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 No. 811-08777

 

 

CREDIT SUISSE HIGH YIELD BOND FUND

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

 

Eleven Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

 

John G. Popp

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10010

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 325-2000

Date of fiscal year end: October 31st

Date of reporting period: November 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019

 

 

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10010

 

 

Trustees

Steven N. Rappaport

Chairman of the Board

Laura A. DeFelice

Jeffrey E. Garten

Mahendra R. Gupta

John G. Popp

 

 

Officers

John G. Popp

Chief Executive Officer and President

Thomas J. Flannery

Chief Investment Officer

Emidio Morizio

Chief Compliance Officer

Lou Anne McInnis

Chief Legal Officer

Omar Tariq

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Karen Regan

Senior Vice President and Secretary

 

 

Investment Adviser

Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10010

 

 

Administrator and Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Co.

One Lincoln Street

Boston, MA 02111

 

 

Shareholder Servicing Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

P.O. Box 30170

College Station, TX 77842-3170

 

 

Legal Counsel

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

787 7th Avenue

New York, NY 10019

 

 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

KPMG LLP

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

 

 

 

 

Credit Suisse

High Yield Bond Fund

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

October 31, 2019

Beginning on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you hold accounts directly with the Fund, you can call 877-870-2874 to inform Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC that you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you hold accounts through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds advised by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC, or all funds held with your financial intermediary, as applicable.

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. You may elect to receive electronic delivery of shareholder reports and other communications by: i) accessing the Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC website at www.credit-suisse.com/us/funds and logging into your accounts, if you hold accounts directly with the Fund, or ii) contacting your financial intermediary, if you hold accounts through a financial intermediary. Please note that not all financial intermediaries may offer this service.

 


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report

October 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

 

November 19, 2019

Dear Shareholder:

We are pleased to present this Annual Report covering the activities of the Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (the “Fund”) for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2019.

Performance Summary

11/1/2018 – 10/31/2019

 

Fund & Benchmark    Performance  

Total Return (based on net asset value (“NAV”))1

     8.54

Total Return (based on market value)1

     18.23

ICE BofAML US High Yield Constrained Index2

     8.32

Market Review: A positive period for high yield assets

The annual period ended October 31, 2019, was a positive one for the high yield asset class, with the ICE BofAML US High Yield Constrained Index (the “Index”), the Fund’s benchmark (the “Benchmark”), returning 8.32% for the period. After struggling through the final months of 2018, the high yield asset class saw positive flows and firm investor demand throughout 2019. The 10-year U.S. treasury rate tightened by 144 basis points over the period, which led to increased interest in the asset class—especially in high quality, long duration bonds. Overall, yields declined and ended the period at 5.80%—100 basis points tighter than October 31, 2018—while spreads widened to +423 basis points versus +384 basis points.

For the period, BB-rated bonds significantly outperformed the Index, returning 11.79%. Conversely, B-rated bonds slightly underperformed and CCC-rated bonds severely underperformed, returning 7.57% and -1.94%, respectively.

From an industry perspective, property & casualty, banking and building & construction were the best performing sectors, returning 22.91%, 16.49% and 16.03%, respectively. In contrast, issuers with energy exposure, like exploration & production and oil field equipment, materially underperformed for the period returning -12.62% and -19.14%, respectively.

Default activity, as measured by JP Morgan, and including distressed exchanges, ended the period at 2.83%—up 77 basis points over the prior 12 months. Default activity has been higher than expected due to weakness in energy and metals & mining-related sectors. However, these numbers are still below long-term averages—a fact we expect to continue outside of certain secularly challenged industries.

Mutual fund flows have been positive, $18.3 billion in inflows year-to-date for 2019. In comparison, there were $34.4 billion in outflows for the same period in 2018.

New high yield bond issuance totaled $230.1 billion for the first 10 months of 2019—an increase of 27% year over year. Refinancing activity has accounted for 68% of the total issuance year-to-date, compared to 61% for all of 2018.

Strategic Review and Outlook: Continuing to search for pockets of opportunity

For the 12-month period ended October 31, 2019, the Fund outperformed the benchmark on both a market value and NAV basis. Allocations to high yield contributed to relative returns, while positioning in bank loans detracted. From a sector perspective, positive security selection within services was the greatest contributor to performance, while negative security selection in consumer goods was the largest detractor. And from a ratings point-of-view, C- and Ba3-rated positions provided the most significant contributions to returns, while the NR category hurt returns the most.

 

1


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (continued)

October 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

 

With expectations of a potential trade deal between the United States and China, we believe the markets will likely experience continued volatility as White House rhetoric is carefully analyzed. We will continue to assess the lower quality assets that have lagged much of this year for investment opportunities. And if political uneasiness creates another pocket of weakness, we will likely view it as an opportunity to deploy cash at lower levels.

 

LOGO

  

LOGO

Thomas J. Flannery

Chief Investment Officer*

  

John G. Popp

Chief Executive Officer and President**

High yield bonds are lower-quality bonds that are also known as “junk bonds.” Such bonds entail greater risks than those found in higher-rated securities.

The Fund is non-diversified, which means it may invest a greater proportion of its assets in securities of a smaller number of issuers than a diversified fund and may therefore be subject to greater volatility.

In addition to historical information, this report contains forward-looking statements, which may concern, among other things, domestic and foreign markets, industry and economic trends and developments and government regulation, and their potential impact on the Fund’s investments. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and actual trends, developments and regulations in the future, and their impact on the Fund, could be materially different from those projected, anticipated or implied. The Fund has no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements.

The views of the Fund’s management are as of the date of this letter and the Fund holdings described in this document are as of October 31, 2019; these views and Fund holdings may have changed subsequent to these dates. Nothing in this document is a recommendation to purchase or sell securities.

 

1 

Assuming reinvestment of dividends of $0.228 per share.

2 

The ICE BofAML US High Yield Constrained Index (the “Index”) is an unmanaged index that tracks the performance of below investment-grade U.S. dollar-denominated corporate bonds issued in the U.S. domestic market, where each issuer’s allocation is limited to 2% of the Index. The Index does not have transaction costs and investors cannot invest directly in the Index.

*

Thomas J. Flannery, Managing Director, is the Head of the Credit Suisse U.S. High Yield Management Team. Mr. Flannery joined Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (“Credit Suisse”) in June 2010. He is a portfolio manager for the Credit Investments Group (“CIG”) with responsibility for trading, directing investment decisions, originating and analyzing investment opportunities. Mr. Flannery is also a member of the CIG Credit Committee and is currently a high yield bond portfolio manager and trader for CIG. Mr. Flannery joined Credit Suisse AG in 2000 from First Dominion Capital, LLC where he was an Associate. Mr. Flannery holds a B.S. in Finance from Georgetown University.

**

John G. Popp is a Managing Director of Credit Suisse and Group Head and Chief Investment Officer of CIG, with primary responsibility for making investment decisions and monitoring processes for CIG’s global investment strategies. Mr. Popp also serves as Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Credit Suisse Funds, as well as serving as Director, Chief Executive Officer and President for the Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. and Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund. Mr. Popp has been associated with Credit Suisse since 1997.

 

2


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Annual Investment Adviser’s Report (continued)

October 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

 

Credit Quality Breakdown*

(% of Total Investments as of October 31, 2019)

 

S&P Ratings**

 

BBB

     1.1

BB

     27.3  

B

     42.1  

CCC

     25.5  

D

     0.0 1 

NR

     2.2  
  

 

 

 

Subtotal

     98.2  

Equity and Other

     1.8  
  

 

 

 

Total

     100.0
  

 

 

 

 

*

Expressed as a percentage of total investments (excluding securities lending collateral, if applicable) and may vary over time.

**

Credit Quality is based on ratings provided by the S&P Global Ratings Division of S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”). S&P is a main provider of ratings for credit assets classes and is widely used amongst industry participants. The NR category consists of securities that have not been rated by S&P.

1 

This amount represents less than 0.1%.

Average Annual Returns

October 31, 2019 (unaudited)

 

 

       1 Year        3 Years        5 Years        10 Years  

Net Asset Value (NAV)

       8.54%          8.81%          6.89%          10.14%  

Market Value

       18.23%          11.28%          6.25%          10.47%  

Credit Suisse may waive fees and/or reimburse expenses, without which performance would be lower. Waivers and/or reimbursements are subject to change and may be discontinued at any time. Returns represent past performance. Total investment return at net asset value is based on the change in the net asset value of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at actual prices pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment program. Total investment return at market value is based on the change in the market price at which the Fund’s shares traded on the stock exchange during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at actual prices pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment program. Because the Fund’s shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on NAV and share price. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Fund’s yield, return, NAV and market price will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month end is available by calling 1-800-293-1232.

The annualized gross and net expense ratios are 2.86% and 2.70%, respectively.

 

3


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (97.0%)

           
 

Aerospace & Defense (1.4%)

           
$ 1,250    

TransDigm, Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/15/22 @ 103.75)

   (B-, B3)      03/15/27        7.500      $ 1,345,337  
  1,940    

TransDigm, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 03/15/22 @ 103.13)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      03/15/26        6.250        2,083,075  
  300    

Triumph Group, Inc., Rule 144A, Secured Notes (Callable 09/15/20 @ 103.13)(1)

   (B+, B3)      09/15/24        6.250        315,750  
             

 

 

 
                3,744,162  
             

 

 

 
 

Auto Parts & Equipment (2.7%)

           
  2,650    

Cooper-Standard Automotive, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/15/21 @ 102.81)(1)

   (B, B2)      11/15/26        5.625        2,265,750  
  1,000    

Delphi Technologies PLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes(1),(2)

   (BB, B1)      10/01/25        5.000        870,000  
  3,430    

Panther Finance Co., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 05/15/22 @ 104.25)(1)

   (B, B3)      05/15/27        8.500        3,464,300  
  500    

Panther Finance Co., Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 05/15/22 @ 103.13)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      05/15/26        6.250        529,850  
             

 

 

 
                7,129,900  
             

 

 

 
 

Brokerage (1.8%)

           
  4,450    

LPL Holdings, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/15/20 @ 104.31)(1)

   (BB, B1)      09/15/25        5.750        4,628,000  
             

 

 

 
 

Building & Construction (0.6%)

           
  1,591    

TopBuild Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 05/01/21 @ 102.81)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      05/01/26        5.625        1,678,505  
             

 

 

 
 

Building Materials (6.6%)

           
  55    

American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 12/02/19 @ 104.31)(1)

   (B+, B3)      12/15/23        5.750        56,705  
  2,225    

BMC East LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes (Callable 11/15/19 @ 104.13)(1)

   (BB, B1)      10/01/24        5.500        2,322,344  
  675    

Core & Main LP, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 08/15/20 @ 103.06)(1)

   (B-, Caa2)      08/15/25        6.125        689,344  
  120    

Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/15/21 @ 104.00)(1),(2)

   (B-, Caa1)      04/15/26        8.000        118,455  
  1,570    

Installed Building Products, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/01/23 @ 102.88)(1)

   (B+, B3)      02/01/28        5.750        1,653,190  
  1,970    

James Hardie International Finance DAC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 01/15/23 @ 102.50)(1)

   (BB, Ba1)      01/15/28        5.000        2,073,425  
  2,500    

Jeld-Wen, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/15/22 @ 102.44)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      12/15/27        4.875        2,456,250  
  4,900    

Omnimax International, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 11/15/19 @ 100.00)(1)

   (CCC, Caa1)      08/15/20        12.000        4,820,375  
  3,540    

PriSo Acquisition Corp., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 102.25)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      05/15/23        9.000        3,261,225  
             

 

 

 
                17,451,313  
             

 

 

 
 

Cable & Satellite TV (5.0%)

           
  1,315    

CSC Holdings LLC, Global Senior Unsecured Notes

   (B, B3)      06/01/24        5.250        1,420,200  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

4


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Cable & Satellite TV

           
$ 750    

CSC Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/01/23 @ 102.69)(1)

   (BB, Ba3)      02/01/28        5.375      $ 795,000  
  525    

CSC Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/15/22 @ 102.75)(1)

   (BB, Ba3)      04/15/27        5.500        557,818  
  800    

CSC Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 10/15/20 @ 103.31)(1)

   (BB, Ba3)      10/15/25        6.625        854,000  
  450    

CSC Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/12/19 @ 102.69)(1)

   (BB, Ba3)      07/15/23        5.375        462,366  
  840    

CSC Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 10/15/20 @ 105.44)(1)

   (B, B3)      10/15/25        10.875        949,481  
  1,555    

Midcontinent Finance Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 08/15/22 @ 102.69)(1)

   (B, B3)      08/15/27        5.375        1,632,750  
  1,600    

Telenet Finance Luxembourg Notes Sarl, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 12/01/22 @ 102.75)(1)

   (BB-, Ba3)      03/01/28        5.500        1,709,600  
  1,000    

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 04/15/22 @ 102.50)(1),(3)

   (BB-, Ba3)      04/15/27        5.000        1,366,930  
  3,250    

Ziggo B.V., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 01/15/22 @ 102.75)(1)

   (B+, B1)      01/15/27        5.500        3,445,000  
             

 

 

 
     13,193,145  
             

 

 

 
 

Chemicals (5.5%)

           
  2,100    

Alpha U.S. Bidco, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/01/20 @ 103.13)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      02/01/25        6.250        2,121,000  
  2,000    

Atotech Alpha 2 B.V., 8.75% Cash, 9.50% PIK, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 12/02/19 @ 102.00)(1),(4)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      06/01/23        8.750        1,975,000  
  2,200    

Ingevity Corp., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 02/01/21 @ 102.25)(1)

   (NR, Ba3)      02/01/26        4.500        2,233,687  
  1,000    

Nufarm Americas, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/30/21 @ 102.88)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      04/30/26        5.750        1,010,000  
  272    

Reichhold Industries, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes(1),(5),(6),(7),(8)

   (NR, NR)      05/01/18        9.000        3,667  
  950    

Starfruit U.S. Holdco LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 10/01/21 @ 104.00)(1),(2)

   (B-, Caa1)      10/01/26        8.000        950,000  
  1,200    

Starfruit U.S. Holdco LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 10/01/21 @ 103.25)(1),(9)

   (B-, Caa1)      10/01/26        6.500        1,355,616  
  1,500    

Trinseo Materials Finance, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 09/01/20 @ 102.69)(1)

   (B+, B2)      09/01/25        5.375        1,451,250  
  1,250    

Tronox, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/15/21 @ 103.25)(1),(2)

   (B, B3)      04/15/26        6.500        1,219,813  
  2,625    

Venator Materials LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 07/15/20 @ 104.31)(1)

   (BB-, B2)      07/15/25        5.750        2,104,725  
             

 

 

 
     14,424,758  
             

 

 

 
 

Diversified Capital Goods (1.7%)

           
  2,050    

Anixter, Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes

   (BB, Ba3)      03/01/23        5.500        2,112,730  
  250    

Anixter, Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 09/01/25 @ 100.00)

   (BB, Ba3)      12/01/25        6.000        257,500  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

5


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Diversified Capital Goods

           
$ 360    

EnerSys, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes (Callable 01/30/23 @ 100.00)(1)

   (BB+, Ba2)      04/30/23        5.000      $ 373,050  
  1,500    

Stevens Holding Co., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 10/01/23 @ 101.53)(1)

