., 8.250% due 1/17/34; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,578,309. |
|
1,429,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,476,715 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 10/16/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,978,000 Vale Overseas Ltd., 6.875% due 11/21/36; Market value (including accrued interest) $5,352,254. |
|
4,476,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,039,103 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,164,000 Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 9.375% due 1/13/34; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,316,807. |
|
1,039,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
504,469 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $665,000 Republic of Argentina, 7.000% due 9/12/13; Market value (including accrued interest) $603,694. |
|
504,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,676,855 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,850,000 Kansas City Southern de Mexico, 9.375% due 5/1/12; Market value (including accrued interest) $5,392,594. |
|
4,676,855 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,969,585 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,246,000 Petrozuata Finance Inc., 8.220% due 4/1/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $4,296,792. |
|
3,969,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
322,566 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $370,000 Axtel Sab de CV, 7.625% due 2/1/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $381,678. |
|
322,566 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,284,338 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/1/07 bearing 4.850% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $8,258,000 Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 5.750% due 2/26/16; Market value (including accrued interest) $7,229,621. |
|
6,284,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
971,217 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.150% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,170,000 ICICI Bank Ltd., 6.375% due 4/30/22; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,140,683. |
|
971,217 |
|
|
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
33 |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Face |
|
Security |
|
Value |
|
|
$1,734,180 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 9/21/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,100,000 Republic of Ecuador, 10.000% due 8/15/30; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,072,061. |
|
$ |
1,734,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,259,776 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,480,000 AES China Generating Co., 8.250% due 6/26/10; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,523,602. |
|
2,259,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,135,862 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,220,000 UBS Luxembourg SA, 8.250% due 5/23/16; Market value (including accrued interest) $2,383,876. |
|
2,135,862 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
850,059 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,059,000 Turanalem Finance BV Global, 8.250% due 1/22/37; Market value (including accrued interest) $985,258. |
|
850,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,509,472 |
|
Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse, dated 10/15/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,720,000 Lukoil International Finance BV, 6.356% due 6/7/17; Market value (including accrued interest) $1,710,239. |
|
1,509,472 |
|
|
|
|
Total Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
|
$ |
103,579,847 |
|
4. Loan
At October 31, 2007, the Fund had a $225,000,000 credit line available pursuant to a revolving credit and security agreement dated as of December 21, 2006 (Agreement), with CIESCO, LLC and Citibank, N.A. (Citibank). Citibank acts as administrative agent and secondary lender. Also, as of October 31, 2007, the Fund had a $225,000,000 loan outstanding pursuant to the Agreement. The loan generally bears interest at a variable rate based on the weighted average interest rates of the underlying commercial paper or LIBOR, plus any applicable margin. In addition, the Fund pays a commitment fee on the total amount of the loan available, whether used or unused. For the six months ended October 31, 2007, the Fund paid $117,351 in commitment fees. Securities held by the Fund are subject to a lien, granted to the lenders, to the extent of the borrowings outstanding and any additional expenses. For the six months ended October 31, 2007, based on the number of days during the reporting period that the Fund had a loan balance outstanding, the average loan balance was $182,608,696 and the weighted average interest rate was 5.749%. Total interest expense on the loan for the period was $5,248,508.
5. Capital Loss Carryforward
As of April 30, 2007, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of approximately $112,923,726, of which $35,792,543 expires in 2010 and $77,131,183 expires in 2011. These amounts will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains.
34 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
7. Other Matters
As previously disclosed, on September 16, 2005, the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) informed Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. (SBAM) the former investment adviser and administrator to various closed-end funds, including the Fund, that the staff was considering recommending administrative proceedings against SBAM for alleged violations of Section 19(a) and 34(b) of the 1940 Act (and related Rule 19a-1). On September 27, 2007, SBAM, without admitting or denying any findings therein, consented to the entry of an order by the SEC relating to the disclosure by Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II, the name of the Fund prior to October 9, 2006, of the sources of distributions paid by the Funds between 2001 and 2003. SBAM agreed to pay a fine of $450,000, for which it was indemnified by Citigroup, Inc., its former parent. It is not expected that this matter will adversely impact the Fund or its current investment adviser. Smith Barney Fund Management LLC., an affiliate of SBAM, consented to a similar order by the SEC.
