false
0001380936
N-CSRS
0001380936
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:RisksAndOtherConsiderationsMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:CorporateBondRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:CoveredCallOptionStrategyRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
us-gaap:CreditRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:CurrentFixedIncomeAndDebtMarketConditionsMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:DerivativesTransactionsRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:EquitySecuritiesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
us-gaap:InterestRateRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:InvestmentInLoansRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:SeniorLoansRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:SecondLienLoansRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:SubordinatedSecuredLoansRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:UnsecuredLoansRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:LeverageRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:ManagementRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:MarketRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
us-gaap:PrepaymentRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:ShortSalesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:StructuredFinaceInvestmentsRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:MortgageBackedSecuritiesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:AssetBackedSecuritiesRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:CLOCDOAndCBORiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:ValuationRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
0001380936
GOF:InvestmentFundsRiskMember
2023-06-01
2023-11-30
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
iso4217:USD
xbrli:shares
xbrli:pure
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number 811-21982
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Amy J. Lee
227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant's telephone number, including area
code: (312) 827-0100
Date of fiscal year end: May 31
Date of reporting period: June 1, 2023 –
November 30, 2023
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The registrant's annual report transmitted to shareholders pursuant
to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), is as follows:
Guggenheim Funds Semiannual Report
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
GuggenheimInvestments.com |
CEF-GOF-SAR-1123 |
GUGGENHEIMINVESTMENTS.COM/GOF
... YOUR WINDOW TO THE LATEST, MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT
GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES FUND
The shareholder report you are reading right now is just the beginning
of the story.
Online at guggenheiminvestments.com/gof, you will find:
• Daily, weekly and monthly data on share prices, net asset
values, distributions and more
• Portfolio overviews and performance analyses
• Announcements, press releases and special notices
• Fund and adviser contact information
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC and Guggenheim Funds
Investment Advisors, LLC are continually updating and expanding shareholder information services on the Fund’s website in an ongoing
effort to provide you with the most current information about how your Fund’s assets are managed and the results of our efforts. It
is just one more small way we are working to keep you better informed about your investment in the Fund.
DEAR SHAREHOLDER (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
We thank you for your investment in the Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities
Fund (the “Fund”). This report covers the Fund’s performance for the six-month period ended November 30, 2023 (the “Reporting
Period”).
To learn more about the Fund’s performance and investment
strategy, we encourage you to read the Economic and Market Overview and the Management’s Discussion of Fund Performance, which begin
on page 5. There you will find information on Guggenheim’s investment philosophy, views on the economy and market environment, and
information about the factors that impacted the Fund’s performance during the Reporting Period.
The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return
through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues a relative value-based investment philosophy. The Fund’s
sub-adviser seeks to combine a credit-managed fixed-income portfolio with access to a diversified pool of alternative investments and
equity strategies.
All Fund returns cited—whether based on net asset value (“NAV”)
or market price—assume the reinvestment of all distributions. For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return based on
market price of -8.11% and a total return based on NAV of 6.52%. At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund’s market price of
$13.33 per share represented a premium of 10.90% to its NAV of $12.02 per share.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. All NAV returns
include the deduction of management fees, operating expenses, and all other Fund expenses. The market price of the Fund’s shares
fluctuates from time to time, and it may be higher or lower than the Fund’s NAV.
During the Reporting Period, the Fund paid a monthly distribution
of $0.1821 per share. The most recent distribution represents an annualized distribution rate of 16.39% based on the Fund’s closing
market price of $13.33 per share at the end of the Reporting Period.
The Fund’s distribution rate is not constant and the amount
of distributions, when declared by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, is subject to change. There is no guarantee of any future distribution
or that the current returns and distribution rate will be maintained. Please see the Distributions to Shareholders & Annualized Distribution
Rate table on page 25, and Note 2(f) on page 96 for more information on distributions for the period.
We encourage shareholders to consider the opportunity to reinvest
their distributions from the Fund through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRIP”), which is described on page 124 of this
report. When shares trade at a discount to NAV, the DRIP takes advantage of the discount by reinvesting the monthly dividend distribution
in common shares of the Fund purchased in the market at a price less than NAV.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 3
DEAR SHAREHOLDER (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Conversely, when the market price of the Fund’s common shares
is at a premium above NAV, the DRIP reinvests participants’ dividends in newly issued common shares at the greater of NAV per share
or 95% of the market price per share. The DRIP provides a cost-effective means to accumulate additional shares and enjoy the benefits of
compounding returns over time. The DRIP effectively provides an income averaging technique for shareholders to accumulate a larger number
of Fund shares when the market price is depressed than when the price is higher.
We appreciate your investment and look forward to serving your investment
needs in the future. For the most up-to-date information on your investment, please visit the Fund’s website at guggenheiminvestments.com/gof.
Sincerely,
Guggenheim Funds
Investment Advisors, LLC
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
December 31, 2023
4 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
ECONOMIC AND MARKET OVERVIEW (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
With an influx of softer data on economic activity and inflation
coupled with worsening survey results and anecdotal reports, the U.S. Federal Reserve (the “Fed”) has continued to shift in
a dovish direction as it becomes more cautious about downside risk to the economy than the upside risk to inflation. The Fed held rates
steady at its December 2023 meeting, and in their Summary of Economic Projections, Fed officials signaled the possibility for 75 basis points
of rate cuts in 2024, up from their prior estimate of 50 basis points of cuts. More importantly, Chair Powell acknowledged that discussion
on when to cut rates was beginning, opening the possibility for rate cuts in as soon as the next few months.
The Fed’s pivot to a dovish stance is unequivocally market
friendly in our view and led rates lower, equity markets to new highs, and credit spreads to their tightest levels since before the hiking
cycle began. The decline in U.S. Treasury yields across the board is fueling a bit of an unexpected improvement in markets, spanning both
risk and government-backed assets. Spreads continued to tighten in asset-backed securities as well, and November 2023 was the best month
for Agency mortgage-backed securities since the 1980s.
Looking forward, we believe investment-grade corporate bond spread
tightening could slow somewhat. Meanwhile, we continue to keep an eye on areas where fundamental trends fail to corroborate the broad
risk-on sentiment, like in the office real estate sector which is struggling from structural demand shifts and the financing environment.
In short, the broad unexpected improvement, while good news for investors after a challenging year, is predicated on the Fed cutting rates
just in time to reverse the pressure that tightening is actively putting on the most sensitive sectors and consumers. To get more cuts
projected from here, we believe that we will need to see more evidence that the economy is going to slow further.
The opinions and forecasts expressed may not actually come to
pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based on market and other conditions, and should not be construed as a recommendation
of any specific security or strategy.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 5
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC serves as the investment
adviser to Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”). The Fund is managed by a team of seasoned professionals at
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”).
This team includes Anne B. Walsh, CFA, JD, Managing Partner, Chief
Investment Officer of GPIM and Portfolio Manager; Steven H. Brown, CFA, Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income, Senior Managing Director
and Portfolio Manager; Adam J. Bloch, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager; and Evan L. Serdensky, Managing Director and Portfolio
Manager.
Discuss the Fund’s return and return of comparative indices
All Fund returns cited—whether based on net asset value (“NAV”)
or market price—assume the reinvestment of all distributions. For the Reporting Period, the Fund provided a total return based on
market price of -8.11% and a total return based on NAV of 6.52%. At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund’s market price of
$13.33 per share represented a premium of 10.90% to its NAV of $12.02 per share. At the beginning of the Reporting Period, the Fund’s
market price of $15.69 per share represented a premium of 27.15% to its NAV of $12.34 per share.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. All NAV returns
include the deduction of management fees, operating expenses, and all other Fund expenses. The market price of the Fund’s shares
fluctuates from time to time and may be higher or lower than the Fund’s NAV.
Please refer to the graphs and tables included within the Fund Summary,
beginning on page 23 for additional information about the Fund’s performance.
The returns for the Reporting Period of indices tracking performance
of the asset classes to which the Fund allocates the largest of its investments were:
|
|
Index* |
Total Return |
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index |
-0.80% |
Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Bond Index |
1.19% |
Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index |
5.52% |
Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index |
6.98% |
ICE Bank of America (“BofA”) Asset Backed Security Master BBB-AA Index |
2.19% |
NASDAQ-100 Index |
12.37% |
Russell 2000 Index |
4.24% |
Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”) Index |
10.17% |
* See page 10 for Index definitions
6 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Discuss the Fund’s distributions
During the Reporting Period, the Fund paid a monthly distribution
of $0.1821 per share. The most recent distribution represents an annualized distribution rate of 16.39% based on the Fund’s closing
market price of $13.33 per share at the end of the Reporting Period.
The distributions paid consisted of (i) investment company taxable
income taxed as ordinary income, which includes, among other things, short-term capital gain and income from certain hedging and interest
rate transactions, (ii) long-term capital gain and (iii) return of capital.
There is no guarantee of any future distribution or that the current
returns and distribution rate will be maintained. The Fund’s distribution rate is not constant and the amount of distributions,
when declared by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, is subject to change.
Please see the Distributions to Shareholders & Annualized Distribution
Rate table on page 25, and Note 2(f) on page 96 for more information on distributions for the period.
|
|
Payable Date |
Amount |
June 30, 2023 |
$0.1821 |
July 31, 2023 |
$0.1821 |
August 31, 2023 |
$0.1821 |
September 29, 2023 |
$0.1821 |
October 31, 2023 |
$0.1821 |
November 30, 2023 |
$0.1821 |
Total |
$1.0926 |
What factors contributed or detracted from the Fund’s Performance
during the Reporting Period?
During the Reporting Period, the Fund saw positive performance from
income, credit spread tightening, and equities. Earned income contributed most to performance as the Fund has continued to prioritize
higher-quality credits with relatively high yields. Credit spreads also added to overall performance, as below-investment-grade corporate
credit, including bank loans and high yield corporates, saw spreads tighten. Additionally, the Fund’s equity exposure contributed
to overall performance as both stocks performed well and selling volatility proved profitable. Given the continued move higher in interest
rates during the period, duration was the sole thematic detractor to the Fund. Duration detracted from performance as the yield curve
bear steepened, meaning yields at the long end of the curve rose more than those at the front end, with yields on 2-year and 10-year Treasurys
finishing 28 basis points and 68 basis points higher, respectively, at the end of the Reporting Period.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 7
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
During the period, the Fund’s market price experienced elevated
volatility and trading volume, along with a decline in the Fund’s market price premium to NAV. The market price volatility was not
related to any news or fundamental changes to GOF’s investment objectives or strategies, which remained consistent. The market price
of a closed-end fund may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Whereas the NAV performance is indicative of investment performance, the
market price performance may be influenced by non-fundamental factors, such as seasonality, investor sentiment and overall supply and
demand in the closed-end fund market, among other factors. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of Fund shares
will depend upon whether the market price of Fund shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price. The
Fund’s investment performance during the period, as indicated by NAV total return, outperformed its market price along with several
equity and fixed-income indices.
Discuss the Fund’s Use of Leverage
At the end of the Reporting Period, the Fund’s leverage was
approximately 23% of Managed Assets, compared with about 19% at the beginning of the Reporting Period. The increase in leverage is largely
due to the increased income opportunity that presented itself as rates rose to cycle-highs.
The Fund currently employs financial leverage through reverse repurchase
agreements and a credit facility with a major bank.
One purpose of leverage is to fund the purchase of additional securities
that may provide increased income and potentially greater appreciation to common shareholders than could be achieved from an unlevered
portfolio. Leverage may result in greater NAV volatility and entails more downside risk than an unleveraged portfolio.
The Fund’s use of leverage during the Reporting Period benefited
performance.
Investments in Investment Funds (as defined below in the Risks and
Other Considerations section) frequently expose the Fund to an additional layer of financial leverage and the associated risks, such as
the magnified effect of any losses.
How did the Fund use derivatives during the Reporting Period?
The Fund used a variety of derivatives during the Reporting Period,
both to gain market exposure, as well as to hedge certain exposures. Derivatives used for hedging mostly detracted from performance. Derivatives
used for hedging include call writing, which detracted from performance as equities rose over the period. Foreign currency forwards, used
to hedge non-USD exposures, detracted from overall
8 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
performance. The Fund continues to utilize credit default swaps
to hedge broader credit markets and given the strong credit market performance during the Reporting Period, the various hedges we employed
were slight detractors. Lastly, the Fund continues to have curve caps and interest rate swaps to hedge against moves in the yield curve;
those positions were slight detractors during the Reporting Period.
How was the Fund positioned at the end of the Reporting Period?
As we near the end of 2023, we have come through a period of unprecedented
volatility that has left a wide range of possible outcomes going forward. We are coming off multiple years of poor returns across fixed
income, particularly for longer-duration, high-quality investments. But the past may not resemble the future, and the worst drawdown for
an asset class can prove to be a very attractive entry point for prudent investors as the end of the Fed’s aggressive rate hiking
cycle may provide respite.
We believe the next major policy moves are likely to provide strong
tailwinds for fixed income. We continue to expect elevated volatility in the economy and markets, as well as a policy response to these
conditions. This argues for the importance of diversification in asset allocation and within portfolios. The heightened probability of
a recession over the next 6-12 months as indicated by our models continues to guide our more defensive and conservative positioning within
the Fund, prioritizing quality (which takes multiple forms, including focusing on industry market leaders, more conservatively positioned
balance sheets, stronger credit stipulations, and more creditor-friendly structures) and industries that may be more resilient to economic
downturns.
Though the recent decrease in interest rates and tightening of credit
spreads have likely pulled forward some of the expected future total return potential of parts of fixed income, we still view the go-forward
valuation proposition of fixed income as attractive at current levels and sourceable income levels in high-quality credit as historically
high relative to recent history. High-quality issuers in both the high yield and bank loan markets remain areas of focus within the Fund
as well as certain subsectors of structured credit like commercial asset-backed securities that continue to present opportunities to source
loss-remote assets at attractive valuations.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 9
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Index Definitions
Indices are unmanaged and reflect no expenses. It is not possible
to invest directly in an index.
The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based
flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market, including U.S. Treasuries,
government-related and corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities or “MBS” (agency fixed-rate and hybrid adjustable-rate
mortgage, or “ARM”, pass-throughs), asset-backed securities (“ABS”), and commercial mortgage-backed securities
(“CMBS”) (agency and non-agency).
The Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Bond Index is a broad-based
benchmark that measures the investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. It includes U.S. dollar-denominated securities
publicly issued by U.S. and non-U.S. industrial, utility and financial issuers that meet specified maturity, liquidity, and quality requirements.
The Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index measures the
U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, fixed-rate corporate bond market. Securities are classified as high yield if the middle rating of
Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P is Ba1/BB +/BB + or below.
The Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index is an index designed
to mirror the investable universe of the U.S.-dollar-denominated leveraged loan market.
The ICE Bank of America Asset Backed Security Master BBB-AA Index
is a subset of the ICE Bank of America U.S. Fixed Rate Asset Backed Securities Index including all securities rated AA1 through BBB3,
inclusive.
The NASDAQ-100 Index includes 100 of the largest domestic
and international non-financial securities listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market based on market capitalization. The Index reflects companies
across major industry groups including computer hardware and software, telecommunications, retail/ wholesale trade and biotechnology.
It does not contain securities of financial companies including investment companies.
The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of the small-cap
segment of the U.S. equity universe.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 (“S&P 500”)
Index is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure the performance of the broad economy, representing all
major industries and is considered a representation of the U.S. stock market.
10 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Risks and Other Considerations
Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty,
volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, geopolitical tensions, and labor and public health conditions all over the world,
the Fund’s investments and a shareholder’s investment in the Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased
volatility and other adverse events.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio
managers only through the report period as stated on the cover. These views are subject to change at any time, based on market and other
conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation of any kind. The material may also include forward looking statements that
involve risk and uncertainty, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objectives. The net asset and market values of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate, sometimes independently, based on market and other
factors affecting the Fund and its investments. The market value of Fund shares will either be above (premium) or below (discount) their
net asset value. Although the net asset value of Fund shares is often considered in determining whether to purchase or sell Fund shares,
whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of Fund shares will depend upon whether the market price of Fund shares at
the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price. Market value movements of Fund shares are thus material to investors
and may result in losses, even when net asset value has increased. The Fund is designed for long-term investors; investors should not
view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Risk is inherent in all investing, including the loss of your entire
principal. Therefore, before investing you should consider the risks carefully. The Fund is subject to various risk factors. Certain of
these risk factors are described below. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), most recent
annual report on Form N-CSR and guggenheiminvestments.com/gof for a more detailed description of the risks of investing in the Fund. Shareholders
may access the Fund’s Prospectus, SAI and most recent annual report on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
website at www.sec.gov.
The fact that a particular risk below is not specifically identified
as being heightened under current conditions does not mean that the risk is not greater than under normal conditions.
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. High yield, below
investment grade and unrated high risk debt securities (which also may be known as “junk bonds”) may present additional risks
because these securities may be less liquid, and therefore more difficult to value accurately and sell at an advantageous price or time,
and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be subject to greater volatility
due to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. This
exposure may be obtained through investments in other investment companies. Generally, the risks associated with high yield securities
are heightened during times of weakening economic conditions or rising interest rates.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 11
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Corporate Bond Risk. Corporate bonds are debt obligations
issued by corporations and other business entities. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Collateral used for secured debt
includes real property, machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, stocks, bonds or notes. If a bond is unsecured, it is known as a debenture.
Bondholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the corporation
for the principal and interest due them and may have a prior claim over other creditors if liens or mortgages are involved. Interest on
corporate bonds may be fixed or floating, or the bonds may be zero coupons. Interest on corporate bonds is typically paid semi-annually
and is fully taxable to the bondholder. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest-rate risk and credit risk and are subject to
the risks associated with other debt securities, among other risks. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to
rise and fall inversely with interest rates and may also be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s performance
and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. Depending on the nature of the seniority provisions, a senior corporate bond may
be junior to other credit securities of the issuer. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by factors directly related to
the issuer, such as investors’ perceptions of the creditworthiness of the issuer, the issuer’s financial performance, perceptions
of the issuer in the marketplace, performance of management of the issuer, the issuer’s capital structure and use of financial leverage
and demand for the issuer’s goods and services. There is a risk that the issuers of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their
obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality
are often high risk and have speculative characteristics and may be particularly susceptible to adverse issuer-specific developments.
Covered Call Option Strategy Risk. The ability of the Fund
to achieve its investment objective is partially dependent on the successful implementation of its covered call option strategy. The Fund
may write call options on individual securities, securities indices, exchange-traded funds and baskets of securities. The buyer of an
option acquires the right to buy (a call option) or sell (a put option) a certain quantity of a security (the underlying security) or
instrument, at a certain price up to a specified point in time or on expiration, depending on the terms. The seller or writer of an option
is obligated to sell (a call option) or buy (a put option) the underlying instrument. A call option is “covered” if the Fund
owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute right to acquire the security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional
cash consideration is required, cash or assets determined to be liquid by GPIM in such amount are designated or earmarked on the Fund’s
books and records). As a seller of covered call options, the Fund faces the risk that it will forgo the opportunity to profit from increases
in the market value of the security covering the call option during an option’s life. As the Fund writes covered calls over more
of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited.
Credit Risk. The Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor
of a debt instrument or a counterparty to a derivatives transaction or other transaction is unable or unwilling, or perceived to be unable
or unwilling, to pay interest or repay principal on time or defaults. The risk that such issuer, guarantor or counterparty is less willing
or able to do so is heightened in market environments where interest rates are changing. Also, the issuer, guarantor or counterparty may
suffer adverse changes in its financial
12 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
condition or be adversely affected by economic, political or social
conditions that could lower the credit quality (or the market’s perception of the credit quality) of the issuer or instrument, leading
to greater volatility in the price of the instrument and in shares of the Fund. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the
true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit quality rating of an instrument or an issuer can have a rapid, adverse effect
on the instrument’s value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. The risk
of the occurrence of these types of events is heightened in market environments where interest rates are changing.
Current Fixed-Income and Debt Market Conditions. Fixed-income
and debt market conditions are highly unpredictable and some parts of the market are subject to dislocations. In response to the inflation
rates in recent periods, governmental authorities have implemented significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including increasing
interest rates and implementation of quantitative tightening. These actions present heightened risks, particularly to fixed-income and
debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes
or reversed. It is difficult to accurately predict changes in the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s (“Federal Reserve”) monetary
policies and the effect of any such changes or policies. Certain economic conditions and market environments will expose fixed-income and
debt instruments to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity, which can impact the Fund’s investments and may negatively impact
the Fund’s characteristics, which in turn would impact performance.
Derivatives Transactions Risk. The Fund may utilize derivatives,
including futures contracts and other similar strategic transactions, to seek to earn income, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate
risks. Participation in derivatives markets transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be
subject absent the use of these strategies (other than its covered call writing strategy and put option writing strategy). There may be
imperfect correlation between the value of derivative instruments and the underlying assets. Derivatives transactions may be subject to
risks associated with the possible default of the other party to the transaction. Derivative instruments may be illiquid. Certain derivatives
transactions may have economic characteristics similar to leverage, in that relatively small market movements may result in large changes
in the value of an investment. Certain derivatives transactions that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount
originally invested. Changes in value of a derivative may also create sudden margin delivery or settlement payment obligations for the
Fund, which can materially affect the performance of the Fund and its liquidity and other risk profiles. Furthermore, the Fund’s
ability to successfully use derivatives transactions depends on GPIM’s ability to predict pertinent securities prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors, which cannot be assured. Derivatives transactions utilizing instruments denominated
in foreign currencies will expose the Fund to foreign currency risk. To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions to hedge
exposure to foreign currencies, such transactions may not be successful and may eliminate any chance for the Fund to benefit from favorable
fluctuations in relevant foreign currencies. The use of derivatives transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been
used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values,
may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 13
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
sell. Derivatives transactions involve risks of mispricing or improper
valuation. The Fund may be required to deposit amounts as premiums or to be held in margin accounts. Such amounts may not otherwise be
available to the Fund for investment purposes. Derivatives transactions also are subject to operational risk, including from documentation
issues, settlement issues, system failures, inadequate controls, and human error, and legal risk, including risk of insufficient documentation,
insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract. Derivatives transactions may involve
commissions and other costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses and reduce its return. Various legislative and regulatory initiatives
may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of derivative instruments, limit or restrict the ability of the Fund to use certain derivative
instruments or transact with certain counterparties as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using derivative instruments
or make derivative instruments less effective.
Equity Securities Risk. Equity securities include common
stocks and other equity and equity-related securities (and securities convertible into stocks) such as limited liability company interests
and trust certificates. The prices of equity securities generally fluctuate in value more than fixed-income investments, may rise or fall
rapidly or unpredictably and may reflect real or perceived changes in the issuing company’s financial condition and changes in the
overall market or economy. A decline in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will adversely affect the value of your investment
in the Fund.
Interest Rate Risk. Fixed-income and other debt instruments
are subject to the possibility that interest rates could change (or are expected to change). Changes in interest rates (or the expectation
of such changes) may adversely affect the Fund’s investments in these instruments, such as the value or liquidity of, and income
generated by, the investments or increase risks associated with such investments, such as credit or default risks. In addition, changes
in interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, can have unpredictable effects on markets and can adversely affect the Fund’s
yield, income and performance. Generally, when interest rates increase, the values of fixed-income and other debt instruments decline,
and when interest rates decrease, the values of fixed-income and other debt instruments rise. Changes in interest rates also adversely
affect the yield generated by certain fixed-income and other debt and senior equity securities (“Income Securities”) or result
in the issuance of lower yielding Income Securities. The Federal Reserve has increased interest rates at significant levels over recent
periods. These actions present heightened risks to fixed-income and debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened
if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes. It is difficult to accurately
predict how long, and whether, the Federal Reserve’s current stance on interest rates will persist and the impact these actions
will have on the economy and the Fund’s investments and the markets where they trade. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy
is subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions.
Investment in Loans Risk. The Fund may purchase loans on
a direct assignment basis from a participant in the original syndicate of lenders or from subsequent assignees of such interests. Loans
may offer a fixed or floating interest rate. Loans are often below investment grade and may be unrated. The Fund’s investments in
loans can also be difficult to value accurately and may be more susceptible to liquidity risk than fixed income instruments of similar credit
quality and/or maturity. Participations
14 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
in loans may subject the Fund to the credit risk of both the borrower
and the seller of the participation and may make enforcement of loan covenants, if any, more difficult for the Fund as legal action may
have to go through the seller of the participation (or an agent acting on its behalf). Covenants contained in loan documentation are intended
to protect lenders and investors by imposing certain restrictions and other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets and
by providing certain information and consent rights to lenders. The Fund invests in or is exposed to loans and other similar debt obligations
that are sometimes referred to as “covenant-lite” loans or obligations, which are loans or other similar debt obligations
that lack financial maintenance covenants or possess fewer or contingent financial maintenance covenants and other financial protections
for lenders and investors. Exposure may also be obtained to covenant-lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and
other structured products. Covenant-lite obligations may carry more risk than traditional loans as they allow borrowers to engage in activities
that would otherwise be difficult or impossible under a traditional loan agreement.
Senior Loans
Risk. The
Fund may invest in senior secured floating rate loans made to corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers (“Senior
Loans”). Senior Loans typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of the issuing entity, are typically secured
with specific collateral and typically have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated
debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans are generally rated below investment grade
or unrated but believed by the Adviser to be of below investment grade quality and are considered speculative because of the credit risk
of their issuers. The risks associated with such Senior Loans are similar to the risks of other lower grade securities, although Senior
Loans are typically senior in payment priority and secured on a senior priority basis in contrast to subordinated and unsecured securities.
Senior Loans’ higher priority has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries in the event of a corporate reorganization.
In addition, because their interest payments are typically adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, investments in Senior Loans
generally have less interest rate risk than certain other lower grade securities, which may have fixed interest rates. Loans and other
debt instruments are also subject to the risk of price declines due to increases in prevailing interest rates, although floating-rate
debt instruments are substantially less exposed to this risk than fixed-rate debt instruments. Interest rate changes may also increase
prepayments of debt obligations and require the Fund to invest assets at lower yields. During periods of deteriorating economic conditions,
such as recessions or periods of rising unemployment, or changing interest rates (notably increases), delinquencies and losses generally
increase, sometimes dramatically, with respect to obligations under such loans. An economic downturn or individual corporate developments
could adversely affect the market for these instruments and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell these instruments at an advantageous
time or price. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate, and a Senior Loan may lose significant market value
before a default occurs.
Second Lien
Loans Risk. The
Fund may invest in “second lien” secured floating rate loans made to public and private corporations and other non-governmental
entities and issuers for a variety of purposes (“Second Lien Loans”). Second Lien Loans are subject to the same risks associated
with investment in Senior Loans and other lower grade debt securities. However, Second Lien Loans are second in right of payment to Senior
Loans and therefore are subject to the additional risk that the cash
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 15
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
flow of the borrower and any property securing the loan may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments and repayment of principal after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. Second
Lien Loans are expected to have greater price volatility and exposure to losses upon default than Senior Loans and may be less liquid.
Subordinated
Secured Loans Risk. Subordinated
secured loans generally are subject to similar risks as those associated with investment in Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans and below
investment grade securities. However, such loans may rank lower in right of payment than any outstanding Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans
or other debt instruments with higher priority of the borrower and therefore are subject to additional risk that the cash flow of the
borrower and any property securing the loan may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments and repayment of principal in the event of default
or bankruptcy after giving effect to the higher ranking secured obligations of the borrower. Subordinated secured loans are expected to
have greater price volatility than Senior Loans and Second Lien Loans and may be less liquid.
Unsecured Loans
Risk. Unsecured
loans generally are subject to similar risks as those associated with investment in Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans, subordinated secured
loans and below investment grade securities. However, because unsecured loans have lower priority in right of payment to any higher ranking
obligations of the borrower and are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral, they are subject to additional risk
that the cash flow of the borrower and available assets may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments and repayment of principal after
giving effect to any higher ranking obligations of the borrower. Unsecured loans are expected to have greater price volatility than Senior
Loans, Second Lien Loans and subordinated secured loans and may be less liquid.
Leverage Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage, through
borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, causes the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if it had not been leveraged. Although
the use of leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased return, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the
effect of any losses. The effect of leverage in a declining market is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Fund
than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Fund shares. There can be no assurance
that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed. When the cost
of leverage is no longer favorable, or when the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain
distributions at historical levels and common shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities. The Fund’s
total leverage may vary significantly over time. To the extent the Fund increases its amount of leverage outstanding, it will be more
exposed to these risks. Investments in Investment Funds (as defined below) and certain other pooled and structured finance vehicles, such
as collateralized loan obligations, frequently expose the Fund to an additional layer of financial leverage and, thus, increase the Fund’s
exposure to leverage risk.
16 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed, which means
that investment decisions are made based on investment views. There is no guarantee that the investment views will produce the desired
results or expected returns, causing the Fund to fail to meet its investment objective or underperform its benchmark index or funds with
similar investment objectives and strategies.
Market Risk. The value of, or income generated by, the investments
held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation. The value of certain investments (e.g., equity
securities) tends to fluctuate more dramatically over the shorter term than do the value of other asset classes. These movements may result
from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates,
changes in inflation or expectations about inflation, investor confidence or economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial
market conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, recession, changes in currency rates, natural/ environmental disasters, cyber attacks,
terrorism, governmental or quasigovernmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics
and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened war or other armed conflicts (such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk
of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrade, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or
last for extended periods. Many economies and markets have experienced high inflation rates in recent periods. In response to such inflation,
government authorities have implemented significant fiscal and monetary policies such as increasing interest rates and quantitative tightening
(reduction of money available in the market) which may adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, as well as the Fund’s
performance. Administrative changes, policy reform and/or changes in law or governmental regulations can result in expropriation or nationalization
of the investments of a company in which the Fund invests. In addition, adverse changes in one sector or industry or with respect to a
particular company could negatively impact companies in other sectors or industries or increase market volatility as a result of the interconnected
nature of economies and markets and thus negatively affect the Fund’s performance. For example, developments in the banking or financial
services sectors (one or more companies operating in these sectors) could adversely impact a wide range of companies and issuers. These
types of adverse developments could negatively affect the Fund’s performance or operations.
Prepayment Risk. Certain debt instruments, including loans
and mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to the risk that payments on principal may occur more quickly or earlier
than expected. In this event, the Fund might be forced to forego future interest income on the principal repaid early and to reinvest
income or proceeds at generally lower interest rates, thus reducing the Fund’s yield.
Short Sales Risk. The Fund may make short sales of securities.
A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a borrowed security. If the price of the security sold short increases between the
time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss. Although the Fund’s gain
is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 17
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Structured Finance Investments Risk. The Fund’s structured
finance investments may consist of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities
(“CMBS”) issued by governmental entities and private issuers, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), structured notes,
credit-linked notes and other types of structured finance securities. Holders of structured finance investments bear risks of the underlying
investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments only
from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized.
The Fund may invest in structured finance products collateralized by low grade or defaulted loans or securities. Investments in such structured
finance products are subject to the risks associated with below investment grade securities. Such securities are characterized by high
risk. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on
the value of such securities. Moreover, other types of events, domestic or international, may affect general economic conditions and financial
markets, such as pandemics, armed conflicts, energy supply or price disruptions, natural disasters and man-made disasters, which may have
a significant effect on the underlying assets. Structured finance securities are typically privately offered and sold, and thus are not
registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in structured finance securities may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid
securities; however, an active dealer market may exist which would allow such securities to be considered liquid in some circumstances.
Mortgage-Backed
Securities (“MBS”) Risk. MBS
represent an interest in a pool of mortgages. The risks associated with MBS include: (1) credit risk associated with the performance of
the underlying mortgage properties and of the borrowers owning these properties; (2) risks associated with their structure and execution
(including the collateral, the process by which principal and interest payments are allocated and distributed to investors and how credit
losses affect the return to investors in such MBS); (3) risks associated with the servicer of the underlying mortgages; (4) adverse changes
in economic conditions and circumstances, which are more likely to have an adverse impact on MBS secured by loans on certain types of
commercial properties than on those secured by loans on residential properties; (5) prepayment and extension risks, which can lead to
significant fluctuations in the value of the MBS; (6) loss of all or part of the premium, if any, paid; and (7) decline in the market
value of the security, whether resulting from changes in interest rates, prepayments on the underlying mortgage collateral or perceptions
of the credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage collateral. Income from and values of MBS also may be greatly affected by demographic
trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values, or increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from legal, cultural
technological, global or local economic developments, as well as reduced demand for properties. In addition, the general effects of inflation
on the U.S. economy can be wide-ranging, as evidenced by rising interest rates, wages and costs of consumer goods and necessities. The
long-term effects of inflation on the general economy and on any individual mortgagor are unclear, and in certain cases, rising inflation
may affect a mortgagor’s ability to repay its related mortgage loan, thereby reducing the amount received by the holders of MBS with
respect to such mortgage loan. Additionally, increased rates of inflation may negatively affect the value of certain MBS in the secondary
market. MBS are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates.
18 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Rising interest rates generally result in a decline in the value
of mortgage-related securities, such as CMBS and RMBS. MBS are also subject to risks similar to those associated with investing in real
estate, such as the possible decline in the value of (or income generated by) the real estate, variations in rental income, fluctuations
in occupancy levels and demand for properties or real estate-related services, changes in interest rates and changes in the availability
or terms of mortgages and other financing that may render the sale or refinancing of properties difficult or unattractive.
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. CMBS are subject
to particular risks, including lack of standardized terms, shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and providing for payment
of all or substantially all of the principal only at maturity rather than regular amortization of principal. In addition, commercial lending
generally is viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than residential lending. Economic downturns and other events that
limit the activities of and demand for commercial retail and office spaces adversely impact the value of such securities. For example, economic
decline in the businesses operated by the tenants of office properties may increase the likelihood that the tenants may be unable to pay
their rents or that properties may be unable to attract or retain tenants.
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Credit-related
risk on RMBS primarily arises from losses due to delinquencies and defaults by the borrowers in payments on the underlying mortgage loans
and breaches by originators and servicers of their obligations under the underlying documentation pursuant to which the RMBS are issued.
The rate of delinquencies and defaults on residential mortgage loans and the aggregate amount of the resulting losses will be affected
by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, particularly those in the area where the related mortgaged property is
located, the level of the borrower’s equity in the mortgaged property and the individual financial circumstances of the borrower.
Asset-Backed
Securities Risk. While
traditional fixed-income securities typically pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount is due, an
ABS represents an interest in a pool of assets, such as automobile loans, credit card receivables, unsecured consumer loans or student
loans, that has been securitized and provides for monthly payments of interest, at a fixed or floating rate, and principal from the cash
flow of these assets. This pool of assets (and any related assets of the issuing entity) is the only source of payment for the ABS. The
ability of an ABS issuer to make payments on the ABS, and the timing of such payments, is therefore dependent on collections on these
underlying assets. The recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be sufficient to support payments on these securities,
or may be unavailable in the event of a default and enforcing rights with respect to these assets or collateral may be difficult and costly,
which may result in losses to investors in an ABS. ABS are particularly subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. Compared to other
fixed income investments with similar maturity and credit, ABS generally increase in value to a lesser extent when interest rates decline
and generally decline in value to a similar or greater extent when interest rates rise.
CLO, CDO and
CBO Risk. In
addition to the general risks associated with credit securities discussed herein, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”),
collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 19
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) are subject
to additional risks due to their complex structure and highly leveraged nature, such as higher risk of volatility and magnified financial
losses. CLOs, CDOs and CBOs are subject to risks associated with the possibility that distributions from collateral securities may not
be adequate to make interest or other payments. The value of securities issued by CLOs, CDOs and CBOs also may decrease because of, among
other developments, changes in market value; changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicer of the assets,
the originator of an asset in the pool, or the financial institution or fund providing the credit support or enhancement; loan performance
and prices; broader market sentiment, including expectations regarding future loan defaults; liquidity conditions; and supply and demand
for structured products. Additionally, the indirect investment structure of CLOs, CDOs and CBOs presents certain risks to the Fund such
as less liquidity compared with holding the underlying assets directly. CLOs, CDOs and CBOs normally charge management fees and administrative
expenses, which would be borne by the Fund. The terms of many structured finance investments, including CLOs, CDOs and CBOs, are tied
to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or other reference rates based on SOFR. These relatively new and developing
rates may not match the reference rate applicable to the underlying assets related to these investments. These events may adversely affect the Fund and its investments in CLOs, CDOs and CBOs, including their value, volatility and liquidity.
Valuation Risk. The Fund may invest without limitation in
unregistered securities, restricted securities and securities for which there is no readily available trading market. It may be difficult
for the Fund to purchase and sell a particular investment at the price at which it has been valued by the Fund for purposes of the Fund’s
net asset value, causing the Fund to be unable to realize what the Fund believes should be the price of the investment. The Fund’s
ability to sell an instrument under favorable conditions may also be negatively impacted by, among other things, other market participants
selling the same or similar instruments at the same time or legal restrictions on the instrument’s resale. Valuation of portfolio
investments may be difficult, such as during periods of market turmoil or reduced liquidity, and for investments that may, for example,
trade infrequently or irregularly. In these and other circumstances, an investment may be valued using fair value methodologies, which
are inherently subjective, reflect good faith judgments based on available information and may not accurately estimate the price at which
the Fund could sell the investment at that time. Based on its investment strategies, a significant portion of the Fund’s investments
can be difficult to value and thus particularly prone to the foregoing risks. In addition to the foregoing risks, investors should note
that the Fund reserves the right to merge or reorganize with another fund, liquidate or convert into an open-end fund, in each case subject
to applicable approvals by shareholders and the Fund’s Board of Trustees as required by law and the Fund’s governing documents.