   (B+, B2)      10/01/26        6.125        1,620,000  
             

 

 

 
     4,363,280  
             

 

 

 
 

Electronics (1.8%)

           
  2,625    

Entegris, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/10/20 @ 103.47)(1)

   (BB, Ba2)      02/10/26        4.625        2,715,635  
  1,800    

Sensata Technologies B.V., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes(1)

   (BB+, Ba3)      10/01/25        5.000        1,948,860  
             

 

 

 
     4,664,495  
             

 

 

 
 

Energy - Exploration & Production (1.7%)

           
  1,981    

Talos Production Finance, Inc., Global Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 105.50)

   (NR, NR)      04/03/22        11.000        2,025,323  
  2,500    

W&T Offshore, Inc., Rule 144A, Secured Notes (Callable 11/01/20 @ 104.88)(1)

   (B+, B3)      11/01/23        9.750        2,356,250  
             

 

 

 
     4,381,573  
             

 

 

 
 

Food - Wholesale (0.2%)

           
  394    

Clearwater Seafoods, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 05/01/20 @ 105.16)(1)

   (B+, B3)      05/01/25        6.875        406,313  
             

 

 

 
 

Forestry & Paper (0.3%)

           
  800    

Norbord, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes (Callable 07/15/22 @ 102.88)(1)

   (BB+, Ba1)      07/15/27        5.750        830,000  
             

 

 

 
 

Gaming (4.0%)

           
  825    

Boyd Gaming Corp., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 08/15/21 @ 103.00)

   (B, B3)      08/15/26        6.000        875,531  
  2,500    

Churchill Downs, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 01/15/23 @ 102.38)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      01/15/28        4.750        2,600,000  
  3,205    

Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd., Rule 144A, Secured Notes
(Callable 03/01/20 @ 104.13)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      03/01/24        8.250        3,309,162  
  2,200    

Jacobs Entertainment, Inc., Rule 144A, Secured Notes
(Callable 02/01/20 @ 105.91)(1)

   (B, B2)      02/01/24        7.875        2,343,000  
  1,250    

MGP Finance Co-Issuer, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/01/26 @ 100.00)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      02/01/27        5.750        1,414,063  
             

 

 

 
                10,541,756  
             

 

 

 
 

Gas Distribution (2.2%)

           
  1,125    

Genesis Energy Finance Corp., Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/15/21 @ 104.69)

   (B+, B1)      05/15/26        6.250        1,046,250  
  2,750    

Genesis Energy Finance Corp., Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 102.81)

   (B+, B1)      06/15/24        5.625        2,585,000  
  2,000    

Holly Energy Finance Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/15/19 @ 104.50)(1)

   (BB, B1)      08/01/24        6.000        2,092,500  
             

 

 

 
                5,723,750  
             

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Health Facilities (1.9%)

           
$ 1,250    

HCA, Inc., Company Guaranteed Notes (Callable 03/01/28 @ 100.00)

   (BB-, Ba2)      09/01/28        5.625      $ 1,407,812  
  2,625    

Sabra Health Care LP, Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 05/15/26 @ 100.00)

   (BBB-, Ba1)      08/15/26        5.125        2,845,923  
  775    

Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/15/22 @ 105.00)(1)

   (CCC, Caa2)      04/15/27        10.000        786,625  
             

 

 

 
                5,040,360  
             

 

 

 
 

Health Services (2.0%)

           
  1,400    

AMN Healthcare, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/16/19 @ 103.84)(1)

   (BB-, Ba2)      10/01/24        5.125        1,456,000  
  1,700    

Sotera Health Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 103.25)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      05/15/23        6.500        1,736,125  
  1,950    

Sotera Health Topco, Inc., 8.125% Cash, 8.875% PIK, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 12/02/19 @ 100.00)(1),(4)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      11/01/21        8.125        1,945,125  
             

 

 

 
                5,137,250  
             

 

 

 
 

Insurance Brokerage (3.6%)

           
  1,000    

Acrisure Finance, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 08/01/22 @ 107.59)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      08/01/26        10.125        1,037,500  
  3,530    

Acrisure Finance, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 11/15/20 @ 103.50)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      11/15/25        7.000        3,247,600  
  1,200    

GTCR AP Finance, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 05/15/22 @ 104.00)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      05/15/27        8.000        1,230,000  
  3,910    

NFP Corp., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 07/15/20 @ 103.44)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      07/15/25        6.875        3,866,012  
             

 

 

 
                9,381,112  
             

 

 

 
 

Investments & Misc. Financial Services (1.5%)

           
  3,700    

Compass Group Diversified Holdings LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 05/01/21 @ 104.00)(1)

   (B-, B3)      05/01/26        8.000        3,996,000  
             

 

 

 
 

Machinery (1.1%)

           
  350    

Harsco Corp. Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 07/31/22 @ 102.88)(1)

   (BB-, Ba2)      07/31/27        5.750        364,445  
  2,485    

Rexnord LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/15/20 @ 102.44)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      12/15/25        4.875        2,575,081  
             

 

 

 
                2,939,526  
             

 

 

 
 

Media - Diversified (0.6%)

           
  500    

National CineMedia LLC, Global Senior Secured Notes (Callable 11/07/19 @ 101.00)

   (B+, Ba3)      04/15/22        6.000        506,300  
  750    

National CineMedia LLC, Global Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 08/15/21 @ 102.88)

   (B-, B3)      08/15/26        5.750        736,875  
  375    

National CineMedia LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 04/15/23 @ 102.94)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      04/15/28        5.875        395,100  
             

 

 

 
                1,638,275  
             

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

7


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Media Content (1.9%)

           
$ 1,387    

Diamond Sports Finance Co., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 08/15/22 @ 103.31)(1),(2)

   (B, B2)      08/15/27        6.625      $ 1,432,077  
  925    

Diamond Sports Finance Co., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 08/15/22 @ 102.69)(1)

   (BB, Ba2)      08/15/26        5.375        968,938  
  750    

Netflix, Inc., Global Senior Unsecured Notes

   (BB-, Ba3)      02/15/25        5.875        826,875  
  800    

Netflix, Inc., Global Senior Unsecured Notes

   (BB-, Ba3)      11/15/28        5.875        883,000  
  898    

Sirius XM Radio, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 07/01/24 @ 102.75)(1)

   (BB, Ba3)      07/01/29        5.500        972,938  
             

 

 

 
                5,083,828  
             

 

 

 
 

Metals & Mining - Excluding Steel (3.8%)

           
  2,200    

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 01/15/21 @ 102.44)(1)

   (BB, Ba2)      01/15/24        4.875        2,266,000  
  2,150    

First Quantum Minerals Ltd., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/01/21 @ 105.16)(1)

   (B-, NR)      03/01/26        6.875        2,115,062  
  2,000    

Kaiser Aluminum Corp., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 104.41)

   (BB+, Ba3)      05/15/24        5.875        2,085,000  
  3,925    

Taseko Mines Ltd., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 104.38)(1),(7)

   (B, B3)      06/15/22        8.750        3,473,625  
             

 

 

 
                9,939,687  
             

 

 

 
 

Oil Field Equipment & Services (2.1%)

           
  2,000    

KCA Deutag UK Finance PLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 04/01/20 @ 109.88)(1),(2)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      04/01/22        9.875        1,272,500  
  300    

KCA Deutag UK Finance PLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/2019 @ 100.00)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      05/15/21        7.250        192,000  
  2,580    

Pioneer Energy Services Corp., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 101.53)

   (CCC, Caa2)      03/15/22        6.125        967,500  
  3,750    

Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/15/21 @ 106.19)(1)

   (B-, B3)      02/15/25        8.250        3,168,750  
             

 

 

 
                5,600,750  
             

 

 

 
 

Oil Refining & Marketing (0.7%)

           
  1,725    

Coffeyville Finance, Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 101.08)

   (BB-, B1)      11/01/22        6.500        1,746,563  
             

 

 

 
 

Packaging (3.4%)

           
  1,000    

Ardagh Holdings U.S.A., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/15/20 @ 104.50)(1)

   (B, B3)      02/15/25        6.000        1,052,500  
  1,500    

Crown Americas Capital Corp. VI, Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 02/01/21 @ 103.56)

   (BB-, Ba3)      02/01/26        4.750        1,577,700  
  2,500    

Flex Acquisition Co., Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 01/15/20 @ 103.44)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      01/15/25        6.875        2,356,250  
  3,400    

TriMas Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 10/15/20 @ 102.44)(1)

   (BB-, Ba3)      10/15/25        4.875        3,465,875  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Packaging

           
$ 500    

Trivium Packaging Finance B.V., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 08/15/22 @ 102.75)(1)

   (B+, B2)      08/15/26        5.500      $ 525,000  
             

 

 

 
                8,977,325  
             

 

 

 
 

Personal & Household Products (0.9%)

           
  2,000    

High Ridge Brands Co., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/15/20 @ 104.44)(1),(5)

   (D, C)      03/15/25        8.875        15,000  
  1,822    

Mattel, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes (Callable 12/31/20 @ 105.06)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      12/31/25        6.750        1,906,267  
  550    

Prestige Brands, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/2019 @ 104.78)(1)

   (B, Caa1)      03/01/24        6.375        576,813  
             

 

 

 
                2,498,080  
             

 

 

 
 

Pharmaceuticals (4.3%)

           
  2,000    

Bausch Health Cos., Inc. Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 05/30/24 @ 103.63)(1)

   (B-, B3)      05/30/29        7.250        2,207,500  
  1,179    

Bausch Health Cos., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 101.47)(1)

   (B-, B3)      05/15/23        5.875        1,201,106  
  2,850    

Bausch Health Cos., Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 03/15/20 @ 103.50)(1)

   (BB-, Ba2)      03/15/24        7.000        2,988,724  
  410    

Endo Finance LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 103.00)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      07/15/23        6.000        273,163  
  1,350    

Endo Finance LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 04/15/20 @ 102.94)(1),(2)

   (B+, B1)      10/15/24        5.875        1,238,625  
  1,250    

Horizon Pharma U.S.A., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 08/01/22 @ 104.13)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      08/01/27        5.500        1,307,812  
  2,619    

Owens & Minor, Inc., Global Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 09/15/24 @ 100.00)

   (B, B2)      12/15/24        4.375        2,029,725  
             

 

 

 
                11,246,655  
             

 

 

 
 

Real Estate Development & Management (1.0%)

           
  2,500    

Newmark Group, Inc., Global Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 10/15/23 @ 100.00)

   (BB+, NR)      11/15/23        6.125        2,728,318  
             

 

 

 
 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (2.5%)

           
  3,000    

ESH Hospitality, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 05/01/20 @ 102.63)(1)

   (BB-, Ba3)      05/01/25        5.250        3,101,250  
  1,500    

iStar, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 12/02/19 @ 102.63)

   (BB-, Ba3)      09/15/22        5.250        1,539,375  
  1,400    

iStar, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 12/02/19 @ 103.00)

   (BB-, Ba3)      04/01/22        6.000        1,440,250  
  370    

Starwood Property Trust, Inc., Global Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 09/15/21 @ 100.00)

   (BB-, Ba3)      12/15/21        5.000        383,875  
             

 

 

 
                6,464,750  
             

 

 

 
 

Recreation & Travel (5.1%)

           
  1,950    

Boyne U.S.A., Inc., Rule 144A, Secured Notes (Callable 05/01/21 @ 103.63)(1)

   (B, B1)      05/01/25        7.250        2,140,125  
  2,000    

Canada’s Wonderland Co., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/15/22 @ 102.69)

   (BB-, B1)      04/15/27        5.375        2,140,000  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

9


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Recreation & Travel

           
$ 1,575    

Cedar Fair LP, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 07/15/24 @ 102.63)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      07/15/29        5.250      $ 1,697,062  
  1,300    

Merlin Entertainments PLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/17/26 @ 100.00)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      06/15/26        5.750        1,389,375  
  1,000    

Motion Bondco DAC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 11/15/22 @ 103.31)(1)

   (B-, B3)      11/15/27        6.625        1,021,000  
  600    

Six Flags Entertainment Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/15/22 @ 102.75)(1)

   (BB-, B2)      04/15/27        5.500        630,000  
  2,150    

Six Flags Entertainment Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 103.66)(1)

   (BB-, B2)      07/31/24        4.875        2,225,250  
  900    

Speedway Funding II, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 11/01/22 @ 102.44)(1)

   (BB+, B1)      11/01/27        4.875        900,270  
  1,320    

Speedway Motorsports LLC, Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/22/19 @ 102.56)

   (BB, B1)      02/01/23        5.125        1,353,000  
             

 

 

 
                13,496,082  
             

 

 

 
 

Restaurants (2.4%)

           
  3,250    

Golden Nugget, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 103.38)(1)

   (CCC+, B3)      10/15/24        6.750        3,355,950  
  2,750    

New Red Finance, Inc., Rule 144A, Secured Notes (Callable 10/15/20 @ 102.50)(1)

   (B+, B2)      10/15/25        5.000        2,825,625  
             

 

 

 
                6,181,575  
             

 

 

 
 

Software - Services (5.0%)

           
  1,000    

CDK Global, Inc., Global Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 06/01/22 @ 102.44)

   (BB+, Ba1)      06/01/27        4.875        1,058,750  
  1,529    

Epicor Software Corp., Rule 144A, Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 100.00), LIBOR 3M + 7.250%(1),(10)

   (CCC, Caa2)      06/30/23        9.350        1,522,871  
  2,650    

GD Finance Co., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 06/01/22 @ 102.63)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      12/01/27        5.250        2,818,937  
  1,800    

Infor U.S., Inc., Company Guaranteed Notes (Callable 11/14/19 @ 101.44)(9)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      05/15/22        5.750        2,045,463  
  3,975    

Solera Finance, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 107.88)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      03/01/24        10.500        4,178,719  
  1,500    

SS&C Technologies, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/30/22 @ 104.13)(1)

   (B+, B2)      09/30/27        5.500        1,607,813  
             

 

 

 
                13,232,553  
             

 

 

 
 

Specialty Retail (2.2%)

           
  1,425    

eG Global Finance PLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 10/30/21 @ 104.25)(1)

   (B, B2)      10/30/25        8.500        1,500,354  
  750    

GrubHub Holdings, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 07/01/22 @ 102.75)(1)

   (BB-, Ba3)      07/01/27        5.500        705,000  
  1,403    

Lithia Motors, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 08/01/20 @ 103.94)(1)

   (BB, Ba2)      08/01/25        5.250        1,474,904  
  2,500    

Ruyi U.S. Finance LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 05/01/21 @ 105.63)(1)

   (B-, B1)      05/01/25        7.500        2,190,625  
             

 

 

 
                5,870,883  
             

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Steel Producers/Products (0.3%)

 
$ 800    

Zekelman Industries, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 104.94)(1)

   (B, B3)      06/15/23        9.875      $ 844,260  
             

 

 

 
 

Support - Services (4.7%)

 
  50    

CoreCivic, Inc., Company Guaranteed Notes (Callable 07/15/27 @ 100.00)

   (BB, Ba1)      10/15/27        4.750        42,438  
  1,190    

Gartner, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 04/01/20 @ 103.84)(1)

   (BB-, B1)      04/01/25        5.125        1,250,928  
  2,465    

Gems Education Delaware LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 07/31/22 @ 103.56)(1)