8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
During June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation 48 (FIN 48 or the Interpretation), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement 109. FIN 48 supplements FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, by defining the confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a fund should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the fund has taken or expects to take on a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits. Management must be able to conclude that the tax law, regulations, case law, and other objective information regarding the technical merits sufficiently support the positions sustainability with a likelihood of more than 50 percent. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006, which for this Fund was May 1, 2007. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Management of the Fund has determined that adopting FIN 48 will not have a material impact on the Funds financial statements.
* * *
On September 20, 2006, FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Semi-Annual Report |
35 |
Additional Shareholder Information (unaudited)
Results of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The Fund held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on August 2, 2007, for the purpose of voting upon the election of Carol L. Colman, William R. Hutchinson and R. Jay Gerken as Class III Directors of the Fund, to serve until 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The following table provides information concerning the matter voted upon at the meeting.
Election of Directors
Nominees |
|
Votes For |
|
Votes Withheld |
|
Carol L. Colman |
|
66,200,657 |
|
1,163,398 |
|
William R. Hutchinson |
|
66,286,517 |
|
1,077,538 |
|
R. Jay Gerken |
|
66,295,751 |
|
1,068,304 |
|
At October 31, 2007, in addition to Carol L. Colman, William R. Hutchinson and R. Jay Gerken, the other Directors of the Fund were as follow:
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
Leslie H. Gelb
Dr. Riordan Roett
Jeswald W. Salacuse
36 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited)
Pursuant to certain rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission the following additional disclosure is provided.
Each shareholder purchasing shares of common stock (Shares) of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (Fund) will be deemed to have elected to be a participant in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Plan), unless the shareholder specifically elects in writing (addressed to the Agent at the address below or to any nominee who holds Shares for the shareholder in its name) to receive all distributions in cash, paid by check, mailed directly to the record holder by or under the direction of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as the Funds dividend-paying agent (Agent). A shareholder whose Shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee who does not provide an automatic reinvestment service may be required to take such Shares out of street name and register such Shares in the shareholders name in order to participate, otherwise dividends and distributions will be paid in cash to such shareholder by the broker or nominee. Each participant in the Plan is referred to herein as a Participant. The Agent will act as Agent for each Participant, and will open accounts for each Participant under the Plan in the same name as their Shares are registered.
Unless the Fund declares a distribution payable only in the form of cash, the Agent will apply all distributions in the manner set forth below.
If, on the determination date (as defined below), the market price per Share equals or exceeds the net asset value per Share on that date (such condition, a market premium), the Agent will receive the distribution in newly issued Shares of the Fund on behalf of Participants. If, on the determination date, the net asset value per Share exceeds the market price per Share (such condition, a market discount), the Agent will purchase Shares in the open market. The determination date will be the fourth New York Stock Exchange trading day (a New York Stock Exchange trading day being referred to herein as a Trading Day) preceding the payment date for the distribution. For purposes herein, market price will mean the average of the highest and lowest prices at which the Shares sell on the New York Stock Exchange on the particular date, or if there is no sale on that date, the average of the closing bid and asked quotations.
Purchases made by the Agent will be made as soon as practicable commencing on the Trading Day following the determination date and terminating no later than 30 days after the distribution payment date except where temporary curtailment or suspension of purchase is necessary to comply with applicable provisions of federal securities law; provided, however, that such purchases will, in any event, terminate on the Trading Day prior to the ex-dividend date next succeeding the distribution payment date.
If (i) the Agent has not invested the full distribution amount in open market purchases by the date specified above as the date on which such purchases must terminate or (ii) a market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, then the Agent will cease making open market purchases and will receive the uninvested portion of the distribution amount in newly issued Shares (x) in the case of (i) above, at the close of business on the date the Agent is required to terminate making open market purchases as specified above or (y) in the case of (ii) above, at the close of business on the date such shift occurs; but in no event prior to the payment date for the distribution.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
37 |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited) (continued)
In the event that all or part of a distribution amount is to be paid in newly issued Shares, such Shares will be issued to Participants in accordance with the following formula: (i) if, on the valuation date, the net asset value per share is less than or equal to the market price per Share, then the newly issued Shares will be valued at net asset value per Share on the valuation date provided, however, that if the net asset value is less than 95% of the market price on the valuation date, then such Shares will be issued at 95% of the market price and (ii) if, on the valuation date, the net asset value per share is greater than the market price per Share, then the newly issued Shares will be issued at the market price on the valuation date. The valuation date will be the distribution payment date, except that with respect to Shares issued pursuant to the paragraph above, the valuation date will be the date such Shares are issued. If a date that would otherwise be a valuation date is not a Trading Day, the valuation date will be the next preceding Trading Day.