Investment Funds Risk. As an alternative to holding investments
directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities by investing up to 30% of its
total assets in other investment companies, including registered investment companies, private investment funds and/or other pooled investment
vehicles (collectively, “Investment Funds”). These investments include open-end funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds
and business
20 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
development companies as well as other pooled investment vehicles.
Investments in Investment Funds present certain special considerations and risks not present in making direct investments in Income Securities
and Common Equity Securities, and in addition to these risks, investments in Investment Funds subject the Fund to the risks affecting such
Investment Funds and involve operating expenses and fees that are in addition to the expenses and fees borne by the Fund. Such expenses
and fees attributable to the Fund’s investment in another Investment Fund are borne indirectly by Common Shareholders. Accordingly,
investment in such entities involves expenses and fees at both levels. Fees charged by other Investment Funds in which the Fund invests
may be similar to the fees charged by the Fund and can include asset-based management fees and administrative fees payable to such entities’
advisers and managers, thus resulting in duplicative fees. To the extent management fees of Investment Funds are based on total gross
assets, it may create an incentive for such entities’ managers to employ Financial Leverage, thereby adding additional expense and
increasing volatility and risk (including the Fund’s overall exposure to leverage risk). Fees payable to advisers and managers of
Investment Funds may include performance-based incentive fees calculated as a percentage of profits. Such incentive fees directly reduce
the return that otherwise would have been earned by investors over the applicable period. A performance-based fee arrangement may create
incentives for an adviser or manager to take greater investment risks in the hope of earning a higher profit participation.
Investments in Investment Funds frequently expose the Fund to an
additional layer of Financial Leverage and, thus, increase the Fund’s exposure to leverage risk and costs. From time to time, the
Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in Investment Funds that employ leverage. The use of leverage by Investment Funds
may cause the Investments Funds’ market price of common shares and/or NAV to be more volatile and can magnify the effect of any losses.
Investments in Investment Funds expose the Fund to additional management risk. The success of the Fund’s investments in Investment
Funds will depend in large part on the investment skills and implementation abilities of the advisers or managers of such entities. Decisions
made by the advisers or managers of such entities may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities. While GPIM will
seek to evaluate managers of Investment Funds and where possible independently evaluate the underlying assets, a substantial degree of
reliance on such entities’ managers is nevertheless present with such investments. In October 2020, the SEC adopted certain regulatory
changes and took other actions related to the ability of an investment company to invest in another investment company (which, in certain
instances, may also limit a fund’s ability to invest in certain types of structured finance vehicles). These changes include, among
other things, amendments to the existing regulatory framework, the adoption of Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, and the rescission of certain
exemptive relief issued by the SEC permitting such investments in excess of statutory limits and the withdrawal of certain related SEC
staff no-action letters. These changes and actions may adversely impact the Fund’s investment strategies and operations, as well as
those of the underlying investment vehicles in which the Fund invests or other funds that invest in the Fund.
When the Fund invests in private investment funds, such investments
pose additional risks to the Fund, in addition to those risks described above with respect to all Investment Funds. Certain private investment
funds involve capital call provisions under which an investor is obligated to make additional investments at specified levels even if
it would otherwise choose not to. Investments in
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 21
|
|
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION OF |
|
FUND PERFORMANCE (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
private investment funds may have very limited liquidity. Often
there will be no secondary market for such investments and the ability to redeem or otherwise withdraw from a private investment fund
may be prohibited during the term of the private investment fund or, if permitted, may be infrequent. Certain private investment funds
are subject to “lock-up” periods of a year or more. The valuation of investments in private investment funds are often subject
to high conflicts and valuation risks. Investors in private investment funds are also often exposed to increased leverage risk.
This material is not intended as a recommendation or as investment
advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary
capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation
of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended
to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional
regarding your specific situation.
22 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
FUND SUMMARY (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
Fund Statistics |
|
Market Price |
$13.33 |
Net Asset Value |
$12.02 |
Premium to NAV |
10.90% |
Net Assets ($000) |
$1,560,848 |
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER
30, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six month |
One |
Three |
Five |
Ten |
|
(non-annualized) |
Year |
Year |
Year |
Year |
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund |
|
|
|
|
NAV |
6.52% |
10.89% |
4.37% |
5.87% |
7.86% |
Market |
(8.11%) |
(5.10%) |
1.96% |
4.84% |
7.55% |
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
Bond Index |
(0.80%) |
1.18% |
(4.47%) |
0.71% |
1.37% |
Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is no
guarantee of future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. All NAV returns include the deduction
of management fees, operating expenses and all other Fund expenses. The deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund distributions
or the sale of Fund shares is not reflected in the total returns. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit guggenheiminvestments.com/gof.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and other factors so that
an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
The referenced index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.
Index performance does not reflect transaction costs, fees or expenses.
|
|
Portfolio Breakdown |
% of Net Assets |
Investments |
|
Corporate Bonds |
47.2% |
Senior Floating Rate Interests |
33.5% |
Asset-Backed Securities |
18.0% |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
8.2% |
Common Stocks |
7.3% |
Preferred Stocks |
6.7% |
Exchange-Traded Funds |
3.3% |
Closed-End Mutual Funds |
2.6% |
Money Market Funds |
1.7% |
U.S. Government Securities |
1.0% |
Other |
0.6% |
Total Investments |
130.1% |
Options Written |
(0.1%) |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net |
(30.0%) |
Net Assets |
100.0% |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 23
FUND SUMMARY (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
Ten Largest Holdings |
% of Net Assets |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust |
1.1% |
Madison Park Funding LIII Ltd., 11.41% |
1.1% |
iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF |
1.1% |
Invesco QQQ Trust Series |
1.1% |
Uniform MBS 30 Year |
1.1% |
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund |
0.8% |
Sprite Ltd., 3.75% |
0.7% |
Freddie Mac, 3.00% |
0.7% |
Thunderbird A, 5.50% |
0.7% |
Freddie Mac, 3.00% |
0.7% |
Top Ten Total |
9.1% |
“Ten Largest Holdings” excludes any temporary cash or
derivative investments.
Portfolio breakdown and holdings are subject to change daily. For
more information, please visit guggenheiminvestments.com/gof. The above summaries are provided for informational purposes only and should
not be viewed as recommendations. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Portfolio Composition by Quality Rating1 |
|
|
|
% of Total |
Rating |
|
Investments |
Fixed Income Investments |
|
|
AAA |
|
1.8% |
AA |
|
3.4% |
A |
|
5.2% |
BBB |
|
10.5% |
BB |
|
21.3% |
B |
|
27.9% |
CCC |
|
3.7% |
CC |
|
0.1% |
C |
|
0.1% |
NR2 |
|
9.3% |
Other Investments |
|
16.7% |
Total Investments |
|
100.0% |
1 | | Source: BlackRock Solutions. Credit quality ratings are measured on a scale that generally
ranges from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). All securities except for those labeled “NR” have been rated by Moody’s, Standard
& Poor’s (“S&P”), or Fitch, each of which is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”).
For purposes of this presentation, when ratings are available from more than one agency, the highest rating is used. Guggenheim Investments
has converted Moody’s and Fitch ratings to the equivalent S&P rating. Security ratings are determined at the time of purchase
and may change thereafter. |
2 | | NR (not rated) securities do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. |
24 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
FUND SUMMARY (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
All or a portion of the above distributions may be characterized
as a return of capital. For the calendar year ended December 31, 2023, 33% of the distributions were characterized as ordinary income,
8% of the distributions were characterized as long-term capital gains and 59% of the distributions were characterized as return of capital.
The final determination of the tax character of the distributions paid by the Fund in 2023 will be reported to shareholders in January
2024.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 25
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 1.6% |
|
|
Dentsply Sirona, Inc.1 |
9,569 |
$ 303,816 |
Gartner, Inc.*,1 |
612 |
266,122 |
Cardinal Health, Inc.1 |
2,439 |
261,168 |
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.1 |
449 |
248,283 |
Cencora, Inc. — Class A1 |
1,217 |
247,501 |
Molina Healthcare, Inc.*,1 |
676 |
247,119 |
Centene Corp.*,1 |
3,297 |
242,923 |
McKesson Corp.1 |
515 |
242,338 |
Robert Half, Inc.1 |
2,956 |
242,333 |
Rollins, Inc.1 |
5,948 |
242,322 |
Agilent Technologies, Inc.1 |
1,895 |
242,181 |
Cintas Corp.1 |
437 |
241,770 |
Equifax, Inc.1 |
1,092 |
237,739 |
Dexcom, Inc.*,1 |
2,052 |
237,047 |
Teleflex, Inc.1 |
1,038 |
234,266 |
Quest Diagnostics, Inc.1 |
1,697 |
232,879 |
Avery Dennison Corp.1 |
1,196 |
232,622 |
Moody’s Corp.1 |
637 |
232,479 |
Colgate-Palmolive Co.1 |
2,949 |
232,293 |
Insulet Corp.*,1 |
1,227 |
232,013 |
Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings1 |
1,065 |
231,009 |
Waters Corp.*,1 |
822 |
230,661 |
S&P Global, Inc.1 |
555 |
230,644 |
Elevance Health, Inc.1 |
481 |
230,635 |
DaVita, Inc.*,1 |
2,262 |
229,502 |
Kraft Heinz Co.1 |
6,519 |
228,882 |
MarketAxess Holdings, Inc.1 |
943 |
226,433 |
ResMed, Inc.1 |
1,434 |
226,185 |
GE HealthCare Technologies, Inc.1 |
3,301 |
225,987 |
Universal Health Services, Inc. — Class B1 |
1,642 |
225,742 |
Amgen, Inc.1 |
835 |
225,149 |
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.*,1 |
723 |
224,737 |
Boston Scientific Corp.*,1 |
4,020 |
224,678 |
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1 |
631 |
223,885 |
Abbott Laboratories1 |
2,146 |
223,806 |
Humana, Inc.1 |
460 |
223,036 |
Sysco Corp.1 |
3,085 |
222,644 |
United Rentals, Inc.1 |
467 |
222,301 |
CVS Health Corp.1 |
3,267 |
221,993 |
Stryker Corp.1 |
748 |
221,655 |
See notes to financial statements.
|
26 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT |
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 1.6% (continued) |
|
|
Mondelez International, Inc. — Class A1 |
3,090 |
$ 219,575 |
Danaher Corp.1 |
983 |
219,514 |
Church & Dwight Company, Inc.1 |
2,264 |
218,770 |
Eli Lilly & Co.1 |
369 |
218,094 |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc.1 |
2,180 |
218,065 |
CoStar Group, Inc.*,1 |
2,623 |
217,814 |
Gilead Sciences, Inc.1 |
2,841 |
217,621 |
Procter & Gamble Co.1 |
1,416 |
217,384 |
IQVIA Holdings, Inc.*,1 |
1,014 |
217,097 |
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.*,1 |
465 |
216,606 |
Coca-Cola Co.1 |
3,701 |
216,287 |
Philip Morris International, Inc.1 |
2,310 |
215,662 |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.*,1 |
261 |
215,014 |
Verisk Analytics, Inc. — Class A1 |
886 |
213,907 |
Medtronic plc1 |
2,698 |
213,871 |
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.*,1 |
1,083 |
213,438 |
Hologic, Inc.*,1 |
2,981 |
212,545 |
Bunge Global S.A.1 |
1,927 |
211,719 |
Monster Beverage Corp.*,1 |
3,834 |
211,445 |
Kimberly-Clark Corp.1 |
1,692 |
209,351 |
Molson Coors Beverage Co. — Class B1 |
3,390 |
208,621 |
Cooper Companies, Inc.1 |
619 |
208,554 |
Johnson & Johnson1 |
1,348 |
208,482 |
Conagra Brands, Inc.1 |
7,361 |
208,243 |
Kenvue, Inc.1 |
10,148 |
207,425 |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.1 |
1,780 |
207,032 |
AbbVie, Inc.1 |
1,453 |
206,893 |
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.1 |
417 |
206,732 |
PepsiCo, Inc.1 |
1,225 |
206,155 |
Zoetis, Inc.1 |
1,166 |
205,997 |
Altria Group, Inc.1 |
4,899 |
205,954 |
General Mills, Inc.1 |
3,230 |
205,622 |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.1 |
6,492 |
204,952 |
Campbell Soup Co.1 |
5,099 |
204,878 |
Kroger Co.1 |
4,613 |
204,218 |
PayPal Holdings, Inc.*,1 |
3,537 |
203,767 |
Merck & Company, Inc.1 |
1,982 |
203,115 |
Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.1 |
2,748 |
202,610 |
Cigna Group1 |
769 |
202,155 |
Constellation Brands, Inc. — Class A1 |
836 |
201,050 |
Baxter International, Inc.1 |
5,568 |
200,893 |
Global Payments, Inc.1 |
1,720 |
200,277 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 27
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 1.6% (continued) |
|
|
Clorox Co.1 |
1,397 |
$ 200,260 |
Automatic Data Processing, Inc.1 |
868 |
199,571 |
HCA Healthcare, Inc.1 |
791 |
198,130 |
Brown-Forman Corp. — Class B1 |
3,364 |
197,601 |
Quanta Services, Inc.1 |
1,049 |
197,537 |
Viatris, Inc.1 |
21,422 |
196,654 |
Edwards Lifesciences Corp.*,1 |
2,899 |
196,291 |
Corteva, Inc.1 |
4,329 |
195,671 |
STERIS plc1 |
972 |
195,314 |
Henry Schein, Inc.*,1 |
2,925 |
195,185 |
Tyson Foods, Inc. — Class A1 |
4,161 |
194,901 |
Biogen, Inc.*,1 |
827 |
193,584 |
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.1 |
551 |
193,269 |
Hershey Co.1 |
1,023 |
192,242 |
Becton Dickinson & Co.1 |
812 |
191,778 |
FleetCor Technologies, Inc.*,1 |
797 |
191,678 |
Pfizer, Inc.1 |
6,267 |
190,956 |
Kellanova1 |
3,615 |
189,932 |
Bio-Techne Corp.1 |
2,997 |
188,511 |
Incyte Corp.*,1 |
3,385 |
183,941 |
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
603 |
183,867 |
Revvity, Inc.1 |
2,019 |
179,489 |
Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. — Class A1 |
1,392 |
177,745 |
Hormel Foods Corp.1 |
5,794 |
177,239 |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.1 |
3,543 |
174,953 |
Catalent, Inc.*,1 |
4,467 |
173,543 |
McCormick & Company, Inc.1 |
2,663 |
172,642 |
J M Smucker Co.1 |
1,521 |
166,899 |
Moderna, Inc.*,1 |
1,993 |
154,856 |
Align Technology, Inc.*,1 |
652 |
139,398 |
Illumina, Inc.*,1 |
1,348 |
137,429 |
Cengage Learning Holdings II, Inc.*,†† |
11,126 |
105,975 |
Save-A-Lot*,†† |
40,316 |
7,741 |
WK Kellogg Co.1 |
3 |
34 |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical |
|
24,080,998 |
Financial – 1.3% |
|
|
Checkers Holdings, Inc.*,††† |
84,343 |
335,685 |
Allstate Corp.1 |
2,030 |
279,876 |
Assurant, Inc.1 |
1,565 |
262,951 |
Progressive Corp.1 |
1,595 |
261,628 |
Willis Towers Watson plc1 |
1,060 |
261,078 |
See notes to financial statements.
28 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 1.3% (continued) |
|
|
Cboe Global Markets, Inc.1 |
1,415 |
$ 257,799 |
W R Berkley Corp.1 |
3,497 |
253,707 |
Crown Castle, Inc. REIT1 |
2,161 |
253,442 |
American Tower Corp. — Class A REIT1 |
1,193 |
249,075 |
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.1 |
1,838 |
246,218 |
SBA Communications Corp. REIT1 |
994 |
245,478 |
Globe Life, Inc.1 |
1,983 |
244,167 |
Loews Corp.1 |
3,469 |
243,836 |
Citigroup, Inc.1 |
5,276 |
243,224 |
Travelers Companies, Inc.1 |
1,345 |
242,934 |
Chubb Ltd.1 |
1,058 |
242,737 |
Capital One Financial Corp.1 |
2,152 |
240,292 |
Everest Group Ltd.1 |
584 |
239,761 |
Aflac, Inc.1 |
2,894 |
239,363 |
American International Group, Inc.1 |
3,630 |
238,890 |
KeyCorp1 |
19,251 |
238,520 |
Fifth Third Bancorp1 |
8,185 |
236,956 |
Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.1 |
3,026 |
236,512 |
Arthur J Gallagher & Co.1 |
949 |
236,301 |
Simon Property Group, Inc. REIT1 |
1,889 |
235,917 |
BlackRock, Inc. — Class A1 |
313 |
235,135 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co.1 |
1,506 |
235,056 |
Wells Fargo & Co.1 |
5,267 |
234,855 |
Arch Capital Group Ltd.*,1 |
2,803 |
234,583 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc. REIT1 |
13,400 |
234,098 |
Welltower, Inc. REIT1 |
2,622 |
233,620 |
American Express Co.1 |
1,367 |
233,443 |
Bank of New York Mellon Corp.1 |
4,831 |
233,434 |
Nasdaq, Inc.1 |
4,177 |
233,244 |
Ventas, Inc. REIT1 |
5,081 |
232,913 |
Bank of America Corp.1 |
7,612 |
232,090 |
Truist Financial Corp.1 |
7,219 |
232,019 |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. REIT1 |
1,666 |
231,208 |
CME Group, Inc. — Class A1 |
1,056 |
230,588 |
Equinix, Inc. REIT1 |
281 |
229,018 |
U.S. Bancorp1 |
5,998 |
228,644 |
M&T Bank Corp.1 |
1,771 |
226,989 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.1 |
663 |
226,441 |
Visa, Inc. — Class A1 |
876 |
224,852 |
Northern Trust Corp.1 |
2,834 |
224,594 |
Kimco Realty Corp. REIT1 |
11,613 |
224,363 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 29
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 1.3% (continued) |
|
|
Charles Schwab Corp.1 |
3,650 |
$ 223,818 |
Huntington Bancshares, Inc.1 |
19,874 |
223,781 |
State Street Corp.1 |
3,072 |
223,703 |
Synchrony Financial1 |
6,886 |
222,831 |
Prudential Financial, Inc.1 |
2,278 |
222,743 |
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.1 |
628 |
222,004 |
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc.1 |
1,112 |
221,755 |
Iron Mountain, Inc. REIT1 |
3,455 |
221,638 |
Discover Financial Services1 |
2,383 |
221,619 |
Brown & Brown, Inc.1 |
2,962 |
221,380 |
Extra Space Storage, Inc. REIT1 |
1,698 |
221,029 |
Zions Bancorp North America1 |
6,202 |
220,977 |
MetLife, Inc.1 |
3,421 |
217,678 |
Mastercard, Inc. — Class A1 |
522 |
216,019 |
Citizens Financial Group, Inc.1 |
7,880 |
214,888 |
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. — Class B*,1 |
596 |
214,560 |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.1 |
1,884 |
214,474 |
Raymond James Financial, Inc.1 |
2,037 |
214,190 |
Aon plc — Class A1 |
649 |
213,190 |
Invitation Homes, Inc. REIT1 |
6,381 |
212,870 |
Regency Centers Corp. REIT1 |
3,380 |
212,196 |
Principal Financial Group, Inc.1 |
2,873 |
212,114 |
Cincinnati Financial Corp.1 |
2,063 |
212,056 |
Federal Realty Investment Trust REIT1 |
2,218 |
212,019 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. REIT1 |
6,747 |
211,518 |
Realty Income Corp. REIT1 |
3,888 |
209,797 |
Comerica, Inc.1 |
4,635 |
209,595 |
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. REIT1 |
1,203 |
208,047 |
VICI Properties, Inc. REIT1 |
6,921 |
206,869 |
Franklin Resources, Inc.1 |
8,331 |
206,609 |
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. REIT1 |
1,875 |
205,125 |
Essex Property Trust, Inc. REIT1 |
958 |
204,495 |
Public Storage REIT1 |
788 |
203,903 |
Prologis, Inc. REIT1 |
1,767 |
203,081 |
Blackstone, Inc. — Class A1 |
1,800 |
202,266 |
Morgan Stanley1 |
2,544 |
201,841 |
Regions Financial Corp.1 |
12,044 |
200,894 |
CBRE Group, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
2,541 |
200,638 |
Invesco Ltd.1 |
13,962 |
199,238 |
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.1 |
1,975 |
197,757 |
Equity Residential REIT1 |
3,442 |
195,643 |
Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. REIT1 |
1,559 |
194,064 |
See notes to financial statements.
30 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 1.3% (continued) |
|
|
Camden Property Trust REIT1 |
2,089 |
$ 188,553 |
Healthpeak Properties, Inc. REIT1 |
10,781 |
186,727 |
UDR, Inc. REIT1 |
5,564 |
185,838 |
Boston Properties, Inc. REIT1 |
3,253 |
185,193 |
Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd. — Class A*,†††,2 |
1,042,740 |
104 |
Tensor Ltd.*,††† |
505,754 |
51 |
Sparta Systems*,††† |
1,922 |
– |
Total Financial |
|
20,758,912 |
Industrial – 1.0% |
|
|
Westrock Co.1 |
6,265 |
257,930 |
Garmin Ltd.1 |
2,102 |
256,948 |
Packaging Corporation of America1 |
1,478 |
248,319 |
General Dynamics Corp.1 |
994 |
245,488 |
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.1 |
1,279 |
244,046 |
Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc.1 |
1,025 |
242,945 |
Northrop Grumman Corp.1 |
509 |
241,856 |
Norfolk Southern Corp.1 |
1,099 |
239,758 |
Republic Services, Inc. — Class A1 |
1,481 |
239,685 |
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.1 |
4,545 |
239,067 |
TransDigm Group, Inc.1 |
248 |
238,792 |
Trane Technologies plc1 |
1,052 |
237,131 |
Xylem, Inc.1 |
2,253 |
236,858 |
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp.1 |
2,032 |
236,850 |
Boeing Co.*,1 |
1,022 |
236,726 |
General Electric Co.1 |
1,938 |
236,048 |
Waste Management, Inc.1 |
1,379 |
235,795 |
Masco Corp.1 |
3,852 |
233,239 |
A O Smith Corp.1 |
3,086 |
232,561 |
CSX Corp.1 |
7,190 |
232,237 |
Axon Enterprise, Inc.*,1 |
1,009 |
231,939 |
Union Pacific Corp.1 |
1,022 |
230,226 |
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.1 |
494 |
229,508 |
Amphenol Corp. — Class A1 |
2,522 |
229,477 |
Ball Corp.1 |
4,150 |
229,454 |
Parker-Hannifin Corp.1 |
529 |
229,152 |
Honeywell International, Inc.1 |
1,168 |
228,835 |
Snap-on, Inc.1 |
832 |
228,542 |
Lockheed Martin Corp.1 |
509 |
227,915 |
Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.1 |
1,885 |
226,841 |
Otis Worldwide Corp.1 |
2,610 |
223,912 |
Ingersoll Rand, Inc.1 |
3,120 |
222,862 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 31
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Industrial – 1.0% (continued) |
|
|
TE Connectivity Ltd.1 |
1,692 |
$ 221,652 |
FedEx Corp.1 |
855 |
221,299 |
Amcor plc1 |
23,267 |
220,571 |
Keysight Technologies, Inc.*,1 |
1,617 |
219,734 |
Illinois Tool Works, Inc.1 |
907 |
219,684 |
Textron, Inc.1 |
2,865 |
219,631 |
Generac Holdings, Inc.*,1 |
1,876 |
219,623 |
Nordson Corp.1 |
929 |
218,631 |
AMETEK, Inc.1 |
1,407 |
218,409 |
J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.1 |
1,173 |
217,322 |
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.1 |
2,380 |
216,342 |
Dover Corp.1 |
1,523 |
214,987 |
Vulcan Materials Co.1 |
1,001 |
213,774 |
Teledyne Technologies, Inc.*,1 |
528 |
212,763 |
Allegion plc1 |
1,996 |
211,756 |
Sealed Air Corp.1 |
6,317 |
210,861 |
Jacobs Solutions, Inc.1 |
1,656 |
210,610 |
RTX Corp.1 |
2,565 |
208,996 |
Eaton Corporation plc1 |
917 |
208,792 |
Mettler-Toledo International, Inc.*,1 |
189 |
206,375 |
Pentair plc1 |
3,181 |
205,302 |
CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc.1 |
2,499 |
205,043 |
United Parcel Service, Inc. — Class B1 |
1,338 |
202,854 |
Mohawk Industries, Inc.*,1 |
2,297 |
202,848 |
IDEX Corp.1 |
1,002 |
202,083 |
3M Co.1 |
2,039 |
202,004 |
Veralto Corp.*,1 |
2,597 |
200,590 |
Rockwell Automation, Inc.1 |
728 |
200,520 |
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.1 |
514 |
199,977 |
Johnson Controls International plc1 |
3,749 |
197,947 |
Deere & Co.1 |
542 |
197,510 |
Trimble, Inc.*,1 |
4,248 |
197,107 |
Emerson Electric Co.1 |
2,189 |
194,602 |
Fortive Corp.1 |
2,792 |
192,592 |
Caterpillar, Inc.1 |
767 |
192,302 |
Carrier Global Corp.1 |
3,692 |
191,836 |
Hubbell, Inc.1 |
621 |
186,300 |
Schur Flexibles GesmbH*,†† |
660 |
149,714 |
BP Holdco LLC*,†††,3 |
121,041 |
146,718 |
Vector Phoenix Holdings, LP*,††† |
121,040 |
7,436 |
Targus, Inc.*,††† |
45,049 |
1,329 |
Targus, Inc.*,††† |
45,049 |
1,328 |
See notes to financial statements.
32 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Industrial – 1.0% (continued) |
|
|
Targus, Inc.*,††† |
45,049 |
$ 1,081 |
Targus , Inc.*,††† |
45,049 |
493 |
YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,††† |
34,136 |
341 |
YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,††† |
31,551 |
316 |
Targus, Inc.*,††† |
45,049 |
5 |
Total Industrial |
|
15,542,932 |
Consumer, Cyclical – 0.9% |
|
|
ATD New Holdings, Inc.*,††,1 |
23,593 |
825,755 |
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.*,1 |
25,394 |
387,757 |
Exide Technologies*,††† |
342 |
341,710 |
WW Grainger, Inc.1 |
313 |
246,078 |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
111 |
244,450 |
Copart, Inc.*,1 |
4,846 |
243,366 |
NIKE, Inc. — Class B1 |
2,203 |
242,925 |
Ralph Lauren Corp. — Class A1 |
1,850 |
239,353 |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.*,1 |
2,225 |
239,099 |
Fastenal Co.1 |
3,968 |
237,961 |
Lululemon Athletica, Inc.*,1 |
531 |
237,251 |
PulteGroup, Inc.1 |
2,683 |
237,231 |
Ross Stores, Inc.1 |
1,814 |
236,509 |
DR Horton, Inc.1 |
1,846 |
235,679 |
Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc.1 |
1,405 |
235,365 |
PACCAR, Inc.1 |
2,563 |
235,335 |
Lennar Corp. — Class A1 |
1,825 |
233,454 |
Target Corp.1 |
1,744 |
233,365 |
Costco Wholesale Corp.1 |
393 |
232,947 |
Dollar Tree, Inc.*,1 |
1,850 |
228,641 |
Darden Restaurants, Inc.1 |
1,441 |
225,473 |
Starbucks Corp.1 |
2,266 |
225,014 |
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.*,1 |
2,667 |
224,615 |
O’Reilly Automotive, Inc.*,1 |
226 |
222,018 |
Ulta Beauty, Inc.*,1 |
521 |
221,941 |
Dollar General Corp.1 |
1,681 |
220,413 |
Domino’s Pizza, Inc.1 |
559 |
219,625 |
Pool Corp.1 |
629 |
218,464 |
McDonald’s Corp.1 |
774 |
218,144 |
AutoZone, Inc.*,1 |
83 |
216,624 |
Yum! Brands, Inc.1 |
1,705 |
214,063 |
Marriott International, Inc. — Class A1 |
1,054 |
213,646 |
Carnival Corp.*,1 |
14,155 |
213,174 |
Tapestry, Inc.1 |
6,676 |
211,429 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 33
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 0.9% (continued) |
|
|
Tesla, Inc.*,1 |
872 |
$ 209,350 |
NVR, Inc.*,1 |
34 |
209,283 |
Best Buy Company, Inc.1 |
2,948 |
209,131 |
TJX Companies, Inc.1 |
2,368 |
208,644 |
Cummins, Inc.1 |
922 |
206,675 |
Home Depot, Inc.1 |
659 |
206,590 |
General Motors Co.1 |
6,528 |
206,285 |
Walmart, Inc.1 |
1,322 |
205,822 |
Alaska Air Group, Inc.*,1 |
5,372 |
203,115 |
Las Vegas Sands Corp.1 |
4,382 |
202,098 |
Tractor Supply Co.1 |
995 |
201,995 |
Delta Air Lines, Inc.1 |
5,306 |
195,951 |
MGM Resorts International1 |
4,951 |
195,267 |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.1 |
9,650 |
192,421 |
VF Corp.1 |
11,488 |
192,194 |
Wynn Resorts Ltd.1 |
2,273 |
191,887 |
Bath & Body Works, Inc.1 |
5,877 |
191,708 |
American Airlines Group, Inc.*,1 |
15,375 |
191,111 |
Genuine Parts Co.1 |
1,439 |
191,070 |
LKQ Corp.1 |
4,268 |
190,054 |
Southwest Airlines Co.1 |
7,307 |
186,840 |
Lowe’s Companies, Inc.1 |
936 |
186,105 |
BorgWarner, Inc.1 |
5,410 |
182,263 |
Ford Motor Co.1 |
17,474 |
179,283 |
United Airlines Holdings, Inc.*,1 |
4,542 |
178,955 |
Aptiv plc*,1 |
2,155 |
178,520 |
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.*,1 |
3,941 |
176,241 |
Whirlpool Corp.1 |
1,581 |
172,171 |
CarMax, Inc.*,1 |
2,668 |
170,592 |
Hasbro, Inc.1 |
3,097 |
143,732 |
Total Consumer, Cyclical |
|
14,414,227 |
Technology – 0.8% |
|
|
Fair Isaac Corp.*,1 |
241 |
262,112 |
Seagate Technology Holdings plc1 |
3,313 |
262,058 |
QUALCOMM, Inc.1 |
2,024 |
261,197 |
Synopsys, Inc.*,1 |
472 |
256,404 |
Intel Corp.1 |
5,698 |
254,701 |
NetApp, Inc.1 |
2,738 |
250,226 |
Cadence Design Systems, Inc.*,1 |
910 |
248,676 |
ServiceNow, Inc.*,1 |
361 |
247,552 |
Microsoft Corp.1 |
648 |
245,534 |
See notes to financial statements.
34 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Technology – 0.8% (continued) |
|
|
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.*,1 |
2,021 |
$ 244,864 |
Electronic Arts, Inc.1 |
1,773 |
244,692 |
Salesforce, Inc.*,1 |
964 |
242,832 |
Leidos Holdings, Inc.1 |
2,261 |
242,651 |
Western Digital Corp.*,1 |
4,982 |
240,680 |
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.*,1 |
1,517 |
239,989 |
Akamai Technologies, Inc.*,1 |
2,069 |
239,032 |
Roper Technologies, Inc.1 |
441 |
237,368 |
PTC, Inc.*,1 |
1,508 |
237,299 |
KLA Corp.1 |
435 |
236,910 |
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.1 |
431 |
236,498 |
Adobe, Inc.*,1 |
386 |
235,850 |
Micron Technology, Inc.1 |
3,086 |
234,906 |
Broadcom, Inc.1 |
253 |
234,210 |
Fiserv, Inc.*,1 |
1,781 |
232,616 |
International Business Machines Corp.1 |
1,466 |
232,449 |
Lam Research Corp.1 |
324 |
231,958 |
Apple, Inc.1 |
1,213 |
230,409 |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.1 |
3,911 |
229,341 |
Microchip Technology, Inc.1 |
2,743 |
228,876 |
Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.1 |
1,425 |
226,133 |
Tyler Technologies, Inc.*,1 |
552 |
225,680 |
Intuit, Inc.1 |
393 |
224,584 |
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.1 |
1,154 |
223,668 |
Analog Devices, Inc.1 |
1,216 |
222,990 |
NVIDIA Corp.1 |
475 |
222,158 |
Accenture plc — Class A1 |
665 |
221,538 |
Applied Materials, Inc.1 |
1,468 |
219,877 |
Paychex, Inc.1 |
1,797 |
219,180 |
NXP Semiconductor N.V.1 |
1,067 |
217,753 |
Autodesk, Inc.*,1 |
988 |
215,809 |
HP, Inc.1 |
7,341 |
215,385 |
Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp. — Class A1 |
3,036 |
213,674 |
MSCI, Inc. — Class A1 |
406 |
211,465 |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.1 |
12,490 |
211,206 |
EPAM Systems, Inc.*,1 |
816 |
210,683 |
Qorvo, Inc.*,1 |
2,179 |
210,274 |
Skyworks Solutions, Inc.1 |
2,169 |
210,241 |
Ceridian HCM Holding, Inc.*,1 |
2,962 |
204,082 |
ANSYS, Inc.*,1 |
687 |
201,538 |
Texas Instruments, Inc.1 |
1,311 |
200,203 |
Teradyne, Inc.1 |
2,163 |
199,493 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 35
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Technology – 0.8% (continued) |
|
|
Oracle Corp.1 |
1,714 |
$ 199,184 |
Zebra Technologies Corp. — Class A*,1 |
840 |
199,063 |
Qlik Technologies, Inc. - Class A*,††† |
112 |
182,414 |
Fortinet, Inc.*,1 |
3,364 |
176,812 |
ON Semiconductor Corp.*,1 |
2,212 |
157,782 |
Paycom Software, Inc.1 |
758 |
137,698 |
Qlik Technologies, Inc. - Class B*,††† |
27,624 |
3 |
Total Technology |
|
12,802,460 |
Utilities – 0.6% |
|
|
TexGen Power LLC*,†† |
68,676 |
2,352,153 |
NRG Energy, Inc.1 |
5,482 |
262,259 |
Constellation Energy Corp.1 |
1,993 |
241,233 |
Entergy Corp.1 |
2,262 |
229,389 |
Xcel Energy, Inc.1 |
3,767 |
229,184 |
PPL Corp.1 |
8,699 |
227,218 |
Southern Co.1 |
3,175 |
225,361 |
FirstEnergy Corp.1 |
6,043 |
223,228 |
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.1 |
3,555 |
221,939 |
Sempra1 |
3,030 |
220,796 |
American Electric Power Company, Inc.1 |
2,770 |
220,353 |
Duke Energy Corp.1 |
2,375 |
219,165 |
PG&E Corp.1 |
12,760 |
219,089 |
DTE Energy Co.1 |
2,097 |
218,319 |
CMS Energy Corp.1 |
3,846 |
218,299 |
Consolidated Edison, Inc.1 |
2,417 |
217,796 |
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.1 |
7,637 |
215,898 |
Atmos Energy Corp.1 |
1,892 |
215,328 |
Alliant Energy Corp.1 |
4,251 |
214,973 |
AES Corp.1 |
12,409 |
213,559 |
WEC Energy Group, Inc.1 |
2,546 |
212,897 |
Pinnacle West Capital Corp.1 |
2,815 |
210,956 |
Ameren Corp.1 |
2,716 |
210,734 |
Edison International1 |
3,103 |
207,870 |
Dominion Energy, Inc.1 |
4,558 |
206,660 |
American Water Works Company, Inc.1 |
1,564 |
206,198 |
NiSource, Inc.1 |
8,018 |
205,582 |
Eversource Energy1 |
3,459 |
205,499 |
Exelon Corp.1 |
5,335 |
205,451 |
Evergy, Inc.1 |
3,988 |
203,548 |
NextEra Energy, Inc.1 |
3,217 |
188,227 |
Total Utilities |
|
8,869,161 |
See notes to financial statements.