   (B, B2)      07/31/26        7.125        2,563,600  
  1,950    

KAR Auction Services, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 06/01/20 @ 103.84)(1)

   (B+, B3)      06/01/25        5.125        2,045,062  
  1,730    

Tempo Acquisition Finance Corp., Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes
(Callable 06/01/20 @ 103.38)(1)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      06/01/25        6.750        1,788,388  
  445    

United Rentals North America, Inc., Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 01/15/23 @ 102.44)

   (BB-, Ba3)      01/15/28        4.875        461,131  
  2,864    

WeWork Cos., Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes(1),(2)

   (B, NR)      05/01/25        7.875        2,441,560  
  1,753    

Williams Scotsman International, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 08/15/20 @ 103.44)(1)

   (B, B3)      08/15/23        6.875        1,845,032  
             

 

 

 
                12,438,139  
             

 

 

 
 

Tech Hardware & Equipment (1.6%)

 
  1,750    

CommScope Technologies LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/15/22 @ 102.50)(1)

   (B-, B3)      03/15/27        5.000        1,439,375  
  1,950    

CommScope Technologies LLC, Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 06/15/20 @ 103.00)(1)

   (B-, B3)      06/15/25        6.000        1,742,227  
  675    

CommScope, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/01/22 @ 104.13)(1),(2)

   (B-, B3)      03/01/27        8.250        641,912  
  250    

CommScope, Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes (Callable 03/01/22 @ 103.00)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      03/01/26        6.000        258,125  
             

 

 

 
                4,081,639  
             

 

 

 
 

Telecom - Wireline Integrated & Services (5.0%)

 
  2,300    

Altice Financing S.A., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 05/15/21 @ 103.75)(1)

   (B+, B2)      05/15/26        7.500        2,449,500  
  2,065    

Altice Financing S.A., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 103.31)(1)

   (B+, B2)      02/15/23        6.625        2,126,330  
  650    

Altice France S.A., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 05/01/21 @ 103.69)(1)

   (B, B2)      05/01/26        7.375        697,674  
  725    

Equinix, Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 05/15/22 @ 102.69)

   (BBB-, Ba1)      05/15/27        5.375        788,438  
  750    

GCI LLC, Rule 144A, Senior Unsecured Notes (Callable 06/15/21 @ 103.31)(1)

   (B, B3)      06/15/24        6.625        814,688  
  4,000    

GTT Communications, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/31/19 @ 105.91)(1)

   (CCC, Caa1)      12/31/24        7.875        2,350,000  
  2,000    

LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC, Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 10/15/22 @ 103.38)(1)

   (B+, B1)      10/15/27        6.750        2,057,500  
  1,676    

QTS Finance Corp., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/15/20 @ 103.56)(1)

   (BB, B1)      11/15/25        4.750        1,759,800  
             

 

 

 
                13,043,930  
             

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

11


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

CORPORATE BONDS (continued)

           
 

Theaters & Entertainment (3.0%)

 
$ 2,995    

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 05/15/22 @ 103.06)(2)

   (CCC+, B3)      05/15/27        6.125      $ 2,723,578  
  855    

AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/15/21 @ 102.94)

   (CCC+, B3)      11/15/26        5.875        783,394  
  1,000    

Cinemark U.S.A., Inc., Global Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 12/02/19 @ 101.63)

   (BB, B2)      06/01/23        4.875        1,017,500  
  400    

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 03/15/21 @ 104.22)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      03/15/26        5.625        427,000  
  500    

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 10/15/22 @ 103.56)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      10/15/27        4.750        522,550  
  2,200    

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc., Rule 144A, Company Guaranteed Notes
(Callable 11/05/19 @ 103.66)(1)

   (B+, Ba3)      11/01/24        4.875        2,282,500  
             

 

 

 
                7,756,522  
             

 

 

 
 

Transport Infrastructure/Services (0.9%)

 
  3,150    

Navios Maritime Finance II U.S., Inc., Rule 144A, Senior Secured Notes
(Callable 12/02/2019 @ 100.00)(1)

   (B, Caa1)      08/15/22        11.250        2,236,500  
             

 

 

 
 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost $257,285,583)

       254,761,512  
             

 

 

 
 

BANK LOANS (30.4%)

 
 

Aerospace & Defense (0.7%)

 
  1,906    

Sequa Mezzanine Holdings LLC, LIBOR 3M + 5.000%(10)

   (CCC+, B3)      11/28/21        7.187        1,883,441  
             

 

 

 
 

Auto Parts & Equipment (0.9%)

 
  973    

Dayco Products LLC, LIBOR 3M + 4.250%(8),(10)

   (B-, B3)      05/19/23        6.374        861,415  
  1,800    

Jason, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 4.500%(7),(10)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      06/30/21        6.516        1,596,753  
             

 

 

 
                2,458,168  
             

 

 

 
 

Beverages (0.5%)

 
  2,000    

The Winebow Group, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 7.500%(7),(10)

   (CCC-, Caa2)      01/02/22        9.286        1,350,000  
             

 

 

 
 

Building Materials (1.7%)

 
  2,000    

Airxcel, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 8.750%(7),(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      04/27/26        10.536        1,830,000  
  2,481    

LBM Borrower LLC, LIBOR 1M + 3.750%(10)

   (B+, B2)      08/20/22        5.536        2,481,975  
             

 

 

 
                4,311,975  
             

 

 

 
 

Chemicals (4.7%)

 
  1,000    

Archroma Finance Sarl, LIBOR 1M + 8.250%(7),(8),(10)

   (NR, Caa1)      07/28/25        10.177        950,000  
  2,250    

Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC, LIBOR 3M + 5.250%(10)

   (BB-, B1)      08/27/26        7.354        2,259,844  
  470    

ASP Chromaflo Intermediate Holdings, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 8.000%(7),(8),(10)

   (CCC, Caa2)      11/18/24        9.786        453,089  
  1,494    

PMHC II, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 3.500%(10)

   (CCC+, B3)      03/31/25        5.604        1,215,064  
  2,481    

Polar U.S. Borrower LLC, LIBOR 3M + 4.750%(8),(10)

   (B, B2)      10/15/25        6.794        2,344,781  
  1,777    

UTEX Industries, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 4.000%(10)

   (CCC, Caa1)      05/22/21        5.786        1,376,899  
  2,000    

Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 8.250%(7),(8),(10)

   (CCC, Caa2)      10/27/25        10.337        1,745,000  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

BANK LOANS (continued)

 
 

Chemicals

 
$ 2,469    

Zep, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 4.000%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      08/12/24        6.104      $ 1,915,147  
             

 

 

 
                12,259,824  
             

 

 

 
 

Diversified Capital Goods (2.1%)

 
  3,700    

Cortes NP Acquisition Corp., LIBOR 3M + 4.000%(10)

   (B, B2)      11/30/23        5.927        3,497,887  
  2,045    

Dynacast International LLC, LIBOR 3M + 8.500%(7),(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      01/30/23        10.604        1,966,605  
             

 

 

 
                5,464,492  
             

 

 

 
 

Electronics (1.6%)

 
  1,000    

CPI International, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 7.250%(8),(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      07/26/25        9.054        962,500  
  750    

EXC Holdings III Corp., LIBOR 3M + 7.500%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      12/01/25        9.589        739,376  
  2,466    

Oberthur Technologies S.A., LIBOR 3M + 3.750%(10)

   (B-, B3)      01/10/24        5.854        2,352,250  
             

 

 

 
                4,054,126  
             

 

 

 
 

Energy - Exploration & Production (0.3%)

 
  2,491    

PES Holdings LLC, LIBOR 3M + 6.990%(5),(10)

   (NR, NR)      12/31/22        13.490        822,047  
             

 

 

 
 

Food - Wholesale (0.4%)

 
  1,244    

United Natural Foods, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 4.250%(10)

   (B, B3)      10/22/25        6.036        1,001,996  
             

 

 

 
 

Gas Distribution (1.7%)

 
  2,084    

BCP Renaissance Parent LLC, LIBOR 2M + 3.500%(10)

   (B+, B1)      10/31/24        5.363        1,894,369  
  998    

BCP Renaissance Parent LLC, LIBOR 3M + 3.500%(10)

   (B+, B1)      10/31/24        5.604        908,553  
  1,940    

Traverse Midstream Partners LLC, LIBOR 1M + 4.000%(10)

   (B+, B2)      09/27/24        5.800        1,712,228  
             

 

 

 
                4,515,150  
             

 

 

 
 

Health Facility (0.4%)

 
  1,146    

Western Dental Services, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 5.250%(8),(10)

   (B-, B3)      06/30/23        7.036        1,143,401  
             

 

 

 
 

Health Services (1.4%)

 
  1,493    

Athenahealth, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 4.500%(10)

   (B, B2)      02/11/26        6.681        1,483,172  
  1,047    

NVA Holdings, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 2.750%(10)

   (B, B2)      02/02/25        4.536        1,047,355  
  998    

Sotera Health Holdings LLC, LIBOR 1M + 3.500%(10)

   (B, B1)      05/15/22        5.427        996,253  
             

 

 

 
                3,526,780  
             

 

 

 
 

Insurance Brokerage (0.7%)

 
  1,950    

Acrisure LLC, LIBOR 3M + 4.250%(10)

   (B, B2)      11/22/23        6.354        1,920,342  
             

 

 

 
 

Investments & Misc. Financial Services (0.4%)

 
  215    

Ditech Holding Corp., Prime + 7.000%(5),(10)

   (NR, NR)      06/30/22        12.250        87,657  
  849    

Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC, LIBOR 1M + 5.000%(10)

   (B+, B2)      12/07/20        6.786        834,573  
             

 

 

 
                922,230  
             

 

 

 
 

Machinery (2.6%)

 
  1,223    

LTI Holdings, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 6.750%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      09/06/26        8.536        1,047,122  
  2,469    

Milacron LLC, LIBOR 1M + 2.500%(8),(10)

   (B+, B2)      09/28/23        4.286        2,469,476  
  1,000    

MW Industries, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 8.000%(7),(8),(10)

   (CCC, Caa2)      09/29/25        10.104        940,000  

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

13


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

BANK LOANS (continued)

 
 

Machinery

 
$ 2,475    

WireCo WorldGroup, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 9.000%(8),(10)

   (B-, Caa2)      09/30/24        10.786      $ 2,388,375  
             

 

 

 
                6,844,973  
             

 

 

 
 

Medical Products (1.0%)

 
  1,179    

ABB Concise Optical Group LLC, LIBOR 6M + 5.000%(10)

   (CCC+, B3)      06/15/23        7.168        1,122,744  
  1,496    

Maravai Intermediate Holdings LLC, LIBOR 1M + 4.250%(10)

   (B-, B2)      08/01/25        6.063        1,488,741  
             

 

 

 
                2,611,485  
             

 

 

 
 

Personal & Household Products (2.2%)

 
  1,952    

ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC, LIBOR 1M + 7.750%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      09/29/25        9.536        1,950,115  
  2,729    

Comfort Holding LLC, LIBOR 1M + 4.750%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      02/05/24        6.536        2,722,901  
  2,450    

Serta Simmons Bedding LLC, LIBOR 1M + 8.000%(10)

   (CCC-, Caa3)      11/08/24        9.846        685,436  
  490    

TricorBraun Holdings, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 3.750%(10)

   (B-, B2)      11/30/23        5.859        479,674  
             

 

 

 
                5,838,126  
             

 

 

 
 

Pharmaceuticals (0.5%)

 
  1,502    

Akorn, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 7.000%(10)

   (B-, Caa1)      04/16/21        8.813        1,397,553  
             

 

 

 
 

Recreation & Travel (0.3%)

 
  834    

Bulldog Purchaser, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 7.750%(7),(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      09/04/26        9.536        825,660  
             

 

 

 
 

Software - Services (2.4%)

 
  750    

Air Newco LLC, LIBOR 3M + 4.250%(10)

   (B-, B2)      10/09/26        6.262        745,312  
  1,309    

Almonde, Inc., LIBOR 6M + 7.250%(10)

   (CCC, Caa2)      06/13/25        9.446        1,229,459  
  2,004    

Flexera Software LLC, LIBOR 1M + 7.250%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa1)      02/26/26        9.040        2,009,236  
  1,000    

Hyland Software, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 7.000%(10)

   (CCC, Caa1)      07/07/25        8.786        1,005,940  
  627    

LDiscovery LLC, LIBOR 3M + 5.875%(10)

   (B-, B3)      12/09/22        7.931        617,851  
  733    

Project Leopard Holdings, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 4.250%(10)

   (B, B2)      07/07/23        6.450        731,296  
             

 

 

 
                6,339,094  
             

 

 

 
 

Specialty Retail (0.9%)

 
  1,500    

Boing U.S. Holdco, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 7.500%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      10/03/25        9.440        1,430,625  
  1,000    

Sally Holdings LLC

   (BB+, Ba1)      07/05/24        4.500        980,000  
             

 

 

 
                2,410,625  
             

 

 

 
 

Support - Services (0.9%)

 
  1,244    

IG Investment Holdings LLC, LIBOR 1M + 4.000%(10)

   (B-, B2)      05/23/25        5.786        1,227,385  
  1,000    

USS Ultimate Holdings, Inc., LIBOR 3M + 7.750%(10)

   (CCC+, Caa2)      08/25/25        9.950        984,000  
             

 

 

 
                2,211,385  
             

 

 

 
 

Telecom - Wireline Integrated & Services (0.4%)

 
  1,125    

TVC Albany, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 7.500%(10)

   (CCC, Caa2)      07/23/26        9.290        1,116,563  
             

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Par
(000)

        

Ratings†
(S&P/Moody’s)

  

Maturity

    

Rate%

    

Value

 
 

BANK LOANS (continued)

 
 

Theaters & Entertainment (1.7%)

 
$ 2,158    

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc., LIBOR 1M + 4.500%(8),(10)

   (B-, B2)      07/03/26        6.290      $ 2,072,113  
  2,432    

William Morris Endeavor Entertainment LLC, LIBOR 3M + 2.750%(10)

   (B, B2)      05/18/25        4.600        2,355,252  
             

 

 

 
                4,427,365  
             

 

 

 
 

TOTAL BANK LOANS (Cost $85,691,263)

       79,656,801  
             

 

 

 
 

ASSET BACKED SECURITY (0.6%)

 
 

Collateralized Debt Obligation (0.6%)

 
  1,500    

Symphony Credit Opportunities Fund Ltd., 2015-2A, Rule 144A, LIBOR 3M + 3.060%(1),(10) (Cost $1,498,320)

   (NR, Baa3)      07/15/28        5.061        1,446,769  
             

 

 

 
             

Number of
Shares

                               
 

COMMON STOCKS (2.3%)

 
 

Auto Parts & Equipment (0.9%)

 
  109,693    

UCI International, Inc.(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

     2,468,093  
             

 

 

 
 

Building & Construction (0.0%)

 
  10    

White Forest Resources, Inc.(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

      
             

 

 

 
 

Chemicals (0.4%)

 
  4,893    

Huntsman Corp.(7)

 

     108,282  
  5,400    

Project Investor Holdings LLC(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

     54  
  89,998    

Proppants Holdings LLC(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

     824,382  
             

 

 

 
                932,718  
             

 

 

 
 

Energy - Exploration & Production (0.9%)

 
  777,123    

Independence Contract Drilling, Inc.(11)

 

     691,639  
  111,570    

PES Energy, Inc.(7),(11)

 

     13,946  
  71,901    

Talos Energy, Inc.(11)

 

     1,548,029  
             

 

 

 
                2,253,614  
             

 

 

 
 

Support - Services (0.1%)

 
  2,100    

LTR Holdings LLC(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

     406,539  
  865    

Sprint Industrial Holdings LLC, Class G(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

      
  78    

Sprint Industrial Holdings LLC, Class H(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

      
  192    

Sprint Industrial Holdings LLC, Class I(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

     2  
             

 

 

 
                406,541  
             

 

 

 
 

Theaters & Entertainment (0.0%)

 
  40    

NEG Holdings LLC, Litigation Trust Units(6),(7),(8),(11)

 

     40  
             

 

 

 
 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $9,226,359)

       6,061,006  
             

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

15


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Schedule of Investments (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Number of
Shares

                         

Value

 
 

WARRANT (0.0%)

 
 

Chemicals (0.0%)

 
$ 22,499    

Project Investor Holdings LLC, expires 02/20/2022(6),(7),(8),(11) (Cost $11,699)

 

   $  
             

 

 

 
 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT (4.3%)

 
  11,382,265    

State Street Navigator Securities Lending Government Money Market Portfolio, 1.77%(12) (Cost $11,382,265)

        11,382,265  
             

 

 

 
 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS AT VALUE (134.6%) (Cost $365,095,489)

       353,308,353  
 

LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS (-34.6%)

       (90,740,626
             

 

 

 
 

NET ASSETS (100.0%)

     $ 262,567,727  
             

 

 

 

 

Credit ratings given by the S&P Global Ratings Division of S&P Global Inc. (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) are unaudited.