The open market purchases provided for above may be made on any securities exchange on which the Shares of the Fund are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions, and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and otherwise as the Agent shall determine. Funds held by the Agent uninvested will not bear interest, and it is understood that, in any event, the Agent shall have no liability in connection with any inability to purchase Shares within the time periods herein provided, or with the timing of any purchases effected. The Agent shall have no responsibility as to the value of the Shares acquired for the Participants account. The Agent may commingle amounts of all Participants to be used for open market purchases of Shares and the price per Share allocable to each Participant in connection with such purchases shall be the average price (including brokerage commissions) of all Shares purchased by the Agent.
The Agent will maintain all Participant accounts in the Plan and will furnish written confirmations of all transactions in each account, including information needed by Participants for personal and tax records. The Agent will hold Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan in noncertificated form in the Participants name or that of its nominee, and each Participants proxy will include those Shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. The Agent will forward to Participants any proxy solicitation material and will vote any Shares so held for Participants only in accordance with the proxy returned by Participants to the Fund. Upon written request, the Agent will deliver to Participants, without charge, a certificate or certificates for the full Shares.
The Agent will confirm to Participants each acquisition made for their respective accounts as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days after the date thereof. Although Participants may from time to time have an undivided fractional interest (computed to three decimal places) in a Share of the Fund, no certificates for fractional shares will be issued. Distributions on fractional shares will be credited to each Participants account. In the event of termination of a Participants account under the Plan, the Agent will adjust for any such undivided fractional interest in cash at the market value of the Funds Shares at the time of termination less the pro rata expense of any sale required to make such an adjustment.
Any share dividends or split shares distributed by the Fund on Shares held by the Agent for Participants will be credited to their respective accounts. In the event that the Fund makes available to Participants rights to purchase additional Shares or other securities, the Shares held for Participants under the Plan will be added to other Shares held by the Participants in calculating the number of rights to be issued to Participants.
38 |
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited) (continued)
The Agents service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Fund. Participants will be charged a pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open market purchases.
Participants may terminate their accounts under the Plan by notifying the Agent in writing. Such termination will be effective immediately if notice is received by the Agent not less than ten days prior to any distribution record date; otherwise such termination will be effective on the first Trading Day after the payment due for such distribution with respect to any subsequent distribution. The Plan may be amended or terminated by the Fund as applied to any distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change or termination sent to Participants at least 30 days prior to the record date for the distribution. The Plan may be amended or terminated by the Agent, with the Funds prior written consent, on at least 30 days written notice to Plan Participants. Notwithstanding the preceding two sentences, the Agent or the Fund may amend or supplement the Plan at any time or times when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority. Upon any termination, the Agent will cause a certificate or certificates for the full Shares held by each Participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for any fraction to be delivered to each Participant without charge. If the Participant elects by notice to the Agent in writing in advance of such termination to have the Agent sell part or all of a Participants Shares and remit the proceeds to Participant, the Agent is authorized to deduct a $2.50 fee plus brokerage commission for this transaction from the proceeds.
Any amendment or supplement shall be deemed to be accepted by each Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Agent receives written notice of the termination of the Participants account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Agent in its place and stead of a successor Agent under these terms and conditions, with full power and authority to perform all or any of the acts to be performed by the Agent under these terms and conditions. Upon any such appointment of an Agent for the purpose of receiving distributions, the Fund will be authorized to pay to such successor Agent, for each Participants account, all distributions payable on Shares of the Fund held in each Participants name or under the Plan for retention or application by such successor Agent as provided in these terms and conditions.
In the case of Participants, such as banks, broker-dealers or other nominees, which hold Shares for others who are beneficial owners (Nominee Holders), the Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Shares certified from time to time by each Nominee Holder as representing the total amount registered in the Nominee Holders name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are to participate in the Plan.