36 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Communications – 0.5% |
|
|
Expedia Group, Inc.*,1 |
1,969 |
$ 268,138 |
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.*,1 |
871 |
257,023 |
Motorola Solutions, Inc.1 |
767 |
247,641 |
AT&T, Inc.1 |
14,922 |
247,258 |
Verizon Communications, Inc.1 |
6,443 |
246,960 |
Walt Disney Co.1 |
2,633 |
244,053 |
Arista Networks, Inc.*,1 |
1,102 |
242,121 |
Etsy, Inc.*,1 |
3,167 |
240,090 |
Gen Digital, Inc.1 |
10,834 |
239,215 |
Meta Platforms, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
727 |
237,838 |
T-Mobile US, Inc.1 |
1,574 |
236,808 |
Netflix, Inc.*,1 |
489 |
231,771 |
F5, Inc.*,1 |
1,349 |
230,935 |
FactSet Research Systems, Inc.1 |
505 |
228,997 |
Amazon.com, Inc.*,1 |
1,567 |
228,923 |
Paramount Global — Class B1 |
15,673 |
225,221 |
VeriSign, Inc.*,1 |
1,043 |
221,325 |
Omnicom Group, Inc.1 |
2,714 |
218,830 |
Booking Holdings, Inc.*,1 |
69 |
215,673 |
CDW Corp.1 |
1,018 |
214,676 |
Juniper Networks, Inc.1 |
7,423 |
211,184 |
Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.1 |
6,729 |
206,849 |
Charter Communications, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
513 |
205,267 |
eBay, Inc.1 |
4,966 |
203,656 |
Comcast Corp. — Class A1 |
4,810 |
201,491 |
Warner Bros Discovery, Inc.*,1 |
18,888 |
197,380 |
Corning, Inc.1 |
6,877 |
195,926 |
Cisco Systems, Inc.1 |
3,822 |
184,908 |
Airbnb, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
1,390 |
175,613 |
News Corp. — Class A1 |
7,839 |
172,771 |
Match Group, Inc.*,1 |
4,917 |
159,213 |
Fox Corp. — Class A1 |
4,646 |
137,243 |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
856 |
113,446 |
Alphabet, Inc. — Class C*,1 |
728 |
97,494 |
Vacasa, Inc. — Class A* |
9,841 |
78,334 |
Figs, Inc. — Class A*,1 |
10,450 |
75,867 |
Fox Corp. — Class B1 |
2,412 |
66,716 |
News Corp. — Class B1 |
2,377 |
54,766 |
Total Communications |
|
7,461,620 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 37
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Energy – 0.3% |
|
|
Williams Companies, Inc.1 |
6,404 |
$ 235,603 |
ONEOK, Inc.1 |
3,344 |
230,235 |
Targa Resources Corp.1 |
2,538 |
229,562 |
Phillips 661 |
1,772 |
228,393 |
Kinder Morgan, Inc.1 |
12,865 |
226,038 |
Diamondback Energy, Inc.1 |
1,388 |
214,321 |
Pioneer Natural Resources Co.1 |
907 |
210,097 |
Marathon Petroleum Corp.1 |
1,394 |
207,971 |
ConocoPhillips1 |
1,765 |
203,981 |
Equities Corp.1 |
5,098 |
203,716 |
Marathon Oil Corp.1 |
7,930 |
201,660 |
Coterra Energy, Inc. — Class A1 |
7,680 |
201,600 |
EOG Resources, Inc.1 |
1,632 |
200,850 |
Baker Hughes Co.1 |
5,861 |
197,809 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp.1 |
3,318 |
196,260 |
Halliburton Co.1 |
5,246 |
194,259 |
Exxon Mobil Corp.1 |
1,873 |
192,432 |
Valero Energy Corp.1 |
1,524 |
191,049 |
Hess Corp.1 |
1,349 |
189,615 |
Schlumberger N.V.1 |
3,599 |
187,292 |
Chevron Corp.1 |
1,295 |
185,962 |
First Solar, Inc.*,1 |
1,177 |
185,707 |
Devon Energy Corp.1 |
4,113 |
184,962 |
Enphase Energy, Inc.*,1 |
1,763 |
178,098 |
APA Corp.1 |
4,893 |
176,148 |
SolarEdge Technologies, Inc.*,1 |
1,410 |
111,926 |
Legacy Reserves, Inc.*,††† |
2,359 |
18,872 |
Permian Production Partners LLC*,††† |
184,043 |
7,568 |
Bruin E&P Partnership Units*,††† |
40,617 |
4 |
Total Energy |
|
5,191,990 |
Basic Materials – 0.3% |
|
|
Steel Dynamics, Inc.1 |
2,104 |
250,649 |
Celanese Corp. — Class A1 |
1,739 |
241,130 |
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.1 |
3,122 |
235,336 |
Linde plc1 |
560 |
231,711 |
International Paper Co.1 |
6,254 |
231,023 |
Ecolab, Inc.1 |
1,190 |
228,159 |
Eastman Chemical Co.1 |
2,718 |
227,850 |
PPG Industries, Inc.1 |
1,591 |
225,906 |
Newmont Corp.1 |
5,562 |
223,537 |
Nucor Corp.1 |
1,313 |
223,171 |
See notes to financial statements.
38 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
COMMON STOCKS† – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Basic Materials – 0.3% (continued) |
|
|
Sherwin-Williams Co.1 |
798 |
$ 222,482 |
Dow, Inc.1 |
4,032 |
208,656 |
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. — Class A1 |
2,179 |
207,223 |
Mosaic Co.1 |
5,752 |
206,439 |
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.1 |
5,512 |
205,708 |
DuPont de Nemours, Inc.1 |
2,872 |
205,463 |
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.1 |
725 |
196,149 |
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.1 |
2,586 |
194,338 |
FMC Corp.1 |
2,814 |
150,999 |
Albemarle Corp.1 |
1,160 |
140,673 |
Total Basic Materials |
|
4,256,602 |
Total Common Stocks |
|
|
(Cost $100,661,697) |
|
113,378,902 |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† – 6.7% |
|
|
Financial – 5.8% |
|
|
Citigroup, Inc. |
|
|
7.38% |
4,300,000 |
4,252,271 |
3.88% |
4,000,000 |
3,480,718 |
4.15% |
2,000,000 |
1,652,077 |
4.00% |
1,750,000 |
1,567,505 |
Bank of America Corp. |
|
|
4.38% |
2,925,000 |
7,339,230 |
6.50% |
2,000,000 |
1,982,486 |
6.30% |
1,000,000 |
991,942 |
4.13% |
26,000 |
452,400 |
Wells Fargo & Co. |
|
|
4.75% |
183,750 |
3,529,838 |
3.90% |
3,300,000 |
2,977,168 |
4.70% |
148,000 |
2,862,320 |
4.38% |
50,000 |
893,000 |
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. |
|
|
7.50% |
7,700,000 |
7,812,050 |
Lincoln National Corp. |
|
|
9.25%1 |
6,327,000 |
6,604,117 |
Kuvare US Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
7.00%5 |
6,400,000 |
6,448,000 |
Equitable Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
4.95% |
3,650,000 |
3,440,240 |
4.30% |
82,000 |
1,312,820 |
Markel Group, Inc. |
|
|
6.00% |
4,770,000 |
4,664,530 |
Jackson Financial, Inc. |
|
|
8.00% |
152,000 |
3,803,040 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 39
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† – 6.7% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 5.8% (continued) |
|
|
Public Storage |
|
|
4.63% |
144,400 |
$ 3,013,628 |
4.13% |
16,400 |
307,008 |
W R Berkley Corp. |
|
|
4.13% due 03/30/61 |
126,000 |
2,302,020 |
4.25% due 09/30/60 |
36,800 |
735,632 |
Charles Schwab Corp. |
|
|
4.00%4 |
3,150,000 |
2,378,643 |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. |
|
|
7.13% due 10/15/52 |
89,725 |
2,348,103 |
PartnerRe Ltd. |
|
|
4.88% |
128,000 |
2,297,600 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
|
|
4.55% |
49,000 |
982,450 |
4.20% |
40,000 |
752,000 |
4.63% |
24,000 |
488,880 |
American Financial Group, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 09/15/60 |
100,000 |
1,811,000 |
MetLife, Inc. |
|
|
3.85% |
1,820,000 |
1,713,462 |
CNO Financial Group, Inc. |
|
|
5.13% due 11/25/60 |
80,000 |
1,396,000 |
Assurant, Inc. |
|
|
5.25% due 01/15/61 |
58,000 |
1,135,060 |
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. |
|
|
5.95%4 |
46,000 |
1,038,220 |
Arch Capital Group Ltd. |
|
|
4.55% |
38,000 |
745,180 |
Selective Insurance Group, Inc. |
|
|
4.60% |
36,000 |
627,480 |
RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. |
|
|
4.20% |
13,000 |
216,970 |
Globe Life, Inc. |
|
|
4.25% due 06/15/61 |
11,000 |
204,050 |
First Republic Bank |
|
|
4.50%††† |
200,000 |
20 |
4.25%††† |
158,000 |
– |
4.13%††† |
84,800 |
– |
Total Financial |
|
90,559,158 |
Communications – 0.6% |
|
|
AT&T Mobility II LLC |
|
|
6.80%*,††† |
10,000 |
9,640,300 |
See notes to financial statements.
40 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
PREFERRED STOCKS†† – 6.7% (continued) |
|
|
Government – 0.2% |
|
|
Farmer Mac |
|
|
5.75% |
112,000 |
$ 2,534,549 |
AgriBank FCB |
|
|
6.88% |
4,000 |
400,000 |
Total Government |
|
2,934,549 |
Consumer, Cyclical – 0.1% |
|
|
Exide Technologies *,††† |
761 |
959,954 |
Industrial – 0.0% |
|
|
YAK BLOCKER 2 LLC*,††† |
1,875,398 |
520,798 |
Total Preferred Stocks |
|
|
(Cost $133,094,164) |
|
104,614,759 |
WARRANTS† – 0.0% |
|
|
Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
Expiring 09/16/26 |
26,852 |
2,411 |
Acropolis Infrastructure Acquisition Corp. |
|
|
Expiring 03/31/262 |
32,766 |
393 |
Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, Ltd. |
|
|
Expiring 07/24/25†††,2 |
115,860 |
12 |
Total Warrants |
|
|
(Cost $89,228) |
|
2,816 |
EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS† – 3.3% |
|
|
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust1 |
38,795 |
17,706,038 |
iShares Russell 2000 Index ETF1 |
92,705 |
16,655,380 |
Invesco QQQ Trust Series1 |
42,698 |
16,602,264 |
Total Exchange-Traded Funds |
|
|
(Cost $34,539,714) |
|
50,963,682 |
CLOSED-END MUTUAL FUNDS† – 2.6% |
|
|
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund3 |
950,000 |
13,053,000 |
BlackRock Taxable Municipal Bond Trust |
292,122 |
4,574,630 |
Nuveen Taxable Municipal Income Fund |
289,790 |
4,401,910 |
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Credit Income Fund |
294,568 |
3,325,673 |
Invesco Municipal Opportunity Trust |
229,099 |
2,098,547 |
Blackstone Strategic Credit Fund |
186,741 |
2,042,947 |
Invesco Trust for Investment Grade Municipals |
212,335 |
2,008,689 |
BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust |
184,289 |
1,846,576 |
Invesco Municipal Trust |
188,704 |
1,739,851 |
Invesco Advantage Municipal Income Trust II |
163,240 |
1,330,406 |
Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund |
141,764 |
1,309,899 |
BlackRock Municipal Income Trust |
108,502 |
1,065,490 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 41
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Shares |
Value |
CLOSED-END MUTUAL FUNDS† – 2.6% (continued) |
|
|
Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund, Inc. |
160,170 |
$ 613,451 |
Nuveen AMT-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund |
33,627 |
356,782 |
Nuveen Quality Municipal Income Fund |
27,849 |
304,668 |
BlackRock MuniVest Fund, Inc. |
24,898 |
168,808 |
Total Closed-End Mutual Funds |
|
|
(Cost $50,752,123) |
|
40,241,327 |
MONEY MARKET FUNDS† – 1.7% |
|
|
Dreyfus Treasury Obligations Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.24%7 |
14,590,764 |
14,590,764 |
Dreyfus Treasury Securities Cash Management Fund — Institutional Shares, 5.27%7 |
12,447,982 |
12,447,982 |
Total Money Market Funds |
|
|
(Cost $27,038,746) |
|
27,038,746 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
|
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% |
|
|
Financial – 12.0% |
|
|
Morgan Stanley Finance LLC |
|
|
0.50% due 10/23/29◊,†††,8 |
13,500,000 |
10,565,100 |
NFP Corp. |
|
|
6.88% due 08/15/285 |
6,925,000 |
6,165,712 |
7.50% due 10/01/305 |
3,700,000 |
3,667,309 |
Dyal Capital Partners III |
|
|
4.40% due 06/15/40††† |
10,000,000 |
8,223,157 |
United Wholesale Mortgage LLC |
|
|
5.50% due 11/15/255 |
4,060,000 |
3,947,026 |
5.50% due 04/15/295 |
1,925,000 |
1,722,230 |
5.75% due 06/15/275 |
1,400,000 |
1,316,303 |
Accident Fund Insurance Company of America |
|
|
8.50% due 08/01/321,5 |
7,000,000 |
6,908,626 |
Wilton RE Ltd. |
|
|
6.00%†††,4,5,9 |
7,800,000 |
6,890,089 |
Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Company-Issuer Corp. |
|
|
5.00% due 08/15/281,5 |
7,500,000 |
6,411,902 |
Hunt Companies, Inc. |
|
|
5.25% due 04/15/291,5 |
7,325,000 |
6,285,939 |
Iron Mountain, Inc. |
|
|
5.63% due 07/15/321,5 |
6,500,000 |
5,901,250 |
Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management, Inc. |
|
|
10.50% due 12/15/305 |
3,650,000 |
3,777,750 |
8.50% due 03/15/305 |
2,050,000 |
2,116,625 |
Global Atlantic Finance Co. |
|
|
4.70% due 10/15/514,5 |
4,700,000 |
3,898,234 |
3.13% due 06/15/315 |
1,750,000 |
1,393,260 |
See notes to financial statements.
42 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 12.0% (continued) |
|
|
OneMain Finance Corp. |
|
|
4.00% due 09/15/301 |
2,200,000 |
$ 1,792,158 |
7.13% due 03/15/26 |
1,100,000 |
1,109,196 |
6.13% due 03/15/241 |
821,000 |
819,786 |
3.88% due 09/15/28 |
800,000 |
686,983 |
6.63% due 01/15/28 |
450,000 |
437,339 |
9.00% due 01/15/291 |
400,000 |
412,536 |
Maple Grove Funding Trust I |
|
|
4.16% due 08/15/511,5 |
8,000,000 |
5,238,986 |
Cushman & Wakefield US Borrower LLC |
|
|
6.75% due 05/15/281,5 |
4,800,000 |
4,560,000 |
Kennedy-Wilson, Inc. |
|
|
5.00% due 03/01/311 |
3,750,000 |
2,814,165 |
4.75% due 02/01/30 |
1,450,000 |
1,108,380 |
4.75% due 03/01/291 |
425,000 |
340,735 |
Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. |
|
|
4.30% due 02/01/615 |
7,300,000 |
4,179,339 |
National Life Insurance Co. |
|
|
10.50% due 09/15/391,5 |
3,400,000 |
4,167,759 |
LPL Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
4.00% due 03/15/291,5 |
4,172,000 |
3,721,854 |
4.38% due 05/15/311,5 |
476,000 |
410,550 |
RXR Realty LLC |
|
|
6.75% due 07/17/25††† |
4,200,000 |
4,053,670 |
Rocket Mortgage LLC / Rocket Mortgage Company-Issuer, Inc. |
|
|
4.00% due 10/15/331,5 |
4,031,000 |
3,259,184 |
3.88% due 03/01/311,5 |
825,000 |
693,000 |
Hampton Roads PPV LLC |
|
|
6.62% due 06/15/535 |
4,680,000 |
3,872,892 |
PHM Group Holding Oy |
|
|
4.75% due 06/18/265 |
EUR 3,900,000 |
3,806,937 |
Credit Suisse AG NY |
|
|
7.95% due 01/09/251 |
3,600,000 |
3,669,946 |
GLP Capital Limited Partnership / GLP Financing II, Inc. |
|
|
3.25% due 01/15/321 |
3,250,000 |
2,610,618 |
5.30% due 01/15/29 |
1,050,000 |
1,004,563 |
NatWest Group plc |
|
|
7.47% due 11/10/261,4 |
3,500,000 |
3,587,362 |
Standard Chartered plc |
|
|
7.78% due 11/16/251,4,5 |
3,100,000 |
3,151,299 |
Jane Street Group / JSG Finance, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 11/15/291,5 |
3,500,000 |
3,132,723 |
Host Hotels & Resorts, LP |
|
|
3.50% due 09/15/301 |
3,610,000 |
3,077,815 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 43
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 12.0% (continued) |
|
|
Sherwood Financing plc |
|
|
6.00% due 11/15/265 |
GBP 2,000,000 |
$ 2,120,757 |
4.50% due 11/15/265 |
EUR 1,000,000 |
953,723 |
Toronto-Dominion Bank |
|
|
8.13% due 10/31/821,4 |
2,850,000 |
2,865,753 |
Ares Finance Company IV LLC |
|
|
3.65% due 02/01/521,5 |
4,100,000 |
2,662,212 |
Americo Life, Inc. |
|
|
3.45% due 04/15/311,5 |
3,511,000 |
2,653,381 |
BBC Military Housing-Navy Northeast LLC |
|
|
6.30% due 10/15/4910 |
2,800,000 |
2,559,232 |
Corebridge Financial, Inc. |
|
|
6.88% due 12/15/524 |
2,400,000 |
2,304,758 |
HUB International Ltd. |
|
|
5.63% due 12/01/291,5 |
2,500,000 |
2,266,913 |
Bank of Nova Scotia |
|
|
8.63% due 10/27/824 |
2,150,000 |
2,160,458 |
Kane Bidco Ltd. |
|
|
5.00% due 02/15/27 |
EUR 2,050,000 |
2,121,292 |
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
5.00% due 02/01/265 |
2,180,000 |
2,078,557 |
Lincoln National Corp. |
|
|
4.38% due 06/15/501 |
2,560,000 |
1,841,971 |
First American Financial Corp. |
|
|
4.00% due 05/15/301 |
1,740,000 |
1,509,435 |
Allianz SE |
|
|
3.50%4,5,9 |
1,400,000 |
1,198,582 |
Weyerhaeuser Co. |
|
|
6.88% due 12/15/33 |
1,100,000 |
1,169,733 |
OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc. |
|
|
4.25% due 10/15/505 |
1,730,000 |
1,157,944 |
Alliant Holdings Intermediate LLC / Alliant Holdings Company-Issuer |
|
|
4.25% due 10/15/271,5 |
725,000 |
671,814 |
6.75% due 04/15/285 |
350,000 |
349,672 |
Ryan Specialty LLC |
|
|
4.38% due 02/01/305 |
1,100,000 |
992,750 |
QBE Insurance Group Ltd. |
|
|
5.88%1,4,5,9 |
950,000 |
913,724 |
Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. |
|
|
3.15% due 06/15/30 |
1,000,000 |
856,445 |
Pershing Square Holdings Ltd. |
|
|
3.25% due 10/01/315 |
1,100,000 |
823,130 |
Galaxy Bidco Ltd. |
|
|
8.95% (3 Month EURIBOR +5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 07/31/26◊ |
EUR 750,000 |
821,558 |
PartnerRe Finance B LLC |
|
|
4.50% due 10/01/504 |
950,000 |
791,617 |
See notes to financial statements.
44 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 12.0% (continued) |
|
|
Prudential Financial, Inc. |
|
|
5.13% due 03/01/524 |
700,000 |
$ 621,851 |
Fort Moore Family Communities LLC |
|
|
6.09% due 01/15/515 |
690,505 |
585,658 |
Pacific Beacon LLC |
|
|
5.63% due 07/15/511,5 |
664,484 |
574,242 |
Macquarie Bank Ltd. |
|
|
3.62% due 06/03/305 |
640,000 |
536,363 |
Assurant, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 03/27/484 |
400,000 |
397,859 |
Atlas Mara Ltd. |
|
|
due 12/31/21†††,10,11 |
508,571 |
235,977 |
Fort Gordon Housing LLC |
|
|
6.32% due 05/15/515 |
200,000 |
185,680 |
Total Financial |
|
187,893,328 |
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.1% |
|
|
Delta Air Lines, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 05/01/251,5 |
10,535,000 |
10,645,865 |
JB Poindexter & Company, Inc. |
|
|
7.13% due 04/15/261,5 |
5,275,000 |
5,190,732 |
Suburban Propane Partners Limited Partnership/Suburban Energy Finance Corp. |
|
|
5.88% due 03/01/271 |
3,210,000 |
3,168,173 |
5.00% due 06/01/311,5 |
1,800,000 |
1,593,000 |
CD&R Smokey Buyer, Inc. |
|
|
6.75% due 07/15/251,5 |
4,445,000 |
4,299,337 |
Penn Entertainment, Inc. |
|
|
4.13% due 07/01/291,5 |
4,925,000 |
4,087,775 |
Crocs, Inc. |
|
|
4.25% due 03/15/291,5 |
3,188,000 |
2,789,500 |
4.13% due 08/15/315 |
1,400,000 |
1,144,500 |
Delta Air Lines, Inc. / SkyMiles IP Ltd. |
|
|
4.75% due 10/20/285 |
3,950,000 |
3,792,770 |
Allwyn Entertainment Financing UK plc |
|
|
7.88% due 04/30/295 |
3,750,000 |
3,740,625 |
Wabash National Corp. |
|
|
4.50% due 10/15/281,5 |
4,350,000 |
3,719,126 |
Fertitta Entertainment LLC / Fertitta Entertainment Finance Company, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 01/15/291,5 |
4,100,000 |
3,642,645 |
Station Casinos LLC |
|
|
4.63% due 12/01/311,5 |
4,200,000 |
3,568,656 |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. |
|
|
4.00% due 08/15/291,5 |
4,450,000 |
3,428,769 |
Evergreen Acqco 1 Limited Partnership / TVI, Inc. |
|
|
9.75% due 04/26/285 |
3,240,000 |
3,361,500 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 45
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.1% (continued) |
|
|
Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. |
|
|
6.50% due 05/15/271,5 |
3,350,000 |
$ 3,349,019 |
Hawaiian Brand Intellectual Property Ltd. / HawaiianMiles Loyalty Ltd. |
|
|
5.75% due 01/20/261,5 |
4,075,000 |
3,241,606 |
Air Canada Class A Pass Through Trust |
|
|
5.25% due 04/01/291,5 |
3,363,608 |
3,202,223 |
Air Canada |
|
|
4.63% due 08/15/295 |
CAD 2,900,000 |
1,930,796 |
3.88% due 08/15/265 |
825,000 |
770,065 |
Clarios Global, LP / Clarios US Finance Co. |
|
|
8.50% due 05/15/271,5 |
2,650,000 |
2,665,879 |
Mileage Plus Holdings LLC / Mileage Plus Intellectual Property Assets Ltd. |
|
|
6.50% due 06/20/275 |
2,512,500 |
2,498,666 |
PetSmart, Inc. / PetSmart Finance Corp. |
|
|
4.75% due 02/15/281,5 |
2,725,000 |
2,492,032 |
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. |
|
|
4.10% due 04/15/501 |
3,800,000 |
2,459,801 |
United Airlines, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 04/15/291,5 |
2,575,000 |
2,298,727 |
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. |
|
|
4.00% due 04/01/31 |
2,150,000 |
1,725,431 |
4.38% due 02/01/32 |
700,000 |
555,874 |
Ontario Gaming GTA, LP |
|
|
8.00% due 08/01/305 |
2,150,000 |
2,171,737 |
Ritchie Bros Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
7.75% due 03/15/315 |
1,750,000 |
1,815,800 |
Yum! Brands, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 01/31/321 |
1,987,000 |
1,786,751 |
Superior Plus Limited Partnership / Superior General Partner, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 03/15/291,5 |
2,000,000 |
1,761,190 |
Hyatt Hotels Corp. |
|
|
5.75% due 04/23/301 |
1,690,000 |
1,701,882 |
HP Communities LLC |
|
|
6.82% due 09/15/535 |
918,478 |
890,215 |
6.16% due 09/15/531,5 |
1,000,000 |
794,938 |
Hanesbrands, Inc. |
|
|
9.00% due 02/15/311,5 |
1,500,000 |
1,414,056 |
4.88% due 05/15/265 |
225,000 |
212,015 |
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. |
|
|
4.38% due 08/15/281,5 |
1,625,000 |
1,495,675 |
1011778 BC ULC / New Red Finance, Inc. |
|
|
3.88% due 01/15/285 |
850,000 |
782,368 |
4.00% due 10/15/305 |
725,000 |
625,010 |
Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. |
|
|
3.63% due 02/15/325 |
1,350,000 |
1,133,789 |
See notes to financial statements.
46 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.1% (continued) |
|
|
Boyne USA, Inc. |
|
|
4.75% due 05/15/295 |
1,250,000 |
$ 1,130,024 |
Deuce FinCo plc |
|
|
5.50% due 06/15/27 |
GBP 900,000 |
1,023,951 |
Vail Resorts, Inc. |
|
|
6.25% due 05/15/255 |
1,000,000 |
997,137 |
Tempur Sealy International, Inc. |
|
|
3.88% due 10/15/315 |
700,000 |
562,454 |
4.00% due 04/15/295 |
500,000 |
432,781 |
Clarios Global, LP |
|
|
6.75% due 05/15/251,5 |
990,000 |
992,460 |
Six Flags Theme Parks, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 07/01/255 |
969,000 |
972,353 |
Ferrellgas Limited Partnership / Ferrellgas Finance Corp. |
|
|
5.38% due 04/01/265 |
975,000 |
931,499 |
Allison Transmission, Inc. |
|
|
3.75% due 01/30/315 |
1,100,000 |
918,748 |
Scientific Games Holdings Limited Partnership/Scientific Games US FinCo, Inc. |
|
|
6.63% due 03/01/305 |
850,000 |
760,750 |
United Airlines Class AA Pass Through Trust |
|
|
3.45% due 12/01/271 |
421,394 |
384,925 |
Superior Plus, LP |
|
|
4.25% due 05/18/285 |
CAD 350,000 |
232,382 |
Aramark Services, Inc. |
|
|
5.00% due 02/01/285 |
110,000 |
104,099 |
Exide Technologies |
|
|
due 10/31/24†††,11 |
2,353,687 |
2 |
Total Consumer, Cyclical |
|
111,392,083 |
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 6.8% |
|
|
Medline Borrower, LP |
|
|
5.25% due 10/01/291,5 |
5,200,000 |
4,705,819 |
3.88% due 04/01/291,5 |
2,000,000 |
1,775,093 |
Cheplapharm Arzneimittel GmbH |
|
|
5.50% due 01/15/281,5 |
6,945,000 |
6,439,634 |
BCP V Modular Services Finance II plc |
|
|
6.13% due 10/30/285 |
GBP 4,250,000 |
4,573,671 |
4.75% due 10/30/285 |
EUR 1,550,000 |
1,497,827 |
CPI CG, Inc. |
|
|
8.63% due 03/15/261,5 |
5,425,000 |
5,154,085 |
Williams Scotsman, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 08/15/281,5 |
3,675,000 |
3,378,207 |
6.13% due 06/15/251,5 |
1,683,000 |
1,671,068 |
Sotheby’s |
|
|
7.38% due 10/15/271,5 |
4,899,000 |
4,492,656 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 47
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 6.8% (continued) |
|
|
US Foods, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 06/01/301,5 |
2,500,000 |
$ 2,255,561 |
4.75% due 02/15/291,5 |
2,250,000 |
2,085,612 |
Bausch Health Companies, Inc. |
|
|
4.88% due 06/01/281,5 |
8,025,000 |
4,084,089 |
Altria Group, Inc. |
|
|
3.70% due 02/04/511 |
6,000,000 |
4,002,571 |
Reynolds American, Inc. |
|
|
5.70% due 08/15/351 |
4,150,000 |
3,894,728 |
KeHE Distributors LLC / KeHE Finance Corp. |
|
|
8.63% due 10/15/265 |
3,632,000 |
3,635,316 |
Post Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 09/15/311,5 |
3,925,000 |
3,417,202 |
Upbound Group, Inc. |
|
|
6.38% due 02/15/291,5 |
3,625,000 |
3,300,889 |
JBS USA LUX S.A. / JBS USA Food Company / JBS USA Finance, Inc. |
|
|
4.38% due 02/02/521 |
4,800,000 |
3,292,356 |
Legends Hospitality Holding Company LLC / Legends Hospitality Co-Issuer, Inc. |
|
|
5.00% due 02/01/261,5 |
3,000,000 |
2,954,980 |
Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. |
|
|
5.00% due 04/15/291,5 |
2,400,000 |
2,240,448 |
5.50% due 07/01/285 |
550,000 |
526,924 |
Garden Spinco Corp. |
|
|
8.63% due 07/20/301,5 |
2,450,000 |
2,571,671 |
DaVita, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 06/01/301,5 |
1,900,000 |
1,605,908 |
3.75% due 02/15/315 |
1,200,000 |
939,408 |
Avantor Funding, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 07/15/281,5 |
1,700,000 |
1,590,130 |
3.88% due 11/01/291,5 |
925,000 |
819,400 |
Castor S.p.A. |
|
|
9.10% (3 Month EURIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 02/15/29◊,5 |
EUR 2,300,000 |
2,369,606 |
Sotheby’s/Bidfair Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
5.88% due 06/01/291,5 |
2,700,000 |
2,193,750 |
Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. |
|
|
due 04/01/275,11 |
3,345,000 |
2,107,350 |
Option Care Health, Inc. |
|
|
4.38% due 10/31/295 |
2,275,000 |
2,007,096 |
Nathan’s Famous, Inc. |
|
|
6.63% due 11/01/255 |
1,948,000 |
1,933,390 |
ADT Security Corp. |
|
|
4.13% due 08/01/295 |
1,050,000 |
933,272 |
4.88% due 07/15/325 |
1,000,000 |
876,320 |
Gartner, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 07/01/281,5 |
1,700,000 |
1,592,244 |
See notes to financial statements.
48 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 6.8% (continued) |
|
|
Spectrum Brands, Inc. |
|
|
5.50% due 07/15/305 |
1,700,000 |
$ 1,586,916 |
APi Group DE, Inc. |
|
|
4.75% due 10/15/295 |
1,225,000 |
1,096,327 |
4.13% due 07/15/295 |
400,000 |
349,246 |
HealthEquity, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 10/01/291,5 |
1,550,000 |
1,395,755 |
Royalty Pharma plc |
|
|
3.55% due 09/02/50 |
2,100,000 |
1,376,596 |
Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I SARL / Endo US, Inc. |
|
|
due 04/01/295,11 |
1,900,000 |
1,220,750 |
Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc. / KIK Custom Products, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 12/31/271,5 |
1,038,000 |
961,012 |
5.00% due 12/31/265 |
250,000 |
236,387 |
Grifols S.A. |
|
|
4.75% due 10/15/285 |
1,350,000 |
1,192,590 |
TreeHouse Foods, Inc. |
|
|
4.00% due 09/01/28 |
1,150,000 |
978,269 |
Central Garden & Pet Co. |
|
|
4.13% due 10/15/301 |
625,000 |
535,447 |
4.13% due 04/30/315 |
400,000 |
337,526 |
AMN Healthcare, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 10/01/275 |
725,000 |
673,077 |
Carriage Services, Inc. |
|
|
4.25% due 05/15/295 |
775,000 |
655,805 |
WW International, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 04/15/291,5 |
950,000 |
545,827 |
Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc. |
|
|
3.50% due 04/01/301,5 |
625,000 |
522,656 |
Performance Food Group, Inc. |
|
|
6.88% due 05/01/255 |
450,000 |
450,236 |
Prestige Brands, Inc. |
|
|
3.75% due 04/01/315 |
300,000 |
250,203 |
Darling Ingredients, Inc. |
|
|
6.00% due 06/15/305 |
250,000 |
241,371 |
Tenet Healthcare Corp. |
|
|
4.88% due 01/01/26 |
200,000 |
196,517 |
Nidda Healthcare Holding |
|
|
7.50% due 08/21/26 |
EUR 175,000 |
194,206 |
Albertsons Companies Incorporated / Safeway Inc / |
|
|
New Albertsons Limited Partnership / Albertsons LLC |
|
|
5.88% due 02/15/285 |
100,000 |
98,657 |
Endo Dac / Endo Finance LLC / Endo Finco, Inc. |
|
|
due 07/31/275,11 |
181,000 |
13,575 |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical |
|
106,027,232 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 49
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Industrial – 5.8% |
|
|
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Company, Inc. |
|
|
9.75% due 07/15/281,5 |
7,717,000 |
$ 7,699,270 |
5.25% due 07/15/281,5 |
2,025,000 |
1,884,865 |
Boeing Co. |
|
|
5.81% due 05/01/501 |
9,400,000 |
9,167,939 |
Standard Industries, Inc. |
|
|
4.38% due 07/15/301,5 |
7,050,000 |
6,179,553 |
3.38% due 01/15/315 |
1,100,000 |
903,163 |
Artera Services LLC |
|
|
9.03% due 12/04/255 |
6,290,000 |
5,744,375 |
Builders FirstSource, Inc. |
|
|
6.38% due 06/15/321,5 |
2,500,000 |
2,459,881 |
4.25% due 02/01/321,5 |
1,675,000 |
1,436,837 |
IP Lending X Ltd. |
|
|
7.75% due 07/02/29†††,5 |
3,800,000 |
3,822,970 |
Calderys Financing LLC |
|
|
11.25% due 06/01/285 |
3,737,000 |
3,809,199 |
Victoria plc |
|
|
3.63% due 08/05/26 |
EUR 4,004,000 |
3,301,186 |
Fortune Brands Innovations, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 03/25/521 |
4,134,000 |
3,234,329 |
Waste Pro USA, Inc. |
|
|
5.50% due 02/15/265 |
3,370,000 |
3,180,437 |
Enviri Corp. |
|
|
5.75% due 07/31/271,5 |
3,624,000 |
3,154,040 |
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp. |
|
|
5.25% due 06/01/291,5 |
3,600,000 |
2,970,101 |
Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co. |
|
|
7.88% due 08/15/265 |
1,875,000 |
1,862,591 |
9.25% due 04/15/275 |
1,000,000 |
910,031 |
Howmet Aerospace, Inc. |
|
|
3.00% due 01/15/291 |
1,175,000 |
1,035,469 |
5.95% due 02/01/37 |
875,000 |
860,160 |
6.88% due 05/01/25 |
800,000 |
809,605 |
Clearwater Paper Corp. |
|
|
4.75% due 08/15/281,5 |
2,547,000 |
2,272,907 |
GrafTech Global Enterprises, Inc. |
|
|
9.88% due 12/15/281,5 |
2,600,000 |
2,041,000 |
SCIL IV LLC / SCIL USA Holdings LLC |
|
|
9.50% due 07/15/28 |
EUR 1,800,000 |
2,020,836 |
GrafTech Finance, Inc. |
|
|
4.63% due 12/15/281,5 |
2,860,000 |
1,918,259 |
AmeriTex HoldCo Intermediate LLC |
|
|
10.25% due 10/15/285 |
1,900,000 |
1,857,250 |
Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance USA LLC / Ardagh Metal Packaging Finance plc |
|
|
4.00% due 09/01/291,5 |
2,300,000 |
1,827,721 |
See notes to financial statements.
50 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
|
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
Face |
|
|
|
Amount~ |
|
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
|
Industrial – 5.8% (continued) |
|
|
|
Summit Materials LLC / Summit Materials Finance Corp. |
|
|
|
5.25% due 01/15/291,5 |
1,775,000 |
$ |
1,659,625 |
Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
|
6.00% due 02/01/265 |
1,625,000 |
|
1,568,694 |
TK Elevator US Newco, Inc. |
|
|
|
5.25% due 07/15/275 |
1,550,000 |
|
1,472,638 |
Deuce FinCo plc |
|
|
|
5.50% due 06/15/275 |
GBP 1,200,000 |
|
1,365,268 |
8.60% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 06/15/27◊ |
EUR 100,000 |
|
106,875 |
Cellnex Finance Company S.A. |
|
|
|
3.88% due 07/07/415 |
1,750,000 |
|
1,265,600 |
Level 3 Financing, Inc. |
|
|
|
3.63% due 01/15/29 |
1,500,000 |
|
723,750 |
3.75% due 07/15/29 |
600,000 |
|
279,000 |
11.00% due 11/15/29††† |
312,448 |
|
– |
Worldpay US, Inc. |
|
|
|
8.50% due 01/15/31 |
GBP 750,000 |
|
980,619 |
TVL Finance plc |
|
|
|
9.45% (3 Month EURIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 04/28/28◊ |
EUR 780,000 |
|
864,508 |
Amsted Industries, Inc. |
|
|
|
4.63% due 05/15/305 |
950,000 |
|
817,610 |
Ball Corp. |
|
|
|
3.13% due 09/15/311 |
875,000 |
|
722,581 |
Masonite International Corp. |
|
|
|
3.50% due 02/15/305 |
700,000 |
|
591,612 |
GATX Corp. |
|
|
|
4.00% due 06/30/30 |
560,000 |
|
500,689 |
PGT Innovations, Inc. |
|
|
|
4.38% due 10/01/295 |
400,000 |
|
378,541 |
TopBuild Corp. |
|
|
|
4.13% due 02/15/325 |
400,000 |
|
341,827 |
Arcosa, Inc. |
|
|
|
4.38% due 04/15/295 |
350,000 |
|
312,162 |
EnerSys |
|
|
|
4.38% due 12/15/275 |
325,000 |
|
297,427 |
Hillenbrand, Inc. |
|
|
|
3.75% due 03/01/311 |
250,000 |
|
207,425 |
EnPro Industries, Inc. |
|
|
|
5.75% due 10/15/26 |
115,000 |
|
111,550 |
MIWD Holdco II LLC / MIWD Finance Corp. |
|
|
|
5.50% due 02/01/305 |
125,000 |
|
105,907 |
Vertical Midco GmbH |
|
|
|
4.38% due 07/15/27 |
EUR 100,000 |
|
102,874 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 51
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Industrial – 5.8% (continued) |
|
|
Schahin II Finance Co. SPV Ltd. |
|
|
due 09/25/23†††,11 |
1,400,000 |
$ – |
Total Industrial |
|
91,140,756 |
Communications – 5.5% |
|
|
Altice France S.A. |
|
|
5.50% due 10/15/291,5 |
8,175,000 |
5,898,486 |
5.13% due 07/15/291,5 |
3,025,000 |
2,163,510 |
8.13% due 02/01/275 |
1,300,000 |
1,118,222 |
McGraw-Hill Education, Inc. |
|
|
8.00% due 08/01/291,5 |
6,300,000 |
5,677,875 |
5.75% due 08/01/281,5 |
3,525,000 |
3,216,562 |
Cogent Communications Group, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 06/15/271,5 |
7,500,000 |
7,368,750 |
VZ Secured Financing BV |
|
|
5.00% due 01/15/321,5 |
6,850,000 |
5,618,135 |
British Telecommunications plc |
|
|
4.88% due 11/23/814,5 |
5,550,000 |
4,581,545 |
4.25% due 11/23/814,5 |
950,000 |
858,148 |
Outfront Media Capital LLC / Outfront Media Capital Corp. |
|
|
4.25% due 01/15/291,5 |
5,725,000 |
4,944,568 |
Paramount Global |
|
|
4.95% due 05/19/501 |
6,390,000 |
4,700,571 |
UPC Broadband Finco BV |
|
|
4.88% due 07/15/311,5 |
4,550,000 |
3,839,062 |
CSC Holdings LLC |
|
|
11.25% due 05/15/285 |
2,750,000 |
2,745,170 |
4.63% due 12/01/301,5 |
1,913,000 |
1,053,598 |
LCPR Senior Secured Financing DAC |
|
|
6.75% due 10/15/271,5 |
2,114,000 |
1,987,847 |
5.13% due 07/15/291,5 |
1,900,000 |
1,594,928 |
Radiate Holdco LLC / Radiate Finance, Inc. |
|
|
4.50% due 09/15/261,5 |
4,700,000 |
3,501,032 |
Corning, Inc. |
|
|
4.38% due 11/15/571 |
4,100,000 |
3,245,997 |
Vodafone Group plc |
|
|
5.13% due 06/04/811,4 |
4,100,000 |
2,807,250 |
CCO Holdings LLC / CCO Holdings Capital Corp. |
|
|
4.50% due 06/01/331,5 |
1,225,000 |
980,081 |
4.25% due 02/01/315 |
850,000 |
709,069 |
4.25% due 01/15/345 |
750,000 |
585,052 |
4.50% due 05/01/321 |
325,000 |
267,679 |
AMC Networks, Inc. |
|
|
4.25% due 02/15/291 |
3,450,000 |
2,415,621 |
See notes to financial statements.