 

(1) 

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. At October 31, 2019, these securities amounted to a value of $210,421,627 or 80.1% of net assets.

 

(2) 

Security or portion thereof is out on loan (See note 2-J).

 

(3) 

This security is denominated in British Pound.

 

(4) 

PIK: Payment-in-kind security for which part of the income earned may be paid as additional principal.

 

(5) 

Bond is currently in default.

 

(6) 

Not readily marketable security; security is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Trustees.

 

(7) 

Illiquid security (unaudited).

 

(8) 

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs.

 

(9) 

This security is denominated in Euro.

 

(10) 

Variable rate obligation - The interest rate shown is the rate in effect as of October 31, 2019.

 

(11) 

Non-income producing security.

 

(12) 

Represents security purchased with cash collateral received for securities on loan. The rate shown is the annualized one-day yield at October 31, 2019.

INVESTMENT ABBREVIATIONS

1M = 1 Month

2M = 2 Month

3M = 3 Month

6M = 6 Month

LIBOR = London Interbank Offered Rate

NR = Not Rated

Sarl - société à responsabilité limitée

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

 

Forward
Currency to be
Purchased (Local)

    

Forward
Currency to be
Sold (Local)

     Expiration
Date
    

Counterparty

   Value on
Settlement Date
    Current
Value/Notional
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

USD

     3,452,811      EUR      3,072,989        10/13/20      Morgan Stanley    $ (3,452,811   $ (3,501,493   $ (48,682

USD

     1,334,381      GBP      1,080,182        10/13/20      Morgan Stanley      (1,334,381     (1,409,672     (75,291
                     

 

 

 
  $ (123,973
                     

 

 

 

Currency Abbreviations:

EUR = Euro

GBP = British Pound

USD = United States Dollar

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

October 31, 2019

 

 

Assets

 

Investments at value, including collateral for securities on loan of $11,382,265
(Cost $365,095,489) (Note 2)

   $         353,308,353 1 

Cash

     11,835,050  

Foreign currency at value (Cost $37,470)

     37,823  

Interest receivable

     5,104,048  

Receivable for investments sold

     635,876  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     7,287  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     370,928,437  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  

Investment advisory fee payable (Note 3)

     247,006  

Administrative services fee payable (Note 3)

     11,858  

Loan payable (Note 4)

     92,000,000  

Payable upon return of securities loaned (Note 2)

     11,382,265  

Payable for investments purchased

     4,442,203  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts (Note 2)

     123,973  

Trustees’ fee payable

     47,323  

Interest payable

     24,903  

Accrued expenses

     81,179  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     108,360,710  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Applicable to 103,499,608 shares outstanding

   $ 262,567,727  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets

  

Capital stock, $.001 par value (Note 6)

     103,500  

Paid-in capital (Note 6)

     298,347,697  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (35,883,470
  

 

 

 

Net assets

   $ 262,567,727  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value Per Share ($262,567,727 / 103,499,608)

     $2.54  
  

 

 

 

Market Price Per Share

     $2.53  
  

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Includes $11,159,662 of securities on loan.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

17


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended October 31, 2019

 

 

Investment Income

 

Interest

   $         26,983,404  

Dividends

     83,296  

Securities lending (net of rebates)

     74,909  
  

 

 

 

Total investment income

     27,141,609  
  

 

 

 

Expenses

  

Investment advisory fees (Note 3)

     3,424,097  

Administrative services fees (Note 3)

     70,519  

Interest expense (Note 4)

     3,509,677  

Trustees’ fees

     124,870  

Printing fees

     111,243  

Commitment fees (Note 4)

     109,304  

Audit and tax fees

     51,905  

Legal fees

     39,652  

Stock exchange listing fees

     33,268  

Custodian fees

     25,411  

Transfer agent fees (Note 3)

     24,720  

Insurance expense

     6,081  

Miscellaneous expense

     10,556  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     7,541,303  

Less: fees waived (Note 3)

     (424,999
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     7,116,304  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     20,025,305  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Investments, Foreign Currency and Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

  

Net realized loss from investments

     (1,326,659

Net realized loss from foreign currency transactions

     (8,171

Net realized gain from forward foreign currency contracts

     444,860  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments

     1,060,183  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from foreign currency translations

     90,364  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from forward foreign currency contracts

     (309,376
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized loss from investments, foreign currency and Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

     (48,799
  

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 19,976,506  
  

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

     For the Year
Ended
  October 31, 2019  
     For the Year
Ended
  October 31, 2018  
 

From Operations

     

Net investment income

   $ 20,025,305      $ 21,872,626  

Net realized gain (loss) from investments, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts

     (889,970      671,243  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments, foreign currency translations and forward foreign currency contracts

     841,171        (20,011,135
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     19,976,506        2,532,734  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

From Distributions

     

From distributable earnings

     (19,793,295      (21,867,417

Return of Capital

     (3,903,530      (3,775,810
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (23,696,825      (25,643,227
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

From Capital Share Transactions (Note 6)

     

Issuance of 0 and 8,121 shares through the trustees compensation plan (Note 3)

            22,495  

Net proceeds from at-the-market offering cost (Note 7)

            1,218,333  

Reinvestment of dividends

     55,828        135,165  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets from capital share transactions

     55,828        1,375,993  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets

     (3,664,491      (21,734,500

Net Assets

     

Beginning of year

     266,232,218        287,966,718  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

   $         262,567,727      $         266,232,218  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

19


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Statement of Cash Flows

October 31, 2019

 

 

Reconciliation of Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

      $ 19,976,506  
     

 

 

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     

Decrease in interest receivable

   $ 1,210,528     

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (11,711   

Decrease in payable upon return of securities loaned

     (9,786,303   

Decrease in interest payable

     (28,448   

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

     12,167     

Decrease in unfunded loan commitments

     (135,474   

Decrease in advisory fees payable

     (20,702   

Net amortization of discount on investments

     (1,439,902   

Purchases of long-term securities, net of change in payable for investments purchased

     (114,439,000   

Sales of long-term securities, net of change in receivable for investments sold

     155,023,267     

Net proceeds from sales (purchases) of short-term securities

     9,786,303     

Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation from investments and forward foreign currency contracts

     (750,807   

Net realized loss from investments

     1,326,659     

Total adjustments

        40,746,577  
     

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities1

      $ 60,723,083  
     

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

     

Borrowings on revolving credit facility

     31,500,000     

Repayments of credit facility

     (63,500,000   

Cash dividends paid

     (23,640,997   
  

 

 

    

Net cash provided by financing activities

                (55,640,997
     

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

        5,082,086  

Cash — beginning of year

        6,790,787  
     

 

 

 

Cash — end of year

      $ 11,872,873  
     

 

 

 

Non-Cash Activity:

     

Issuance of shares through dividend reinvestments

      $ 55,828  
     

 

 

 

 

 

1 

Included in net cash provided by operating activities is cash of $3,538,125 paid for interest on borrowings.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Financial Highlights

 

 

     For the Year Ended October 31,  
     2019      2018     2017      2016      2015  

Per share operating performance

             

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $ 2.57      $ 2.80     $ 2.62      $ 2.62      $ 3.04  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INVESTMENT OPERATIONS

             

Net investment income1

     0.20        0.21       0.23        0.25        0.26  

Net gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency contracts (both realized and unrealized)

     (0.00 )2       (0.19     0.22        0.03        (0.39
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total from investment activities

     0.20        0.02       0.45        0.28        (0.13
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

             

Dividends from net investment income

     (0.19      (0.21     (0.22      (0.24      (0.29

Return of capital

     (0.04      (0.04     (0.05      (0.04       
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total dividends and distributions

     (0.23      (0.25     (0.27      (0.28      (0.29
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

             

Increase to net asset value due to shares issued through at-the-market offerings

                  0.002               0.002  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

   $ 2.54      $ 2.57     $ 2.80      $ 2.62      $ 2.62  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Per share market value, end of year

   $ 2.53      $ 2.35     $ 2.84      $ 2.44      $ 2.40  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN3

             

Net asset value

     8.54      0.68     17.90      12.75      (3.96 )% 

Market value

     18.23      (9.23 )%      28.40      14.63      (14.28 )% 

RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

             

Net assets, end of year (000s omitted)

   $ 262,568      $ 266,232     $ 287,967      $ 261,610      $ 262,119  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     2.70      2.59     2.14      2.04      1.87

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

     1.37      1.41     1.38      1.45      1.37

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

     7.60      7.81     8.19      10.07      9.28

Decrease reflected in above operating expense ratios due to waivers/reimbursements

     0.16      0.15     0.15      0.17      0.15

Average debt per share

   $ 1.06      $ 1.20     $ 1.13      $ 1.11      $ 1.37  

Asset Coverage per $1,000 of Indebtedness

   $ 3,854      $ 3,147     $ 3,482      $ 3,567      $ 3,070  

Portfolio turnover rate

     32      42     65      49      41

 

 

1

Per share information is calculated using the average shares outstanding method.

 

2

This amount represents less than $0.01 or $(0.01) per share.

 

3

Total investment return at net asset value is based on the change in the net asset value of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at actual prices pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment program. Total investment return at market value is based on the change in the market price at which the Fund’s shares traded on the stock exchange during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at actual prices pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment program. Because the Fund’s shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on NAV and market price.

 

See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.

 

21


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 1. Organization

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (the “Fund”) is a business trust organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on April 30, 1998. The Fund is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s principal investment objective is to seek high current income. The Fund also will seek capital appreciation as a secondary objective, to the extent consistent with its objective of seeking high current income.

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company for financial reporting purposes under GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 946 — Financial Services — Investment Companies.

A) SECURITY VALUATION — The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) is responsible for the Fund’s valuation process. The Board has delegated the supervision of the daily valuation process to Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC, the Fund’s investment adviser (“Credit Suisse” or the “Adviser”), who has established a Pricing Committee which, pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board, is responsible for making fair valuation determinations and overseeing the Fund’s pricing policies. The net asset value of the Fund is determined daily as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the “Exchange”) on each day the Exchange is open for business. The valuations for fixed income securities (which may include, but are not limited to, corporate, government, municipal, mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities) and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of valuation techniques and methodologies. The independent third party pricing services use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar securities. These pricing services generally price fixed income securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional “round lot” size, but some trades occur in smaller “odd lot” sizes which may be effected at lower prices than institutional round lot trades. Structured note agreements are valued in accordance with a dealer-supplied valuation based on changes in the value of the underlying index. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. Forward contracts are valued at the London closing spot rates and the London closing forward point rates on a daily basis. The currency forward contract pricing model derives the differential in point rates to the expiration date of the forward and calculates its present value. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last reported sales price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. The Fund may utilize a service provided by an independent third party which has been approved by the Board to fair value certain securities. When fair value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by the Fund to calculate its net asset value may differ from quoted or published prices for the same securities. If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the investment adviser to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the investment adviser using quotations from one or more brokers/dealers or at the transaction price if the security has recently been purchased and no value has yet been obtained from a pricing service or pricing broker. When reliable prices are

 

22


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

not readily available, 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, these securities will be fair valued in good faith by the Pricing Committee, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Board.

The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.

GAAP established a disclosure hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to value assets and liabilities at each measurement date. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 

   

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

   

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

 

   

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

The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2019 in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value:

 

Assets

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Investments in Securities

          

Corporate Bonds

   $      $ 254,757,845      $ 3,667     $ 254,761,512  

Bank Loans

            63,326,651        16,330,150       79,656,801  

Asset Backed Security

            1,446,769              1,446,769  

Common Stocks

     2,347,950        13,946        3,699,110       6,061,006  

Warrants

                   0 (1)      0 (1) 

Short-term Investment

            11,382,265              11,382,265  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
   $ 2,347,950      $ 330,927,476      $ 20,032,927     $ 353,308,353  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities

   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3     Total  

Other Financial Instruments*

          

Forward Foreign Currency Contracts

   $      $ 123,973      $     $ 123,973  

 

  (1)

Includes zero valued securities.

  *

Other financial instruments include unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on forward foreign currency contracts.

 

23


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments as of October 31, 2019 for which significant unobservable inputs were used in determining fair value. All transfers, if any, are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period.

 

     Corporate
Bonds
     Bank
Loans
     Common
Stocks
     Preferred
Stock
    Warrants     Total  

Balance as of October 31, 2018

   $ 1,554,070      $ 15,532,190      $ 3,450,657      $ 0 (1)    $     $ 20,536,917  

Accrued discounts (premiums)

     3,400        714,610                           718,010  

Purchases

     254,291        8,842,510        646,636              11,699       9,755,136  

Sales

     (266,817      (8,774,756                         (9,041,573

Realized gain (loss)

     8,192        (2,153,500      (231,540      (250,835           (2,627,683

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (26,597      653,390        (152,697      250,835       (11,699     713,232  

Transfers into Level 3

            7,564,983                           7,564,983  

Transfers out of Level 3

     (1,522,872      (6,049,277      (13,946                  (7,586,095
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of October 31, 2019

   $ 3,667      $ 16,330,150      $ 3,699,110      $     $ 0 (1)    $ 20,032,927  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments still held as of October 31, 2019

   $ (6,112    $ (273,883    $ 382,816      $     $     $ 102,821  

 

  (1)

Includes zero valued securities.