The Agent shall at all times act in good faith and use its best efforts within reasonable limits to insure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement and to comply with applicable law, but assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to errors unless such error is caused by its negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or that of its employees.
All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Agent at 1-888-888-0151.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
39 |
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Western Asset |
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DIRECTORS |
WESTERN ASSET |
|
Carol L. Colman |
HIGH INCOME FUND II Inc. |
|
Daniel P. Cronin |
125 Broad Street |
|
Paolo M. Cucchi |
10th Floor, MF-2 |
|
Leslie H. Gelb |
New York, New York 10004 |
|
R. Jay Gerken, CFA |
|
|
Chairman |
INVESTMENT MANAGER |
|
William R. Hutchinson |
Legg Mason Partners |
|
Dr. Riordan Roett |
Fund Advisor, LLC |
|
Jeswald W. Salacuse |
|
|
|
SUBADVISERS |
|
OFFICERS |
Western Asset Management |
|
R. Jay Gerken, CFA |
Company |
|
President and Chief |
Western Asset Management |
|
Executive Officer |
Company Limited |
|
|
|
|
Kaprel Ozsolak |
CUSTODIAN |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
State Street Bank and Trust |
|
and Treasurer |
Company |
|
|
225 Franklin Street |
|
Ted P. Becker |
Boston, Massachusetts 02110 |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
|
|
|
DIVIDEND DISBURSING |
|
Thomas C. Mandia |
AND TRANSFER AGENT |
|
Assistant Secretary |
American Stock Transfer & |
|
|
Trust Company |
|
Steven Frank |
59 Maiden Lane |
|
Controller |
New York, New York 10038 |
|
|
|
|
Albert Laskaj |
INDEPENDENT |
|
Controller |
REGISTERED PUBLIC |
|
|
ACCOUNTING FIRM |
|
Robert I. Frenkel |
KPMG LLP |
|
Secretary and |
345 Park Avenue |
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Chief Legal Officer |
New York, New York 10154 |
|
|
|
|
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LEGAL COUNSEL |
|
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Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP |
|
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425 Lexington Avenue |
|
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New York, New York 10017 |
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NEW YORK STOCK |
|
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EXCHANGE SYMBOL |
|
|
HIX |
|
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Western Asset |
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|
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This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in this report. |
|
WESTERN ASSET High Income Fund II INC. 125 Broad Street 10th Floor, MF-2 New York, NY 10004
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase at market prices, shares of its Common Stock in the open market. |
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|
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American Stock Transfer
WAS0022 12/07 SR07-461 |
|
The
Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal
year on Form N-Q. The Funds Forms N-Q are available on the SECs
website at www.sec.gov. The Funds Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at
the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington D.C., and information on
the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling |
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|
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Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-451-2010, (2) on the Funds website at www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors and (3) on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. |
ITEM 2. |
CODE OF ETHICS. |
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|
|
|
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 3. |
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 4. |
Principal Accountant Fees and Services |
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|
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 5. |
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 6. |
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
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Included herein under Item 1. |
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ITEM 7. |
DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 8. |
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
|
|
|
|
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 9. |
PURCHASES OF INCOME SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. |
|
|
|
|
|
Not applicable. |
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|
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ITEM 10. |
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
|
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Not applicable. |
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ITEM 11. |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
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(a) |
The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
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(b) |
There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrants last fiscal half-year (the registrants second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
ITEM 12. |
EXHIBITS. |
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|
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(a) (1) Not applicable. |
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Exhibit 99.CODE ETH |
|
|
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(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto. |
|
Exhibit 99.CERT |
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|
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto. |
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Exhibit 99.906CERT |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
||
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By: |
/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
|
|
(R. Jay Gerken) |
|
|
Chief Executive Officer of |
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Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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Date: |
January 4, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
||
By: |
/s/ R. Jay Gerken |
|
|
|
(R. Jay Gerken) |
||
|
Chief Executive Officer of |
||
|
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
||
|
|
||
Date: |
January 4, 2008 |
||
|
|
||
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|
||
By: |
/s/ Kaprel Ozsolak |
|
|
|
(Kaprel Ozsolak) |
||
|
Chief Financial Officer of |
||
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Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. |
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Date: |
January 4, 2008 |
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