52 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Communications – 5.5% (continued) |
|
|
Ciena Corp. |
|
|
4.00% due 01/31/301,5 |
2,150,000 |
$ 1,895,252 |
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. |
|
|
3.88% due 09/01/315 |
2,300,000 |
1,860,969 |
Rogers Communications, Inc. |
|
|
4.55% due 03/15/521 |
2,200,000 |
1,745,215 |
Vmed O2 UK Financing I plc |
|
|
4.25% due 01/31/315 |
1,225,000 |
1,029,503 |
4.75% due 07/15/315 |
650,000 |
555,367 |
TripAdvisor, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 07/15/251,5 |
1,575,000 |
1,580,308 |
Charter Communications Operating LLC / Charter Communications Operating Capital |
|
|
3.90% due 06/01/52 |
2,000,000 |
1,279,519 |
Virgin Media Secured Finance plc |
|
|
4.50% due 08/15/305 |
1,200,000 |
1,029,768 |
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
4.00% due 03/01/275 |
1,050,000 |
801,114 |
Match Group Holdings II LLC |
|
|
3.63% due 10/01/311,5 |
875,000 |
715,312 |
Ziggo BV |
|
|
4.88% due 01/15/305 |
725,000 |
620,124 |
Ziggo Bond Company BV |
|
|
5.13% due 02/28/305 |
500,000 |
390,773 |
Total Communications |
|
85,381,982 |
Energy – 4.3% |
|
|
Global Partners Limited Partnership / GLP Finance Corp. |
|
|
7.00% due 08/01/271 |
4,800,000 |
4,600,728 |
6.88% due 01/15/291 |
2,980,000 |
2,774,887 |
ITT Holdings LLC |
|
|
6.50% due 08/01/291,5 |
8,050,000 |
7,023,625 |
Occidental Petroleum Corp. |
|
|
6.20% due 03/15/401 |
2,100,000 |
2,070,537 |
7.00% due 11/15/27 |
2,000,000 |
2,047,320 |
4.30% due 08/15/39 |
2,100,000 |
1,600,649 |
4.63% due 06/15/45 |
750,000 |
561,112 |
Venture Global LNG, Inc. |
|
|
9.88% due 02/01/321,5 |
6,000,000 |
6,149,053 |
BP Capital Markets plc |
|
|
4.88%1,4,9 |
6,750,000 |
6,066,664 |
NuStar Logistics, LP |
|
|
6.38% due 10/01/301 |
5,625,000 |
5,484,375 |
5.63% due 04/28/27 |
200,000 |
196,881 |
6.00% due 06/01/26 |
125,000 |
124,586 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 53
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Energy – 4.3% (continued) |
|
|
Energy Transfer, LP |
|
|
7.38% due 02/01/311,5 |
3,800,000 |
$ 3,906,628 |
4.25% due 04/01/24 |
1,000,000 |
994,253 |
CVR Energy, Inc. |
|
|
5.25% due 02/15/251,5 |
2,275,000 |
2,241,475 |
5.75% due 02/15/281,5 |
2,100,000 |
1,941,891 |
Parkland Corp. |
|
|
4.63% due 05/01/305 |
2,700,000 |
2,409,750 |
4.50% due 10/01/295 |
1,300,000 |
1,158,115 |
Buckeye Partners, LP |
|
|
5.85% due 11/15/43 |
3,750,000 |
2,833,669 |
4.35% due 10/15/24 |
750,000 |
733,245 |
TransMontaigne Partners Limited Partnership / TLP Finance Corp. |
|
|
6.13% due 02/15/26 |
4,025,000 |
3,512,255 |
Hess Corp. |
|
|
5.60% due 02/15/41 |
1,550,000 |
1,558,833 |
6.00% due 01/15/401 |
1,000,000 |
1,040,622 |
7.13% due 03/15/33 |
500,000 |
567,150 |
EnLink Midstream LLC |
|
|
6.50% due 09/01/301,5 |
2,600,000 |
2,616,891 |
Southwestern Energy Co. |
|
|
5.38% due 02/01/291 |
1,400,000 |
1,332,107 |
Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC |
|
|
4.13% due 08/15/315 |
775,000 |
668,495 |
Viper Energy, Inc. |
|
|
7.38% due 11/01/315 |
300,000 |
303,600 |
5.38% due 11/01/275 |
200,000 |
190,876 |
DT Midstream, Inc. |
|
|
4.13% due 06/15/291,5 |
425,000 |
381,553 |
FLNG Liquefaction 2 LLC |
|
|
4.13% due 03/31/385 |
232,128 |
195,769 |
Basic Energy Services, Inc. |
|
|
due
10/15/23 † † † ,11 |
1,030,000 |
5,150 |
Total Energy |
|
67,292,744 |
Basic Materials – 2.7% |
|
|
Carpenter Technology Corp. |
|
|
6.38% due 07/15/281 |
5,225,000 |
5,133,135 |
7.63% due 03/15/301 |
2,500,000 |
2,537,714 |
SCIL IV LLC / SCIL USA Holdings LLC |
|
|
5.38% due 11/01/261,5 |
6,075,000 |
5,702,772 |
Alcoa Nederland Holding BV |
|
|
5.50% due 12/15/271,5 |
3,625,000 |
3,480,120 |
6.13% due 05/15/285 |
1,475,000 |
1,452,452 |
See notes to financial statements.
54 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Basic Materials – 2.7% (continued) |
|
|
Kaiser Aluminum Corp. |
|
|
4.50% due 06/01/311,5 |
4,860,000 |
$ 3,923,251 |
4.63% due 03/01/285 |
1,000,000 |
885,777 |
SK Invictus Intermediate II SARL |
|
|
5.00% due 10/30/291,5 |
5,250,000 |
4,266,334 |
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. |
|
|
1.23% due 10/01/251,5 |
3,060,000 |
2,794,501 |
WR Grace Holdings LLC |
|
|
4.88% due 06/15/271,5 |
2,325,000 |
2,214,109 |
7.38% due 03/01/315 |
500,000 |
487,472 |
Compass Minerals International, Inc. |
|
|
6.75% due 12/01/271,5 |
2,550,000 |
2,482,042 |
Arsenal AIC Parent LLC |
|
|
8.00% due 10/01/305 |
1,550,000 |
1,581,479 |
Illuminate Buyer LLC / Illuminate Holdings IV, Inc. |
|
|
9.00% due 07/01/285 |
1,625,000 |
1,527,500 |
Minerals Technologies, Inc. |
|
|
5.00% due 07/01/285 |
1,350,000 |
1,238,105 |
HB Fuller Co. |
|
|
4.25% due 10/15/28 |
1,150,000 |
1,029,951 |
Valvoline, Inc. |
|
|
3.63% due 06/15/315 |
760,000 |
623,200 |
Mirabela Nickel Ltd. |
|
|
due 06/24/19†††,10,11 |
2,667,995 |
13,340 |
Total Basic Materials |
|
41,373,254 |
Technology – 2.3% |
|
|
AthenaHealth Group, Inc. |
|
|
6.50% due 02/15/305 |
7,900,000 |
6,847,747 |
Cloud Software Group, Inc. |
|
|
6.50% due 03/31/291,5 |
5,630,000 |
5,184,547 |
Capstone Borrower, Inc. |
|
|
8.00% due 06/15/301,5 |
3,800,000 |
3,799,996 |
NCR Voyix Corp. |
|
|
5.25% due 10/01/301,5 |
3,150,000 |
2,768,976 |
5.13% due 04/15/295 |
900,000 |
824,264 |
Central Parent Incorporated / CDK Global, Inc. |
|
|
7.25% due 06/15/291,5 |
3,400,000 |
3,397,077 |
Broadcom, Inc. |
|
|
3.19% due 11/15/361,5 |
4,400,000 |
3,361,929 |
Twilio, Inc. |
|
|
3.88% due 03/15/311 |
2,000,000 |
1,725,465 |
Playtika Holding Corp. |
|
|
4.25% due 03/15/291,5 |
2,025,000 |
1,710,241 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 55
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
CORPORATE BONDS†† – 47.2% (continued) |
|
|
Technology – 2.3% (continued) |
|
|
TeamSystem S.p.A. |
|
|
3.50% due 02/15/28 |
EUR 1,700,000 |
$ 1,633,192 |
Dun & Bradstreet Corp. |
|
|
5.00% due 12/15/295 |
1,800,000 |
1,626,480 |
Oracle Corp. |
|
|
3.95% due 03/25/511 |
2,100,000 |
1,553,770 |
Central Parent LLC / CDK Global II LLC / CDK Financing Company, Inc. |
|
|
8.00% due 06/15/295 |
350,000 |
359,026 |
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. |
|
|
4.00% due 07/01/295 |
325,000 |
296,062 |
Total Technology |
|
35,088,772 |
Utilities – 0.7% |
|
|
Terraform Global Operating, LP |
|
|
6.13% due 03/01/261,5 |
5,255,000 |
5,084,213 |
Alexander Funding Trust II |
|
|
7.47% due 07/31/281,5 |
1,950,000 |
1,997,894 |
Clearway Energy Operating LLC |
|
|
3.75% due 02/15/311,5 |
1,663,000 |
1,391,393 |
3.75% due 01/15/325 |
525,000 |
422,048 |
NRG Energy, Inc. |
|
|
7.00% due 03/15/331,5 |
1,600,000 |
1,617,678 |
Total Utilities |
|
10,513,226 |
Total Corporate Bonds |
|
|
(Cost $829,512,128) |
|
736,103,377 |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.6% |
|
|
Pacific Bells LLC |
|
|
10.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/28 |
7,909,332 |
7,803,031 |
First Brands Group LLC |
|
|
10.88% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/30/27 |
7,887,917 |
7,748,154 |
FR Refuel LLC |
|
|
10.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 11/08/28 |
7,853,000 |
7,597,778 |
Alexander Mann |
|
|
11.42% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.10%, Rate Floor: 6.10%) due 06/29/27 |
5,372,000 |
5,219,811 |
BRE/Everbright M6 Borrower LLC |
|
|
10.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 09/09/26 |
5,181,821 |
5,146,222 |
See notes to financial statements.
56 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.6% (continued) |
|
|
MB2 Dental Solutions LLC |
|
|
11.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 7.00%) due 01/29/27††† |
5,037,792 |
$ 4,982,904 |
Accuride Corp. |
|
|
12.22% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) (in-kind rate |
|
|
was 1.62%) due 05/18/2612 |
5,348,871 |
4,573,284 |
Shaw Development LLC |
|
|
11.46% (6 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 10/30/29††† |
4,468,085 |
4,379,987 |
Secretariat Advisors LLC |
|
|
10.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.01%, Rate Floor: 5.01%) due 12/29/28††† |
4,329,000 |
4,285,710 |
Albion Financing 3 SARL |
|
|
9.25% (3 Month EURIBOR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 08/17/26 |
EUR 3,700,000 |
4,025,539 |
Truck Hero, Inc. |
|
|
8.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 01/31/28 |
3,900,000 |
3,733,821 |
Zephyr Bidco Ltd. |
|
|
11.19% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 07/31/28 |
GBP 3,000,000 |
3,692,427 |
The Facilities Group |
|
|
11.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 11/30/27††† |
3,300,684 |
3,234,670 |
NFM & J LLC |
|
|
11.23% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 11/30/27††† |
3,248,038 |
3,183,077 |
WIRB – Copernicus Group, Inc. |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 01/08/27 |
3,152,978 |
3,095,436 |
Breitling Financing SARL |
|
|
7.86% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.93%, Rate Floor: 3.93%) due 10/25/28 |
EUR 2,800,000 |
2,883,427 |
PetSmart LLC |
|
|
9.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/11/28 |
2,785,875 |
2,740,605 |
Arcis Golf LLC |
|
|
9.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 11/24/28 |
2,684,125 |
2,685,252 |
BGIS (BIFM CA Buyer, Inc.) |
|
|
8.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 06/01/26 |
2,642,797 |
2,637,300 |
PAI Holdco, Inc. |
|
|
9.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 10/28/27 |
2,783,647 |
2,565,131 |
Thevelia US LLC |
|
|
8.69% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 06/18/29 |
EUR 2,100,000 |
2,267,044 |
TTF Holdings Intermediate LLC |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 03/31/28 |
2,262,299 |
2,259,471 |
BCP V Modular Services Holdings IV Ltd. |
|
|
8.40% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.43%, Rate Floor: 4.43%) due 12/15/28 |
EUR 2,000,000 |
2,046,048 |
OEConnection LLC |
|
|
9.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 09/25/26 |
1,987,403 |
1,978,540 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 57
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.6% (continued) |
|
|
CNT Holdings I Corp. |
|
|
8.93% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 11/08/27 |
1,803,750 |
$ 1,805,446 |
ScribeAmerica Intermediate Holdco LLC (Healthchannels) |
|
|
9.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/03/25 |
2,447,876 |
1,750,231 |
Packers Holdings LLC |
|
|
8.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/09/28 |
2,707,972 |
1,734,808 |
SHO Holding I Corp. |
|
|
10.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 04/29/24 |
1,915,648 |
1,245,180 |
10.47% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 04/27/24 |
484,000 |
327,910 |
10.87% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.23%, Rate Floor: 5.23%) due 04/29/24 |
32,514 |
21,134 |
Camin Cargo Control, Inc. |
|
|
11.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 6.50%) due 06/04/26††† |
1,604,123 |
1,539,958 |
Orion Group |
|
|
11.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/19/27††† |
757,174 |
743,327 |
11.69% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.36%, Rate Floor: 7.36%) due 03/19/27††† |
746,704 |
733,049 |
11.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/19/27††† |
50,478 |
45,888 |
Ontario Gaming GTA LP |
|
|
9.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/01/30 |
1,500,000 |
1,502,820 |
Holding SOCOTEC |
|
|
9.56% (3 Month SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 06/30/28 |
1,323,000 |
1,303,155 |
Fertitta Entertainment LLC |
|
|
9.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 01/29/29 |
1,182,742 |
1,173,434 |
Congruex Group LLC |
|
|
11.28% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 05/03/29 |
1,185,000 |
1,162,781 |
Galls LLC |
|
|
12.28% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 01/31/25††† |
1,052,771 |
1,026,451 |
12.17% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%) and (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 01/31/25††† |
72,133 |
70,330 |
ImageFIRST Holdings LLC |
|
|
10.47% ((3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%) and (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 04/27/28 |
1,075,861 |
1,065,103 |
PT Intermediate Holdings III LLC |
|
|
11.52% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.98%, Rate Floor: 5.98%) due 11/01/28††† |
981,710 |
979,255 |
CD&R Firefly Bidco Ltd. |
|
|
9.54% (3 Month GBP SONIA + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 06/23/25††† |
GBP 703,016 |
878,581 |
Elvis UK HoldCo Ltd. |
|
|
8.65% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.68%, Rate Floor: 4.68%) due 10/19/28 |
EUR 800,000 |
871,161 |
Checkers Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
14.70% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) (in-kind |
|
|
rate was 6.00%) due 06/16/28†††,12 |
651,891 |
651,891 |
12.70% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) (in-kind |
|
|
rate was 4.00%) due 06/16/27†††,12 |
93,287 |
93,287 |
CCRR Parent, Inc. |
|
|
9.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/06/28 |
747,449 |
703,222 |
See notes to financial statements.
58 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Cyclical – 7.6% (continued) |
|
|
Alterra Mountain Co. |
|
|
8.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/17/28 |
581,284 |
$ 581,284 |
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. |
|
|
8.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/06/30 |
547,250 |
547,097 |
Outcomes Group Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
13.04% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 7.50%) due 10/26/26††† |
450,000 |
411,750 |
Sotheby’s |
|
|
10.16% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/15/27 |
357,937 |
347,757 |
Mavis Tire Express Services TopCo Corp. |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 05/04/28 |
317,688 |
316,696 |
EG Finco Limited |
|
|
11.24% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.11%, Rate Floor: 4.61%) due 02/07/28 |
169,714 |
162,289 |
Scientific Games Holdings, LP |
|
|
8.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 04/04/29 |
123,750 |
123,032 |
Total Consumer, Cyclical |
|
118,682,976 |
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 7.3% |
|
|
HAH Group Holding Co. LLC |
|
|
10.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/29/27 |
7,688,553 |
7,593,582 |
LaserAway Intermediate Holdings II LLC |
|
|
11.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 10/14/27 |
7,576,606 |
7,434,544 |
Quirch Foods Holdings LLC |
|
|
10.45% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 10/27/27 |
6,848,094 |
6,801,048 |
Southern Veterinary Partners LLC |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/05/27 |
6,577,607 |
6,538,141 |
Women’s Care Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
10.05% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 01/17/28 |
6,671,438 |
5,891,747 |
Blue Ribbon LLC |
|
|
11.43% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 05/08/28 |
6,139,373 |
5,233,816 |
Florida Food Products LLC |
|
|
10.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/18/28 |
5,615,244 |
4,801,034 |
Kronos Acquisition Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/22/26 |
2,896,655 |
2,866,616 |
11.54% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 12/22/26 |
1,768,500 |
1,768,500 |
Gibson Brands, Inc. |
|
|
10.66% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 08/11/28 |
4,838,813 |
4,306,543 |
National Mentor Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.21% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%) and (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/02/28 |
4,290,815 |
3,885,891 |
9.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/02/28 |
150,000 |
135,845 |
Inception Holdco SARL |
|
|
9.72% (3 Month EURIBOR + 5.75%, Rate Floor: 5.75%) due 09/26/29††† |
EUR 3,600,000 |
3,879,817 |
Mission Veterinary Partners |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/27/28 |
3,920,000 |
3,865,277 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 59
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Heritage Grocers Group LLC |
|
|
12.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.75%, Rate Floor: 6.75%) due 08/01/29 |
3,830,653 |
$ 3,822,992 |
AI Aqua Merger Sub, Inc. |
|
|
due 07/30/28 |
3,750,000 |
3,712,500 |
Cambrex Corp. |
|
|
8.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 12/04/26 |
3,401,015 |
3,247,970 |
Balrog Acquisition, Inc. |
|
|
9.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/05/28††† |
3,042,375 |
3,023,360 |
Dhanani Group, Inc. |
|
|
11.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 06/10/27††† |
2,931,818 |
2,902,500 |
Weber-Stephen Products LLC |
|
|
8.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 10/29/27 |
3,028,708 |
2,586,304 |
Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. |
|
|
10.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 08/23/29 |
2,539,167 |
2,547,114 |
IVC Acquisition Ltd. |
|
|
7.32% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 02/13/26 |
EUR 1,100,000 |
1,176,818 |
7.57% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 02/13/26 |
EUR 1,000,000 |
1,069,900 |
PetIQ LLC |
|
|
10.17% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 04/13/28 |
2,248,250 |
2,214,526 |
Lyons Magnus |
|
|
12.13% (3 Month Term SOFR + 2.50%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) (in-kind rate |
|
|
was 4.25%) due 05/10/2712 |
2,476,949 |
2,150,809 |
Confluent Health LLC |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 11/30/28 |
2,169,257 |
2,060,794 |
Nidda Healthcare Holding GmbH |
|
|
7.46% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/21/26 |
EUR 1,900,000 |
2,038,808 |
Fortrea Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 07/01/30 |
1,846,383 |
1,827,346 |
PlayCore |
|
|
9.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 03/29/27 |
1,825,000 |
1,821,587 |
Packaging Coordinators Midco, Inc. |
|
|
9.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 11/30/27 |
1,755,000 |
1,747,927 |
PlayPower, Inc. |
|
|
11.06% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 05/08/26 |
2,133,071 |
1,730,987 |
Resonetics LLC |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/28/28 |
1,470,000 |
1,463,385 |
Moran Foods LLC |
|
|
12.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 06/30/26††† |
1,760,777 |
1,234,540 |
Stars UK Bidco Ltd. |
|
|
8.22% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/10/29 |
EUR 1,000,000 |
1,086,915 |
Hearthside Group Holdings LLC |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 05/23/25 |
1,381,125 |
1,064,336 |
Financiere Mendel |
|
|
9.62% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 11/30/30 |
925,000 |
921,763 |
See notes to financial statements.
60 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
EyeCare Partners LLC |
|
|
9.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/18/27 |
1,691,526 |
$ 874,976 |
Endo Luxembourg Finance Company I SARL |
|
|
14.50% (Commercial Prime Lending Rate + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) |
|
|
due 03/27/28 |
1,283,750 |
824,809 |
Balrog Acquisition, Inc. |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 09/05/28 |
713,305 |
694,581 |
Rainbow Finco SARL |
|
|
10.05% (6 Month SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 02/26/29 |
700,000 |
663,250 |
Snacking Investments US LLC (Arnott’s) |
|
|
9.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/18/26 |
459,986 |
457,880 |
TGP Holdings LLC |
|
|
8.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/29/28 |
376,806 |
320,545 |
Triton Water Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
8.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/31/28 |
223,287 |
219,379 |
Total Consumer, Non-cyclical |
|
114,511,002 |
Industrial – 5.9% |
|
|
Arcline FM Holdings LLC |
|
|
10.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 06/23/28 |
7,154,000 |
7,034,171 |
Charter Next Generation, Inc. |
|
|
9.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/01/27 |
4,692,936 |
4,671,442 |
NA Rail Hold Co. LLC |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/19/26 |
4,239,434 |
4,228,836 |
Pelican Products, Inc. |
|
|
9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/29/28 |
4,509,276 |
4,144,025 |
Integrated Power Services Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 11/22/28††† |
3,933,384 |
3,905,402 |
Dispatch Terra Acquisition LLC |
|
|
9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/27/28 |
4,142,063 |
3,883,184 |
Merlin Buyer, Inc. |
|
|
9.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/14/28 |
3,940,000 |
3,871,050 |
CPM Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.83% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/22/28 |
3,862,027 |
3,861,216 |
Michael Baker International LLC |
|
|
10.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 12/01/28 |
3,840,228 |
3,821,027 |
American Bath Group LLC |
|
|
9.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/23/27 |
4,056,227 |
3,810,663 |
Geo Parent Corporation |
|
|
10.80% (6 Month Term SOFR + 5.35%, Rate Floor: 5.35%) due 12/19/28 |
3,800,000 |
3,762,000 |
Aegion Corp. |
|
|
10.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 05/17/28 |
3,020,906 |
2,983,175 |
Mileage Plus Holdings LLC |
|
|
10.80% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 06/21/27 |
2,812,500 |
2,895,806 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 61
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Industrial – 5.9% (continued) |
|
|
StandardAero |
|
|
9.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/24/28 |
2,767,737 |
$ 2,763,254 |
ASP Dream Acquisiton Co. LLC |
|
|
9.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/15/28 |
2,462,500 |
2,444,031 |
STS Operating, Inc. (SunSource) |
|
|
9.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/11/24 |
2,362,598 |
2,362,599 |
AI Convoy Luxembourg SARL |
|
|
7.72% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 01/18/27 |
EUR 2,200,000 |
2,323,100 |
CapStone Acquisition Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
10.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 11/12/27††† |
2,308,733 |
2,295,749 |
Mauser Packaging Solutions Holding Co. |
|
|
9.32% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/14/26 |
2,303,712 |
2,285,144 |
WP CPP Holdings LLC |
|
|
9.29% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/30/25 |
2,265,156 |
2,230,227 |
Atlantic Aviation |
|
|
9.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 09/22/28 |
2,183,500 |
2,181,950 |
Fugue Finance LLC |
|
|
8.21% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 01/31/28 |
EUR 2,000,000 |
2,180,166 |
ILPEA Parent, Inc. |
|
|
9.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 06/22/28††† |
1,982,931 |
1,943,272 |
Anchor Packaging LLC |
|
|
8.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/20/26 |
1,586,154 |
1,561,965 |
DXP Enterprises, Inc. |
|
|
10.29% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 10/05/30 |
1,550,000 |
1,546,125 |
Inspired Finco Holdings Ltd. |
|
|
8.10% (1 Month EURIBOR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/31/28 |
EUR 1,250,000 |
1,355,949 |
Protective Industrial Products, Inc. |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 12/29/27 |
1,340,620 |
1,310,456 |
Transcendia Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.23% (3 Month USD LIBOR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 05/30/24 |
1,699,041 |
1,259,839 |
Spring Education Group, Inc. |
|
|
9.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 10/04/30 |
1,200,000 |
1,197,000 |
Merlin Buyer, Inc. |
|
|
due 12/14/28††† |
1,100,000 |
1,078,000 |
Solis IV B.V. |
|
|
7.96% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 02/26/29 |
EUR 1,000,000 |
1,060,037 |
API Holdings III Corp. |
|
|
6.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 1.00%, Rate Floor: 1.00%) due 05/09/26 |
1,568,396 |
942,026 |
6.32% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) due 03/25/27 |
57,328 |
55,608 |
TK Elevator Midco GmbH |
|
|
9.38% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 07/30/27 |
627,569 |
626,916 |
ProAmpac PG Borrower LLC |
|
|
9.88% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/15/28 |
500,000 |
496,145 |
TK Elevator Midco GmbH |
|
|
6.85% (1 Month EURIBOR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 01/29/27††† |
EUR 479,521 |
493,841 |
See notes to financial statements.
62 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Industrial – 5.9% (continued) |
|
|
Valcour Packaging LLC |
|
|
9.40% (6 month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/04/28 |
646,717 |
$ 492,197 |
Bleriot US Bidco LLC |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/31/28 |
399,000 |
399,782 |
Patriot Container Corp. (Wastequip) |
|
|
due 03/20/25 |
350,000 |
331,625 |
Osmose Utility Services, Inc. |
|
|
8.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 06/23/28 |
296,970 |
293,489 |
Titan Acquisition Ltd. (Husky) |
|
|
8.73% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.00%, Rate Floor: 3.00%) due 03/28/25 |
286,605 |
283,810 |
Park River Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
8.91% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 12/28/27 |
236,355 |
227,546 |
Sundyne (Star US Bidco) |
|
|
9.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/17/27 |
120,584 |
120,308 |
White Cap Supply Holdings LLC |
|
|
9.10% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 10/19/27 |
98,744 |
98,643 |
Air Canada |
|
|
9.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 08/11/28 |
82,363 |
82,202 |
Total Industrial |
|
91,194,998 |
Technology – 5.8% |
|
|
Visma AS |
|
|
7.18% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 12/03/25††† |
EUR 7,250,000 |
7,833,252 |
Avalara, Inc. |
|
|
12.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 10/19/28††† |
7,000,000 |
6,917,753 |
Polaris Newco LLC |
|
|
8.95% ((1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%) and (Commercial Prime Lending |
|
|
Rate + 2.50%), Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 06/04/26††† |
5,504,000 |
5,158,493 |
Project Ruby Ultimate Parent Corp. |
|
|
11.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.86%, Rate Floor: 6.61%) due 03/10/28††† |
4,950,000 |
4,991,659 |
Finastra |
|
|
12.71% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 09/13/29††† |
4,900,000 |
4,857,525 |
Concorde Lux |
|
|
7.89% (6 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 03/01/28 |
EUR 4,252,725 |
4,513,833 |
Datix Bidco Ltd. |
|
|
12.94% (6 Month GBP SONIA + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26††† |
GBP 1,775,000 |
2,194,747 |
9.94% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25††† |
2,001,644 |
1,966,415 |
13.19% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26††† |
300,111 |
293,959 |
24-7 Intouch, Inc. |
|
|
10.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 08/25/25 |
4,096,428 |
4,038,382 |
Apttus Corp. |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 05/08/28 |
3,812,188 |
3,807,423 |
Park Place Technologies, LLC |
|
|
10.45% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 11/10/27 |
3,780,171 |
3,722,675 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 63
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Technology – 5.8% (continued) |
|
|
Precise Midco BV |
|
|
8.35% (1 Month EURIBOR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 10/12/30 |
EUR 2,624,615 |
$ 2,842,304 |
7.60% (3 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 05/13/26 |
EUR 775,385 |
838,118 |
Xerox Corp. |
|
|
9.35% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 11/14/29 |
3,550,000 |
3,483,438 |
Central Parent LLC |
|
|
9.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 07/06/29 |
3,206,250 |
3,206,827 |
Sitecore Holding III A/S |
|
|
10.98% ((6 Month EURIBOR + 7.75%) and (12 Month EURIBOR + 7.00%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 03/12/26††† |
EUR 1,455,989 |
1,578,538 |
11.84% ((3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%) and (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/12/26††† |
1,169,838 |
1,165,041 |
11.84% ((3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%) and (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/09/26††† |
223,355 |
222,439 |
Indicor LLC |
|
|
9.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 11/22/29 |
2,587,000 |
2,587,492 |
IRIS Software Group |
|
|
9.54% (3 Month GBP SONIA + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 09/08/25 |
GBP 2,000,000 |
2,515,243 |
iSolved, Inc. |
|
|
9.48% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/14/30 |
2,400,000 |
2,397,000 |
Atlas CC Acquisition Corp. |
|
|
9.90% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/25/28 |
2,495,587 |
2,308,767 |
Project Ruby Ultimate Parent Corp. |
|
|
8.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 03/10/28 |
2,242,500 |
2,222,407 |
RLDatix |
|
|
13.19% (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%, Rate Floor: 7.75%) due 04/27/26††† |
1,387,999 |
1,359,545 |
9.94% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 04/28/25††† |
652,084 |
640,608 |
Team.Blue Finco SARL |
|
|
7.11% (2 Month EURIBOR + 3.20%, Rate Floor: 3.20%) due 03/30/28 |
EUR 1,750,000 |
1,839,596 |
Aston FinCo SARL |
|
|
9.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 10/09/26 |
1,636,250 |
1,398,307 |
9.96% (1 Month GBP SONIA + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 10/09/26 |
GBP 390,040 |
414,821 |
Wrench Group LLC |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/30/26 |
1,749,948 |
1,744,838 |
Upland Software, Inc. |
|
|
9.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 08/06/26 |
1,790,370 |
1,731,539 |
Navicure, Inc. |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/22/26 |
1,487,709 |
1,489,940 |
CoreLogic, Inc. |
|
|
8.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 06/02/28 |
1,258,074 |
1,178,664 |
Greenway Health LLC |
|
|
9.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 02/16/24 |
944,584 |
848,747 |
Sitecore USA, Inc. |
|
|
11.84% ((3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%) and (6 Month Term SOFR + 7.75%), |
|
|
Rate Floor: 6.25%) due 03/12/26††† |
572,766 |
570,417 |
See notes to financial statements.
64 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Technology – 5.8% (continued) |
|
|
SUSE |
|
|
due 10/26/30 |
500,000 |
$ 500,000 |
Epicor Software |
|
|
8.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.25%, Rate Floor: 3.25%) due 07/30/27 |
485,000 |
485,737 |
Polaris Newco LLC |
|
|
9.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 06/02/28 |
336,635 |
327,209 |
Finastra USA, Inc. |
|
|
12.57% (1 Month Term SOFR + 7.25%, Rate Floor: 7.25%) due 09/13/29††† |
34,064 |
30,007 |
Total Technology |
|
90,223,705 |
Financial – 3.3% |
|
|
Eisner Advisory Group |
|
|
10.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/28/28 |
7,451,940 |
7,438,005 |
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc. |
|
|
10.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 11/24/28††† |
5,414,389 |
5,363,168 |
10.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 11/25/28††† |
1,009,793 |
1,000,240 |
Asurion LLC |
|
|
9.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/20/28 |
3,936,609 |
3,867,718 |
Duff & Phelps |
|
|
9.14% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 04/09/27 |
1,935,000 |
1,894,365 |
7.97% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/09/27 |
EUR 1,745,490 |
1,851,310 |
HighTower Holding LLC |
|
|
9.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 04/21/28 |
3,447,903 |
3,427,802 |
Teneo Holdings LLC |
|
|
10.70% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.25%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/11/25 |
3,364,685 |
3,354,187 |
Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc. |
|
|
9.94% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/10/26 |
3,457,870 |
3,259,043 |
Aretec Group, Inc. |
|
|
due 08/09/30 |
3,200,000 |
3,147,424 |
Franchise Group, Inc. |
|
|
10.44% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 03/10/26 |
3,995,519 |
2,972,666 |
Alter Domus |
|
|
8.81% (3 Month SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 02/17/28 |
2,730,000 |
2,726,588 |
Apex Group Treasury LLC |
|
|
10.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 07/27/28††† |
2,034,625 |
2,032,082 |
Jones Deslauriers Insurance Management, Inc. |
|
|
9.62% (6 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 03/15/30 |
1,850,000 |
1,852,313 |
Nexus Buyer LLC |
|
|
9.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 11/09/26 |
1,736,250 |
1,715,363 |
Cobham Ultra SeniorCo SARL |
|
|
9.36% (6 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/06/29 |
1,732,566 |
1,699,214 |
Sandy Bidco BV |
|
|
7.88% (6 Month EURIBOR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 08/17/29 |
EUR 1,100,000 |
1,176,638 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 65
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Financial – 3.3% (continued) |
|
|
Saphilux SARL |
|
|
10.14% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 5.25%) due 07/18/28 |
1,150,000 |
$ 1,150,000 |
Global Blue Acquisition B.V. |
|
|
due 11/13/30 |
EUR 1,000,000 |
1,072,284 |
Avison Young (Canada), Inc. |
|
|
12.15% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.50%, Rate Floor: 6.50%) due 01/31/26 |
2,305,623 |
688,805 |
Osaic Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
9.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/10/28 |
200,000 |
200,062 |
Total Financial |
|
51,889,277 |
Communications – 1.7% |
|
|
FirstDigital Communications LLC |
|
|
9.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 12/17/26††† |
8,000,000 |
7,773,983 |
Syndigo LLC |
|
|
9.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 12/15/27††† |
4,485,000 |
4,328,025 |
Flight Bidco, Inc. |
|
|
12.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 7.50%, Rate Floor: 7.50%) due 07/23/26 |
3,715,000 |
3,605,890 |
8.96% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 3.50%) due 07/23/25 |
429,648 |
421,515 |
Xplornet Communications, Inc. |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/02/28 |
4,557,000 |
2,836,733 |
Simon & Schuster |
|
|
9.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 09/26/30 |
2,500,000 |
2,496,875 |
Conterra Ultra Broadband Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
10.20% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 04/30/26 |
2,405,141 |
2,358,048 |
McGraw Hill LLC |
|
|
10.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/28/28 |
980,000 |
961,272 |
Recorded Books, Inc. |
|
|
9.60% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 08/29/25 |
486,483 |
485,671 |
Cengage Learning Acquisitions, Inc. |
|
|
10.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/14/26 |
441,000 |
440,286 |
Titan AcquisitionCo New Zealand Ltd. (Trade Me) |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 10/18/28 |
443,250 |
434,017 |
Total Communications |
|
26,142,315 |
Basic Materials – 1.0% |
|
|
Barentz Midco BV |
|
|
9.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 11/30/27 |
3,210,376 |
3,154,194 |
Vector WP Holdco, Inc. |
|
|
10.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) due 10/12/28 |
3,060,488 |
3,022,231 |
LTI Holdings, Inc. |
|
|
10.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 07/24/26 |
2,957,938 |
2,761,975 |
Eden S.A.S. |
|
|
8.60% (3 Month EURIBOR + 4.63%, Rate Floor: 4.63%) due 06/22/29 |
EUR 2,100,000 |
2,279,412 |
See notes to financial statements.