Quantitative Disclosure About Significant Unobservable Inputs

 

Asset Class

   Fair Value
at 10/31/2019
     Valuation
Techniques
     Unobservable
Input
    

Range
(Weighted Average)*

Corporate Bonds

   $ 3,667        Income Approach        Expected Remaining Distribution      $0.01 (N/A)

Bank Loans

   $ 16,330,150        Vendor Pricing        Single Broker Quote      $0.87-$1.00 ($0.95)

Common Stocks

   $ 42        Income Approach        Expected Remaining Distribution      $0.00-$1.00 ($0.95)
   $ 1,230,975        Market Approach        EBITDA Multiples      3.0-5.9(5.8)
   $ 2,468,092        Vendor Pricing        Single Broker Quote      $22.50 (N/A)

Warrants

   $ 0        Market Approach        EBITDA Multiples      4.9 (N/A)

 

  *

Weighted by relative fair value

Each fair value determination is based on a consideration of relevant factors, including both observable and unobservable inputs. Observable and unobservable inputs that Credit Suisse considers may include (i) the existence of any contractual restrictions on the disposition of securities; (ii) information obtained from the company, which may include an analysis of the company’s financial statements, the company’s products or intended markets or the company’s technologies; (iii) the price of the same or similar security negotiated at arm’s length in an issuer’s completed subsequent round of financing; (iv) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; or (v) a probability and time value adjusted analysis of contractual term. Where available and appropriate, multiple valuation methodologies are applied to confirm fair value. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, determining fair value requires more judgment. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may be materially higher or lower than the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised by the Fund in determining fair value is greatest for investments categorized in Level 3. In some circumstances, the inputs used to measure fair value might be categorized within different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In those instances, the fair value measurement is categorized in its entirety in the fair value hierarchy based on the least observable input that is

 

24


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

significant to the fair value measurement. Additionally, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different from the valuations used at the date of these financial statements.

For the year ended October 31, 2019, $7,564,983 was transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 due to a lack of a pricing source supported by observable inputs and $7,586,095 was transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as a result of the availability of a pricing source supported by observable inputs. All transfers, if any, are assumed to occur at the end of the reporting period.

B) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES — The Fund adopted amendments to authoritative guidance on disclosures about derivative instruments and hedging activities which require that a fund disclose (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and hedging activities are accounted for and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedging activities affect a fund’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.

The following table presents the fair value and the location of derivatives within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at October 31, 2019 and the effect of these derivatives on the Statement of Operations for the year ended October 31, 2019.

 

Primary Underlying Risk

   Derivative
Assets
     Derivative
Liabilities
     Realized
Gain (Loss)
     Change in Unrealized
Appreciation(Depreciation)
 

Foreign currency exchange rate forward contracts

   $      $ 123,973      $ 444,860      $ (309,376

For the year ended October 31, 2019, the Fund held an average monthly value on a net basis of $11,481,022 in forward foreign currency contracts.

The Fund is a party to International Swap and Derivatives Association, Inc. (“ISDA”) Master Agreements (“Master Agreements”) with certain counterparties that govern over-the-counter derivative (including Total Return, Credit Default and Interest Rate Swaps) and foreign exchange contracts entered into by the Fund. The Master Agreements may contain provisions regarding, among other things, the parties’ general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral requirements, events of default and early termination. Termination events applicable to the Fund may occur upon a decline in the Fund’s net assets below a specified threshold over a certain period of time.

The following table presents by counterparty the Fund’s derivative liabilities, net of related collateral pledged by the Fund, at October 31, 2019:

 

Counterparty

   Gross Amount of
Derivative Liabilities
Presented in
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities(a)
     Financial
Instruments
and Derivatives
Available for Offset
     Non-Cash
Collateral
Pledged
     Cash
Collateral
Pledged
     Net Amount
of Derivative
Liabilities
 

Morgan Stanley

   $ 123,973      $      $      $      $ 123,973  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  (a) 

Forward foreign currency contracts are included.

C) FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS — The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the current prevailing exchange rates. All assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, including purchases and sales of investments, and income and expenses, are translated into US dollar amounts on the date of those transactions.

 

25


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Reported net realized gain (loss) from foreign currency transactions arises from sales of foreign currencies; 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 Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net change in unrealized gains and losses on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies arises from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments, at the end of the period, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of investments held. Such fluctuations are included with net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments in the Statement of Operations.

D) SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME/EXPENSE — Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income/expense is recorded on the accrual basis. The Fund amortizes premiums and accretes discounts using the effective interest method. Dividend income/expense is recorded on the ex-dividend date. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.

E) DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS — The Fund declares and pays dividends on a monthly basis and records them on ex-date. Distributions of net realized capital gains, if any, are declared and paid at least annually. However, to the extent that a net realized capital gain can be reduced by a capital loss carryforward, such gain will not be distributed. Dividends and distributions to shareholders of the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

The Fund’s dividend policy is to distribute substantially all of its net investment income to its shareholders on a monthly basis. However, in order to provide shareholders with a more consistent yield to the current trading price of shares of common stock of the Fund, the Fund may at times pay out less than the entire amount of net investment income earned in any particular month and may at times in any month pay out such accumulated but undistributed income in addition to net investment income earned in that month. As a result, the dividends paid by the Fund for any particular month may be more or less than the amount of net investment income earned by the Fund during such month.

F) FEDERAL AND OTHER TAXES — No provision is made for federal taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and to make the requisite distributions to its shareholders, which will be sufficient to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes.

In order to qualify as a RIC under the Code, the Fund must meet certain requirements regarding the source of its income, the diversification of its assets and the distribution of its income. One of these requirements is that the Fund derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, other

 

26


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

income derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies or net income derived from interests in certain publicly-traded partnerships (“Qualifying Income”).

The Fund adopted the authoritative guidance for uncertainty in income taxes and recognizes a tax benefit or liability from an uncertain position only if it is more likely than not that the position is sustainable based solely on its technical merits and consideration of the relevant taxing authority’s widely understood administrative practices and procedures. The Fund has reviewed its current tax positions and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

G) CASH — The Fund’s uninvested cash balance is held in an interest bearing variable rate demand deposit account at State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”), the Fund’s custodian.

H) CASH FLOW INFORMATION — Cash, as used in the Statement of Cash Flows, is the amount reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, including domestic and foreign currencies. The Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends from net investment income and net realized gains, if any (which are either paid in cash or reinvested at the discretion of shareholders). These activities are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets. Information on cash payments is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. Accounting practices that do not affect reporting activities on a cash basis include unrealized gain or loss on investment securities and accretion or amortization income/expense recognized on investment securities.

I) FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS — A forward foreign currency exchange contract (“forward currency contract”) is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at the settlement date at a negotiated rate. The Fund will enter into forward currency contracts primarily for hedging foreign currency risk. Forward currency contracts are valued at the prevailing forward exchange rate of the underlying currencies and unrealized gain/loss is recorded daily. On the settlement date of the forward currency contract, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value of the contract at the time it was closed. Certain risks may arise upon entering into forward currency contracts from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The maximum counterparty credit risk to the Fund is measured by the unrealized gain on appreciated contracts. Additionally, when utilizing forward currency contracts to hedge, the Fund forgoes the opportunity to profit from favorable exchange rate movements during the term of the contract. The Fund’s open forward currency contracts at October 31, 2019 are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments.

J) UNFUNDED LOAN COMMITMENTS — The Fund enters into certain agreements, all or a portion of which may be unfunded. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrowers’ discretion. Funded and unfunded portions of credit agreements are presented in the Schedule of Investments. As of October 31, 2019, the fund has no unfunded loan commitments.

Unfunded loan commitments and funded portions of credit agreements are marked to market daily and any unrealized appreciation or depreciation is included in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and the Statement of Operations.

K) SECURITIES LENDING — The initial collateral received by the Fund is required to have a value of at least 102% of the market value of domestic securities on loan (including any accrued interest thereon) and 105% of the

 

27


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

market value of foreign securities on loan (including any accrued interest thereon). The collateral is maintained thereafter at a value equal to at least 102% of the current market value of the securities on loan. The market value of loaned securities is determined at the close of each business day of the Fund and any additional required collateral is delivered to the Fund, or excess collateral returned by the Fund, on the next business day. Cash collateral received by the Fund in connection with securities lending activity may be pooled together with cash collateral for other funds/portfolios advised by Credit Suisse and may be invested in a variety of investments, including funds advised by SSB, the Fund’s securities lending agent, or money market instruments. However, in the event of default or bankruptcy by the other party to the agreement, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings.

SSB has been engaged by the Fund to act as the Fund’s securities lending agent. As of October 31, 2019, the Fund had investment securities on loan with a fair value of $11,159,662. Collateral received for securities loaned and a related liability of $11,382,265 are presented gross in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The collateral for securities loaned is valued consistently with the other investments held by the Fund and is included in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As of October 31, 2019, the value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the securities loaned.

The Fund’s securities lending arrangement provides that the Fund and SSB will share the net income earned from securities lending activities. Securities lending income is accrued as earned. During the year ended October 31, 2019, total earnings from the Fund’s investment in cash collateral received in connection with securities lending arrangements was $305,405, of which $205,506 was rebated to borrowers (brokers). The Fund retained $74,909 in income from the cash collateral investment, and SSB, as lending agent, was paid $24,990.

L) OTHER — Lower-rated debt securities (commonly known as “junk bonds”) possess speculative characteristics and are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of lost income and principal than higher-rated debt securities for a variety of reasons. Also, during an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest payment obligations, to meet projected business goals and to obtain additional financing.

In the normal course of business the Fund trades financial instruments and enters into financial transactions for which risk of potential loss exists due to changes in the market (market risk) or failure of the other party to a transaction to perform (credit risk). Similar to credit risk, the Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk, including securities lending, or the risk that an institution or other entity with which the Fund has unsettled or open transactions will default. The potential loss could exceed the value of the financial assets recorded in the financial statements. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Fund to credit risk, consist principally of cash due from counterparties and investments. The extent of the Fund’s exposure to credit and counterparty risks in respect to these financial assets approximates their carrying value as recorded in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased volatility of market prices of lower-rated debt securities and the Fund’s net asset value.

M) RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS — In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization On Purchased Callable Debt Securities (“ASU 2017-08”). The update shortens the amortization period for the premium on

 

28


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 2. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

certain purchased callable debt securities to the earliest call date. ASU 2017-08 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of these changes to future financial statements.

Also, in August 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement (“ASU 2018-13”). The update provides guidance that eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of these changes to future financial statements.

N) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS — In preparing the financial statements as of October 31, 2019, management considered the impact of subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure in these financial statements through the date of release of this report. No such events requiring recognition or disclosure were identified through the date of the release of this report.

Note 3. Transactions with Affiliates and Related Parties

Credit Suisse serves as investment adviser for the Fund. For its investment advisory services, Credit Suisse is entitled to receive a fee from the Fund at an annualized rate of 1.00% of the first $250 million of the average weekly value of the Fund’s total assets minus the sum of liabilities (other than aggregate indebtedness constituting leverage) and 0.75% of the average weekly value of the Fund’s total assets minus the sum of liabilities (other than aggregate indebtedness constituting leverage) greater than $250 million. Effective January 1, 2011, Credit Suisse has agreed to waive 0.15% of the fees payable under the Advisory Agreement up to $200 million and 0.25% of the fees payable under the Advisory Agreement on the next $50 million. For the year ended October 31, 2019, investment advisory fees earned and voluntarily waived were $3,424,097 and $424,999, respectively. Fee waivers and expense reimbursements are voluntary and may be discontinued by Credit Suisse at any time.

SSB serves as Accounting and Administrative Agent for the Fund. For its administrative services, SSB receives a fee, exclusive of out-of-pocket expenses, calculated in total for all the Credit Suisse funds/portfolios co-administered by SSB and allocated based upon the relative average net assets of each fund/portfolio, subject to an annual minimum fee. For the year ended October 31, 2019, administrative services fees earned by SSB (including out-of-pocket expenses) with respect to the Fund were $70,519.

Prior to March 12, 2018, the Independent Trustees received a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of their annual retainer in the form of shares. During the year ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, 0 shares and 8,121 shares, respectively, were issued through the Trustees’ compensation plan. Trustees as a group own less than 1% of the Fund’s outstanding shares.

The Fund from time to time purchases or sells loan investments in the secondary market through Credit Suisse or its affiliates acting in the capacity as broker-dealer. Credit Suisse or its affiliates may have acted in some type of agent capacity to the initial loan offering prior to such loan trading in the secondary market.

Note 4. Line of Credit

The Fund has a line of credit provided by SSB primarily to leverage its investment portfolio (the “Agreement”). The Fund may borrow the lesser of: a) $140,000,000; b) an amount that is no greater than 3313% of the Fund’s

 

29


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 4. Line of Credit (continued)

 

total assets minus the sum of liabilities (other than aggregate indebtedness constituting leverage); and c) the Borrowing Base as defined in the Agreement. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Fund pays a commitment fee of 0.25% on the unused amount. In addition, the Fund pays interest on borrowings at LIBOR plus a spread. At October 31, 2019, the Fund had loans outstanding under the Agreement of $92,000,000. The Agreement was renewed on November 22, 2019 with a new termination date of November 20, 2020. During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Fund had borrowings under the Agreement as follows:

 

Average Daily
Loan Balance

    Weighted Average
Interest Rate %
    Maximum Daily
Loan Outstanding
    Interest Expense  
$ 109,609,589       3.16   $ 124,000,000     $ 3,509,677  

The use of leverage by the Fund creates an opportunity for increased net income and capital appreciation for the Fund, but, at the same time, creates special risks, and there can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed. The Fund intends to utilize leverage to provide the shareholders with a potentially higher return. Leverage creates risks for shareholders including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Fund’s shares and the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt may affect the return to shareholders. To the extent the income or capital appreciation derived from securities purchased with funds received from leverage exceeds the cost of leverage, the Fund’s return will be greater than if leverage had not been used. Conversely, if the income or capital appreciation from the securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends and other distributions will be reduced. In the latter case, Credit Suisse in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate under the circumstances. During periods in which the Fund is utilizing leverage, the management fee will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize a leveraged capital structure because the fee is calculated as a percentage of the managed assets including those purchased with leverage.

Certain types of borrowings by the Fund may result in the Fund being subject to covenants in credit agreements, including those relating to asset coverage and portfolio composition requirements. The securities held by the Fund are subject to a lien granted to the lender, to the extent of the borrowing outstanding and any additional expenses. The Fund’s lenders may establish guidelines for borrowing which may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. There is no guarantee that the Fund’s borrowing arrangements or other arrangements for obtaining leverage will continue to be available, or if available, will be available on terms and conditions acceptable to the Fund. Expiration or termination of available financing for leveraged positions can result in adverse effects to the Fund’s access to liquidity and its ability to maintain leverage positions, and may cause the Fund to incur losses. Unfavorable economic conditions also could increase funding costs, limit access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to the Fund. In addition, a decline in market value of the Fund’s assets may have particular adverse consequences in instances where the Fund has borrowed money based on the market value of those assets. A decrease in market value of those assets may result in the lender requiring the Fund to sell assets at a time when it may not be in the Fund’s best interest to do so.

Note 5. Purchases and Sales of Securities

For the year ended October 31, 2019, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) were $115,415,614 and $155,260,968, respectively.

 

30


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 6. Fund Shares

The Fund offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) to its common stockholders. By participating in the Plan, dividends and distributions will be promptly paid to stockholders in additional shares of common stock of the Fund. The number of shares to be issued will be determined by dividing the total amount of the distribution payable by the greater of (i) the net asset value per share (“NAV”) of the Fund’s common stock on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market price per share of the Fund’s common stock on the payment date. If the NAV of the Fund’s common stock is greater than the market price (plus estimated brokerage commissions) on the payment date, Computershare (or a broker-dealer selected by Computershare) shall endeavor to apply the amount of such distribution to purchase shares of Fund common stock in the open market.

The Fund has one class of shares of beneficial interest, par value $.001 per share; an unlimited number of shares are authorized. Transactions in shares of beneficial interest of the Fund were as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
     For the Year Ended
October 31, 2018
 

Shares issued through the Trustees compensation plan

            8,121  

Shares issued through at-the-market offerings

            435,920  

Shares issued through reinvestment of dividends

     21,837        49,429  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase

     21,837        493,470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Note 7. Shelf Offering

The Fund has an effective “shelf” registration statement. The shelf registration statement enables the Fund to issue up to $90,000,000 in proceeds through one or more public offerings. Shares may be offered at prices and terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to the Fund’s prospectus included in the shelf registration statement. Transactions in shares of common stock in at-the-market offerings, resulting in proceeds (net of commissions) to the Fund were as follows:

 

     For the Year Ended
October 31, 2019
     For the Year Ended
October 31, 2018
 

Shares issued through at-the-market offerings

            435,920  

Proceeds (net of commissions)

   $      $ 1,218,333  

Note 8. Income Tax Information and Distributions to Shareholders

Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

The tax character of dividends and distributions paid by the Fund during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, was as follows:

 

Ordinary Income      Return of Capital  
2019     2018      2019     2018  
$ 19,793,295     $ 21,867,417      $ 3,903,530     $ 3,775,810  

The tax basis components of distributable earnings differ from the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities by temporary book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of

 

31


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

October 31, 2019

 

 

Note 8. Income Tax Information and Distributions to Shareholders (continued)

 

wash sales and marked to market of forward contracts. At October 31, 2019, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Accumulated realized loss

   $ (24,053,939

Unrealized depreciation

     (11,829,531
  

 

 

 
   $ (35,883,470
  

 

 

 

At October 31, 2019, the Fund had unlimited long-term capital loss carryforward available to offset possible future capital gains as follows:

 

Unlimited Long-Term
Loss Carryforwards
 
$ 24,053,939  

At October 31, 2019, the cost and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and derivatives for income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Cost of Investments

   $ 365,014,423  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation

   $ 11,108,949  

Unrealized depreciation

     (22,938,992
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   $ (11,830,043
  

 

 

 

To adjust for current period permanent book/tax differences which arose principally from differing book/tax treatment of foreign currency gain (loss), net investment income was debited $232,010 and accumulated net realized gain was credited $232,010. Net assets were not affected by these reclassifications.

Note 9. Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.

 

32


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund.:

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (the Fund), including the schedule of investments, as of October 31, 2019, the related statements of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements) and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2019, the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2019, by correspondence with custodians and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

LOGO

We have served as the auditor of one or more Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC investment companies since 2015.

New York, New York

December 20, 2019

 

33


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Information Concerning Trustees and Officers (unaudited)

 

 

Name, Address
(Year of Birth)

  

Position(s)
Held with Fund

  

Term
of Office1
and
Length
of Time
Served

  

Principal
Occupation(s)
During
Past Five Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen  by
Trustee

    

Other
Trusteeships
Held by Trustee
During Past Five Years

Independent Trustees

        

Laura A. DeFelice

c/o Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Attn: General Counsel

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1959)

   Trustee, Nominating and Audit Committee member    Since 2019; current term ends at the 2021 annual meeting    Partner of Acacia Properties LLC (multi- family and commercial real estate ownership and operation) from 2008 to present; Stonegate Advisors LLC (renewable energy and energy efficiency) from 2007 to present.      9      None

Jeffrey E. Garten

c/o Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Attn: General Counsel

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1946)

   Trustee, Nominating and Audit Committee member    Since 2019; current term ends at the 2020 annual meeting    Dean Emeritus of Yale School of Management from July 2015 to present; The Juan Trippe Professor in the Practice of International Trade, Finance and Business, Yale School of Management, from July 2005 to July 2015; Partner and Chairman of Garten Rothkopf (consulting firm) from October 2005 to June 2017.      9      Director of Aetna, Inc. (insurance company); Director of CarMax Group (used car dealers); Director of Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC (financial restructuring);

 

1 

Each Trustee and Officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified.

 

34


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Information Concerning Trustees and Officers (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

Name, Address
(Year of Birth)

  

Position(s)
Held with Fund

  

Term
of Office1
and
Length
of Time
Served

  

Principal
Occupation(s)
During
Past Five Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen  by
Trustee

  

Other
Trusteeships
Held by Trustee
During Past Five Years

Mahendra R. Gupta

c/o Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Attn: General Counsel

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1956)

   Trustee, Nominating Committee member and Audit Committee Chairman    Trustee and Audit Committee Chairman since 2019; current term ends at the 2022 annual meeting    Professor, Washington University in St. Louis from July 1990 to present; Dean of Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis from July 2005 to July 2016; Partner, R.J. Mithaiwala (food manufacturing and retail, India) from March 1977 to present; Partner, F.F.B. Corporation (agriculture, India) from March 1977 to present; Partner, RPMG Research Corporation (benchmark research) from July 2001 to present.    9    Director of Caleres Inc. (footwear) from May 2012 to present; Director of Koch Development Corporation (real estate development) from November 2017 to present; Director of Supernova (fin-tech) from June 2014 to September 2018.

 

1 

Each Trustee and Officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified.

 

35


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Information Concerning Trustees and Officers (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

Name, Address
(Year of Birth)

  

Position(s)
Held with Fund

  

Term
of Office1
and
Length
of Time
Served

  

Principal
Occupation(s)
During
Past Five Years

  

Number of
Portfolios in
Fund
Complex
Overseen  by
Trustee

    

Other
Trusteeships
Held by Trustee
During Past Five Years

Steven N. Rappaport

c/o Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Attn: General Counsel

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1948)

   Chairman of the Board, Nominating Committee Chairman and Audit Committee member    Chairman since 2012 and Trustee since 2005; current term ends at the 2021 annual meeting    Partner of Lehigh Court, LLC and RZ Capital (private investment firms) from July 2002 to present; Partner of Backstage Acquisition Holdings, LLC (publication job postings) from November 2013 to 2018.      9      Director of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc. (a closed-end investment company); Director of Aberdeen Funds (25 open-end portfolios); Director of iCAD, Inc. (surgical & medical instruments & apparatus company) from 2006 to 2018.

Interested Trustee

           

John G. Popp2

Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

Year of Birth: 1956

   Trustee, Chief Executive Officer and President   

Trustee since 2012

 

Chief Executive Officer and President since 2010; current term ends at the 2022 annual meeting

   Managing Director of Credit Suisse; Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of the Credit Investments Group; Associated with Credit Suisse or its predecessor since 1997; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds.      9      None.

 

1 

Each Trustee and Officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified.

2 

Mr. Popp is an “interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act, by virtue of his current position as an officer of Credit Suisse.

 

36


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Information Concerning Trustees and Officers (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

Name, Address
(Year of Birth)

    

Position(s)
Held with Fund

    

Term
of Office1
and Length
of Time
Served

    

Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years

Officers*

              

Thomas J. Flannery

Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1974)

     Chief Investment Officer      Since 2010      Managing Director of Credit Suisse and Head of the Credit Suisse U.S. High Yield Management Team; Associated with Credit Suisse Group AG since 2000; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds.

Emidio Morizio

Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York 10010

 

(1966)

     Chief Compliance Officer      Since Fund Inception      Managing Director and Global Head of Compliance of Credit Suisse since 2010; Associated with Credit Suisse since July 2000; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds.

Lou Anne McInnis

Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1959)

     Chief Legal Officer      Since 2015      Director of Credit Suisse; Associated with Credit Suisse since April 2015; Counsel at DLA Piper US LLP from 2011 to April 2015; Associated with Morgan Stanley Investment Management from 1997 to 2010; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds.

Omar Tariq

Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1983)

     Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer      Since 2019      Director of Credit Suisse since March 2019; Senior Manager of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP from September 2010 to March 2019; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds.

Karen Regan

Credit Suisse Asset

Management, LLC

Eleven Madison Avenue

New York, New York

10010

 

(1963)

     Senior Vice President and Secretary      Since 2010      Vice President of Credit Suisse; Associated with Credit Suisse since December 2004; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds.

The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the Trustees and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 877-870-2874.

 

1 

Each Trustee and Officer serves until his or her respective successor has been duly elected and qualified.

*

The officers of the Fund shown are officers that make policy decisions.

 

37


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Proxy Voting and Portfolio Holdings Information (unaudited)

 

 

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 of each year, as well as the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to its portfolio securities are available:

 

   

By calling 1-800-293-1232

 

   

On the Fund’s website, www.credit-suisse.com/us/funds

 

   

On the website of the Securities and Exchange Commission, www.sec.gov

The Fund files a complete schedule of its portfolio holdings for the first and third quarters of its fiscal year with the SEC as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT, and for reporting periods ended prior to March 31, 2019, filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Funds Managed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC

 

CLOSED-END FUNDS

Fixed Income

Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE American: CIK)

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (NYSE American: DHY)

Literature Request — Call today for free descriptive information on the closed-ended funds listed above at 1-800-293-1232 or visit our website at www.credit-suisse.com/us/funds

 

 

OPEN-END FUNDS

 

Credit Suisse Commodity Return Strategy Fund    Credit Suisse Strategic Income Fund
Credit Suisse Floating Rate High Income Fund    Credit Suisse Managed Futures Strategy Fund
Credit Suisse Multialternative Strategy Fund   

Fund shares are not deposits or other obligation of Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC or any affiliate, are not FDIC-insured and are not guaranteed by Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC or any affiliate. Fund investments are subject to investment risks, including loss of your investment. There are special risk considerations associated with international, global, emerging-markets, small-company, private equity, high-yield debt, single-industry, single-country and other special, aggressive or concentrated investment strategies. Past performance cannot guarantee future results.

More complete information about a fund, including charges and expenses, is provided in the Prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing. You may obtain copies by calling Credit Suisse Funds at 1-877-870-2874. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available at www.credit-suisse.com/us/funds.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Distributor.

 

38


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)

 

 

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund (the “Fund”) offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) to its common stockholders. The Plan offers common stockholders a prompt and simple way to reinvest net investment income dividends and capital gains and other periodic distributions in shares of the Fund’s common stock. Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (“Computershare”) acts as Plan Agent for stockholders in administering the Plan.

If your shares of common stock of the Fund are registered in your own name, you will automatically participate in the Plan, unless you have indicated that you do not wish to participate and instead wish to receive dividends and capital gains distributions in cash. If you are a beneficial owner of the Fund having your shares registered in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee, you must first make arrangements with the organization in whose name your shares are registered to have the shares transferred into your own name. Registered shareholders can join the Plan via the Internet by going to www.computershare.com, authenticating your online account, agreeing to the Terms and Conditions of online “Account Access” and completing an online Plan Enrollment Form. Alternatively, you can complete the Plan Enrollment Form and return it to Computershare at the address below.

By participating in the Plan, your dividends and distributions will be promptly paid to you in additional shares of common stock of the Fund. The number of shares to be issued to you will be determined by dividing the total amount of the distribution payable to you by the greater of (i) the net asset value per share (“NAV”) of the Fund’s common stock on the payment date, or (ii) 95% of the market price per share of the Fund’s common stock on the payment date. If the NAV of the Fund’s common stock is greater than the market price (plus estimated brokerage commissions) on the payment date, then Computershare (or a broker-dealer selected by Computershare) shall endeavor to apply the amount of such distribution on your shares to purchase shares of Fund common stock in the open market.

You should be aware that all net investment income dividends and capital gain distributions are taxable to you as ordinary income and capital gain, respectively, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund’s common stock.

The Plan also permits participants to purchase shares of the Fund through Computershare. You may invest $100 or more monthly, with a maximum of $100,000 in any annual period. Computershare will purchase shares for you on the open market on the 25th of each month or the next trading day if the 25th is not a trading day.

There is no service fee payable by Plan participants for dividend reinvestment. For voluntary cash payments, Plan participants must pay a service fee of $5.00 per transaction. Plan participants will also be charged a pro rata share of the brokerage commissions for all open market purchases ($0.03 per share as of October 2006). Participants will also be charged a service fee of $5.00 for each sale and brokerage commissions of $0.03 per share (as of October 2006).

You may terminate your participation in the Plan at any time by notifying Computershare or requesting a sale of your shares held in the Plan. Your withdrawal will be effective immediately if your notice is received by Computershare prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise, such termination will be effective only with respect to any subsequent dividend or distribution. Your dividend participation option will remain the same unless you withdraw all of your whole and fractional Plan shares, in which case your participation in the Plan will be terminated and you will receive subsequent dividends and capital gains distributions in cash instead of shares.

 

39


Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited) (continued)

 

 

If you want further information about the Plan, including a brochure describing the Plan in greater detail, please contact Computershare as follows:

 

  By Internet:

www.computershare.com

 

  By phone:

(800) 730-6001 (U.S. and Canada)

   

(781) 575-3100 (Outside U.S. and Canada)

Customer service associates are available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday

 

  By mail:

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

   

c/o Computershare

   

P.O. Box 30170

   

College Station, TX 77842-3170

Overnight correspondence should be sent to:

   

Computershare

   

211 Quality Circle, Suite 210

   

College Station, TX 77845

All notices, correspondence, questions or other communications sent by mail should be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.

The Plan may be terminated by the Fund or Computershare upon notice in writing mailed to each participant at least 30 days prior to any record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution.

 

40


 

 

 

 

 

This report, including the financial statements herein, is sent to the shareholders of the Fund for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.

 

 

DHY-AR-1019


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics applicable to its Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the code is filed as Exhibit 12(a)(1) to this Form. There were no amendments to the code during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. There were no waivers or implicit waivers from the code granted by the registrant during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.


Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The registrant’s governing board has determined that it has two audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee: Mahendra R. Gupta and Steven N. Rappaport. Each audit committee financial expert is “independent” for purposes of this item.

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a) through (d). The information in the table below is provided for services rendered to the registrant by its independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), for its fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019.

 

     2018      2019  

Audit Fees

   $ 38,875      $ 39,000  

Audit-Related Fees1

   $ 5,751      $ 7,465  

Tax Fees2

   $ 3,420      $ 3,420  

All Other Fees1

   $ 30,000      $ —    

Total

   $ 78,046      $ 49,885  

 

1 

Services include agreed-upon procedures in connection with the registrant’s semi-annual financial statements $5,751 in 2018 and $7,465 in 2019. Also includes $30,000 in 2018 paid to KPMG for the issuance of a comfort letter and consent letters in connection with the Fund’s registration statement on Form N-2.

2 

Tax services in connection with the registrant’s excise tax calculations and review of the registrant’s applicable tax returns.