66 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
SENIOR FLOATING RATE INTERESTS††,◊ – 33.5% (continued) |
|
|
Basic Materials – 1.0% (continued) |
|
|
DCG Acquisition Corp. |
|
|
9.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 09/30/26 |
1,923,769 |
$ 1,893,719 |
Arsenal AIC Parent LLC |
|
|
9.85% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 08/19/30 |
900,000 |
899,811 |
NIC Acquisition Corp. |
|
|
9.40% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 12/29/27 |
1,043,229 |
786,334 |
Pregis TopCo LLC |
|
|
9.21% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 07/31/26 |
656,600 |
651,131 |
Schur Flexibles GmbH |
|
|
9.59% (6 Month EURIBOR + 5.50%, Rate Floor: 5.50%) due 09/28/27 |
EUR 312,500 |
232,463 |
Vantage Specialty Chemicals, Inc. |
|
|
10.08% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.75%, Rate Floor: 4.75%) due 10/26/26 |
125,000 |
116,688 |
Total Basic Materials |
|
15,797,958 |
Energy – 0.8% |
|
|
ANGL LLC |
|
|
9.89% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.50%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) due 02/01/29 |
7,600,000 |
7,562,000 |
Par Petroleum LLC |
|
|
9.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 02/28/30 |
3,880,500 |
3,869,169 |
Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LLC |
|
|
8.07% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.63%, Rate Floor: 2.63%) due 08/19/26 |
888,838 |
878,839 |
Permian Production Partners LLC |
|
|
15.46% (1 Month Term SOFR + 8.00%, Rate Floor: 8.00%) (in-kind |
|
|
rate was 2.00%) due 11/24/2512 |
375,455 |
358,559 |
Total Energy |
|
12,668,567 |
Utilities – 0.1% |
|
|
Franklin Energy (KAMC Holdings, Inc.) |
|
|
9.65% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.00%, Rate Floor: 4.00%) due 08/14/26 |
1,584,000 |
1,341,870 |
Oregon Clean Energy LLC |
|
|
9.24% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.75%, Rate Floor: 3.75%) due 03/01/26 |
793,871 |
780,971 |
EIF Channelview Cogeneration LLC |
|
|
9.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.25%, Rate Floor: 4.25%) due 05/03/25 |
75,759 |
75,001 |
Total Utilities |
|
2,197,842 |
Total Senior Floating Rate Interests |
|
|
(Cost $540,340,426) |
|
523,308,640 |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% |
|
|
Collateralized Loan Obligations – 7.3% |
|
|
Madison Park Funding LIII Ltd. |
|
|
2022-53A E, 11.41% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.00%, Rate Floor: 6.00%) |
|
|
due 04/21/35◊,5 |
18,500,000 |
17,143,739 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 67
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% (continued) |
|
|
Collateralized Loan Obligations – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Palmer Square Loan Funding Ltd. |
|
|
2022-1A D, 10.39% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.00%, Rate Floor: 5.00%) |
|
|
due 04/15/30◊,5 |
8,750,000 |
$ 8,359,529 |
2021-3A D, 10.68% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.26%, Rate Floor: 5.26%) |
|
|
due 07/20/29◊,5 |
7,000,000 |
6,839,792 |
2021-2A D, 10.63% (3 Month Term SOFR + 5.26%, Rate Floor: 5.26%) |
|
|
due 05/20/29◊,5 |
2,000,000 |
1,941,592 |
CIFC Funding Ltd. |
|
|
2021-4RA DR, 12.66% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.26%, Rate Floor: 7.00%) |
|
|
due 01/17/35◊,5 |
11,000,000 |
10,667,704 |
2022-3A E, 12.68% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.27%, Rate Floor: 7.27%) |
|
|
due 04/21/35◊,5 |
2,000,000 |
1,995,826 |
Boyce Park CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2022-1A E, 11.66% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) |
|
|
due 04/21/35◊,5 |
10,000,000 |
9,288,481 |
Fortress Credit Opportunities IX CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2021-9A DR, 9.61% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.21%, Rate Floor: 3.95%) |
|
|
due 10/15/33◊,5 |
8,000,000 |
7,134,999 |
Fontainbleau Vegas |
|
|
10.97% (1 Month Term SOFR + 5.65%, Rate Floor: 5.65%) |
|
|
due 01/31/26◊,††† |
5,936,056 |
5,936,056 |
9.97% (1 Month Term SOFR +5.65%, Rate Floor: 5.65%) due 01/31/26◊,††† |
103,818 |
– |
Cerberus Loan Funding XLII LLC |
|
|
2023-3A C, 9.58% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.15%, Rate Floor: 4.15%) |
|
|
due 09/13/35◊,5 |
5,750,000 |
5,748,644 |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies |
|
|
2022-1A E, 12.74% (3 Month Term SOFR + 7.35%, Rate Floor: 7.35%) |
|
|
due 04/15/35◊,5 |
5,500,000 |
5,403,704 |
Neuberger Berman Loan Advisers CLO 47 Ltd. |
|
|
2022-47A E, 11.64% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.25%, Rate Floor: 6.25%) |
|
|
due 04/14/35◊,5 |
4,250,000 |
4,065,145 |
ACRES Commercial Realty Ltd. |
|
|
2021-FL2 C, 8.09% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.76%, Rate Floor: 2.76%) |
|
|
due 01/15/37◊,5 |
1,750,000 |
1,630,994 |
2021-FL2 D, 8.54% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.21%, Rate Floor: 3.21%) |
|
|
due 01/15/37◊,5 |
1,750,000 |
1,603,191 |
Voya CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2022-1A SUB, due 04/20/355,13 |
3,650,000 |
2,882,701 |
2013-1A INC, due 10/15/305,13 |
3,000,000 |
113,400 |
ABPCI Direct Lending Fund CLO II LLC |
|
|
2021-1A DR, 10.18% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.76%, Rate Floor: 4.50%) |
|
|
due 04/20/32◊,5 |
3,000,000 |
2,839,177 |
KREF Ltd. |
|
|
2021-FL2 AS, 6.74% (1 Month Term SOFR + 1.41%, Rate Floor: 1.30%) |
|
|
due 02/15/39◊,5 |
2,850,000 |
2,638,911 |
See notes to financial statements.
68 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% (continued) |
|
|
Collateralized Loan Obligations – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Cerberus Loan Funding XL LLC |
|
|
2023-1A D, 11.79% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.40%, Rate Floor: 6.40%) |
|
|
due 03/22/35◊,5 |
2,500,000 |
$ 2,502,021 |
LCCM Trust |
|
|
2021-FL2 C, 7.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.26%, Rate Floor: 2.26%) |
|
|
due 12/13/38◊,5 |
2,600,000 |
2,386,230 |
FS Rialto Issuer LLC |
|
|
2022-FL6 C, 9.56% (1 Month Term SOFR + 4.23%, Rate Floor: 4.23%) |
|
|
due 08/17/37◊,5 |
2,250,000 |
2,240,408 |
Golub Capital Partners CLO 49M Ltd. |
|
|
2021-49A D, 9.53% (3 Month Term SOFR + 4.11%, Rate Floor: 4.11%) |
|
|
due 08/26/33◊,5 |
2,250,000 |
2,028,488 |
Carlyle US CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2022-4A DR, 11.99% (3 Month Term SOFR + 6.60%, Rate Floor: 6.60%) |
|
|
due 04/15/35◊,5 |
2,000,000 |
1,890,236 |
FS Rialto |
|
|
2021-FL2 C, 7.49% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.16%, Rate Floor: 2.16%) |
|
|
due 05/16/38◊,5 |
1,400,000 |
1,320,787 |
Diamond CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2018-1A D, 9.37% (3 Month Term SOFR + 3.96%, Rate Floor: 3.70%) |
|
|
due 07/22/30◊,5 |
1,216,416 |
1,213,433 |
Dryden 50 Senior Loan Fund |
|
|
2017-50A SUB, due 07/15/305,13 |
3,555,000 |
1,072,188 |
Carlyle Global Market Strategies CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2012-3A SUB, due 01/14/325,13 |
2,600,000 |
630,500 |
Great Lakes CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2014-1A SUB, due 10/15/295,13 |
1,153,846 |
439,535 |
KVK CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2013-1A SUB, due 01/14/285,13 |
2,300,000 |
387,679 |
Dryden Senior Loan Fund |
|
|
due 01/15/3113 |
2,998,799 |
310,286 |
A10 Permanent Asset Financing LLC |
|
|
2017-II C1, 6.24% (WAC) due 06/15/51◊,5 |
250,000 |
159,372 |
Dryden 41 Senior Loan Fund |
|
|
2015-41A SUB, due 04/15/315,13 |
1,850,000 |
142,548 |
Marathon CLO V Ltd. |
|
|
2013-5A SUB, due 11/21/275,13 |
3,566,667 |
124,833 |
Dryden 37 Senior Loan Fund |
|
|
2015-37A SUB, due 01/15/315,13 |
1,050,000 |
108,644 |
Babson CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2014-IA SUB, due 07/20/255,13 |
2,923,125 |
80,152 |
Atlas Senior Loan Fund IX Ltd. |
|
|
2018-9A SUB, due 04/20/285,13 |
2,600,000 |
61,903 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 69
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% (continued) |
|
|
Collateralized Loan Obligations – 7.3% (continued) |
|
|
Venture XIII CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2013-13A SUB, due 09/10/295,13 |
1,500,000 |
$ 38,778 |
Treman Park CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2015-1A COM, due 10/20/285,13 |
814,751 |
3,178 |
West CLO Ltd. |
|
|
2013-1A SUB, due 11/07/255,13 |
1,350,000 |
135 |
Total Collateralized Loan Obligations |
|
113,374,919 |
Transport-Aircraft – 4.2% |
|
|
Sprite Ltd. |
|
|
2021-1, 3.75% due 11/15/465 |
12,212,942 |
11,192,794 |
GAIA Aviation Ltd. |
|
|
2019-1, 3.97% due 12/15/445,6 |
9,835,194 |
8,843,609 |
2019-1, 5.19% due 12/15/445,6 |
1,444,220 |
1,184,260 |
AASET Trust |
|
|
2021-2A, 2.80% due 01/15/475 |
3,854,325 |
3,300,073 |
2020-1A, 3.35% due 01/16/405 |
2,134,003 |
1,867,214 |
2019-2, 4.46% due 10/16/395 |
3,524,131 |
1,550,747 |
2020-1A, 4.34% due 01/16/405 |
1,111,510 |
614,130 |
2019-1, 3.84% due 05/15/395 |
727,500 |
545,632 |
Project Silver |
|
|
2019-1, 3.97% due 07/15/445 |
8,340,925 |
6,923,218 |
KDAC Aviation Finance Ltd. |
|
|
2017-1A, 4.21% due 12/15/425 |
6,797,154 |
5,709,879 |
Labrador Aviation Finance Ltd. |
|
|
2016-1A, 4.30% due 01/15/425 |
4,298,798 |
3,622,759 |
MACH 1 Cayman Ltd. |
|
|
2019-1, 3.47% due 10/15/395 |
4,136,430 |
3,538,799 |
Castlelake Aircraft Structured Trust |
|
|
2021-1A, 6.66% due 01/15/465 |
3,456,734 |
2,845,085 |
Start Ltd. |
|
|
2018-1, 4.09% due 05/15/435 |
1,807,509 |
1,613,473 |
2018-1, 5.32% due 05/15/435 |
1,425,831 |
1,222,679 |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust |
|
|
2018-1, 4.13% due 06/15/435 |
1,462,023 |
1,332,844 |
2019-1A, 3.97% due 04/15/395 |
1,326,469 |
1,160,704 |
JOL Air Ltd. |
|
|
2019-1, 3.97% due 04/15/445 |
2,752,993 |
2,481,630 |
Start II Ltd. |
|
|
2019-1, 4.09% due 03/15/445 |
1,994,360 |
1,800,089 |
WAVE LLC |
|
|
2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/445 |
1,962,511 |
1,609,357 |
Sapphire Aviation Finance II Ltd. |
|
|
2020-1A, 4.34% due 03/15/405 |
1,694,674 |
1,211,760 |
See notes to financial statements.
70 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% (continued) |
|
|
Transport-Aircraft – 4.2% (continued) |
|
|
Falcon Aerospace Ltd. |
|
|
2019-1, 3.60% due 09/15/395 |
752,954 |
$ 681,392 |
2017-1, 6.30% due 02/15/425 |
569,372 |
495,071 |
MAPS Ltd. |
|
|
2019-1A, 4.46% due 03/15/445 |
535,226 |
475,061 |
Sapphire Aviation Finance I Ltd. |
|
|
2018-1A, 4.25% due 03/15/405 |
328,240 |
292,206 |
Castlelake Aircraft Securitization Trust |
|
|
2014-1, due 12/31/30††† |
3,054,105 |
109,849 |
Total Transport-Aircraft |
|
66,224,314 |
Financial – 2.3% |
|
|
Thunderbird A |
|
|
5.50% due 03/01/37††† |
11,890,013 |
10,922,877 |
Lightning A |
|
|
5.50% due 03/01/37††† |
11,712,654 |
10,759,944 |
Ceamer Finance LLC |
|
|
6.92% due 11/15/37††† |
3,866,541 |
3,694,680 |
3.69% due 03/24/31††† |
3,315,370 |
3,073,335 |
KKR Core Holding Company LLC |
|
|
4.00% due 08/12/31††† |
2,829,763 |
2,486,373 |
Thunderbird B |
|
|
7.50% due 03/01/37††† |
1,514,294 |
1,376,918 |
Lightning B |
|
|
7.50% due 03/01/37††† |
1,491,706 |
1,356,379 |
Nassau LLC |
|
|
2019-1, 3.98% due 08/15/345 |
1,089,509 |
1,035,576 |
Bib Merchant Voucher Receivables Ltd. |
|
|
4.18% due 04/07/28††† |
792,617 |
754,790 |
Total Financial |
|
35,460,872 |
Infrastructure – 1.6% |
|
|
Hotwire Funding LLC |
|
|
2023-1A, 8.84% due 05/20/535 |
11,000,000 |
10,132,956 |
2021-1, 4.46% due 11/20/515 |
5,250,000 |
4,375,433 |
VB-S1 Issuer LLC – VBTEL |
|
|
2022-1A, 5.27% due 02/15/525 |
8,000,000 |
6,768,341 |
Vault DI Issuer LLC |
|
|
2021-1A, 2.80% due 07/15/465 |
1,850,000 |
1,594,878 |
Aligned Data Centers Issuer LLC |
|
|
2021-1A, 2.48% due 08/15/465 |
1,500,000 |
1,295,006 |
Blue Stream Issuer LLC |
|
|
2023-1A, 6.90% due 05/20/535 |
1,000,000 |
934,210 |
Total Infrastructure |
|
25,100,824 |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 71
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% (continued) |
|
|
Whole Business – 1.0% |
|
|
Applebee’s Funding LLC / IHOP Funding LLC |
|
|
2019-1A, 4.72% due 06/05/495 |
8,217,000 |
$ 7,720,595 |
TSGE |
|
|
2017-1, 6.25% due 09/25/31††† |
4,482,557 |
3,716,672 |
SERVPRO Master Issuer LLC |
|
|
2019-1A, 3.88% due 10/25/495 |
1,968,000 |
1,817,045 |
Sonic Capital LLC |
|
|
2020-1A, 3.85% due 01/20/505 |
1,209,375 |
1,111,969 |
2020-1A, 4.34% due 01/20/505 |
774,000 |
687,814 |
Wingstop Funding LLC |
|
|
2020-1A, 2.84% due 12/05/505 |
98,500 |
86,817 |
Total Whole Business |
|
15,140,912 |
Net Lease – 0.8% |
|
|
CARS-DB4, LP |
|
|
2020-1A, 4.95% due 02/15/505 |
7,110,000 |
5,792,083 |
SVC ABS LLC |
|
|
2023-1A, 5.55% due 02/20/535 |
3,693,063 |
3,411,315 |
CARS-DB7, LP |
|
|
2023-1A, 6.50% due 09/15/535 |
3,343,021 |
3,297,288 |
Total Net Lease |
|
12,500,686 |
Single Family Residence – 0.7% |
|
|
FirstKey Homes Trust |
|
|
2022-SFR3, 4.50% due 07/17/385 |
3,200,000 |
3,016,066 |
2020-SFR2, 4.00% due 10/19/375 |
3,050,000 |
2,798,513 |
2020-SFR2, 4.50% due 10/19/375 |
3,000,000 |
2,761,528 |
2020-SFR2, 3.37% due 10/19/375 |
1,900,000 |
1,730,024 |
Total Single Family Residence |
|
10,306,131 |
Insurance – 0.1% |
|
|
CHEST |
|
|
7.13% due 03/15/43††† |
1,500,000 |
1,464,427 |
CBC Insurance Revenue Securitization LLC |
|
|
2016-1, 5.25% due 07/15/4610 |
289,945 |
252,212 |
Total Insurance |
|
1,716,639 |
72 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES†† – 18.0% (continued) |
|
|
Collateralized Debt Obligations – 0.0% |
|
|
Anchorage Credit Funding 4 Ltd. |
|
|
2021-4A CR, 3.52% due 04/27/395 |
1,000,000 |
$ 825,882 |
Transport-Rail – 0.0% |
|
|
Trinity Rail Leasing, LP |
|
|
2009-1A, 6.66% due 11/16/395 |
103,243 |
103,104 |
Total Asset-Backed Securities |
|
|
(Cost $299,752,584) |
|
280,754,283 |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† – 8.2% |
|
|
Government Agency – 5.0% |
|
|
Freddie Mac |
|
|
3.00% due 08/01/521 |
12,863,513 |
10,931,905 |
3.00% due 06/01/521 |
12,820,305 |
10,876,534 |
5.00% due 09/01/521 |
5,705,408 |
5,500,176 |
4.00% due 05/01/521 |
5,422,745 |
4,947,568 |
4.00% due 06/01/521 |
4,694,150 |
4,297,212 |
4.00% due 08/01/521 |
1,745,876 |
1,610,507 |
Fannie Mae |
|
|
4.00% due 06/01/521 |
7,014,734 |
6,433,036 |
4.00% due 07/01/521 |
6,549,170 |
6,034,014 |
5.00% due 08/01/531 |
5,910,977 |
5,692,110 |
5.00% due 09/01/521 |
2,177,183 |
2,098,867 |
5.00% due 06/01/531 |
1,978,004 |
1,905,019 |
4.00% due 05/01/521 |
1,702,150 |
1,551,781 |
Uniform MBS 30 Year |
|
|
due 09/14/53◊ |
19,432,773 |
16,382,838 |
Total Government Agency |
|
78,261,567 |
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities – 2.1% |
|
|
LSTAR Securities Investment Ltd. |
|
|
2023-1, 8.85% (SOFR + 3.50%, Rate Floor: 0.00%) due 01/01/28◊,5 |
6,888,647 |
6,836,416 |
Finance of America HECM Buyout |
|
|
2022-HB2, 6.00% (WAC) due 08/01/32◊,5 |
3,800,000 |
3,444,281 |
Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust Series |
|
|
2006-NC5, 5.61% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.26%, Rate Cap/Floor: 14.50%/0.15%) |
|
|
due 01/25/37◊ |
3,931,175 |
3,253,472 |
CFMT LLC |
|
|
2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/37◊,10 |
3,400,000 |
2,740,282 |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 73
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† – 8.2% (continued) |
|
|
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities – 2.1% (continued) |
|
|
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust |
|
|
2022-NQM5, 6.50% due 11/25/525,6 |
2,141,503 |
$ 2,113,132 |
WaMu Asset-Backed Certificates WaMu Series |
|
|
2007-HE4, 5.63% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.28%, Rate Floor: 0.28%) |
|
|
due 07/25/47◊ |
1,620,287 |
1,121,930 |
2007-HE4, 5.71% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.36%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) |
|
|
due 07/25/47◊ |
914,234 |
518,907 |
2007-HE2, 5.65% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.30%, Rate Floor: 0.30%) |
|
|
due 04/25/37◊ |
1,349,830 |
467,338 |
GCAT Trust |
|
|
2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/675,6 |
2,014,220 |
1,955,570 |
Lehman XS Trust Series |
|
|
2006-18N, 5.82% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.47%, Rate Floor: 0.36%) |
|
|
due 12/25/36◊ |
1,912,924 |
1,804,577 |
BRAVO Residential Funding Trust |
|
|
2022-NQM3, 5.50% (WAC) due 07/25/62◊,5 |
1,627,746 |
1,596,793 |
PRPM LLC |
|
|
2023-1, 6.88% (WAC) due 02/25/28◊,5 |
1,584,888 |
1,585,921 |
PRKCM Trust |
|
|
2022-AFC2, 6.14% (WAC) due 08/25/57◊,5 |
1,215,441 |
1,189,287 |
OBX Trust |
|
|
2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/625,6 |
1,086,888 |
1,062,739 |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust |
|
|
2022-A, 6.17% due 09/25/625,6 |
1,046,498 |
1,040,832 |
JP Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Trust |
|
|
2006-WMC4, 5.59% (1 Month Term SOFR + 0.24%, Rate Floor: 0.13%) |
|
|
due 12/25/36◊ |
1,429,838 |
831,840 |
CSMC Trust |
|
|
2020-RPL5, 3.02% (WAC) due 08/25/60◊,5 |
761,591 |
754,252 |
Total Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities |
|
32,317,569 |
Military Housing – 0.6% |
|
|
Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds Resecuritization Trust Certificates |
|
|
2015-R1, 5.94% (WAC) due 11/25/52◊,10 |
3,390,490 |
2,950,329 |
2015-R1, 0.70% (WAC) due 11/25/55◊,5,14 |
39,817,782 |
2,507,453 |
2015-R1, 0.70% (WAC) due 11/25/52◊,5,14 |
31,783,824 |
1,818,146 |
Capmark Military Housing Trust |
|
|
2007-AETC, 5.75% due 02/10/52†††,5 |
1,513,474 |
1,285,133 |
2007-AET2, 6.06% due 10/10/52†††,5 |
455,104 |
418,966 |
Total Military Housing |
|
8,980,027 |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – 0.5% |
|
|
BX Commercial Mortgage Trust |
|
|
2021-VOLT, 7.44% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.11%, Rate Floor: 2.00%) |
|
|
due 09/15/36◊,5 |
3,743,000 |
3,550,355 |
74 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS†† – 8.2% (continued) |
|
|
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – 0.5% (continued) |
|
|
BX Trust |
|
|
2023-DELC, 8.66% (1 Month Term SOFR + 3.34%, Rate Floor: 3.34%) |
|
|
due 05/15/38◊,5 |
2,750,000 |
$ 2,751,719 |
GS Mortgage Securities Corporation Trust |
|
|
2020-DUNE, 7.95% (1 Month Term SOFR + 2.61%, Rate Floor: 2.50%) |
|
|
due 12/15/36◊,5 |
2,000,000 |
1,907,595 |
Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities |
|
8,209,669 |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
|
|
(Cost $132,309,558) |
|
127,768,832 |
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES†† – 1.0% |
|
|
U.S. Treasury Bonds |
|
|
due 08/15/511,15,16 |
32,650,000 |
9,503,690 |
due 05/15/441,15,16 |
5,030,000 |
1,915,485 |
due 11/15/441,15,16 |
5,030,000 |
1,870,898 |
due 02/15/4615,16 |
5,060,000 |
1,779,261 |
Total U.S. Government Securities |
|
|
(Cost $20,829,125) |
|
15,069,334 |
U.S. TREASURY BILLS†† – 0.2% |
|
|
U.S. Treasury Bills |
|
|
5.31% due 12/28/2317 |
3,490,000 |
3,476,164 |
5.09% due 02/01/2417 |
230,000 |
227,917 |
Total U.S. Treasury Bills |
|
|
(Cost $3,704,011) |
|
3,704,081 |
CONVERTIBLE BONDS†† – 0.2% |
|
|
Consumer, Non-cyclical – 0.1% |
|
|
Block, Inc. |
|
|
due 05/01/2615 |
2,840,000 |
2,442,400 |
Communications – 0.1% |
|
|
Cable One, Inc. |
|
|
due 03/15/2615 |
1,250,000 |
1,037,500 |
Total Convertible Bonds |
|
|
(Cost $3,628,085) |
|
3,479,900 |
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT DEBT†† – 0.2% |
|
|
Panama Government International Bond |
|
|
4.50% due 01/19/63 |
4,150,000 |
2,549,703 |
Total Foreign Government Debt |
|
|
(Cost $4,124,491) |
|
2,549,703 |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 75
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Face |
|
|
Amount~ |
Value |
MUNICIPAL BONDS†† – 0.0% |
|
|
Oklahoma – 0.0% |
|
|
Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Revenue Bonds |
|
|
5.45% due 08/15/28 |
400,000 |
$ 351,337 |
Total Municipal Bonds |
|
|
(Cost $400,000) |
|
351,337 |
SENIOR FIXED RATE INTERESTS†† – 0.0% |
|
|
Industrial – 0.0% |
|
|
Schur Flexibles GmbH |
|
|
13.41% due 09/30/26 |
EUR 163,951 |
170,448 |
9.59% due 09/30/26 |
EUR 113,552 |
118,051 |
13.27% due 09/30/26 |
EUR 28,981 |
30,130 |
Total Senior Fixed Rate Interests |
|
|
(Cost $311,884) |
|
318,629 |
|
Notional |
|
|
Value |
|
OTC OPTIONS PURCHASED†† – 0.0% |
|
|
Call Options on: |
|
|
Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring |
|
|
June 2024 with strike price of $0.10 |
USD 44,500,000 |
79,506 |
Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring |
|
|
June 2024 with strike price of $0.10 |
USD 41,200,000 |
73,610 |
Barclays Bank plc |
|
|
10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring June 2024 with strike price of $0.10 |
USD 40,800,000 |
72,896 |
Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring |
|
|
June 2024 with strike price of $0.10 |
USD 20,600,000 |
36,805 |
Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP |
|
|
Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.10 |
USD 41,200,000 |
1,511 |
Barclays Bank plc |
|
|
10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20 |
USD 41,200,000 |
1,511 |
Goldman Sachs International 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP |
|
|
Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $0.20 |
USD 44,500,000 |
1,632 |
Bank of America, N.A. 10Y-2Y SOFR CMS CAP Expiring |
|
|
December 2023 with strike price of $0.20 |
USD 20,200,000 |
741 |
Total OTC Options Purchased |
|
|
(Cost $1,257,721) |
|
268,212 |
Total Investments – 130.1% |
|
|
(Cost $2,182,345,685) |
|
$ 2,029,916,560 |
76 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Contracts |
Value |
LISTED OPTIONS WRITTEN† – (0.1)% |
|
|
Call Options on: |
|
|
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,550.00 (Notional Value $1,831,670) |
4 |
$ (16,215) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,555.00 (Notional Value $456,780) |
1 |
(3,390) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,540.00 (Notional Value $456,780) |
1 |
(4,060) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,560.00 (Notional Value $456,780) |
1 |
(4,510) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,500.00 (Notional Value $913,560) |
2 |
(11,785) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,515.00 (Notional Value $456,780) |
1 |
(5,500) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,510.00 (Notional Value $456,780) |
1 |
(5,695) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,500.00 (Notional Value $456,780) |
1 |
(6,670) |
SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $451.00 |
|
|
(Notional Value $1,004,080) |
22 |
(17,787) |
S&P 500 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $4,565.00 (Notional Value $33,344,940) |
73 |
(333,975) |
NASDAQ-100 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $16,030.00 |
|
|
(Notional Value $33,490,527) |
21 |
(349,230) |
Russell 2000 Index Expiring December 2023 with strike price of $1,815.00 |
|
|
(Notional Value $33,285,968) |
184 |
(495,880) |
Total Listed Options Written |
|
|
(Premiums received $1,312,557) |
|
(1,248,027) |
Other Assets & Liabilities, net – (30.0)% |
|
(467,820,714) |
Total Net Assets – 100.0% |
|
$ 1,560,847,819 |
FUTURES CONTRACTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value and |
|
Number of |
Expiration |
Notional |
Unrealized |
Description |
Contracts |
Date |
Amount |
Appreciation** |
Equity Futures Contracts Purchased† |
|
|
|
|
S&P 500 Index Mini Futures Contracts |
30 |
Dec 2023 |
$6,862,125 |
$367,452 |
CENTRALLY CLEARED CREDIT DEFAULT SWAP AGREEMENTS PROTECTION PURCHASED††
|
|
|
Protection |
|
|
|
|
Upfront |
|
|
|
|
Premium |
Payment |
Maturity |
Notional |
|
Premiums |
Unrealized |
Counterparty |
Exchange |
Index |
Rate |
Frequency |
Date |
Amount |
Value |
(Received) |
Depreciation** |
BofA Securities, |
ICE |
ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1 |
1.00% |
Quarterly |
12/20/27 |
EUR $63,300,000 |
$(1,174,827) |
$(328,523) |
$(846,304) |
Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 77
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
CENTRALLY
CLEARED INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS††
|
|
Floating |
Floating |
|
|
|
|
|
Upfront |
|
|
|
Rate |
Rate |
Fixed |
Payment |
Maturity |
Notional |
|
Premiums |
Unrealized |
Counterparty |
Exchange |
Type |
Index |
Rate |
Frequency |
Date |
Amount |
Value |
Paid |
Depreciation** |
BofA Securities, |
CME |
Pay |
U.S. Secured |
2.78% |
Annually |
07/18/27 |
$143,900,000 |
$(6,488,012) |
$686 |
$(6,488,698) |
Inc. |
|
|
Overnight |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Rate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS††
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
Contract |
Settlement |
Appreciation |
Counterparty |
Currency |
Type |
Quantity |
Amount |
Date |
(Depreciation) |
Barclays Bank plc |
GBP |
Buy |
2,005,000 |
2,497,811 USD |
12/18/23 |
$ 33,573 |
Barclays Bank plc |
EUR |
Buy |
25,000 |
27,153 USD |
12/18/23 |
81 |
Barclays Bank plc |
EUR |
Sell |
2,055,000 |
2,238,413 USD |
12/18/23 |
(219) |
Bank of America, N.A. |
CAD |
Sell |
2,902,000 |
2,119,743 USD |
12/18/23 |
(20,203) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
EUR |
Sell |
66,090,000 |
71,969,234 USD |
12/18/23 |
(26,438) |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
GBP |
Sell |
17,810,000 |
22,266,673 USD |
12/18/23 |
(219,081) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$(232,287) |
~ | | The face amount
is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated. |
* | | Non-income producing
security. |
** | | Includes cumulative
appreciation (depreciation). Variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets
and Liabilities. |
† | | Value determined
based on Level 1 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 6. |
†† | | Value determined
based on Level 2 inputs, unless otherwise noted — See Note 6. |
††† | | Value determined
based on Level 3 inputs — See Note 6. |
◊ | | Variable rate
security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at November 30, 2023. In some instances, the
effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the
issuer. The settlement status of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated.
In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have a stated effective
rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown,
the effective rate is based on a weighted average. |
1 | | All or a portion
of these securities have been physically segregated in connection with borrowings, options,
reverse repurchase agreements and unfunded loan commitments. As of November 30, 2023, the
total value of segregated securities was $622,171,296. |
2 | | Special Purpose
Acquisition Company (SPAC). |
4 | | Security has a
fixed rate coupon which will convert to a floating or variable rate coupon on a future date. |
5 | | Security is a
144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined to be liquid under
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section
4(a)(2) securities is $825,837,687 (cost $902,679,939), or 52.9% of total net assets. |
6 | | Security is a
step up/down bond. The coupon increases or decreases at regular intervals until the bond
reaches full maturity. Rate indicated is the rate at November 30, 2023. See table below for
additional step information for each security. |
7 | | Rate indicated
is the 7-day yield as of November 30, 2023. |
See notes to financial statements.
78 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
8 | | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at November 30, 2023. The
rate is linked to the volatility-adjusted performance of the series 1 securities due 2069 of the underlying company, Alphas Managed Accounts
Platform LXXIX Limited. |
10 | | Security is a 144A or Section 4(a)(2) security. These securities have been determined
to be illiquid and restricted under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The total market value of 144A or Section 4(a)(2)
illiquid and restricted securities is $8,751,372 (cost $12,412,121), or 0.6% of total net assets —See Note 12. |
11 | | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
12 | | Payment-in-kind security. |
13 | | Security has no stated coupon. However, it is expected to receive residual cash flow payments
on defined deal dates. |
14 | | Security is an interest-only strip. |
15 | | Zero coupon rate security. |
16 | | Security is a principal-only strip. |
17 | | Rate indicated is the effective yield at the time of purchase. |
CME | | Chicago Mercantile Exchange |
CMS | | Constant Maturity Swap |
EUR | | Euro EURIBOR European Interbank Offered Rate |
ICE | | Intercontinental Exchange |
ITRAXX.EUR.38.V1 | | iTraxx Europe Series 38 Index Version 1 |
LIBOR | | London Interbank Offered Rate |
plc | | Public Limited Company PPV Public-Private Venture |
REIT | | Real Estate Investment Trust |
SARL | | Société à Responsabilité Limitée |
SOFR | | Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
SONIA | | Sterling Overnight Index Average |
WAC | | Weighted Average Coupon |
See Sector Classification in Other Information section.
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 79
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Country Diversification |
|
|
|
% of Long-Term |
Country |
|
Investments |
United States |
|
96.6% |
Bermuda |
|
1.6% |
Ireland |
|
0.8% |
Switzerland |
|
0.3% |
Netherlands |
|
0.2% |
Jersey |
|
0.1% |
Liberia |
|
0.1% |
Other |
|
0.3% |
Total Long-Term Investments |
|
100.0% |
The following table summarizes the inputs used to value the Fund’s
investments at November 30, 2023 (See Note 6 in the Notes to Financial Statements):
|
|
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
|
|
|
Significant |
Significant |
|
Investments in |
Level 1 |
Observable |
Unobservable |
|
Securities (Assets) |
Quoted Prices |
Inputs |
Inputs |
Total |
Common Stocks |
$ 108,892,106 |
$ 3,441,338 |
$ 1,045,458 |
$ 113,378,902 |
Preferred Stocks |
— |
93,493,687 |
11,121,072 |
104,614,759 |
Warrants |
2,804 |
— |
12 |
2,816 |
Exchange-Traded Funds |
50,963,682 |
— |
— |
50,963,682 |
Closed-End Mutual Funds |
40,241,327 |
— |
— |
40,241,327 |
Money Market Funds |
27,038,746 |
— |
— |
27,038,746 |
Corporate Bonds |
— |
702,293,922 |
33,809,455 |
736,103,377 |
Senior Floating Rate Interests |
— |
415,034,148 |
108,274,492 |
523,308,640 |
Asset-Backed Securities |
— |
235,101,983 |
45,652,300 |
280,754,283 |
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations |
— |
126,064,733 |
1,704,099 |
127,768,832 |
U.S. Government Securities |
— |
15,069,334 |
— |
15,069,334 |
U.S. Treasury Bills |
— |
3,704,081 |
— |
3,704,081 |
Convertible Bonds |
— |
3,479,900 |
— |
3,479,900 |
Foreign Government Debt |
— |
2,549,703 |
— |
2,549,703 |
Municipal Bonds |
— |
351,337 |
— |
351,337 |
Senior Fixed Rate Interests |
— |
318,629 |
— |
318,629 |
Options Purchased |
— |
268,212 |
— |
268,212 |
Equity Futures Contracts** |
367,452 |
— |
— |
367,452 |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** |
— |
33,654 |
— |
33,654 |
Total Assets |
$ 227,506,117 |
$1,601,204,661 |
$201,606,888 |
$2,030,317,666 |
See notes to financial statements.
80 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
|
|
|
Significant |
Significant |
|
Investments in |
|
Level 1 |
Observable |
Unobservable |
|
Securities (Liabilities) |
Quoted Prices |
|
Inputs |
|
Inputs |
Total |
Options Written |
$ |
1,248,027 |
$ |
— |
$ |
— |
$ 1,248,027 |
Credit Default Swap Agreements** |
|
— |
|
846,304 |
|
— |
846,304 |
Interest Rate Swap Agreements** |
|
— |
|
6,488,698 |
|
— |
6,488,698 |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts** |
|
— |
|
265,941 |
|
— |
265,941 |
Unfunded Loan Commitments (Note 11) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
330,611 |
330,611 |
Total Liabilities |
$ |
1,248,027 |
$ |
7,600,943 |
$ |
330,611 |
$ 9,179,581 |
**
This derivative is reported as unrealized appreciation/depreciation at period end.
Please refer to the detailed Schedule of Investments for a breakdown
of investments by industry category.
The Fund may hold assets and/or liabilities in which the fair value
approximates the carrying amount for financial statement purposes. As of the period end, reverse repurchase agreements of $408,656,543
are categorized as Level 2 within the disclosure hierarchy — See Note 7.
The following is a summary of significant unobservable inputs used
in the fair valuation of assets and liabilities categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy:
|
Ending
Balance at |
Valuation |
Unobservable |
Input |
Weighted |
Category |
November
30, 2023 |
Technique |
Inputs |
Range |
Average* |
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
Asset-Backed
Securities |
$
38,884,285 |
Yield
Analysis |
Yield |
6.2%-13.0% |
7.7% |
Asset-Backed
Securities |
6,768,015 |
Option
adjusted spread off |
Broker
Quote |
— |
— |
|
|
prior
month end broker quote |
|
|
|
Collateralized
Mortgage |
1,704,099 |
Option
adjusted spread off |
Broker
Quote |
— |
— |
Obligations |
|
prior
month end broker quote |
|
|
|
Common
Stocks |
363,665 |
Enterprise
Value |
Valuation
Multiple |
2.9x-17.6x |
10.5x |
Common
Stocks |
341,710 |
Model
Price |
Purchase
Price |
— |
— |
Common
Stocks |
335,685 |
Yield
Analysis |
Yield |
14.2% |
— |
Common
Stocks |
4,347 |
Model
Price |
Liquidation
Value |
— |
— |
Common
Stocks |
51 |
Third
Party Pricing |
Trade
Price |
— |
— |
Corporate
Bonds |
16,099,797 |
Option
adjusted spread off prior |
Broker
Quote |
— |
— |
|
|
month
end broker quote |
|
|
|
Corporate
Bonds |
10,578,440 |
Third
Party Pricing |
Broker
Quote |
— |
— |
Corporate
Bonds |
6,895,239 |
Third
Party Pricing |
Vendor
Price |
— |
— |
Corporate
Bonds |
235,979 |
Model
Price |
Purchase
Price |
— |
— |
Preferred
Stocks |
9,640,300 |
Yield
Analysis |
Yield |
6.8% |
— |
Preferred
Stocks |
959,954 |
Model
Price |
Purchase
Price |
— |
— |
Preferred
Stocks |
520,798 |
Enterprise
Value |
Valuation
Multiple |
5.1x |
— |
Preferred
Stocks |
20 |
Third
Party Pricing |
Vendor
Price |
— |
— |
Senior
Floating Rate Interests |
61,160,022 |
Yield
Analysis |
Yield |
10.3%-14.2% |
11.7% |
Senior
Floating Rate Interests |
31,135,062 |
Third
Party Pricing |
Broker
Quote |
— |
— |
Senior
Floating Rate Interests |
12,640,417 |
Model
Price |
Purchase
Price |
— |
— |
Senior
Floating Rate Interests |
1,078,000 |
Third
Party Pricing |
Trade
Price |
— |
— |
Senior
Floating Rate Interests |
1,234,540 |
Model
Price |
Liquidation
Value |
— |
— |
Senior
Floating Rate Interests |
1,026,451 |
Model
Price |
Market
Comparable Yields |
14.7% |
— |
Warrants |
12 |
Model
Price |
Liquidation
Value |
— |
— |
Total
Assets |
$201,606,888 |
|
|
|
|
Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Unfunded
Loan Commitments |
$
330,611 |
Model
Price |
Purchase
Price |
— |
— |
* Inputs are weighted by the fair value of the instruments.
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 81
SCHEDULE
OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Significant changes in a quote, yield, market comparable yields,
liquidation value or valuation multiple would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
The Fund’s fair valuation leveling guidelines classify a single
daily broker quote, or a vendor price based on a single daily or monthly broker quote, as Level 3, if such a quote or price cannot be
supported with other available market information.
Transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 may occur as markets fluctuate
and/or the availability of data used in an investment’s valuation changes. For the period ended November 30, 2023, the Fund had
securities with a total value of $25,812,919 transfer into Level 3 from Level 2 due to a lack of observable inputs and had securities
with a total value of $27,133,316 transfer out of Level 3 into Level 2 due to the availability of current and reliable market-based data
provided by a third-party pricing service which utilizes significant observable inputs.
Summary of Fair Value Level 3 Activity
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant
unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value for the period ended November 30, 2023:
|
Assets |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Senior |
|
|
|
|
Unfunded |
|
|
Collateralized |
|
Floating |
|
|
|
|
Loan |
|
Asset-Backed |
Mortgage |
Corporate |
Rate |
|
Common |
Preferred |
Total |
Commit- |
|
Securities |
Obligations |
Bonds |
Interests |
Warrants |
Stocks |
Stocks |
Assets |
ments |
Beginning |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance |
$41,462,306 |
$1,885,323 |
$12,658,388 |
$105,421,682 |
$12 |
$ 763,367 |
$ 1,385,670 |
$163,576,748 |
$(345,330) |
Purchases/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Receipts) |
7,624,910 |
— |
3,800,000 |
26,536,400 |
— |
335,685 |
10,000,000 |
48,296,995 |
(462,200) |
(Sales, maturities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and paydowns)/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fundings |
(951,418) |
(13,020) |
(219,521) |
(6,740,359) |
— |
— |
— |
(7,924,318) |
345,029 |
Amortization of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
premiums/ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
discounts |
13,655 |
185 |
(167,217) |
299,537 |
— |
— |
— |
146,160 |
43,159 |
Total realized gains |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(losses) included |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in earnings |
(2,222) |
— |
18,821 |
(169,291) |
— |
— |
— |
(152,692) |
33,296 |
Total change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
appreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(depreciation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
included in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
earnings |
(1,560,721) |
(168,389) |
258,645 |
774,057 |
— |
(53,594) |
(265,606) |
(1,015,608) |
55,435 |
Transfers into |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 3 |
— |
— |
17,460,339 |
8,351,572 |
— |
— |
1,008 |
25,812,919 |
— |
Transfers out |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Level 3 |
(934,210) |
— |
— |
(26,199,106) |
— |
— |
— |
(27,133,316) |
— |
Ending Balance |
$45,652,300 |
$1,704,099 |
$33,809,455 |
$108,274,492 |
$12 |
$1,045,458 |
$11,121,072 |
$201,606,888 |
$(330,611) |
Net change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
appreciation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(depreciation) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Level 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities still |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
held at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
$ (1,533,095) |
$ (168,389) $ 258,645 |
$ 289,901 |
$ – |
$ (53,594) $ (265,606) $ (1,472,138) |
$ 25,356 |
82 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Step Coupon Bonds
The following table discloses additional information related to
step coupon bonds held by the Fund. Certain securities are subject to multiple rate changes prior to maturity. For those securities, a
range of rates and corresponding dates have been provided. Rates for all step coupon bonds held by the Fund are scheduled to increase,
except GAIA Aviation Ltd, which are scheduled to decrease.
|
Coupon Rate at Next |
Next Rate |
Future |
Future |
Name |
Reset Date |
Reset Date |
Reset Rate |
Reset Date |
Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust 2022-A, 6.17% |
|
|
|
|
due 09/25/62 |
9.17% |
09/25/25 |
10.17% |
09/25/26 |
GAIA Aviation Ltd. 2019-1, 3.97% due 12/15/44 |
2.00% |
11/15/26 |
— |
— |
GAIA Aviation Ltd. 2019-1, 5.19% due 12/15/44 |
2.00% |
10/15/26 |
— |
— |
GCAT Trust 2022-NQM5, 5.71% due 08/25/67 |
6.71% |
10/01/26 |
— |
— |
New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust 2022-NQM5, |
|
|
|
|
6.50% due 11/25/52 |
7.50% |
09/01/26 |
— |
— |
OBX Trust 2022-NQM8, 6.10% due 09/25/62 |
7.10% |
10/01/26 |
— |
— |
Affiliated Transactions
Investments representing 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares
of a company, or control of or by, or common control under Guggenheim Investments, result in that company being considered an affiliated
issuer, as defined in the 1940 Act.
Transactions during the period ended November 30, 2023, in which
the company is an affiliated issuer, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
|
Realized |
Appreciation |
Value |
Shares |
Investment |
Security Name |
05/31/23 |
Additions |
Reductions |
Gain (Loss) |
(Depreciation) |
11/30/23 |
11/30/23 |
Income |
Common Stocks |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BP Holdco LLC * |
$ 155,475 |
$ |
— |
$— |
$— |
$ (8,757) |
$ 146,718 |
121,041 |
$ — |
Closed-End Mutual Funds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guggenheim Active |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation Fund |
4,643,255 |
8,596,852 |
— |
— |
(187,107) |
13,053,000 |
950,000 |
590,282 |
|
$4,798,730 |
$8,596,852 |
$— |
$— |
$(195,864) |
$13,199,718 |
|
$590,282 |
* Non-income producing security.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 83
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
ASSETS: |
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $2,168,926,999) |
$ |
2,016,716,842 |
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $13,418,686) |
|
13,199,718 |
Foreign currency, at value |
|
149,751 |
Segregated cash from broker |
|
4,721,936 |
Cash |
|
2,853,383 |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
|
33,654 |
Due from adviser |
|
2,646 |
Unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements |
|
686 |
Prepaid expenses |
|
31,700 |
Receivables: |
|
|
Interest |
|
20,004,480 |
Investments sold |
|
3,593,717 |
Fund shares sold |
|
2,722,021 |
Dividends |
|
589,487 |
Variation margin on credit default swap agreements |
|
44,127 |
Variation margin on futures contracts |
|
23,250 |
Tax reclaims |
|
12,385 |
Total assets |
|
2,064,699,783 |
LIABILITIES: |
|
|
Reverse repurchase agreements (Note 7) |
|
408,656,543 |
Borrowings (Note 8) |
|
49,000,000 |
Unfunded loan commitments, at value (Note 11) (commitment fees received $512,395) |
|
330,611 |
Options written, at value (premiums received $1,312,557) |
|
1,248,027 |
Unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements |
|
328,523 |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
|
265,941 |
Interest due on borrowings |
|
657,466 |
Segregated cash due to broker |
|
6,235,865 |
Payable for: |
|
|
Investments purchased |
|
32,688,072 |
Variation margin on interest rate swap agreements |
|
1,702,770 |
Investment advisory fees |
|
1,618,220 |
Offering costs |
|
767,119 |
Protection fees on credit default swap agreements |
|
137,818 |
Professional fees |
|
69,517 |
Trustees’ fees and expenses* |
|
15,578 |
Other liabilities |
|
129,894 |
Total liabilities |
|
503,851,964 |
NET ASSETS |
$ |
1,560,847,819 |
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF: |
|
|
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; unlimited number of shares |
|
|
authorized, 129,852,127 shares issued and outstanding |
$ |
1,298,521 |
Additional paid-in capital |
|
1,853,025,655 |
Total distributable earnings (loss) |
|
(293,476,357) |
NET ASSETS |
$ |
1,560,847,819 |
Shares outstanding ($0.01 par value with unlimited amount authorized) |
|
129,852,127 |
Net asset value |
$ |
12.02 |
* Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons”
within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
See notes to financial statements.
84 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 |
|
INVESTMENT INCOME: |
|
|
Interest from securities of unaffiliated issuers |
$ |
69,729,466 |
Dividends from securities of unaffiliated issuers (net of foreign withholdings tax $545) |
|
3,967,948 |
Dividends from securities of affiliated issuers |
|
590,282 |
Miscellaneous income |
|
193 |
Total investment income |
|
74,287,889 |
EXPENSES: |
|
|
Interest expense |
|
11,538,846 |
Investment advisory fees |
|
9,498,474 |
Professional fees |
|
603,901 |
Administration fees |
|
139,985 |
Fund accounting fees |
|
117,461 |
Insurance |
|
94,582 |
Printing fees |
|
94,467 |
Trustees’ fees and expenses* |
|
68,609 |
Custodian fees |
|
65,480 |
Registration and filing fees |
|
47,214 |
Transfer agent fees |
|
11,163 |
Miscellaneous |
|
7,588 |
Total expenses |
|
22,287,770 |
Less: |
|
|
Expenses waived by adviser |
|
(72,412) |
Net expenses |
|
22,215,358 |
Net investment income |
|
52,072,531 |
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS): |
|
|
Net realized gain (loss) on: |
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated issuers |
|
(2,147,981) |
Swap agreements |
|
(2,109,138) |
Futures contracts |
|
(95,864) |
Options purchased |
|
(61,478) |
Options written |
|
(4,224,828) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
|
347,444 |
Foreign currency transactions |
|
(464,050) |
Net realized loss |
|
(8,755,895) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on: |
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated issuers |
|
30,620,720 |
Investments in affiliated issuers |
|
(195,864) |
Swap agreements |
|
(2,358,212) |
Futures contracts |
|
367,452 |
Options purchased |
|
(601,068) |
Options written |
|
1,027,217 |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
|
(821,967) |
Foreign currency translations |
|
22,140 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
|
28,060,418 |
Net realized and unrealized gain |
|
19,304,523 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ |
71,377,054 |
* Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons”
within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act.
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 85
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
November 30, 2023 |
|
Year Ended |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
May 31, 2023 |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
$ |
52,072,531 |
$ |
84,370,795 |
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments |
|
(8,755,895) |
|
24,993,182 |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) |
|
|
|
|
on investments |
|
28,060,418 |
|
(125,820,760) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
71,377,054 |
|
(16,456,783) |
DISTRIBUTIONS: |
|
|
|
|
Distributions to shareholders |
|
(135,483,665) |
|
(104,801,272) |
Return of capital |
|
—* |
|
(139,524,841) |
Total distributions |
|
(135,483,665) |
|
(244,326,113) |
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS: |
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from shares issued through at-the-market offering |
|
135,317,163 |
|
212,399,119 |
Capital contribution from adviser |
|
— |
|
216,351 |
Reinvestments of distributions |
|
16,287,732 |
|
29,139,940 |
Common shares offering cost charged to paid-in-capital |
|
(344,285) |
|
106,199 |
Net increase in net assets resulting from shareholder transactions |
|
151,260,610 |
|
241,861,609 |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets |
|
87,153,999 |
|
(18,921,287) |
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
1,473,693,820 |
|
1,492,615,107 |
End of period |
$ |
1,560,847,819 |
$ |
1,473,693,820 |
* A portion of the distributions to shareholders may be deemed a
return of capital at fiscal year-end.
See notes to financial statements.
86 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities: |
|
|
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
$ |
71,377,054 |
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations to |
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities: |
|
|
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments |
$ |
(30,424,856) |
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on options purchased |
|
601,068 |
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on options written |
|
(1,027,217) |
Net change in unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on forward foreign currency |
|
|
exchange contracts |
|
821,967 |
Net realized loss on investments |
|
2,147,981 |
Net realized loss on options purchased |
|
61,478 |
Net realized loss on options written |
|
4,224,828 |
Purchase of long-term investments |
|
(350,127,022) |
Proceeds from sale of long-term investments |
|
155,159,545 |
Net purchases of short-term investments |
|
(11,558,209) |
Net accretion of bond discount and amortization of bond premium |
|
(4,741,901) |
Corporate actions and other payments |
|
717,822 |
Premiums received on options written |
|
51,690,981 |
Cost of closing options written |
|
(56,762,699) |
Commitment fees received and repayments of unfunded commitments |
|
9,849 |
Increase in interest receivable |
|
(2,347,301) |
Decrease in dividends receivable |
|
83,516 |
Decrease in investments sold receivable |
|
17,965,484 |
Increase in due from adviser |
|
(2,646) |
Decrease in unamortized upfront premiums paid on interest rate swap agreements |
|
95 |
Decrease in variation margin on credit default swap agreements receivable |
|
4,934 |
Increase variation margin on futures contracts receivable |
|
(23,250) |
Decrease in prepaid expenses |
|
88,515 |
Increase in tax reclaims receivable |
|
(242) |
Increase in investments purchased payable |
|
15,941,519 |
Increase in interest due on borrowings |
|
189,333 |
Decrease in professional fees payable |
|
(52,623) |
Increase in segregated cash due to broker |
|
5,105,865 |
Decrease in investment advisory fees payable |
|
(27,602) |
Decrease in unamortized upfront premiums received on credit default swap agreements |
|
(41,444) |
Increase in protection fees on credit default swap agreements payable |
|
610 |
Increase in variation margin on interest rate swap agreements payable |
|
854,374 |
Decrease in trustees’ fees and expenses payable* |
|
(10,310) |
Increase in other liabilities |
|
15,685 |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities |
$ |
(130,084,819) |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 87
|
|
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
For the Six Months Ended November 30, 2023 |
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
|
|
Distributions to common shareholders |
$ |
(119,195,933) |
Proceeds from the issuance of common shares |
|
134,681,504 |
Proceeds from borrowings |
|
9,000,000 |
Payments made on borrowings |
|
(14,000,000) |
Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements |
|
1,034,074,468 |
Payments made on reverse repurchase agreements |
|
(914,917,720) |
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities |
|
129,642,319 |
Net decrease in cash |
|
(422,500) |
Cash at Beginning of Period (including foreign currency)** |
|
8,167,570 |
Cash at End of Period (including foreign currency)*** |
$ |
7,725,070 |
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ |
6,254,178 |
Supplemental Disclosure of Non Cash Financing Activity: |
|
|
Dividend reinvestment |
$ |
16,287,732 |
* | | Relates to Trustees not deemed “interested persons” within the meaning of Section
2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. |
** | | Includes $4,752,385 of segregated cash from broker for swap agreements and $518,416 of foreign
currency. |
*** | | Includes $4,721,936 of segregated cash from broker for swap agreements and $149,751 of foreign
currency. |
See notes to financial statements.
88 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS |
November 30, 2023 |
The information in this table for the fiscal years ended 2023, 2022,
2021, 2020 and 2019 is derived from the Fund’s financial statements and has been audited.
|
Six Months Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
|
November 30, 2023 |
May 31, |
May 31, |
May 31, |
May 31, |
May 31, |
|
(Unaudited) |
|
2023 |
|
2022 |
|
2021 |
|
2020 |
|
2019 |
Per Share Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
12.34 |
$ |
14.33 |
$ |
17.05 |
$ |
15.29 |
$ |
17.91 |
$ |
19.12 |
Income from investment operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income(a) |
|
0.42 |
|
0.75 |
|
0.80 |
|
0.95 |
|
0.89 |
|
0.97 |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) |
|
0.35 |
|
(0.55) |
|
(1.33) |
|
3.00 |
|
(1.32) |
|
0.01 |
Total from investment operations |
|
0.77 |
|
0.20 |
|
(0.53) |
|
3.95 |
|
(0.43) |
|
0.98 |
Less distributions from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
(1.09) |
|
(0.76) |
|
(1.04) |
|
(0.97) |
|
(0.86) |
|
(1.12) |
Capital gains |
|
— |
|
(0.18) |
|
(0.19) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(0.16) |
Return of capital |
|
— |
|
(1.25) |
|
(0.96) |
|
(1.22) |
|
(1.33) |
|
(0.91) |
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(1.09) |
|
(2.19) |
|
(2.19) |
|
(2.19) |
|
(2.19) |
|
(2.19) |
Net asset value, end of period |
$ |
12.02 |
$ |
12.34 |
$ |
14.33 |
$ |
17.05 |
$ |
15.29 |
$ |
17.91 |
Market value, end of period |
$ |
13.33 |
$ |
15.69 |
$ |
17.92 |
$ |
20.90 |
$ |
16.20 |
$ |
19.96 |
Total Return(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value |
|
6.52% |
|
2.09%(f) |
|
(3.99%) |
|
27.20% |
|
(2.79%) |
|
5.43% |
Market value |
|
(8.11%) |
|
0.80% |
|
(3.48%) |
|
45.59% |
|
(7.96%) |
|
4.94% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$ 1,560,848 |
$ 1,473,694 |
$ 1,492,615 |
$ 878,041 |
$ 648,892 |
$ 641,825 |
Ratio to average net assets of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income, including interest expense |
|
6.92% |
|
5.81% |
|
4.75% |
|
5.72% |
|
5.29% |
|
5.26% |
Total
expenses, including interest expense(c) (d) |
|
2.96% |
|
2.88% |
|
1.83% |
|
1.83% |
|
1.21% |
|
1.17% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
8% |
|
26% |
|
47% |
|
64% |
|
41% |
|
38% |
Senior Indebtedness |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total borrowings outstanding (in thousands)(g) |
$ |
457,657 |
$ 343,500 |
$ 128,000 |
$ |
38,501 |
$ |
19,300 |
|
N/A |
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness(e) |
$ |
4,411 |
$ |
5,290 |
$ |
12,661 |
$ |
23,806 |
$ |
34,621 |
|
N/A |
See notes to financial statements.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 89
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
Year Ended |
|
May 31, |
|
May 31, |
May 31, |
May 31, |
May 31, |
|
|
2018 |
|
2017 |
|
2016 |
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
Per Share Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ |
19.78 |
$ |
17.50 |
$ |
19.61 |
$ |
20.56 |
$ |
20.95 |
Income from investment operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income(a) |
|
1.23 |
|
1.61 |
|
1.40 |
|
1.28 |
|
1.44 |
Net gain (loss) on investments (realized and unrealized) |
|
0.30 |
|
2.86 |
|
(1.33) |
|
(0.05) |
|
0.35 |
Total from investment operations |
|
1.53 |
|
4.47 |
|
0.07 |
|
1.23 |
|
1.79 |
Less distributions from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
(2.01) |
|
(2.18) |
|
(1.82) |
|
(1.42) |
|
(1.82) |
Capital gains |
|
(0.18) |
|
(0.01) |
|
(0.36) |
|
(0.76) |
|
(0.36) |
Total distributions to shareholders |
|
(2.19) |
|
(2.19) |
|
(2.18) |
|
(2.18) |
|
(2.18) |
Net asset value, end of period |
|
19.12 |
|
19.78 |
|
17.50 |
|
19.61 |
|
20.56 |
Market value, end of period |
$ |
21.29 |
$ |
20.94 |
$ |
17.61 |
$ |
21.21 |
$ |
21.83 |
Total Return(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value |
|
8.02% |
|
26.76% |
|
0.80% |
|
6.39% |
|
9.20% |
Market value |
|
13.31% |
|
33.33% |
|
-6.07% |
|
8.08% |
|
10.71% |
Ratios/Supplemental Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (in thousands) |
$ 530,250 |
$ |
410,465 |
$ 310,246 |
$ 342,988 |
$ 318,001 |
Ratio to average net assets of: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income, including interest expense |
|
6.27% |
|
8.55% |
|
7.79% |
|
6.44% |
|
7.07% |
Total expenses, including interest expense(c) (d) |
|
1.52% |
|
2.35% |
|
2.38% |
|
2.16% |
|
2.28% |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
48% |
|
41% |
|
116% |
|
86% |
|
95% |
Senior Indebtedness |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total borrowings outstanding (in thousands) |
|
N/A |
$ |
16,705 |
$ |
9,355 |
$ |
45,489 |
$ |
60,789 |
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness(e) |
|
N/A |
$ |
25,571 |
$ |
34,164 |
$ |
8,540 |
$ |
6,231 |
90 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS continued |
November 30, 2023 |
(a) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of a common share at the beginning of the
period and a sale on the last day of the period reported either at net asset value (“NAV”) or market price per share. Dividends
and distributions are assumed to be reinvested at NAV for NAV returns or the prices obtained under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment
Plan for market value returns. Total return does not reflect brokerage commissions. A return calculated for a period of less than one
year is not annualized. |
(c) | | The ratios of total expenses to average net assets applicable to common shares do not reflect
fees and expenses incurred indirectly by the Fund as a result of its investment in shares of other investment companies. If these fees
were included in the expense ratios, for the period ended November 30, 2023 and years ended May 31, the expense ratios would increase
by: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)(h) |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
0.07% |
0.07% |
0.06% |
0.06% |
0.09% |
0.08% |
0.00%* |
0.00%* |
0.00%* |
0.02% |
0.03% |
(d) | | Excluding interest expense, the operating expense ratios for the period ended November 30,
2023 and the years ended May 31, would be: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)(h) |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
2014 |
1.41% |
1.44% |
1.51% |
1.55% |
1.17% |
1.15% |
1.33% |
1.62% |
1.74% |
1.72% |
1.78% |
(e) | | Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including the borrowings)
from the Fund’s total assets and dividing by the borrowings. Effective August 19, 2022, the Fund’s obligations under reverse
repurchase agreement transactions are treated as senior securities representing indebtedness for purposes of the 1940 Act. Accordingly,
for the year ended May 31, 2023, Asset Coverage is calculated by subtracting the Fund's total liabilities (not including the borrowings
or reverse repurchase agreements) from the Fund's total assets and dividing by the sum of the borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements. |
(f) | | The net increase from the payment by the Adviser totaling $216,351 relating to an operational
issue contributed 0.01% to total return at net asset value for the year ended May 31, 2023. |
(g) | | Effective August 19, 2022, the Fund’s obligations under reverse repurchase agreement
transactions are treated as senior securities representing indebtedness for purposes of the 1940 Act. |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 91
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
Note 1 – Organization
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”)
was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on November 13, 2006. The Fund is registered as a diversified, closed-end management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”).
The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return
through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective. The Fund’s investment objective is considered fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval.
Note 2 – Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund operates as an investment company and, accordingly, follows
the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards
Codification Topic 946 Financial Services – Investment Companies.
The following significant accounting policies are in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and are consistently followed by the Fund. This requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from these estimates. All time references are based on Eastern Time.
(a) Valuation of Investments
The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the “Board”) adopted
policies and procedures for the valuation of the Fund’s investments (the “Fund Valuation Procedures”). The U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act (“Rule 2a-5”) which establishes requirements
for determining fair value in good faith. Rule 2a-5 also defines “readily available market quotations” for purposes of the
1940 Act and establishes requirements for determining whether a fund must fair value a security in good faith.
Pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the Board has designated Guggenheim Funds
Investment Advisors, LLC (“GFIA” or the “Adviser”) as the valuation designee to perform fair valuation determinations
for the Fund with respect to all Fund investments and other assets. As the Fund’s valuation designee pursuant to Rule 2a-5, the
Adviser has adopted separate procedures (the “Valuation Designee Procedures” and collectively with the Fund Valuation Procedures,
the “Valuation Procedures”) reasonably designed to prevent violations of the requirements of Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4. The
Adviser, in its role as valuation designee, utilizes the assistance of a valuation committee, consisting of representatives from Guggenheim’s
investment management, fund administration, legal and compliance departments (the “Valuation Committee”), in determining the
fair value of the Fund’s securities and other assets.
Valuations of the Fund’s securities and other assets are supplied
primarily by pricing service providers appointed pursuant to the processes set forth in the Valuation Procedures. The Adviser, with the
assistance of the Valuation Committee, convenes monthly, or more frequently as needed,
92 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
to review the valuation of all assets which have been fair valued.
The Adviser, consistent with the monitoring and review responsibilities set forth in the Valuation Procedures, regularly reviews the appropriateness
of the inputs, methods, models and assumptions employed by the pricing service provider.
If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a valuation
for a particular investment or such valuation is deemed unreliable, such investment is fair valued by the Adviser.
Equity securities listed or traded on a recognized U.S. securities
exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) will generally be valued on the basis of the last sale price on the primary
U.S. exchange or market on which the security is listed or traded; provided, however, that securities listed on NASDAQ will be valued
at the NASDAQ official closing price, which may not necessarily represent the last sale price.
Open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value
(“NAV”) as of the close of business, on the valuation date. Exchange-traded funds and closed-end investment companies are
generally valued at the last quoted sale price.
Generally, trading in foreign securities markets is substantially
completed each day at various times prior to the close of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). The values of foreign securities
are determined as of the close of such foreign markets or the close of the NYSE, if earlier. All investments quoted in foreign currencies
are valued in U.S. dollars on the basis of the foreign currency exchange rates prevailing at the close of U.S. business at 4:00 p.m. Investments
in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. The Adviser will determine the current value of such foreign
securities by taking into consideration certain factors which may include the following factors, among others: the value of the securities
traded on other foreign markets, American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) trading, closed-end fund trading, foreign currency
exchange activity, and the trading prices of financial products that are tied to foreign securities.
In addition, under the Valuation Procedures, the Adviser is
authorized to use prices and other information supplied by a pricing service provider in valuing foreign securities. Commercial
paper and discount notes with a maturity of greater than 60 days at acquisition are valued at prices that reflect broker-dealer
supplied valuations or are obtained from pricing service providers, which may consider the trade activity, treasury spreads, yields
or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such
securities. Commercial paper and discount notes with a maturity of 60 days or less at acquisition are valued at amortized cost,
unless the Adviser concludes that amortized cost does not represent the fair value of the applicable asset in which case it will be
valued using an independent pricing service provider.
U.S. Government securities are valued by pricing service providers,
using the last traded fill price, or at the reported bid price at the close of business.
Typically, loans are valued using information provided by a pricing
service provider which uses broker quotes, among other inputs. If the pricing service provider cannot or does not provide a
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 93
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
valuation for a particular loan, or such valuation is deemed unreliable,
such investment is valued based on a quote from a broker-dealer or is fair valued by the Adviser.
Repurchase agreements are valued at amortized cost, provided such
amounts approximate market value.
Exchange-traded options are valued at the mean of the bid and ask
prices on the principal exchange on which they are traded. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) options and options on swaps (“swaptions”)
are valued using a price provided by a pricing service provider.
Futures contracts are valued on the basis of the last sale price
at the 4:00 p.m. price on the valuation date. In the event that the exchange for a specific futures contract closes earlier than 4:00
p.m., the futures contract is valued at the official settlement price of the exchange. However, the underlying securities from which the
futures contract value is derived are monitored until 4:00 p.m. to determine if fair valuation would provide a more accurate valuation.
Interest rate swap agreements entered into by the Fund are valued
on the basis of the last sale price on the primary exchange on which the swap is traded. Other swap agreements entered into by the Fund
are generally valued using an evaluated price provided by a pricing service provider.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued daily based
on the applicable exchange rate of the underlying currency.
Investments for which market quotations are not readily available
are fair valued as determined in good faith by the Adviser. Valuations in accordance with these methods are intended to reflect each security’s
(or asset’s or liability’s) “fair value”. Each such determination is based on a consideration of all relevant
factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to market
prices; sale prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities
and characteristics, or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other
information analysis. In connection with futures contracts and other derivative investments, such factors may include obtaining information
as to how (a) these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the futures or other derivative markets, respectively, and (b)
the securities underlying these contracts and other derivative investments trade in the cash market.
(b) Investment Transactions and Investment Income
Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized
gains and losses on investments are determined on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded net of applicable withholding
taxes on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Dividend income from Real Estate Investment Trusts
(“REITs”) is recorded based on the income included in the distributions received from the REIT investments using published
REIT classifications, including some management estimates when actual amounts are not available. Distributions received in excess of this
estimated amount are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investments or reclassified to capital gains. The actual amounts of income,
return of capital,
94 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
and capital gains are only determined by each REIT after its fiscal
year-end, and may differ from the estimated amounts. Discounts or premiums on debt securities purchased are accreted or amortized to interest
income using the effective interest method. Interest income also includes paydown gains and losses on mortgage-backed and asset-backed
securities, and senior and subordinated loans. Amendment fees are earned as compensation for evaluating and accepting changes to the original
loan agreement.
The Fund may receive other income from investments in senior loan
interests, including amendment fees, consent fees and commitment fees. For funded loans, these fees are recorded as income when received
by the Fund and included in interest income on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. For unfunded loans, commitment fees are included
in realized gain on investments on the Fund’s Statement of Operations at the end of the commitment period.
Income from residual collateralized loan obligations is recognized
using the effective interest method. At the time of purchase, management estimates the future expected cash flows and determines the effective yield and estimated maturity date based on the estimated cash flows. Subsequent to the purchase, the estimated cash flows are updated
periodically and a revised yield is calculated prospectively.
(c) Senior Floating Rate Interests and Loan Investments
Senior floating rate interests in which the Fund invests generally
pay interest rates which are periodically adjusted by reference to a base short-term floating rate, plus a premium. These base lending
rates are generally (i) the lending rate offered by one or more major European banks, (ii) the prime rate offered by one or more major United
States banks, or (iii) the bank’s certificate of deposit rate. Senior floating rate interests often require prepayments from excess
cash flows or permit the borrower to repay at its election. The rate at which the borrower repays cannot be predicted with accuracy. As
a result, the actual remaining maturity may be substantially less than the stated maturities disclosed in the Fund’s Schedule of
Investments.
The Fund invests in loans and other similar debt obligations (“obligations”).
A portion of the Fund’s investments in these obligations is sometimes referred to as “covenant lite” loans or obligations
(“covenant lite obligations”), which are obligations that lack covenants or possess fewer or less restrictive covenants or
constraints on borrowers than certain other types of obligations. The Fund may also obtain exposure to covenant lite obligations through
investment in securitization vehicles and other structured products. Many loans and other similar debt obligations have not featured traditional
covenants, which are intended to protect lenders and investors by (i) imposing certain restrictions or other limitations on a borrower’s
operations or assets or (ii) providing certain rights to lenders. The Fund may have fewer rights with respect to covenant lite obligations,
including fewer protections against the possibility of default and fewer remedies in the event of default. As a result, investments in
(or exposure to) covenant lite obligations are subject to more risk than investments in (or exposure to) certain other types of obligations.
The Fund is subject to other risks associated with investments in (or exposure to) obligations, including that obligations may not be
considered “securities” under the federal securities laws and, as a result, the Fund may not be entitled to rely on
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 95
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
the anti-fraud protections under the federal securities laws and
instead may have to resort to state law and direct claims.
(d) Currency Translations
The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars.
All assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at prevailing exchange rates. Purchases
and sales of investment securities, dividend and interest income, and certain expenses are translated at the rates of exchange prevailing
on the respective dates of such transactions. Changes in the relationship of these foreign currencies to the U.S. dollar can significantly
affect the value of the investments and earnings of the Fund. Foreign investments may also subject the Fund to foreign government exchange
restrictions, expropriation, taxation, or other political, social, geopolitical or economic developments, all of which could affect the
market and/or credit risk of the investments.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations
resulting from changes in the foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of
securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized gain or loss and unrealized appreciation or depreciation on investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from
sales of foreign currencies and currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on investment transactions. Net
unrealized appreciation and depreciation arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities other than investments in securities
at the fiscal period end, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
(e) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The change in value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract
is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation until the contract is closed. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized
gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time the contract was opened and the value at the time it was closed.
(f) Distributions to Shareholders
The Fund intends to declare and pay monthly distributions to common
shareholders. The Fund expects that distributions will generally consist of (i) investment company taxable income taxed as ordinary income,
which includes, among other things, short-term capital gain and income from certain hedging and interest rate transactions, (ii) long-term
capital gain and (iii) return of capital. Any net realized long-term capital gains are distributed annually to common shareholders. To
the extent distributions exceed the amount of the Fund’s earnings and profit available for distribution, the excess will be deemed
a return of capital. A return of capital is generally not taxable and would reduce the shareholder’s tax basis in its shares, which
would reduce the loss (or increase the gain) on a subsequent taxable disposition by such shareholder of the shares, until such shareholder’s
basis reaches zero at which point subsequent return of capital distributions would constitute taxable capital gain to such shareholder.
Shareholders receiving a return of capital may be under the impression that they are receiving net investment income or profit when they
are not.
96 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
The amount and timing of distributions are determined in accordance with U.S. federal income tax regulations, which may di er from U.S.
GAAP.
(g) Restricted Cash
A portion of cash on hand relates to collateral received by the
Fund for swap agreements. This amount is presented on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as Segregated cash from broker.
(h) U.S. Government and Agency Obligations
Certain U.S. Government and Agency Obligations are traded on a discount
basis; the interest rates shown on the Schedule of Investments reflect the effective rates paid at the time of purchase by the Fund. Other
securities bear interest at the rates shown, payable at fixed dates through maturity.
(i) Swap Agreements
Swap agreements are marked-to-market daily and the change, if any,
is recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Payments received or made as a result of an agreement or termination of an agreement
are recognized as realized gains or losses.
Upon entering into certain centrally-cleared swap
transactions, the Fund is required to deposit with its clearing broker an amount of cash or securities as an initial margin.
Subsequent variation margin receipts or payments are received or made by the Fund depending on fluctuations in the fair value of the
reference entity and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed, 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 at
the time it was closed.
Upfront payments received or made by the Fund on credit default
swap agreements and interest rate swap agreements are amortized over the expected life of the agreement. Periodic payments received or
paid by the Fund are recorded as realized gains or losses. Payments received or made as a result of a credit event or termination of the
contract are recognized, net of a proportional amount of the upfront payment, as realized gains or losses.
(j) Options
Upon the purchase of an option, the premium paid is recorded as
an investment, the value of which is marked-to-market daily. If a purchased option expires, the Fund realizes a loss in the amount of
the cost of the option. When the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, it realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds
from the closing sale transaction are greater or less than the cost of the option. If the Fund exercises a put option, it realizes a gain
or loss from the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium originally paid. When
the Fund exercises a call option, the cost of the security purchased by the Fund upon exercise increases by the premium originally paid.
When the Fund writes (sells) an option, an amount equal to the premium
received is entered in that Fund’s accounting records as an asset and equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently
marked-to-market to reflect the current value of the option written. When a written
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 97
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
option expires, or if the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction,
it realizes a gain (or loss if the cost of a closing purchase transaction exceeds the premium received when the option was sold).
(k) Short Sales
When the Fund engages in a short sale of a security, an amount equal
to the proceeds is reflected as an asset and an equivalent liability. The amount of the liability is subsequently marked-to-market to
reflect the market value of the short sale.
Fees, if any, paid to brokers to borrow securities in connection
with short sales are recorded as interest expense. In addition, the Fund must pay out the dividend rate of the equity or coupon rate of
the obligation to the lender and record this as an expense. Short dividend or interest expense is a cost associated with the investment
objective of short sales transactions, rather than an operational cost associated with the day-to-day management of any mutual fund. The
Fund may also receive rebate income from the broker resulting from the investment of the proceeds from securities sold short.
(l) Futures Contracts
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits and maintains
as collateral such initial margin as required by the exchange on which the transaction is affected. Pursuant to the contract, the Fund
agrees to receive from or pay to the broker an amount of cash equal to the daily fluctuation in value of the contract. Such receipts or
payments are known as variation margin and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. When the contract is closed,
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
at the time it was closed.
(m) Indemnifications
Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its Trustees and
Officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. In addition, throughout
the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations and warranties which provide general
indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may
be made against the Fund and/or its affiliates that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss
to be remote.
(n) Special Purpose Acquisition Companies
The Fund may acquire an interest in a special purpose acquisition
company (“SPAC”) in an initial public offering or a secondary market transaction. SPAC investments carry many of the same risks
as investments in initial public offering securities, such as erratic price movements, greater risk of loss, lack of information about
the issuer, limited operating and little public or no trading history, and higher transaction costs. An investment in a SPAC is typically
subject to a higher risk of dilution by additional later offerings of interests in the SPAC or by other investors exercising existing rights
to purchase shares of the SPAC and interests in SPACs may be illiquid and/or be subject to
98 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
restrictions on resale. A SPAC is a publicly traded company that
raises investment capital for the purpose of acquiring the equity securities of one or more existing companies (or interests therein)
via merger, combination, acquisition or other similar transactions. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC generally invests
its assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in U.S. government securities, money market securities and cash and does not typically
pay dividends in respect of its common stock. SPAC investments are also subject to the risk that a significant portion of the funds raised
by the SPAC may be expended during the search for a target acquisition or merger and that the SPAC may have limited time in which to conduct
due diligence on potential business combination targets. Because SPACs are in essence blank check companies without operating history
or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity’s
management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition. Among other conflicts of interest, the economic interests of the management,
directors, officers and related parties of a SPAC can differ from the economic interests of public shareholders, which may lead to conflicts
as they evaluate, negotiate and recommend business combination transactions to shareholders. This risk may become more acute as the deadline
for the completion of a business combination nears. There is no guarantee that the SPACs in which the Fund invests will complete an acquisition
or that any acquisitions that are completed will be profitable.