The information in the table below is provided with respect to non-audit services that directly relate to the registrant’s operations and financial reporting and that were rendered by KPMG to the registrant’s investment adviser, Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (“Credit Suisse”), and any service provider to the registrant controlling, controlled by or under common control with Credit Suisse that provided ongoing services to the registrant (“Covered Services Provider”), for the registrant’s fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019.

 

2


     2018      2019  

Audit-Related Fees

     N/A        N/A  

Tax Fees

     N/A        N/A  

All Other Fees

     N/A        N/A  

Total

     N/A        N/A  

(e)(1) Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. The Audit Committee (“Committee”) of the registrant is responsible for pre-approving (i) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the registrant and (ii) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to Credit Suisse and any Covered Services Provider if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the registrant. The Committee may delegate its responsibility to pre-approve any such audit and permissible non-audit services to the Chairperson of the Committee, and the Chairperson shall report to the Committee, at its next regularly scheduled meeting after the Chairperson’s pre-approval of such services, his or her decision(s). The Committee may also establish detailed pre-approval policies and procedures for pre-approval of such services in accordance with applicable laws, including the delegation of some or all of the Committee’s pre-approval responsibilities to other persons (other than Credit Suisse or the registrant’s officers). Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services shall not be required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the registrant, Credit Suisse and any Covered Services Provider constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the registrant to its independent registered public accounting firm during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the registrant at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit.

(e)(2) The information in the table below sets forth the percentages of fees for services (other than audit, review or attest services) rendered by KPMG to the registrant for which the pre-approval requirement was waived pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X:

 

     2018      2019  

Audit-Related Fees

     N/A        N/A  

Tax Fees

     N/A        N/A  

All Other Fees

     N/A        N/A  

Total

     N/A        N/A  

 

3


The information in the table below sets forth the percentages of fees for services (other than audit, review or attest services) rendered by KPMG to Credit Suisse and any Covered Services Provider required to be approved pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(ii)of Regulation S-X, for the registrant’s fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019:

 

     2018      2019  

Audit-Related Fees

     N/A        N/A  

Tax Fees

     N/A        N/A  

All Other Fees

     N/A        N/A  

Total

     N/A        N/A  

(f) Not Applicable.

(g) The aggregate fees billed by KPMG for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, Credit Suisse and Covered Service Providers for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019 were $0 and $0, respectively.

(h) Not Applicable.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

The registrant has a separately designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The members of the committee are Laura A. DeFelice, Jeffrey E. Garten, Mahendra R. Gupta and Steven N. Rappaport.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments.

Included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

4


CREDIT SUISSE ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC

CREDIT SUISSE FUNDS

PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Introduction

Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC (“Credit Suisse”) is a fiduciary that owes each of its client’s duties of care and loyalty with respect to proxy voting. The duty of care requires Credit Suisse to monitor corporate events and to vote proxies. To satisfy its duty of loyalty, Credit Suisse must cast proxy votes in the best interests of each of its clients.

The Credit Suisse Funds (the “Funds”), which have engaged Credit Suisse Asset Management, LLC as their investment adviser, are of the belief that the proxy voting process is a means of addressing corporate governance issues and encouraging corporate actions both of which can enhance shareholder value.

Policy

The Proxy Voting Policy (the “Policy”) set forth below is designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of Credit Suisse’s clients. The Policy addresses particular issues and gives a general indication of how Credit Suisse will vote proxies. The Policy is not exhaustive and does not include all potential issues.

Proxy Voting Committee

The Proxy Voting Committee will consist of a member of a disinterested member of the Portfolio Management Department, a member of the General Counsel Department, a member of the Compliance Department (or their designees), and a member of Fund Administration. The purpose of the Proxy Voting Committee is to administer the voting of all clients’ proxies in accordance with the Policy. The Proxy Voting Committee will review the Policy annually to ensure that it is designed to promote the best interests of Credit Suisse’s clients.

For the reasons disclosed below under “Conflicts,” the Proxy Voting Committee has engaged the services of an independent third party (initially, Risk Metrics Group’s ISS Governance Services Unit (“ISS”)) to assist in issue analysis and vote recommendation for proxy proposals. Proxy proposals addressed by the Policy will be voted in accordance with the Policy. Proxy proposals addressed by the Policy that require a case-by-case analysis will be voted in accordance with the vote recommendation of ISS. Proxy proposals not addressed by the Policy will also be voted in accordance with the vote recommendation of ISS. To the extent that the Proxy Voting Committee proposes to deviate from the Policy or the ISS vote recommendation, the Committee shall obtain client consent as described below.

 

5


Credit Suisse investment professionals may submit a written recommendation to the Proxy Voting Committee to vote in a manner inconsistent with the Policy and/or the recommendation of ISS. Such recommendation will set forth its basis and rationale. In addition, the investment professional must confirm in writing that he/she is not aware of any conflicts of interest concerning the proxy matter or provide a full and complete description of the conflict.

In the event a Portfolio Manager (“PM”) desires to deviate from the stated voting parameters outlined in the Policy, the PM is required to submit a memo detailing the request and rationale for the deviation to the Chair of the Proxy Voting Committee. The Chair of the Proxy Voting Committee (“Committee”) will convene a meeting where the PM will present their recommendation. In the event an in person or telephonic meeting cannot be organized, the Chair of the Committee will circulate the PM’s request for an exception to the Proxy Voting Committee for consideration.

Should such Policy exception be approved by the Proxy Voting Committee, the Committee will forward the instructions to ISS for processing and will minute the meeting.

Conflicts

Credit Suisse is the part of the asset management business of Credit Suisse, one of the world’s leading banks. As part of a global, full service investment-bank, broker-dealer, and wealth-management organization, Credit Suisse and its affiliates and personnel may have multiple advisory, transactional, financial, and other interests in securities, instruments, and companies that may be purchased or sold by Credit Suisse for its clients’ accounts. The interests of Credit Suisse and/or its affiliates and personnel may conflict with the interests of Credit Suisse’s clients in connection with any proxy issue. In addition, Credit Suisse may not be able to identify all of the conflicts of interest relating to any proxy matter.

Consent

In each and every instance in which the Proxy Voting Committee favors voting in a manner that is inconsistent with the Policy or the vote recommendation of ISS (including proxy proposals addressed and not addressed by the Policy), it shall disclose to the client conflicts of interest information and obtain client consent to vote. Where the client is a Fund, disclosure shall be made to any one director who is not an “interested person,” as that term is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, of the Fund.

 

6


Recordkeeping

Credit Suisse is required to maintain in an easily accessible place for six years all records relating to proxy voting.

These records include the following:

 

   

a copy of the Policy;

 

   

a copy of each proxy statement received on behalf of Credit Suisse clients;

 

   

a record of each vote cast on behalf of Credit Suisse clients;

 

   

a copy of all documents created by Credit Suisse personnel that were material to making a decision on a vote or that memorializes the basis for the decision; and

 

   

a copy of each written request by a client for information on how Credit Suisse voted proxies, as well as a copy of any written response.

Credit Suisse reserves the right to maintain certain required proxy records with ISS in accordance with all applicable regulations.

Disclosure

Credit Suisse will describe the Policy to each client. Upon request, Credit Suisse will provide any client with a copy of the Policy. Credit Suisse will also disclose to its clients how they can obtain information on their proxy votes.

ISS will capture data necessary for Funds to file Form N-PX on an annual basis concerning their proxy voting record in accordance with applicable law.

Procedures

The Proxy Voting Committee will administer the voting of all client proxies. Credit Suisse has engaged ISS as an independent third party proxy voting service to assist in the voting of client proxies. ISS will coordinate with each client’s custodian to ensure that proxy materials reviewed by the custodians are processed in a timely fashion. ISS will provide Credit Suisse with an analysis of proxy issues and a vote recommendation for proxy proposals. ISS will refer proxies to the Proxy Voting Committee for instructions when the application of the Policy is not clear. The Proxy Voting Committee will notify ISS of any changes to the Policy or deviating thereof.

PROXY VOTING POLICY

Operational Items

Adjourn Meeting

 

7


Proposals to provide management with the authority to adjourn an annual or special meeting will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Amend Quorum Requirements

Proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Amend Minor Bylaws

Generally vote for bylaw or charter changes that are of a housekeeping nature.

Change Date, Time, or Location of Annual Meeting

Generally vote for management proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable. Generally vote against shareholder proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable.

Ratify Auditors

Generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors unless: (1) an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; (2) fees for non-audit services are excessive, or (3) there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion, which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company’s financial position. Generally vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals asking companies to prohibit their auditors from engaging in non-audit services (or capping the level of non-audit services). Generally vote on a case-by-case basis on auditor rotation proposals taking into consideration: (1) tenure of audit firm; (2) establishment and disclosure of a renewal process whereby the auditor is regularly evaluated for both audit quality and competitive price; (3) length of the rotation period advocated in the proposal, and (4) significant audit related issues.

Board of Directors

Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

Generally votes on director nominees on a case-by-case basis. Votes may be withheld: from directors who (1) attended less than 75% of the board and committee meetings without a valid reason for the absences; (2) implemented or renewed a dead-hand poison pill; (3) ignored a shareholder proposal that was approved by a majority of the votes cast for two consecutive years; (4) ignored a shareholder proposal approved by a majority of the shares outstanding; (5) have failed to act on takeover offers where the majority of the shareholders have tendered their

 

8


shares; (6) are inside directors or affiliated outside directors and sit on the audit, compensation, or nominating committee; (7) are inside directors or affiliated outside directors and the full board serves as the audit, compensation, or nominating committee or the company does not have one of these committees; or (8) are audit committee members and the non-audit fees paid to the auditor are excessive.

Cumulative Voting

Proposals to eliminate cumulative voting will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Proposals to restore or provide for cumulative voting in the absence of sufficient good governance provisions and/or poor relative shareholder returns will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

Proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection generally evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote against proposals that would: (1) eliminate entirely directors’ and officers’ liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care; or (2) expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness. Generally vote for only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director’s or officer’s legal defense was unsuccessful if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (2) only if the director’s legal expenses would be covered.

Filling Vacancies/Removal of Directors

Generally vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause. Generally vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause. Proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

Independent Chairman (Separate Chairman/CEO)

Generally vote for shareholder proposals requiring the position of chairman be filled by an independent director unless there are compelling reasons to recommend against the proposal, including: (1) designated lead director, elected by and from the independent board members with clearly delineated duties; (2) 2/3 independent board; (3) all independent key committees; or (4) established governance guidelines.

 

9


Majority of Independent Directors

Generally vote for shareholder proposals requiring that the board consist of a majority or substantial majority (two-thirds) of independent directors unless the board composition already meets the adequate threshold. Generally vote for shareholder proposals requiring the board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors if they currently do not meet that standard. Generally withhold votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders sitting on the audit, compensation, or nominating committees. Generally withhold votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are lacking any of these three panels. Generally withhold votes from insiders and affiliated outsiders on boards that are not at least majority independent.

Term Limits

Generally vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors.

Proxy Contests

Voting on Director Nominees in Contested Elections

Votes in a contested election of directors should be decided on a case-by-case basis, with shareholders determining which directors are best suited to add value for shareholders. The major decision factors are: (1) company performance relative to its peers; (2) strategy of the incumbents versus the dissidents; (3) independence of directors/nominees; (4) experience and skills of board candidates; (5) governance profile of the company; (6) evidence of management entrenchment; (7) responsiveness to shareholders; or (8) whether takeover offer has been rebuffed.

Amend Bylaws without Shareholder Consent

Proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Proposals giving the board the ability to amend the bylaws in addition to shareholders will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Confidential Voting

Generally vote for shareholder proposals requesting that corporations adopt confidential voting, use independent vote tabulators and use independent inspectors of election, as long as the proposal includes a provision for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy may remain in place. If the dissidents will not agree, the confidential voting policy may be waived. Generally vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

 

10


Cumulative Voting

Proposals to eliminate cumulative voting will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Proposals to restore or provide for cumulative voting in the absence of sufficient good governance provisions and/or poor relative shareholder returns will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Antitakeover Defenses and Voting Related Issues

Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals/Nominations

Votes on advance notice proposals are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Amend Bylaws without Shareholder Consent

Proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the bylaws will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote for proposals giving the board the ability to amend the bylaws in addition to shareholders.

Poison Pills (Shareholder Rights Plans)

Generally vote for shareholder proposals requesting that the company submit its poison pill to a shareholder vote or redeem it. Votes regarding management proposals to ratify a poison pill should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Plans should embody the following attributes: (1) 20% or higher flip-in or flip-over; (2) two to three year sunset provision; (3) no dead-hand or no-hand features; or (4) shareholder redemption feature.

Shareholders’ Ability to Act by Written Consent

Generally vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholders’ ability to take action by written consent. Generally vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

Shareholders’ Ability to Call Special Meetings

Proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholders’ ability to call special meetings or that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Supermajority Vote Requirements

Proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Proposals to lower supermajority vote requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

 

11


Merger and Corporate Restructuring

Appraisal Rights

Generally vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

Asset Purchases

Generally vote case-by-case on asset purchase proposals, taking into account: (1) purchase price, including earn out and contingent payments; (2) fairness opinion; (3) financial and strategic benefits; (4) how the deal was negotiated; (5) conflicts of interest; (6) other alternatives for the business; or (7) noncompletion risk (company’s going concern prospects, possible bankruptcy).

Asset Sales

Votes on asset sales should be determined on a case-by-case basis after considering: (1) impact on the balance sheet/working capital; (2) potential elimination of diseconomies; (3) anticipated financial and operating benefits; (4) anticipated use of funds; (5) value received for the asset; fairness opinion (if any); (6) how the deal was negotiated; or (6) conflicts of interest

Conversion of Securities

Votes on proposals regarding conversion of securities are determined on a case-by-case basis. When evaluating these proposals, should review (1) dilution to existing shareholders’ position; (2) conversion price relative to market value; (3) financial issues: company’s financial situation and degree of need for capital; effect of the transaction on the company’s cost of capital; (4) control issues: change in management; change in control; standstill provisions and voting agreements; guaranteed contractual board and committee seats for investor; veto power over certain corporate actions; (5) termination penalties; (6) conflict of interest: arm’s length transactions, managerial incentives. Generally vote for the conversion if it is expected that the company will be subject to onerous penalties or will be forced to file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

Corporate Reorganization

Votes on proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan are determined on a case-by-case basis, after evaluating: (1) dilution to existing shareholders’ position; (2) terms of the offer; (3) financial issues; (4) management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives; (5) control issues; (6) conflict of interest. Generally vote for the debt restructuring if it is expected that the company will file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

 

12


Reverse Leveraged Buyouts

Votes on proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan are determined on a case-by-case basis, after evaluating: (1) dilution to existing shareholders’ position; (2) terms of the offer; (3) financial issues; (4) management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives; (5) control issues; (6) conflict of interest. Generally vote for the debt restructuring if it is expected that the company will file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

Formation of Holding Company

Votes on proposals regarding the formation of a holding company should be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration: (1) the reasons for the change; (2) any financial or tax benefits; (3) regulatory benefits; (4) increases in capital structure; (5) changes to the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the company. Absent compelling financial reasons to recommend the transaction, generally vote against the formation of a holding company if the transaction would include either of the following: (1) increases in common or preferred stock in excess of the allowable maximum as calculated a model capital structure; (2) adverse changes in shareholder rights; (3) going private transactions; (4) votes going private transactions on a case-by-case basis, taking into account: (a) offer price/premium; (b) fairness opinion; (c) how the deal was negotiated; (d) conflicts of interest; (e) other alternatives/offers considered; (f) noncompletion risk.