Note 3 – Derivatives
As part of its investment strategy, the Fund utilizes a variety
of derivative instruments. These investments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market risk and risks in excess of amounts recognized
on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Valuation and accounting treatment of these instruments can be found under Significant
Accounting Policies in Note 2 of these Notes to Financial Statements.
Derivatives are instruments whose values depend on, or are
derived from, in whole or in part, the value of one or more other assets, such as securities, currencies, commodities or indices.
Derivative instruments may be used for investment purposes (including to maintain cash reserves while maintaining exposure to
certain other assets), for risk management (hedging) purposes, for diversification purposes, to change the duration of the Fund,
for leverage purposes, to facilitate trading, to reduce transaction costs and to pursue higher investment returns. Derivative
instruments may also be used to seek to mitigate certain investment risks, such as foreign currency exchange rate risk, interest
rate risk and credit risk. U.S. GAAP requires disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses
derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund’s financial position
and results of operations.
The Fund utilized derivatives for the following purposes:
Duration: the use of an instrument to manage the interest
rate risk of a portfolio.
Hedge: an investment made in order to reduce the risk of
adverse price movements in a security, by taking an offsetting position to protect against broad market moves.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 99
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Income: the use of any instrument that distributes cash flows
typically based upon some rate of interest.
Index Exposure: the use of an instrument to obtain exposure
to a listed or other type of index.
Options Purchased and Written
A call option on a security gives the purchaser of the option the
right to buy, and the writer of a call option the obligation to sell, the underlying security. The purchaser of a put option has the right
to sell, and the writer of the put option the obligation to buy, the underlying security at any time during the option period. The risk
associated with purchasing options is limited to the premium originally paid.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of
call/put options purchased on a monthly basis:
|
Average Notional Amount |
Use |
Call |
Put |
Duration, Hedge |
$294,200,000 |
$19,450,000 |
The risk in writing a call option is that the Fund may incur a
loss if the market price of the underlying security increases and the option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that
the Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the underlying security decreases and the option is exercised. In addition, there
may be an imperfect correlation between the movement in prices of options and the underlying securities where the Fund may not be
able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market; or, for OTC options, the Fund may be at risk
because of the counterparty’s inability to perform.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of
call/put options written on a monthly basis:
|
|
Average Notional Amount |
|
Use |
Call |
|
Put |
Hedge, Income |
$102,534,010 |
|
$– |
Futures Contracts
A futures contract is an agreement to purchase (long) or sell (short)
an agreed amount of securities or other instruments at a set price for delivery at a future date. There are significant risks associated
with the Fund’s use of futures contracts, including (i) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the changes in market
value of the underlying asset and the prices of futures contracts; (ii) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract;
(iii) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (iv) government regulations may restrict trading in futures
contracts. When investing in futures, there is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the
exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. Cash deposits are shown as
segregated cash with broker on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities; securities held as collateral are noted on the Schedule of Investments.
100 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of
futures on a monthly basis:
|
Average Notional Amount |
Use |
Long |
Short |
Duration, Hedge, Index Exposure |
$2,196,750 |
$– |
Swap Agreements
A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange
a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a
specified amount of an underlying asset. When utilizing OTC swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be
received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying
asset declines in value. Certain standardized swaps are subject to mandatory central clearing and are executed on a multi-lateral or
other trade facility platform, such as a registered exchange. There is limited counterparty credit risk with respect to
centrally-cleared swaps as the transaction is facilitated through a central clearinghouse, much like exchange-traded futures
contracts. If the Fund utilizes centrally-cleared swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting from a counterparty not being
able to pay. There is no guarantee that the Fund or an underlying fund could eliminate its exposure under an outstanding swap
agreement by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same or another party.
Total return swaps involve commitments where single or multiple
cash flows are exchanged based on the price of an underlying reference asset (such as an index) for a fixed or variable interest rate.
Total return swaps will usually be computed based on the current value of the reference asset as of the close of regular trading on the
NYSE or other exchange, with the swap value being adjusted to include dividends accrued, financing charges and/or interest associated
with the swap agreement. When utilizing total return swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under
a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty or if the underlying reference asset declines
in value.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another
party for its respective commitment to pay or receive a fixed or variable interest rate on a notional amount of principal. Interest rate
swaps are generally centrally-cleared, but central clearing does not make interest rate swap transactions risk free.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of
interest rate swaps on a monthly basis:
|
Average Notional Amount |
|
Pay |
Receive |
Use |
Floating Rate |
Floating Rate |
Duration, Hedge |
$143,900,000 |
$– |
Credit default swaps are instruments which allow for the full or
partial transfer of third-party credit risk, with respect to a particular entity or entities, from one counterparty to the other. The
Fund enters into credit default swaps as a “seller” or “buyer” of protection primarily to gain or reduce exposure
to the investment grade and/or high yield bond market. A seller of credit default swaps
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 101
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
is selling credit protection or assuming credit risk with respect
to the underlying entity or entities. The buyer in a credit default swap is obligated to pay the seller a periodic stream of payments
over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If a credit event
occurs, as defined under the terms of the swap agreement, the seller will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to
the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index
or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value
of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. The notional amount reflects the maximum potential
amount the seller of credit protection could be required to pay to the buyer if a credit event occurs. The seller of protection receives
periodic premium payments from the buyer and may also receive or pay an upfront premium adjustment to the stated periodic payments. In
the event a credit default occurs on a credit default swap referencing an index, a factor adjustment will take place and the buyer of
protection will receive a payment reflecting the par less the default recovery rate of the defaulted index component based on its weighting
in the index. If no default occurs, the counterparty will pay the stream of payments and have no further obligations to the Fund if it
is selling the credit protection. If the Fund utilizes centrally cleared credit default swaps, the exchange bears the risk of loss resulting
from a counterparty not being able to pay. For OTC credit default swaps, the Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be
received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty, or in the case of a credit
default swap in which the Fund is selling credit protection, the default of a third-party issuer.
The quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit
default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and
represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative had the notional amount of the swap agreement
been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent
a deterioration of the referenced entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring
as defined under the terms of the agreement.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of
credit default swaps on a monthly basis:
|
Average Notional Amount |
|
Protection |
Protection |
Use |
Sold |
Purchased |
Hedge, Index exposure |
$– |
$63,300,000 |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between
two parties to exchange two designated currencies at a specific time in the future. Certain types of contracts may be cash settled, in
an amount equal to the change in exchange rates during the term of the contract. The contracts can be used to hedge or manage exposure
to foreign currency risks with portfolio investments or to gain exposure to foreign currencies.
102 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
The market value of a forward foreign currency exchange contract
changes with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Furthermore, the Fund may be exposed to risk if the counterparties cannot
meet the contract terms or if the currency value changes unfavorably as compared to the U.S. dollar.
The following table represents the Fund’s use and volume of
forward foreign currency exchange contracts on a monthly basis:
|
|
Average Value |
|
Use |
Purchased |
|
Sold |
Hedge |
$507,122 |
|
$83,985,210 |
Derivative Investment Holdings Categorized by Risk Exposure
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments
on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of November 30, 2023:
Derivative Investment Type |
Asset Derivatives |
Liability Derivatives |
Equity/Interest rate option contracts |
Investment in unaffiliated |
Options written, at value |
|
issuers, at value |
|
Currency forward contracts |
Unrealized appreciation |
Unrealized depreciation |
|
on forward foreign |
on forward foreign |
|
currency exchange |
currency exchange |
|
contracts |
contracts |
Credit/Interest rate swap agreements |
Unamortized upfront |
Unamortized upfront |
|
premiums paid on interest |
premiums received on credit |
|
rate swap agreements |
default swap agreements |
|
Variation margin on credit |
Variation margin on interest |
|
default swap agreements |
rate swap agreements |
Equity futures contracts |
Variation margin on futures contracts |
— |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 103
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
The following tables set forth the fair value of the Fund’s
derivative investments categorized by primary risk exposure at November 30, 2023:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset Derivative Investments Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forward |
|
|
Swaps |
Swaps |
Options |
Options |
Foreign |
Total |
Futures |
Interest |
Credit |
Purchased |
Purchased |
Currency |
Value at |
Equity |
Rate |
Default |
Equity |
Interest Rate |
Exchange |
November 30, |
Risk* |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
2023 |
$367,452 |
$— |
$— |
$— |
$268,212 |
$33,654 |
$669,318 |
|
|
Liability Derivative Investments Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forward |
|
|
Swaps |
Swaps |
Options |
Options |
Foreign |
Total |
Futures |
Interest |
Credit |
Written |
Written |
Currency |
Value at |
Equity |
Rate |
Default |
Equity |
Interest Rate |
Exchange |
November 30, |
Risk* |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
2023 |
$— |
$6,488,698 |
$846,304 |
$1,248,027 |
$— |
$265,941 |
$8,848,970 |
* | | Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of exchange-traded, OTC and centrally-cleared
derivatives contracts as reported on the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. For exchange-traded and centrally-cleared derivatives,
variation margin is reported within the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following is a summary of the location of derivative investments
on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the period ended November 30, 2023:
|
|
Derivative Investment Type |
Location of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives |
Credit/Interest rate swap agreements |
Net realized gain (loss) on swap agreements |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
|
(depreciation) on swap agreements |
Equity/Interest rate option contracts |
Net realized gain (loss) on options purchased |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
|
(depreciation) on options purchased |
|
Net realized gain (loss) on options written |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
|
(depreciation) on options written |
Equity futures contracts |
Net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
|
(depreciation) on futures contracts |
Currency forward contracts |
Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign |
|
currency exchange contracts |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation |
|
(depreciation) on forward foreign currency |
|
exchange contracts |
104 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
The following is a summary of the Fund’s realized gain (loss)
and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on derivative investments recognized on the Statement of Operations categorized by
primary risk exposure for the period ended November 30, 2023:
Realized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Investments Recognized on
the Statement of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
Forward |
|
|
Swaps |
Swaps |
Options |
Options |
Foreign |
|
Futures |
Interest |
Credit |
Written |
Purchased |
Currency |
|
Equity |
Rate |
Default |
Equity |
Equity |
Exchange |
|
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Total |
$(95,864) |
$(1,802,665) |
$(306,473) |
$(4,224,828) |
$(61,478) |
$347,444 |
$(6,143,864) |
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) on Derivative
Investments Recognized on the Statement of Operations
|
|
|
|
Options |
Forward |
|
|
Swaps |
Swaps |
Options |
Purchased |
Foreign |
|
Futures |
Interest |
Credit |
Written |
Interest |
Currency |
|
Equity |
Rate |
Default |
Equity |
Rate |
Exchange |
|
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Risk |
Total |
$367,452 |
$(1,812,822) |
$(545,390) |
$1,027,217 |
$(601,068) |
$(821,967) |
$(2,386,578) |
In conjunction with short sales and the use of derivative instruments,
the Fund is required to maintain collateral in various forms. Depending on the financial instrument utilized and the broker involved,
the Fund uses margin deposits at the broker, cash and/or securities segregated at the custodian bank, discount notes or repurchase agreements
allocated to the Fund as collateral.
The Fund has established counterparty credit guidelines and enters
into transactions only with financial institutions rated/identified as investment grade or better. The Fund monitors the counterparty
credit risk.
Foreign Investments
There are several risks associated with exposure to foreign currencies,
foreign issuers and emerging markets. The Fund’s indirect and direct exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk
that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or in the case of short positions, that the U.S. dollar will
decline in value relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods
of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments
in the U.S. or abroad. In addition, the Fund may incur transaction costs in connection with conversions between various currencies. The
Fund may, but is not obligated to, engage in currency hedging transactions, which generally involve buying currency forward, options or
futures contracts. However, not all currency risks may be effectively hedged, and in some cases the costs of hedging techniques may outweigh
expected benefits. In such instances, the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies can change significantly when foreign
currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign companies directly,
or in financial instruments, such as ADRs and exchange-traded funds, which are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign issuers.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 105
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Foreign markets can be more volatile than the U.S. market due to
increased risks of adverse issuer, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments and can perform differently from the U.S. market.
Investing in securities of foreign companies directly, or in financial instruments that are indirectly linked to the performance of foreign
issuers, may involve risks not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers. The value of securities denominated in foreign currencies,
and of dividends from such securities, can change significantly when foreign currencies strengthen or weaken relative to the U.S. dollar.
Foreign securities markets generally have less trading volume and less liquidity than U.S. markets, and prices in some foreign markets
may fluctuate more than those of securities traded on U.S. markets. Many foreign countries lack accounting and disclosure standards comparable
to those that apply to U.S. companies, and it may be more difficult to obtain reliable information regarding a foreign issuer’s financial
condition and operations. Transaction costs and costs associated with custody services are generally higher for foreign securities than
they are for U.S. securities. Some foreign governments levy withholding taxes against dividend and interest income. Although in some countries
portions of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion will reduce the income received by the Fund.
Note 4 – Offsetting
In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into transactions
subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or other similar arrangements. Generally, the right to offset in those agreements allows
the Fund to counteract the exposure to a specific counterparty with collateral received from or delivered to that counterparty based on
the terms of the arrangements. These arrangements provide for the right to liquidate upon the occurrence of an event of default, credit
event upon merger or additional termination event.
In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights
that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk, the Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc.
Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master
Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives, including foreign exchange contracts,
and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination
event. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of a default (close-out netting)
or similar event, including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty.
For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral
requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark-to-market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that
amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by the Fund and the counterparty. For financial reporting purposes, cash collateral
that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund and cash collateral received from the counterparty, if any, are reported separately
on the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities as segregated cash with broker/ receivable for variation margin, or payable for
swap settlement/variation margin. Cash and/
106 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
or securities pledged or received as collateral by the Fund in connection
with an OTC derivative subject to an ISDA Master Agreement generally may not be invested, sold or rehypothecated by the counterparty or
the Fund, as applicable, absent an event of default under such agreement, in which case such collateral generally may be applied towards
obligations due to and payable by such counterparty or the Fund, as applicable. Generally, the amount of collateral due from or to a counterparty
must exceed a minimum transfer amount threshold (e.g., $300,000) before a transfer is required to be made. To the extent amounts due to
the Fund from its counterparties are not fully collateralized, contractually or otherwise, the Fund bears the risk of loss from counterparty
nonperformance. The Fund attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by only entering into agreements with counterparties that it believes
to be of good standing and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties.
For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative
assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Fund’s Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
The following tables present derivative financial instruments and
secured financing transactions that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Amount |
|
Gross Amounts Not Offset |
|
|
|
|
Gross Amounts |
|
of Assets |
|
in the Statement of |
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Offset in the |
Presented on the |
|
Assets and Liabilities |
|
|
Amounts of |
|
Statement of |
|
Statement of |
|
|
|
Cash |
|
|
Recognized |
|
Assets and |
|
Assets and |
|
Financial |
Collateral |
|
Instrument |
|
Assets1 |
|
Liabilities |
|
Liabilities |
|
Instruments |
Received |
Net Amount |
Forward foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
currency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
exchange |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contracts |
$ |
33,654 |
$ |
— |
$ |
33,654 |
$ |
(219) |
$ |
— |
$ 33,435 |
Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
purchased |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contracts |
|
268,212 |
|
— |
|
268,212 |
|
(20,203) |
|
(156,259) |
91,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Amount |
|
Gross Amounts Not Offset |
|
|
|
Gross Amounts |
|
of Liabilities |
|
in the Statement of |
|
|
Gross |
|
Offset in the |
Presented on the |
|
Assets and Liabilities |
|
|
Amounts of |
|
Statement of |
|
Statement of |
|
|
Cash |
|
|
Recognized |
|
Assets and |
|
Assets and |
|
Financial |
Collateral |
|
Instrument |
Liabilities1 |
|
Liabilities |
|
Liabilities |
|
Instruments |
Pledged |
Net Amount |
Forward foreign |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
currency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
exchange |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
contracts |
$ 265,941 |
$ |
— |
$ |
265,941 |
$ |
(20,422) |
$ |
— |
$ 245,519 |
Reverse |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repurchase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Agreements |
408,656,543 |
|
— |
|
408,656,543 |
|
(408,656,543) |
|
— |
— |
1 Exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives are
excluded from these reported amounts.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 107
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
The Fund has the right to offset deposits against any related derivative
liabilities outstanding with each counterparty with the exception of exchange-traded or centrally-cleared derivatives. The following table
presents deposits held by others in connection with derivative investments as of November 30, 2023.
|
|
|
|
|
Counterparty |
Asset Type |
Cash Pledged |
Cash Received |
Barclays Bank plc |
Reverse repurchase agreements |
$ |
— |
$ 416,000 |
BofA Securities, Inc. |
Credit default swap agreements, |
|
|
|
|
interest rate swap agreements |
|
4,721,936 |
112,725 |
Canadian Imperial Bank |
|
|
|
|
of Commerce |
Reverse repurchase agreements, options |
|
— |
3,873,000 |
Citigroup |
Reverse repurchase agreements, options |
|
— |
1,403,994 |
Goldman Sachs International |
Options |
|
— |
310,000 |
Morgan Stanley Capital |
|
|
|
|
Services LLC |
Options |
|
— |
120,146 |
|
|
$ |
4,721,936 |
$ 6,235,865 |
Note 5 – Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Fund and
the Adviser, the Adviser furnishes office facilities and equipment, and provides administrative services on behalf of the Fund, and oversees
the activities of Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM” or the “Sub-Adviser”). The Adviser provides
all services through the medium of any directors, officers or employees of the Adviser or its affiliates as the Adviser deems appropriate
in order to fulfill its obligations. As compensation for these services, the Fund pays the Adviser a fee, payable monthly, at an annual
rate equal to 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets (as defined in this report).
Pursuant to an Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement among the Fund,
the Adviser and GPIM, GPIM under the oversight and supervision of the Board and the Adviser, manages the investment of the assets of the
Fund in accordance with its investment objective and policies, places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund, and,
at the request of the Adviser, consults with the Adviser as to the overall management of the assets of the Fund and its investment policies
and practices. As compensation for its services, the Adviser pays GPIM a fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate equal to 0.50% of the
Fund’s average daily Managed Assets.
For purposes of calculating the fees payable under the foregoing
agreements, “Managed Assets” means the total assets of the Fund, including the assets attributable to the proceeds from financial
leverage, including the issuance of senior securities represented by indebtedness (including through borrowing from financial institutions
or issuance of debt securities, including notes or commercial paper), the issuance of preferred shares, the effective leverage of certain
portfolio transactions such as reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls and inverse floating rate securities, or any other form of
financial leverage, minus liabilities, other than liabilities related to any financial leverage.
If the Fund invests in a fund that is advised by the Adviser or
an adviser affiliated with the Adviser, the Fund’s Adviser has agreed to waive Fund fees to the extent necessary to offset the proportionate
share of any management fee paid by the Fund with respect to its investment in such fund. Fee waivers will be calculated at the investing
fund level without regard to any expense cap, if any, in
108 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
effect for the investing fund. Fees waived under this arrangement
are not subject to reimbursement. For the period ended November 30, 2023, the Adviser waived $72,412 related to investments by the Fund
in such funds.
Certain officers and trustees of the Fund may also be officers, directors
and/or employees of the Adviser or GPIM. The Fund does not compensate its officers who are officers, directors and/or employees of the aforementioned
firms.
GFIA pays operating expenses on behalf of the Fund, such as audit
and accounting related services, legal services, custody, printing and mailing, among others, on a pass-through basis.
On November 11, 2022, the Fund received a one-time payment from
the Adviser for $216,351 relating to an operational issue. This amount is included in Capital contribution from adviser on the Fund’s
Statements of Changes in Net Assets and the impact of this amount to total return at NAV is included within the Financial Highlights.
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC (“MUIS”) acts as the
Fund’s administrator and accounting agent. As administrator and accounting agent, MUIS maintains the books and records of the Fund’s
securities and cash. The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. (“BNY”) acts as the Fund’s custodian. As custodian, BNY is responsible
for the custody of the Fund’s assets. For providing the aforementioned services, MUIS and BNY are entitled to receive a monthly
fee equal to an annual percentage of the Fund’s average daily Managed Assets and certain out of pocket expenses.
Note 6 – Fair Value Measurement
In accordance with U.S. GAAP, fair value is defined as the price
that the Fund would receive to sell an investment or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants
at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy based on the types of inputs used to value assets and
liabilities and requires corresponding disclosure. The hierarchy and the corresponding inputs are summarized below:
Level 1 — unadjusted
quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — significant other observable inputs (for example
quoted prices for securities that are similar based on characteristics such as interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.).
Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs based on the best
information available under the circumstances, to the extent observable inputs are not available, which may include assumptions.
Rule 2a-5 sets forth a definition of “readily available market
quotations,” which is consistent with the definition of a Level 1 input under U.S. GAAP. Rule 2a-5 provides that “a market
quotation is readily available only when that quotation is a quoted price (unadjusted) in active markets for identical investments that
the Fund can access at the measurement date, provided that a quotation will not be readily available if it is not reliable.”
Securities
for which market quotations are not readily available must be valued at fair value as determined in good faith. Accordingly, any security
priced using inputs other than Level 1 inputs
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 109
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
will be subject to fair value requirements. The types of inputs
available depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of security and the characteristics of the markets in which it trades, if any.
Fair valuation determinations that rely on fewer or no observable inputs require greater judgment. Accordingly, fair value determinations
for Level 3 securities require the greatest amount of judgment.
Pricing service providers are used to value a majority of the Fund’s
investments. When values are not available from a pricing service provider, they will be determined using a variety of sources and techniques,
including: market prices; broker quotes; and models which derive prices based on inputs such as prices of securities with comparable maturities
and characteristics or based on inputs such as anticipated cash flows or collateral, spread over U.S. Treasury securities, and other information
and analysis. A significant portion of the Fund’s assets and liabilities are categorized as Level 2, as indicated in this report.
Quotes from broker-dealers, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria
such as credit spreads and interest rates, may also be used to value the Fund’s assets and liabilities, i.e. prices provided by
a broker-dealer or other market participant who has not committed to trade at that price. Although quotes are typically received from
established market participants, the Fund may not have the transparency to view the underlying inputs which support the market quotations.
Significant changes in a quote would generally result in significant changes in the fair value of the security.
Certain fixed income securities are valued by obtaining a monthly
quote from a broker-dealer, adjusted for fluctuations in criteria such as credit spreads and interest rates.
Certain loans and other securities are valued using a single daily
broker quote or a price from a pricing service provider based on a single daily or monthly broker quote.
The inputs or methodologies selected and applied for valuing securities
or other assets are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The suitability, appropriateness
and accuracy of the techniques, methodologies and sources employed to determine fair valuation are periodically reviewed and subject to
change.
Note 7 – Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements as part of
its financial leverage strategy. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession of a portfolio instrument
to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to repurchase the instrument
at an agreed upon time and price, which reflects an interest payment. Such agreements have the economic effect of borrowings. The Fund
may enter into such agreements to invest the cash acquired at a rate higher than the cost of the agreement, which would increase earned
income. When the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, any fluctuations in the market value of either the instruments transferred
to another party or the instruments in which the proceeds may be invested would affect the market value of the Fund’s assets. As
a result, such transactions may increase fluctuations in the market value of the Fund’s assets. For the period ended November 30,
2023, the average daily balance for which reverse
110 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
repurchase agreements were outstanding amounted to $346,840,860.
The weighted average interest rate was 5.52%. As of November 30, 2023, there was $408,656,543 (inclusive of interest payable) in reverse
repurchase agreements outstanding.
As of November 30, 2023, the Fund had outstanding reverse repurchase
agreements with various counterparties. Details of the reverse repurchase agreements by counterparty are as follows:
|
|
|
|
Counterparty |
Interest Rate(s) |
Maturity Date |
Face Value |
Bank of Montreal |
5.45%* |
Open Maturity |
$ 1,098,364 |
Barclays Capital, Inc. |
5.55% - 5.60%* |
Open Maturity |
2,228,766 |
BofA Securities, Inc. |
5.35% - 5.52%* |
Open Maturity |
22,588,752 |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce |
5.80% |
01/22/24 |
115,272,647 |
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce |
5.54% - 5.69%* |
Open Maturity |
39,717,505 |
Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. |
5.45% - 5.48%* |
Open Maturity |
56,497,253 |
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC |
(2.75%) - 5.65%* |
Open Maturity |
114,422,936 |
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC |
5.35% - 5.48%* |
Open Maturity |
16,554,563 |
RBC Capital Markets LLC |
5.35% - 5.70%* |
Open Maturity |
40,275,757 |
|
|
|
$ 408,656,543 |
* The rate is adjusted periodically by the counterparty, subject
to approval by the Adviser, and is not based upon a set of reference rate and spread. Rate indicated is the rate effective at November
30, 2023.
The following is a summary of the remaining contractual maturities
of the reverse repurchase agreements outstanding as of November 30, 2023, aggregated by asset class of the related collateral pledged
by the Fund:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overnight and |
|
|
Greater than |
|
Asset Type |
Continuous |
Up to 30 days |
31-90 days |
90 days |
Total |
Corporate Bonds |
$221,919,818 |
$— |
$115,272,648 |
$— |
$337,192,466 |
Federal Agency Notes |
13,868,461 |
— |
— |
— |
13,868,461 |
Mortgage-Backed Securities |
57,595,616 |
— |
— |
— |
57,595,616 |
Total reverse repurchase |
|
|
|
|
|
agreements |
$293,383,895 |
$— |
$115,272,648 |
$— |
$408,656,543 |
Gross amount of recognized |
|
|
|
|
|
liabilities for reverse |
|
|
|
|
|
repurchase agreements |
$293,383,895 |
$— |
$115,272,648 |
$— |
$408,656,543 |
Note 8 – Borrowings
The Fund has entered into a $400,000,000, with the right to request
an increase to $800,000,000, credit facility agreement with an approved lender whereby the lender has agreed to provide secured financing
to the Fund and the Fund will provide pledged collateral to the lender. Under the most recent amended terms, the interest rate on the
amount borrowed is based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus 0.75%, 0.80%, or 0.85% depending on the eligible
security types pledged as related collateral, and an unused commitment fee of 0.30% is charged on the difference between the amount available
to borrow under the credit facility agreement and the actual amount borrowed. As of November 30, 2023, there was $49,000,000 outstanding
in connection with the Fund’s credit facility. The average daily amount of borrowings on the credit facility during the period was
$49,475,410 with a related average interest rate of 6.08%. The maximum amount outstanding
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 111
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
during the period was $52,000,000. As of November 30, 2023, the
total value of securities segregated and pledged as collateral in connection with borrowings was $158,066,496.
The credit facility agreement governing the loan facility includes
usual and customary covenants. These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, collateral requirements, investment strategy
requirements, and certain financial obligations. These covenants place limits or restrictions on the Fund’s ability to (i) enter
into additional indebtedness with a party other than the counterparty, (ii) change its fundamental investment policy, or (iii) pledge
to any other party, other than to the counterparty, securities owned or held by the Fund over which the counterparty has a lien. In addition,
the Fund is required to deliver financial information to the counterparty within established deadlines, maintain an asset coverage ratio
(as defined in Section 18(g) of the 1940 Act) greater than 300%, comply with the rules of the stock exchange on which its shares are listed,
and maintain its classification as a “closed-end management investment company” as defined in the 1940 Act.
There is no guarantee that the Fund’s leverage strategy will
be successful. The Fund’s use of leverage may cause the Fund’s NAV and market price of common shares to be more volatile and
can magnify the effect of any losses.
Note 9 – Federal Income Tax Information
The Fund intends to comply with the provisions of Subchapter M of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies
and will distribute substantially all taxable net investment income and capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially
all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore, no provision for federal or state income tax or federal excise tax is required.
Tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing
the Fund’s tax returns are evaluated to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained
by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit
or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken, or to be taken, on U.S. federal income tax
returns for all open tax years, and has concluded that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
The Fund’s U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for a
period of three years after they are filed.
At November 30, 2023, the cost of investments for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost, and
the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Tax |
|
Tax |
Tax |
Unrealized |
Tax |
Unrealized |
Unrealized |
Appreciation/ |
Cost |
Appreciation |
Depreciation |
(Depreciation) |
$2,183,273,919 |
$51,826,038 |
$(213,631,261) |
$(161,805,223) |
112 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
As of May 31, 2023, (the most recent fiscal year end for U.S. federal
tax purposes) tax components of distributable earnings/(loss) were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed |
Undistributed |
Net Unrealized |
Accumulated |
|
Ordinary |
Long-Term |
Appreciation |
Capital and |
|
Income |
Capital Gain |
(Depreciation) |
Other Losses |
Total |
$ — |
$ — |
$(207,486,251) |
$(21,883,495) |
$(229,369,746) |
For the year ended May 31, 2023, (the most recent fiscal year end
for U.S. federal income tax purposes) the tax character of distributions paid to shareholders as reflected in the Statements of Changes
in Net Assets was as follows:
|
|
|
|
Ordinary |
Long-Term |
Return of |
Total |
Income |
Capital Gain |
Capital |
Distributions |
$84,848,300 |
$19,952,972 |
$139,524,841 |
$244,326,113 |
Note: For U.S. federal income tax purposes, short-term capital gain
distributions are treated as ordinary income distributions.
Note 10 – Securities Transactions
For the period ended November 30, 2023, the cost of purchases and
proceeds from sales of investment securities, excluding government securities, short-term investments and derivatives, were as follows:
|
|
Purchases |
Sales |
$350,127,022 |
$155,159,545 |
The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities from or to
certain affiliated funds under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board. The procedures have been designed to ensure
that any purchase or sale of securities by a Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is or could be considered an affiliate by virtue
of having a common investment adviser (or affiliated investment advisers), common Trustees and/or common officers complies with Rule 17a-7
of the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under these procedures, each transaction is effected at the current market price. For the period ended
November 30, 2023, the Fund did not engage in purchases and sales of securities, pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act.
Note 11 – Unfunded Loan Commitments
Pursuant to the terms of certain loan agreements, the Fund held
unfunded loan commitments as of November 30, 2023. The Fund is obligated to fund these loan commitments at the borrower’s discretion.
The Fund reserves against such contingent obligations by designating cash, liquid securities, illiquid securities, and liquid term loans
as a reserve. As of November 30, 2023, the total amount segregated in connection with unfunded loan commitments and reverse repurchase
agreements was $464,104,799.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 113
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
The unfunded loan commitments as of November 30, 2023, were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Borrower |
Maturity Date |
Face Amount* |
|
Value |
AI Aqua Culligan |
07/30/28 |
3,750,000 |
$ |
37,500 |
Avalara, Inc. |
10/19/28 |
700,000 |
|
8,225 |
Care BidCo |
05/04/28 |
EUR 1,000,000 |
|
64,136 |
Checkers Holdings, Inc. |
06/16/27 |
139,346 |
|
— |
Finastra USA, Inc. |
09/13/29 |
295,936 |
|
35,242 |
Galls LLC |
01/31/24 |
66,025 |
|
1,651 |
Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc. |
11/25/28 |
1,394,476 |
|
13,192 |
Lightning A |
03/01/37 |
9,487,346 |
|
– |
Lightning B |
03/01/37 |
1,208,294 |
|
– |
Orion Group |
03/19/27 |
734,739 |
|
19,956 |
Polaris Newco LLC |
06/04/26 |
896,000 |
|
56,245 |
Schur Flexibles GmbH |
09/30/26 |
EUR 85,220 |
|
4,175 |
Shaw Development LLC |
10/30/29 |
531,915 |
|
10,488 |
SHO Holding I Corp. |
04/27/24 |
16,000 |
|
5,160 |
Thunderbird A |
03/01/37 |
9,309,987 |
|
– |
Thunderbird B |
03/01/37 |
1,185,706 |
|
– |
TK Elevator Midco GmbH |
01/29/27 |
EUR 1,270,479 |
|
74,641 |
|
|
|
$ |
330,611 |
*
The face amount is denominated in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.
EUR – Euro
Note 12 – Restricted Securities
The securities below are considered illiquid and restricted under
guidelines established by the Board:
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Securities |
Acquisition Date |
Cost |
|
Value |
Atlas Mara Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
due 12/31/211 |
10/01/15 |
$ 777,850 |
$ |
235,977 |
BBC Military Housing-Navy Northeast LLC |
|
|
|
|
6.30% due 10/15/49 |
05/05/15 |
2,739,941 |
|
2,559,232 |
CBC Insurance Revenue Securitization LLC |
|
|
|
|
2016-1, 5.25% due 07/15/46 |
08/09/19 |
283,529 |
|
252,212 |
CFMT LLC |
|
|
|
|
2022-HB9, 3.25% (WAC) due 09/25/372 |
09/23/22 |
2,878,721 |
|
2,740,282 |
Freddie Mac Military Housing Bonds |
|
|
|
|
Resecuritization Trust Certificates 2015-R1, 5.94% |
|
|
|
(WAC) due 11/25/522 |
09/10/19 |
3,390,490 |
|
2,950,329 |
Mirabela Nickel Ltd. |
|
|
|
|
due 06/24/191 |
12/31/13 |
2,341,590 |
|
13,340 |
|
|
$ 12,412,121 |
$ |
8,751,372 |
1 | | Security is in default of interest and/or principal obligations. |
2 | | Variable rate security. Rate indicated is the rate effective at November 30, 2023. In some
instances, the effective rate is limited by a minimum rate floor or a maximum rate cap established by the issuer. The settlement status
of a position may also impact the effective rate indicated. In some cases, a position may be unsettled at period end and may not have
a stated effective rate. In instances where multiple underlying reference rates and spread amounts are shown, the effective rate is based
on a weighted average. |
114 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Note 13 – Capital
Common Shares
The Fund has an unlimited amount of common shares, $0.01 par value,
authorized and 129,852,127 shares issued and outstanding as of November 30, 2023.
Transactions in common shares were as follows:
|
|
|
|
Period Ended |
Year Ended |
|
November 30, 2023 |
May 31, 2023 |
Beginning shares |
119,342,322 |
104,149,415 |
Shares issued through at-the-market offering |
9,123,815 |
13,169,105 |
Shares issued through dividend reinvestment |
1,385,990 |
2,023,802 |
Ending shares |
129,852,127 |
119,342,322 |
On September 20, 2021, the Fund’s current shelf registration
allowing for delayed or continuous offering of additional shares became effective. The shelf registration statement allows for the issuance
of up to $700,000,000 of common shares. The Fund entered into an at-the-market sales agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. on September
20, 2021, as amended, to offer and sell common shares having an aggregated initial offering price of up to $374,537,331, from time to time,
through Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. as agent for the Fund. On March 24, 2023, the Fund entered into an at-the-market sales agreement with
Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. to offer and sell common shares having an aggregated initial offering price of up to $330,024,727, from time
to time, through Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. as agent for the Fund.
As of November 30, 2023, up to $159,701,728 remained available under
the at-the-market sales agreement. For the period ended November 30, 2023, the Fund paid no offering costs associated with the at-the market
offering, but may be responsible for additional offering costs in the future of up to 0.60% of the offering price of common shares sold pursuant
to the shelf registration statement.
A portion of the proceeds of the foregoing offering is usually used
to pay distributions and may be a return of capital. If the Fund does not conduct such offering, it may not be able to maintain distributions
at historical levels. There is no guarantee that the Fund will sell all of the common shares available for sale under its shelf registration
statement or that there will be any sales of common shares thereunder and, from time to time, the Fund may be unable to sell its common
shares under its shelf registration statement.
Note 14 – Market Risks
The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the
Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss that may result from various factors. These factors
include, among others, developments affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in
prevailing interest rates (which may change at any time based on various market and other economic conditions), changes in inflation rates
or
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 115
|
|
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated
relative to normal conditions), adverse investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social
or financial market conditions, increased instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health
emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed
conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades,
and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical,
social, financial market or other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of
the investments held by the Fund in a different country, geographic region, economy, industry or market because of the increasingly interconnected
global economies and financial markets. The duration and extent of the foregoing types of factors or conditions are highly uncertain and
difficult to predict and have in the past, and may in the future, cause volatility and distress in economies and financial markets or other
adverse circumstances, which may negatively affect the value of the Fund’s investments and performance of the Fund.
Note 15 – Subsequent Events
The Fund evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial
statements are issued and determined there were no material events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in the Fund’s
financial statements.
116 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
Federal Income Tax Information
This information is being provided as required by the Internal Revenue
Code. Amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in the report because of differences in tax and financial reporting practice.
In January 2024, shareholders will be advised on IRS Form 1099 DIV
or substitute 1099 DIV as to the U.S. federal tax status of the distributions received by shareholders in the calendar year 2023.
Delaware Statutory Trust Act-Control Share Acquisition
Under Delaware law applicable to the Fund as of August 1, 2022,
if a shareholder acquires direct or indirect ownership or power to direct the voting of shares of the Fund in an amount that equals or
exceeds certain percentage thresholds specified under Delaware law (beginning at 10% or more of shares of the Fund), the shareholder’s
ability to vote certain of these shares may be limited.
Sector Classification
Information in the “Schedule of Investments” is categorized
by sectors using sector-level classifications used by Bloomberg Industry Classification System, a widely recognized industry classification
system provider. In the Fund’s registration statement, the Fund has investment policies relating to concentration in specific industries.