Joint Ventures

Vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to form joint ventures, taking into account: (1) percentage of assets/business contributed; (2) percentage ownership; (3) financial and strategic benefits; (4) governance structure; (5) conflicts of interest; (6) other alternatives; (7) noncompletion risk; (8) liquidations. Votes on liquidations should be determined on a case-by-case basis after reviewing: (1) management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives such as mergers; (2) appraisal value of the assets (including any fairness opinions); (3) compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation. Generally vote for the liquidation if the company will file for bankruptcy if the proposal is not approved.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, determining whether the transaction enhances shareholder value by giving consideration to: (1) prospects of the combined companies; (2) anticipated financial and operating benefits; (3) offer price; (4) fairness opinion; (5) how the deal was negotiated; (6) changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights; (7) change in the capital structure; (8) conflicts of interest.

 

13


Private Placements

Votes on proposals regarding private placements should be determined on a case-by-case basis. When evaluating these proposals, should review: (1) dilution to existing shareholders’ position; (2) terms of the offer; (3) financial issues; (4) management’s efforts to pursue alternatives such as mergers; (5) control issues; (6) conflict of interest. Generally vote for the private placement if it is expected that the company will file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

Prepackaged Bankruptcy Plans

Votes on proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan are determined on a case-by-case basis, after evaluating: (1) dilution to existing shareholders’ position; (2) terms of the offer; (3) financial issues; (4) management’s efforts to pursue other alternatives; (5) control issues; (6) conflict of interest. Generally vote for the debt restructuring if it is expected that the company will file for bankruptcy if the transaction is not approved.

Recapitalization

Votes case-by-case on recapitalizations (reclassifications of securities), taking into account: (1) more simplified capital structure; (2) enhanced liquidity; (3) fairness of conversion terms, including fairness opinion; (4) impact on voting power and dividends; (5) reasons for the reclassification; (6) conflicts of interest; (7) other alternatives considered.

Reverse Stock Splits

Generally vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced. Generally vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting. Votes on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that do not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Spinoffs

Votes on spinoffs should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on: (1) tax and regulatory advantages; (2) planned use of the sale proceeds; (3) valuation of spinoff; fairness opinion; (3) benefits that the spinoff may have on the parent company including improved market focus; (4) conflicts of interest; managerial incentives; (5) any changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights; (6) change in the capital structure.

Value Maximization Proposals

Vote case-by-case on shareholder proposals seeking to maximize shareholder value.

 

14


Capital Structure

Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock

Generally vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock unless the action is being taken to facilitate an antitakeover device or some other negative corporate governance action. Generally vote for management proposals to eliminate par value.

Common Stock Authorization

Votes on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance are determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote against proposals at companies with dual-class capital structures to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights. Generally vote for proposals to approve increases beyond the allowable increase when a company’s shares are in danger of being delisted or if a company’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern is uncertain.

Dual-class Stock

Generally vote against proposals to create a new class of common stock with superior voting rights. Generally vote for proposals to create a new class of nonvoting or subvoting common stock if: (1) it is intended for financing purposes with minimal or no dilution to current shareholders; (2) it is not designed to preserve the voting power of an insider or significant shareholder.

Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan

Generally vote against proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a shareholder rights plan.

Preemptive Rights

Votes regarding shareholder proposals seeking preemptive rights should be determined on a case-by-case basis after evaluating: (1) the size of the company; (2) the shareholder base; (3) the liquidity of the stock

Preferred Stock

Generally vote against proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights (“blank check” preferred stock). Generally vote for proposals to create “declawed” blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense). Generally vote for proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend,

 

15


conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable. Generally vote against proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred stock authorized for issuance when no shares have been issued or reserved for a specific purpose. Generally vote case-by-case on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for issue given a company’s industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.

Recapitalization

Vote case-by-case on recapitalizations (reclassifications of securities), taking into account: (1) more simplified capital structure; (2) enhanced liquidity; (3) fairness of conversion terms, including fairness opinion; (4) impact on voting power and dividends; (5) reasons for the reclassification; (6) conflicts of interest; (7) other alternatives considered.

Reverse Stock Splits

Generally vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of authorized shares will be proportionately reduced. Generally vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split to avoid delisting. Votes on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that do not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for issue should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Share Repurchase Programs

Generally vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

Generally vote for management proposals to increase the common share authorization for a stock split or share dividend, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance.

Tracking Stock

Votes on the creation of tracking stock are determined on a case-by-case basis, weighing the strategic value of the transaction against such factors as: (1) adverse governance changes; (2) excessive increases in authorized capital stock; (3) unfair method of distribution; (4) diminution of voting rights; (5) adverse conversion features; (6) negative impact on stock option plans; (7) other alternatives such as a spinoff.

 

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Executive and Director Compensation

Executive and Director Compensation

Votes on compensation plans for directors are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Stock Plans in Lieu of Cash

Votes for plans which provide participants with the option of taking all or a portion of their cash compensation in the form of stock are determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote for plans which provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange. Votes for plans which do not provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Director Retirement Plans

Generally vote against retirement plans for nonemployee directors. Generally vote for shareholder proposals to eliminate retirement plans for nonemployee directors.

Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options

Votes on management proposals seeking approval to reprice options are evaluated on a case-by-case basis giving consideration to the following: (1) historic trading patterns; (2) rationale for the repricing; (3) value-for-value exchange; (4) option vesting; (5) term of the option; (6) exercise price; (7) participants; (8) employee stock purchase plans. Votes on employee stock purchase plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote for employee stock purchase plans where: (1) purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value; (2) offering period is 27 months or less, and (3) potential voting power dilution (VPD) is ten percent or less. Generally vote against employee stock purchase plans where either: (1) purchase price is less than 85 percent of fair market value; (2) Offering period is greater than 27 months, or (3) VPD is greater than ten percent

Incentive Bonus Plans and Tax Deductibility Proposals

Generally vote for proposals that simply amend shareholder-approved compensation plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive. Generally vote for proposals to add performance goals to existing compensation plans. Votes to amend existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify for favorable tax treatment considered on a case-by-case basis. Generally vote for cash or cash and stock bonus plans that are submitted to shareholders for the purpose of exempting compensation from taxes if no increase in shares is requested.

 

17


Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

Generally vote for proposals to implement an ESOP or increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, unless the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is excessive (more than five percent of outstanding shares.)

401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

Generally vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

Generally vote for shareholder proposals seeking additional disclosure of executive and director pay information, provided the information requested is relevant to shareholders’ needs, would not put the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its industry, and is not unduly burdensome to the company. Generally vote against shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or form of compensation. Generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring director fees be paid in stock only. Generally vote for shareholder proposals to put option repricings to a shareholder vote. Vote for shareholders proposals to exclude pension fund income in the calculation of earnings used in determining executive bonuses/compensation. Vote on a case-by-case basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.

Performance-Based Option Proposals

Generally vote for shareholder proposals advocating the use of performance-based equity awards (indexed, premium-priced, and performance-vested options), unless: (1) the proposal is overly restrictive; or (2) the company demonstrates that it is using a substantial portion of performance-based awards for its top executives.

Stock Option Expensing

Generally vote for shareholder proposals asking the company to expense stock options unless the company has already publicly committed to start expensing by a specific date.

Golden and Tin Parachutes

Generally vote for shareholder proposals to require golden and tin parachutes to be submitted for shareholder ratification, unless the proposal requires shareholder approval prior to entering into employment contracts. Vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes.

May 21, 2019

 

18


Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Information pertaining to the Chief Investment Officer of the Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, as of October 31, 2019, is set forth below.

 

Thomas J. Flannery

Chief Investment

Officer Since 2010

Year of Birth: 1974

   Managing Director of Credit Suisse and Head of the Credit Suisse US High Yield Management Team; Associated with Credit Suisse Group A.G. since 1998; Officer of other Credit Suisse Funds
Wing Chan    Managing Director of Credit Suisse and a member of the
Portfolio Manager    US High Yield Management Team; Associated with Credit Suisse
Year of Birth: 1976    since 2005

Registered Investment Companies, Pooled Investment Vehicles and Other Accounts Managed

As reported to the Registrant, the information in the following table reflects the number of registered investment companies, pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed by Mr. Flannery and Ms. Chan and the total assets managed within each category as of October 31, 2019.

 

     Registered Investment
Companies
     Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
     Other Accounts  

Thomas J. Flannery*

     5       
$3,644
million
 
 
     47       
$35,896
million
 
 
     32       

$10,732

million

 

 

Wing Chan

     5       
$3,644
million
 
 
     16       
$13,021
million
 
 
     32        $10,732 million

 

*

As of October 31, 2019, Mr. Flannery manages 34 accounts which have total assets under management of $23,549 million, and which have additional fees based on the performance of the accounts.

 

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Potential Conflicts of Interest

It is possible that conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the portfolio managers’ management of the Funds’ investments on the one hand and the investments of other accounts on the other. For example, the portfolio managers may have conflicts of interest in allocating management time, resources and investment opportunities among the Funds and other accounts they advise. In addition due to differences in the investment strategies or restrictions between the Funds and the other accounts, the portfolio managers may take action with respect to another account that differs from the action taken with respect to the Funds. Credit Suisse has adopted policies and procedures that are designed to minimize the effects of these conflicts.

If Credit Suisse believes that the purchase or sale of a security is in the best interest of more than one client, it may (but is not obligated to) aggregate the orders to be sold or purchased to seek favorable execution or lower brokerage commissions, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations. Credit Suisse may aggregate orders if all participating client accounts benefit equally (i.e., all receive an average price of the aggregated orders). In the event Credit Suisse aggregates an order for participating accounts, the method of allocation will generally be determined prior to the trade execution. Although no specific method of allocation of transactions (as well as expenses incurred in the transactions) is expected to be used, allocations will be designed to ensure that over time all clients receive fair treatment consistent with Credit Suisse’s fiduciary duty to its clients (including its duty to seek to obtain best execution of client trades). The accounts aggregated may include registered and unregistered investment companies managed by Credit Suisse’s affiliates and accounts in which Credit Suisse’s officers, directors, agents, employees or affiliates own interests. Credit Suisse may not be able to aggregate securities transactions for clients who direct the use of a particular broker-dealer, and the client also may not benefit from any improved execution or lower commissions that may be available for such transactions.

Compensation

Thomas J. Flannery and Wing Chan are compensated for their services by Credit Suisse. Their compensation consists of a fixed base salary and a discretionary bonus that is not tied by formula to the performance of any fund or account. The factors taken into account in determining each of their bonuses includes the Fund’s performance, assets held in the Fund and other accounts managed by each of them, business growth, team work, management, corporate citizenship, etc.

A portion of the bonus may be paid in phantom shares of Credit Suisse Group AG stock as deferred compensation. Phantom shares are shares representing an unsecured right to receive on a particular date a specified number of registered shares subject to certain terms and conditions. A portion of the bonus will receive the notional return of the fund(s) the portfolio manager manages and a portion of the bonus will receive the notional return of a basket of other Credit Suisse funds along the product line of the portfolio manager.

Like all employees of Credit Suisse, portfolio managers participate in Credit Suisse Group AG’s profit sharing and 401 (k) plans.

Securities Ownership. The following table indicates the dollar range of equity securities in the Fund beneficially owned by the portfolio managers and the value of those shares as of October 31, 2018.

 

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Name of Portfolio Manager(s)

   Dollar Range of Equity Securities in
the Fund managed by the named
Portfolio Manager*

Thomas J. Flannery

   E

Wing Chan

   A

Ranges:

A. None

B. $1 - $10,000

C. $10,001 - $50,000

D. $50,001 - $100,000

E. Over $100,000

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

None.

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors since the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(g) of Schedule 14A in its definitive proxy statement dated December 27, 2019.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) As of a date within 90 days from the filing date of this report, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) were effective based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(b) There were no changes in registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the most recent fiscal half-year covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies

During Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund’s (the “Fund”) most recent fiscal year ending October 31, 2019, State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) served as the fund’s securities lending agent.

As a securities lending agent, State Street is responsible for the implementation and administration of a Fund’s securities lending program. Pursuant to its respective Securities Lending Authorization Agreement (“Securities Lending Agreement”) with the Fund, State Street, as a general matter, performs various services, including the following:

 

   

lend available securities to institutions that are approved borrowers

 

   

determine whether a loan shall be made and negotiate and establish the terms and conditions of the loan with the borrower

 

   

ensure that all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to loaned securities are credited to the fund’s relevant account

 

   

receive and hold, on the fund’s behalf, or transfer to a fund account, upon instruction by the fund, collateral from borrowers to secure obligations of borrowers with respect to any loan of available securities

 

   

mark-to-market the market value of loaned securities relative to the market value of the collateral each business day

 

   

obtain additional collateral, as needed, in order to maintain the value of the collateral relative to the market value of the loaned securities at the levels required by the Securities Lending Agreement

 

   

at the termination of a loan, return the collateral to the borrower upon the return of the loaned securities

 

   

in accordance with the terms of the Securities Lending Agreement, invest cash collateral in permitted investments, including investments managed by the fund’s investment adviser

 

   

maintain records relating to the fund’s securities lending activity and provide to the fund a monthly statement describing, among other things, the loans made during the period, the income derived from the loans (or losses incurred) and the amounts of any fees or payments paid with respect to each loan

 

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State Street is compensated for the above-described services from its securities lending revenue split. The tables below show the Fund earned and the fees and compensation it paid to service providers in connections with its securities lending activities during its most recent fiscal year.

Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund

Securities Lending Activities Income and Fees for Fiscal Year 2019

 

Gross income from securities lending activities

(including income from cash collateral reinvestment)

   $ 305,405  

Fees and/or compensation for securities lending activities and related services

  

Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split

   $ 24,990  

Fees paid for any cash collateral management service (including fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle) that are not included in the revenue split

     —    

Administrative fees not included in revenue split

     —    

Indemnification fee not included in revenue split

     —    

Rebate (paid to borrower)

   $ 205,506  

Other fees not included in revenue split

     —    

Aggregate fees/compensation for securities lending activities and related services

   $ 230,496  
  

 

 

 

Net income from securities lending activities

   $ 74,909  
  

 

 

 

 

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Item 13. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Registrant’s Code of Ethics is an exhibit to this report.

(a)(2) The certifications of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act are exhibits to this report.

(a)(3) Not applicable.

(b)     The certifications of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act are an exhibit to this report.

(other) Iran related activities disclosure requirement.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

CREDIT SUISSE HIGH YIELD BOND FUND.
/s/ John G. Popp                                                       
Name:   John G. Popp
Title:     Chief Executive Officer and President
Date:     January 6, 2020

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.

 

/s/ John G. Popp                                                       
Name:   John G. Popp
Title:     Chief Executive Officer and President
Date:     January 6, 2020

 

/s/ Omar Tariq                                                         
Name:   Omar Tariq
Title:     Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Date:     January 6, 2020

 

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