For purposes of these investment policies, the Fund usually classifies industries based on industry-level classifications used by widely
recognized industry classification system providers such as Bloomberg Industry Classification System, Global Industry Classification Standards
and Barclays Global Classification Scheme.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 117
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trustees |
|
|
|
|
|
The
Trustees of the Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund and their principal occupations during the past five years: |
|
|
Position(s) |
Term
of Office |
|
Number
of |
|
|
Held |
and
Length |
|
Portfolios
in |
|
Name,
Address* |
with |
of
Time |
Principal
Occupation(s) |
Fund
Complex |
Other
Directorships |
and
Year of Birth |
Trust |
Served** |
During
Past Five Years |
Overseen |
Held
by Trustees*** |
Independent
Trustees: |
|
|
|
|
Randall
C. Barnes |
Trustee
and |
Since
2007 |
Current:
Private Investor (2001-present). |
154 |
Current:
Advent Convertible and |
(1951) |
Chair
of the |
(Trustee) |
|
|
Income
Fund (2005-present); Purpose |
|
Valuation |
Since
2020 |
Former:
Senior Vice President and Treasurer, PepsiCo, Inc. (1993-1997); |
|
Investments
Funds (2013-present). |
|
Oversight |
(Chair
of the |
President,
Pizza Hut International (1991-1993); Senior Vice President, |
|
|
|
Committee |
Valuation |
Strategic
Planning and New Business Development, PepsiCo, Inc. (1987-1990). |
|
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & Income |
|
|
Oversight |
|
|
Fund
(2015-2023); Fiduciary/Claymore |
|
|
Committee) |
|
|
Energy
Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); |
|
|
|
|
|
Guggenheim
Enhanced Equity Income |
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
(2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation
Fund (2013-2021). |
Angela
Brock-Kyle |
Trustee |
Since
2019 |
Current:
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, B.O.A.R.D.S. (2013-present); |
153 |
Current:
Bowhead Insurance GP, LLC |
(1959) |
|
|
Member,
Board of Directors, Mutual Fund Directors Forum (2022-present). |
|
(2020-present);
Hunt Companies, Inc. |
|
|
|
|
|
(2019-present). |
|
|
|
Former:
Senior Leader, TIAA (financial services firm) (1987-2012). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & Income |
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
(2019-2023); Fiduciary/Claymore |
|
|
|
|
|
Energy
Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); |
|
|
|
|
|
Guggenheim
Enhanced Equity Income |
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
(2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation
Fund (2019-2021); Infinity |
|
|
|
|
|
Property
& Casualty Corp. (2014-2018). |
118 lGOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s) |
Term
of Office |
|
Number
of |
|
|
Held |
and
Length |
|
Portfolios
in |
|
Name,
Address* |
with |
of
Time |
Principal
Occupation(s) |
Fund
Complex |
Other
Directorships |
and
Year of Birth |
Trust |
Served** |
During
Past Five Years |
Overseen |
Held
by Trustees*** |
Independent
Trustees continued: |
|
|
|
|
Thomas
F. Lydon, Jr. |
Trustee
and |
Since
2019 |
Current:
President, Global Trends Investments (registered investment |
153 |
Current:
US Global Investors, Inc. |
(1960) |
Chair
of the |
(Trustee) |
adviser)
(1996-present); CEO, Lydon Media (2016-present); Vice |
|
(GROW)
(1995-present); The 2023 ETF |
|
Contracts |
Since
2020 |
Chairman,
VettaFi, a wholly owned subsidiary of The TMX Group |
|
Series
Trust (4) (2023-present); The |
|
Review |
(Chair
of the |
(financial
advisor content, research, index and digital distribution |
|
2023
ETF Series Trust II (1) |
|
Committee |
Contracts |
provider)
(2022-present). |
|
(2023-present). |
|
|
Review |
|
|
|
|
|
Committee) |
Former:
CEO, ETF Flows, LLC (financial advisor education and research |
|
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & |
|
|
|
provider)
(2019-2023); Director, GDX Index Partners, LLC (index provider) |
|
Income
Fund (2019-2023); Fiduciary/ |
|
|
|
(2021-2023). |
|
Claymore
Energy Infrastructure Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
(2019-2022);
Guggenheim Enhanced |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
Income Fund (2019-2021); |
|
|
|
|
|
Guggenheim
Credit Allocation Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
(2019-2021);
Harvest Volatility Edge |
|
|
|
|
|
Trust
(3) (2017-2019). |
Ronald
A. Nyberg |
Trustee
and |
Since
2007 |
Current:
Of Counsel, Momkus LLP (law firm) (2016-present). |
154 |
Current:
Advent Convertible and |
(1953) |
Chair
of the |
|
|
|
Income
Fund (2003-present); PPM |
|
Nominating
and |
Former:
Partner, Nyberg & Cassioppi, LLC (law firm) (2000-2016); |
|
Funds
(2) (2018-present); Endeavor |
|
Governance |
|
Executive
Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, |
|
Health
(2012-present). |
|
Committee |
|
Van
Kampen Investments (1982-1999). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & |
|
|
|
|
|
Income
Fund (2015-2023); Fiduciary/ |
|
|
|
|
|
Claymore
Energy Infrastructure Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
(2004-2022);
Guggenheim Enhanced |
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
Income Fund (2005-2021); |
|
|
|
|
|
Guggenheim
Credit Allocation Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
(2013-2021);
Western Asset Inflation- |
|
|
|
|
|
Linked
Opportunities & Income Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
(2004-2020);
Western Asset Inflation- |
|
|
|
|
|
Linked
Income Fund (2003-2020). |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 119
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s) |
Term
of Office |
|
Number
of |
|
|
Held |
and
Length |
|
Portfolios
in |
|
Name,
Address* |
with |
of
Time |
Principal
Occupation(s) |
Fund
Complex |
Other
Directorships |
and
Year of Birth |
Trust |
Served** |
During
Past Five Years |
Overseen |
Held
by Trustees*** |
Independent
Trustees continued: |
|
|
|
|
|
Sandra
G. Sponem |
Trustee
and |
Since
2019 |
Current:
Retired. |
153 |
Current:
SPDR Series Trust (81) |
(1958) |
Chair
of the |
(Trustee) |
|
|
(2018-present);
SPDR Index Shares |
|
Audit |
Since
2020 |
Former:
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, M.A. |
|
Funds
(30) (2018-present); SSGA Active |
|
Committee |
(Chair
of the |
Mortenson-Companies,
Inc. (construction and real estate development |
|
Trust
(14) (2018-present). |
|
|
Audit |
company)
(2007-2017). |
|
|
|
|
Committee) |
|
|
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & Income |
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
(2019-2023); Fiduciary/Claymore |
|
|
|
|
|
Energy
Infrastructure Fund (2019-2022); |
|
|
|
|
|
Guggenheim
Enhanced Equity Income |
|
|
|
|
|
Fund
(2019-2021); Guggenheim Credit |
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation
Fund (2019-2021); SSGA |
|
|
|
|
|
Master
Trust (1) (2018-2020). |
Ronald
E. Toupin, Jr. |
Trustee, |
Since
2007 |
Current:
Portfolio Consultant (2010-present); Member, Governing Council, |
153 |
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & Income |
(1958) |
Chair
of the |
|
Independent
Directors Council (2013-present); Governor, Board of Governors, |
Fund
(2015-2023); Fiduciary/Claymore |
|
Board
and |
|
Investment
Company Institute (2018-present). |
|
Energy
Infrastructure Fund (2004-2022); |
|
Chair
of the |
|
|
|
Guggenheim
Enhanced Equity Income |
|
Executive |
|
Former:
Member, Executive Committee, Independent Directors Council |
|
Fund
(2005-2021); Guggenheim Credit |
|
Committee |
|
(2016-2018);
Vice President, Manager and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen Asset |
|
Allocation
Fund (2013-2021); Western |
|
|
|
Management
(1998-1999); Vice President, Nuveen Investment Advisory Corp. |
|
Asset
Inflation-Linked Opportunities & |
|
|
|
(1992-1999);
Vice President and Manager, Nuveen Unit Investment Trusts |
|
Income
Fund (2004-2020); Western |
|
|
|
(1991-1999);
and Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Nuveen |
|
Asset
Inflation-Linked Income Fund |
|
|
|
Unit
Investment Trusts (1988-1999), each of John Nuveen & Co., Inc. |
|
(2003-2020). |
|
|
|
(registered
broker dealer) (1982-1999). |
|
|
120 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s) |
Term
of Office |
|
Number
of |
|
|
Held |
and
Length |
|
Portfolios
in |
|
Name,
Address* |
with |
of
Time |
Principal
Occupation(s) |
Fund
Complex |
Other
Directorships |
and
Year of Birth |
Trust |
Served** |
During
Past Five Years |
Overseen |
Held
by Trustees*** |
Interested
Trustee: |
|
|
|
|
|
Amy
J. Lee**** |
Trustee,
Vice |
Since
2018 |
Current:
Interested Trustee, certain other funds in the Fund Complex |
153 |
Former:
Guggenheim Energy & Income |
(1961) |
President |
(Trustee) |
(2018-present);
Chief Legal Officer, certain other funds in the Fund |
|
Fund
(2018-2023); Fiduciary/Claymore |
|
and
Chief |
Since
2014 |
Complex
(2014-present); Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund |
|
Energy
Infrastructure Fund (2018- |
|
Legal
Officer |
(Chief
Legal |
Complex
(2007-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim |
|
2022);
Guggenheim Enhanced Equity |
|
|
Officer)
Since |
Investments
(2012-present). |
|
Income
Fund (2018-2021); |
|
|
2012
(Vice |
|
|
Guggenheim
Credit Allocation Fund |
|
|
President) |
President
and/or Chief Executive Officer, certain funds in the Fund Complex |
|
(2018-2021). |
|
|
|
(2017-2019);
Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant |
|
|
|
|
|
Secretary,
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and Security Benefit |
|
|
|
|
|
Corporation
(2004-2012). |
|
|
* | | The business address of each Trustee is c/o Guggenheim Investments, 227 West Monroe Street,
Chicago, Illinois 60606. |
** | | Each Trustee elected shall hold office until his or her successor shall have been elected
and shall have qualified. After a Trustee’s initial term, each Trustee is expected to serve a two year term concurrent with the
class of Trustees for which he or she serves. |
- Mr. Barnes and Mses. Lee and Brock-Kyle are Class I Trustees.
Class I Trustees are expected to stand for re-election at the Fund’s annual meeting of shareholders for the fiscal year ended May
31, 2024.
- Messrs. Nyberg, Lydon, Jr., Toupin, Jr. and Ms. Sponem are
Class II Trustees. Class II Trustees are expected to stand for re-election at the Fund’s annual meeting of shareholders for the
fiscal year ended May 31, 2025.
*** | | Each Trustee also serves on the Boards of Trustees of Guggenheim Funds Trust, Guggenheim
Variable Funds Trust, Guggenheim Strategy Funds Trust, Guggenheim Taxable Municipal Bond & Investment Grade Debt Trust, Guggenheim
Active Allocation Fund, Rydex Series Funds, Rydex Dynamic Funds, Rydex Variable Trust and Transparent Value Trust. Messrs. Barnes and
Nyberg also serve on the Board of Trustees of Advent Convertible & Income Fund. |
**** | | This Trustee is deemed to be an “interested person” of the Fund under the
1940 Act by reason of her position with the Fund’s Adviser and/or the parent of the Adviser. |
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 121
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Officers
The Officers of the Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund and their
principal occupations during the past five years:
|
|
|
|
|
Position(s) |
|
|
|
Held |
Term
of Office |
|
Name,
Address* |
with |
and
Length of |
|
and
Year of Birth |
Trust |
Time
Served** |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Officers: |
|
|
|
Brian
E. Binder |
President |
Since
2018 |
Current:
President, Mutual Funds Boards, Guggenheim Investments (2022-present); President and Chief Executive Officer, certain other |
(1972) |
and
Chief |
|
funds
in the Fund Complex (2018-present); President, Mutual Funds Boards, and Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Funds |
|
Executive |
|
Investment
Advisors, LLC and Security Investors, LLC (2018-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Investment Funds plc |
|
Officer |
|
(2022-present);
Board Member, Guggenheim Global Investments plc (2022-present); Board Member, Guggenheim Partners Fund |
|
|
|
Management
(Europe) Limited (2018-present). |
|
|
|
|
Former:
Senior Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer, Guggenheim Investments (2018-2022); Managing Director and |
|
|
|
President,
Deutsche Funds, and Head of US Product, Trading and Fund Administration, Deutsche Asset Management (2013-2018); |
|
|
|
Managing
Director, Chairman of North American Executive Committee and Head of Business Management and Consulting, Invesco Ltd. |
|
|
|
(2010-2012). |
Joanna
M. Catalucci |
Chief |
Since
2012 |
Current:
Chief Compliance Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present); Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim |
(1966) |
Compliance |
|
Investments
(2014-present). |
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Former:
AML Officer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2016-2017); Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary certain other funds |
|
|
|
in
the Fund Complex (2008-2012); Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Security Investor, LLC and certain affiliates (2010- |
|
|
|
2012);
Chief Compliance Officer and Senior Vice President, Rydex Advisors, LLC and certain affiliates (2010-2011). |
James
M. Howley |
Chief |
Since
2022 |
Current:
Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2004-present); Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Treasurer, |
(1972) |
Financial |
|
certain
other funds in the Fund Complex (2022-present). |
|
Officer,
Chief |
|
|
|
Accounting |
|
Former:
Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2006-2022); Manager, Mutual Fund Administration of Van Kampen |
|
Officer
and |
|
Investments,
Inc. (1996-2004). |
|
Treasurer |
|
|
Mark
E. Mathiasen |
Secretary |
Since
2008 |
Current:
Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2007-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments (2007-present). |
(1978) |
|
|
|
122 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
OTHER INFORMATION (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
|
Position(s) |
|
|
|
Held |
Term
of Office |
|
Name,
Address* |
with |
and
Length of |
|
and
Year of Birth |
Trust |
Time
Served** |
Principal
Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Officers
continued: |
|
|
|
Glenn
McWhinnie |
Assistant |
Since
2016 |
Current:
Vice President, Guggenheim Investments (2009-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex |
(1969) |
Treasurer |
|
(2016-present). |
Michael
P. Megaris |
Assistant |
Since
2014 |
Current:
Assistant Secretary, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments |
(1984) |
Secretary |
|
(2012-present). |
Kimberly
J. Scott |
Assistant |
Since
2012 |
Current:
Director, Guggenheim Investments (2012-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2012-present). |
(1974) |
Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
Former:
Financial Reporting Manager, Invesco, Ltd. (2010-2011); Vice President/Assistant Treasurer, Mutual Fund Administration for Van |
|
|
|
Kampen
Investments, Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2009-2010); Manager of Mutual Fund Administration, Van Kampen |
|
|
|
Investments,
Inc./Morgan Stanley Investment Management (2005-2009). |
Bryan
Stone |
Vice |
Since
2014 |
Current:
Vice President, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2014-present); Managing Director, Guggenheim Investments |
(1979) |
President |
|
(2013-present). |
|
|
|
|
Former:
Senior Vice President, Neuberger Berman Group LLC (2009-2013); Vice President, Morgan Stanley (2002-2009). |
Jon
Szafran |
Assistant |
Since
2017 |
Current:
Director, Guggenheim Investments (2017-present); Assistant Treasurer, certain other funds in the Fund Complex (2017-present). |
(1989) |
Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
|
Former:
Assistant Treasurer of Henderson Global Funds and Manager of US Fund Administration, Henderson Global Investors |
|
|
|
(North
America) Inc. (“HGINA”), (2017); Senior Analyst of US Fund Administration, HGINA (2014–2017); Senior Associate
of Fund |
|
|
|
Administration,
Cortland Capital Market Services, LLC (2013-2014); Experienced Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (2012-2013). |
* The business address of each officer is c/o Guggenheim Investments,
227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
** Each officer serves an indefinite term, until his or her successor
is duly elected and qualified.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 123
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (Unaudited) |
November 30, 2023 |
Unless the registered owner of common shares elects to receive cash
by contacting Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the “Plan Administrator”), all dividends declared on common shares of the
Fund will be automatically reinvested by the Plan Administrator for shareholders in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”),
in additional common shares of the Fund. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated or resumed at any time
without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Administrator prior to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination
or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared dividend or other distribution. Some brokers may automatically
elect to receive cash on your behalf and may re-invest that cash in additional common shares of the Fund for you. If you wish for all
dividends declared on your common shares of the Fund to be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan, please contact your broker.
The Plan Administrator will open an account for each common shareholder
under the Plan in the same name in which such common shareholder’s common shares are registered. Whenever the Fund declares a dividend
or other distribution (together, a “Dividend”) payable in cash, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash and participants
in the Plan will receive the equivalent in common shares. The common shares will be acquired by the Plan Administrator for the participants’
accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through receipt of additional unissued but authorized common shares
from the Fund (“Newly Issued Common Shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding common shares on the open market (“Open-Market
Purchases”) on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus
estimated brokerage commission per common share is equal to or greater than the net asset value per common share, the Plan Administrator
will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued Common Shares
to be credited to each participant’s account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the net asset value
per common share on the payment date; provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market value on
the payment date, the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per common share on the payment
date. If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the net asset value per common share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated
brokerage commission, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in common shares acquired on behalf of the participants in
Open-Market Purchases. For federal income tax purposes, the Fund generally would be able to claim a deduction for distributions to shareholders
with respect to the common shares issued at up to a 5-percent discount from the closing market value pursuant to the Plan.
If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market
Purchases, the market price per common share exceeds the net asset value per common share, the average per common share purchase price
paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the net asset value of the common shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer common shares
than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued Common Shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with
respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Administrator is unable to invest the full Dividend amount in Open-Market
Purchases during the purchase period or if the
124 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN (Unaudited) continued |
November 30, 2023 |
market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period,
the Plan Administrator may cease making Open-Market Purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the Dividend amount in Newly Issued
Common Shares at net asset value per common share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date provided that, if the net asset value
is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per common share; the dollar amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95%
of the market price on the payment date.
The Plan Administrator maintains all shareholders’ accounts
in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders for tax
records. Common shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Administrator on behalf of the Plan participant,
and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator will forward all
proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with the instruction of the
participants.
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares
issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commission incurred in connection with Open-Market
Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any Federal, state or local income tax that may be
payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan. There
is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan
to include a service charge payable by the participants.
All correspondence or questions concerning the Plan should be directed
to the Plan Administrator, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170: Attention: Shareholder Services
Department, Phone Number: (866) 488-3559 or online at www.computershare.com/investor.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 125
|
|
FUND INFORMATION |
November 30, 2023 |
Board of Trustees |
Investment Adviser |
|
Guggenheim Funds Investment |
Randall C. Barnes |
Advisors, LLC |
Angela Brock-Kyle |
Chicago, IL |
Amy J. Lee* |
|
Thomas F. Lydon, Jr. |
Investment Sub-Adviser |
Ronald A. Nyberg |
Guggenheim Partners Investment |
Sandra G. Sponem |
Management, LLC |
Ronald E. Toupin, Jr., |
Santa Monica, CA |
Chairman |
|
* This Trustee is an “interested person” (as |
Administrator and Accounting Agent |
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act) |
MUFG Investor Services (US), LLC |
(“Interested Trustee”) of the Fund because of |
Rockville, MD |
her affiliation with Guggenheim Investments. |
|
|
Custodian |
Principal Executive Officers |
The Bank of New York Mellon Corp. |
Brian E. Binder |
New York, NY |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
Legal Counsel |
Joanna M. Catalucci |
Dechert LLP |
Chief Compliance Officer |
Washington, D.C. |
|
|
Amy J. Lee |
Independent Registered Public |
Vice President and Chief Legal Officer |
Accounting Firm |
|
Ernst & Young LLP |
Mark E. Mathiasen |
Tysons, VA |
Secretary |
|
|
|
James M. Howley |
|
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting |
|
Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
|
126 l GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC
OPPORTUNITIES FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT
|
|
FUND INFORMATION continued |
November 30, 2023 |
Privacy Principles of Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
for Shareholders
The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders
and to safeguarding its non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal information
the Fund collects, how we protect that information and why, in certain cases, we may share information with select other parties.
Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information
relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the Fund. The
Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone except as permitted
by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or third party administrator).
The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about
the shareholders to Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC employees with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund
maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its shareholders.
Questions concerning your shares of Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities
Fund?
• If your shares are held in a Brokerage Account, contact your
Broker.
• If you have physical possession of your shares in certificate
form, contact the Fund’s Transfer Agent: Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170; (866)
488-3559 or online at www.computershare.com/investor
This report is provided to shareholders of Guggenheim Strategic
Opportunities 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.
Paper copies of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual shareholder
reports are not sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports are made available on
a website, and you are notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website address to access the report.
You may elect to receive paper copies of all future shareholder
reports free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you
may receive paper copies of your shareholder reports; if you invest directly with the Fund, you may call Computershare at 1-866-488-3559.
Your election to receive reports in paper form may apply to all funds held in your account with your financial intermediary or, if you
invest directly, to all Guggenheim closed-end funds you hold.
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information includes additional
information about directors of the Fund and is available, without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at (888) 991-0091.
A description of the Fund’s proxy voting policies and procedures
related to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at (888) 991-0091 and on the SEC's website
at www.sec.gov.
Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies for portfolio securities,
if applicable, during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is also available, without charge and upon request by calling (888)
991-0091, by visiting the Fund’s website at guggenheiminvestments.com/gof or by accessing the Fund’s Form N-PX on the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) website at www.sec.gov.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with
the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT, and for the reporting periods ended prior to August 31, 2019,
filed such information on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT and N-Q are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or at guggenheiminvestments.com/gof.
Notice to Shareholders
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund from time to time may purchase shares of its common stock in the open market or in private
transactions.
GOF l GUGGENHEIM STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES
FUND SEMIANNUAL REPORT l 127
ABOUT THE FUND
MANAGERS
Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC
Guggenheim Investments represents the investment management businesses
of Guggenheim Partners, LLC (“Guggenheim”), which includes Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC (“GFIA”)
the investment adviser to the referenced fund. Collectively Guggenheim Investments has a long, distinguished history of serving institutional
investors, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices and financial intermediaries. Guggenheim Investments offers clients a wide
range of differentiated capabilities built on a proven commitment to investment excellence.
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC
Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC (“GPIM”)
is an indirect subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, LLC, a diversified financial services firm. The firm provides capital markets services,
portfolio and risk management expertise, wealth management, and investment advisory services. Clients of Guggenheim Partners, LLC subsidiaries
are an elite mix of individuals, family offices, endowments, foundations, insurance companies and other institutions.
Investment Philosophy
GPIM’s investment philosophy is predicated upon the belief
that thorough research and independent thought are rewarded with performance that has the potential to outperform benchmark indexes with
both lower volatility and lower correlation of returns over time as compared to such benchmark indexes.
Investment Process
GPIM’s investment process is a collaborative effort between
various groups including the Portfolio Construction Group, which utilize proprietary portfolio construction and risk modeling tools to
determine allocation of assets among a variety of sectors, and its Sector Specialists, who are responsible for security selection within
these sectors and for implementing securities transactions, including the structuring of certain securities directly with the issuers
or with investment banks and dealers involved in the origination of such securities.
Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC
227 West Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60606
Member FINRA/SIPC
(01/24)
NOT FDIC-INSURED l NOT BANK-GUARANTEED l
MAY LOSE VALUE
CEF-GOF-SAR-1123
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
The Schedule of Investments is included as part of Item 1.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for
Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment
Companies.
a) Not applicable for semi-annual reporting period.
b) Not applicable.
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.
The registrant has not made any material changes to the procedures
by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial
officer have evaluated the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act)
as of a date within 90 days of this filing and have concluded based on such evaluation, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Investment
Company Act, that the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required
to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified
in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
(b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act) that occurred during the registrant’s period
covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting.
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies.
(a) The registrant has not participated in securities lending activities
during the period covered by this report.
(b) Not applicable
Item 13. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 14. Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications of principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certification of principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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.
(Registrant) Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
By: /s/ Brian E. Binder
Name: Brian E. Binder
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 2, 2024
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: /s/ Brian E. Binder
Name: Brian E. Binder
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: February 2, 2024
By: /s/ James Howley
Name: James Howley
Title: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
Date: February 2, 2024
EXHIBIT (a)(2)
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Brian
E. Binder, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR
of Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements,
and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations,
changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant
as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer
and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940)
for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures,
or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial
reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s
disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting: and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer
and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that
involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 2, 2024
/s/ Brian E. Binder
Brian E. Binder
President and Chief Executive Officer
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CERTIFICATIONS
I, James Howley, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR
of Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not
contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements,
and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations,
changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant
as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer
and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment
Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940)
for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures,
or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the
period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial
reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s
disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting: and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer
and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing
the equivalent functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that
involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 2, 2024
/s/ James Howley
James Howley
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
EXHIBIT (b)
Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR of Guggenheim Strategic
Opportunities Fund (the “Issuer”) for the semi-annual period ended November 30, 2023 (the “Report”), Brian E.
Binder, as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer, and James Howley, as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer
and Treasurer of the Issuer, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, that, to the best of his knowledge:
| (1) | the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
| (2) | the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations
of the Issuer. |
Dated: February 2, 2024
/s/ Brian
E. Binder
Name: Brian E. Binder
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ James Howley
Name: James Howley
Title: Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer
v3.24.0.1
N-2
|
6 Months Ended |
Nov. 30, 2023
shares
|
Cover [Abstract] |
|
Entity Central Index Key |
0001380936
|
Amendment Flag |
false
|
Document Type |
N-CSRS
|
Entity Registrant Name |
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund
|
Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract] |
|
Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] |
6.08%
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |
The Fund’s investment objective is to maximize total return
through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. The Fund pursues a relative value-based investment philosophy. The Fund’s
sub-adviser seeks to combine a credit-managed fixed-income portfolio with access to a diversified pool of alternative investments and
equity strategies.
|
Latest Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] |
10.90%
|
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
|
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] |
129,852,127
|
Document Period End Date |
Nov. 30, 2023
|
Risks And Other Considerations [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Investors should be aware that in light of the current uncertainty,
volatility and distress in economies, financial markets, geopolitical tensions, and labor and public health conditions all over the world,
the Fund’s investments and a shareholder’s investment in the Fund are subject to sudden and substantial losses, increased
volatility and other adverse events.
The views expressed in this report reflect those of the portfolio
managers only through the report period as stated on the cover. These views are subject to change at any time, based on market and other
conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation of any kind. The material may also include forward looking statements that
involve risk and uncertainty, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objectives. The net asset and market values of the Fund’s shares will fluctuate, sometimes independently, based on market and other
factors affecting the Fund and its investments. The market value of Fund shares will either be above (premium) or below (discount) their
net asset value. Although the net asset value of Fund shares is often considered in determining whether to purchase or sell Fund shares,
whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of Fund shares will depend upon whether the market price of Fund shares at
the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price. Market value movements of Fund shares are thus material to investors
and may result in losses, even when net asset value has increased. The Fund is designed for long-term investors; investors should not
view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Risk is inherent in all investing, including the loss of your entire
principal. Therefore, before investing you should consider the risks carefully. The Fund is subject to various risk factors. Certain of
these risk factors are described below. Please see the Fund’s Prospectus, Statement of Additional Information (SAI), most recent
annual report on Form N-CSR and guggenheiminvestments.com/gof for a more detailed description of the risks of investing in the Fund. Shareholders
may access the Fund’s Prospectus, SAI and most recent annual report on the EDGAR Database on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
website at www.sec.gov.
The fact that a particular risk below is not specifically identified
as being heightened under current conditions does not mean that the risk is not greater than under normal conditions.
|
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. High yield, below
investment grade and unrated high risk debt securities (which also may be known as “junk bonds”) may present additional risks
because these securities may be less liquid, and therefore more difficult to value accurately and sell at an advantageous price or time,
and present more credit risk than investment grade bonds. The price of high yield securities tends to be subject to greater volatility
due to issuer-specific operating results and outlook and to real or perceived adverse economic and competitive industry conditions. This
exposure may be obtained through investments in other investment companies. Generally, the risks associated with high yield securities
are heightened during times of weakening economic conditions or rising interest rates.
|
Corporate Bond Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Corporate Bond Risk. Corporate bonds are debt obligations
issued by corporations and other business entities. Corporate bonds may be either secured or unsecured. Collateral used for secured debt
includes real property, machinery, equipment, accounts receivable, stocks, bonds or notes. If a bond is unsecured, it is known as a debenture.
Bondholders, as creditors, have a prior legal claim over common and preferred stockholders as to both income and assets of the corporation
for the principal and interest due them and may have a prior claim over other creditors if liens or mortgages are involved. Interest on
corporate bonds may be fixed or floating, or the bonds may be zero coupons. Interest on corporate bonds is typically paid semi-annually
and is fully taxable to the bondholder. Corporate bonds contain elements of both interest-rate risk and credit risk and are subject to
the risks associated with other debt securities, among other risks. The market value of a corporate bond generally may be expected to
rise and fall inversely with interest rates and may also be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation’s performance
and perceptions of the corporation in the marketplace. Depending on the nature of the seniority provisions, a senior corporate bond may
be junior to other credit securities of the issuer. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by factors directly related to
the issuer, such as investors’ perceptions of the creditworthiness of the issuer, the issuer’s financial performance, perceptions
of the issuer in the marketplace, performance of management of the issuer, the issuer’s capital structure and use of financial leverage
and demand for the issuer’s goods and services. There is a risk that the issuers of corporate bonds may not be able to meet their
obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument. Corporate bonds of below investment grade quality
are often high risk and have speculative characteristics and may be particularly susceptible to adverse issuer-specific developments.
|
Covered Call Option Strategy Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Covered Call Option Strategy Risk. The ability of the Fund
to achieve its investment objective is partially dependent on the successful implementation of its covered call option strategy. The Fund
may write call options on individual securities, securities indices, exchange-traded funds and baskets of securities. The buyer of an
option acquires the right to buy (a call option) or sell (a put option) a certain quantity of a security (the underlying security) or
instrument, at a certain price up to a specified point in time or on expiration, depending on the terms. The seller or writer of an option
is obligated to sell (a call option) or buy (a put option) the underlying instrument. A call option is “covered” if the Fund
owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute right to acquire the security without additional cash consideration (or, if additional
cash consideration is required, cash or assets determined to be liquid by GPIM in such amount are designated or earmarked on the Fund’s
books and records). As a seller of covered call options, the Fund faces the risk that it will forgo the opportunity to profit from increases
in the market value of the security covering the call option during an option’s life. As the Fund writes covered calls over more
of its portfolio, its ability to benefit from capital appreciation becomes more limited.
|
Credit Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Credit Risk. The Fund could lose money if the issuer or guarantor
of a debt instrument or a counterparty to a derivatives transaction or other transaction is unable or unwilling, or perceived to be unable
or unwilling, to pay interest or repay principal on time or defaults. The risk that such issuer, guarantor or counterparty is less willing
or able to do so is heightened in market environments where interest rates are changing. Also, the issuer, guarantor or counterparty may
suffer adverse changes in its financial condition or be adversely affected by economic, political or social
conditions that could lower the credit quality (or the market’s perception of the credit quality) of the issuer or instrument, leading
to greater volatility in the price of the instrument and in shares of the Fund. Although credit quality may not accurately reflect the
true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit quality rating of an instrument or an issuer can have a rapid, adverse effect
on the instrument’s value and liquidity and make it more difficult for the Fund to sell at an advantageous price or time. The risk
of the occurrence of these types of events is heightened in market environments where interest rates are changing.
|
Current Fixed Income And Debt Market Conditions [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Current Fixed-Income and Debt Market Conditions. Fixed-income
and debt market conditions are highly unpredictable and some parts of the market are subject to dislocations. In response to the inflation
rates in recent periods, governmental authorities have implemented significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including increasing
interest rates and implementation of quantitative tightening. These actions present heightened risks, particularly to fixed-income and
debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened if these actions are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes
or reversed. It is difficult to accurately predict changes in the U.S. Federal Reserve Board’s (“Federal Reserve”) monetary
policies and the effect of any such changes or policies. Certain economic conditions and market environments will expose fixed-income and
debt instruments to heightened volatility and reduced liquidity, which can impact the Fund’s investments and may negatively impact
the Fund’s characteristics, which in turn would impact performance.
|
Derivatives Transactions Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Derivatives Transactions Risk. The Fund may utilize derivatives,
including futures contracts and other similar strategic transactions, to seek to earn income, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate
risks. Participation in derivatives markets transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be
subject absent the use of these strategies (other than its covered call writing strategy and put option writing strategy). There may be
imperfect correlation between the value of derivative instruments and the underlying assets. Derivatives transactions may be subject to
risks associated with the possible default of the other party to the transaction. Derivative instruments may be illiquid. Certain derivatives
transactions may have economic characteristics similar to leverage, in that relatively small market movements may result in large changes
in the value of an investment. Certain derivatives transactions that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount
originally invested. Changes in value of a derivative may also create sudden margin delivery or settlement payment obligations for the
Fund, which can materially affect the performance of the Fund and its liquidity and other risk profiles. Furthermore, the Fund’s
ability to successfully use derivatives transactions depends on GPIM’s ability to predict pertinent securities prices, interest
rates, currency exchange rates and other economic factors, which cannot be assured. Derivatives transactions utilizing instruments denominated
in foreign currencies will expose the Fund to foreign currency risk. To the extent the Fund enters into derivatives transactions to hedge
exposure to foreign currencies, such transactions may not be successful and may eliminate any chance for the Fund to benefit from favorable
fluctuations in relevant foreign currencies. The use of derivatives transactions may result in losses greater than if they had not been
used, may require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values,
may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell. Derivatives transactions involve risks of mispricing or improper
valuation. The Fund may be required to deposit amounts as premiums or to be held in margin accounts. Such amounts may not otherwise be
available to the Fund for investment purposes. Derivatives transactions also are subject to operational risk, including from documentation
issues, settlement issues, system failures, inadequate controls, and human error, and legal risk, including risk of insufficient documentation,
insufficient capacity or authority of a counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract. Derivatives transactions may involve
commissions and other costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses and reduce its return. Various legislative and regulatory initiatives
may impact the availability, liquidity and cost of derivative instruments, limit or restrict the ability of the Fund to use certain derivative
instruments or transact with certain counterparties as a part of its investment strategy, increase the costs of using derivative instruments
or make derivative instruments less effective.
|
Equity Securities Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Equity Securities Risk. Equity securities include common
stocks and other equity and equity-related securities (and securities convertible into stocks) such as limited liability company interests
and trust certificates. The prices of equity securities generally fluctuate in value more than fixed-income investments, may rise or fall
rapidly or unpredictably and may reflect real or perceived changes in the issuing company’s financial condition and changes in the
overall market or economy. A decline in the value of equity securities held by the Fund will adversely affect the value of your investment
in the Fund.
|
Interest Rate Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Interest Rate Risk. Fixed-income and other debt instruments
are subject to the possibility that interest rates could change (or are expected to change). Changes in interest rates (or the expectation
of such changes) may adversely affect the Fund’s investments in these instruments, such as the value or liquidity of, and income
generated by, the investments or increase risks associated with such investments, such as credit or default risks. In addition, changes
in interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, can have unpredictable effects on markets and can adversely affect the Fund’s
yield, income and performance. Generally, when interest rates increase, the values of fixed-income and other debt instruments decline,
and when interest rates decrease, the values of fixed-income and other debt instruments rise. Changes in interest rates also adversely
affect the yield generated by certain fixed-income and other debt and senior equity securities (“Income Securities”) or result
in the issuance of lower yielding Income Securities. The Federal Reserve has increased interest rates at significant levels over recent
periods. These actions present heightened risks to fixed-income and debt instruments, and such risks could be even further heightened
if these actions are unexpectedly or suddenly reversed or are ineffective in achieving their desired outcomes. It is difficult to accurately
predict how long, and whether, the Federal Reserve’s current stance on interest rates will persist and the impact these actions
will have on the economy and the Fund’s investments and the markets where they trade. The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy
is subject to change at any time and potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions.
|
Investment In Loans Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Investment in Loans Risk. The Fund may purchase loans on
a direct assignment basis from a participant in the original syndicate of lenders or from subsequent assignees of such interests. Loans
may offer a fixed or floating interest rate. Loans are often below investment grade and may be unrated. The Fund’s investments in
loans can also be difficult to value accurately and may be more susceptible to liquidity risk than fixed income instruments of similar credit
quality and/or maturity. Participations in loans may subject the Fund to the credit risk of both the borrower
and the seller of the participation and may make enforcement of loan covenants, if any, more difficult for the Fund as legal action may
have to go through the seller of the participation (or an agent acting on its behalf). Covenants contained in loan documentation are intended
to protect lenders and investors by imposing certain restrictions and other limitations on a borrower’s operations or assets and
by providing certain information and consent rights to lenders. The Fund invests in or is exposed to loans and other similar debt obligations
that are sometimes referred to as “covenant-lite” loans or obligations, which are loans or other similar debt obligations
that lack financial maintenance covenants or possess fewer or contingent financial maintenance covenants and other financial protections
for lenders and investors. Exposure may also be obtained to covenant-lite obligations through investment in securitization vehicles and
other structured products. Covenant-lite obligations may carry more risk than traditional loans as they allow borrowers to engage in activities
that would otherwise be difficult or impossible under a traditional loan agreement.
|
Senior Loans Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Senior Loans
Risk. The
Fund may invest in senior secured floating rate loans made to corporations and other non-governmental entities and issuers (“Senior
Loans”). Senior Loans typically hold the most senior position in the capital structure of the issuing entity, are typically secured
with specific collateral and typically have a claim on the assets and/or stock of the borrower that is senior to that held by subordinated
debt holders and stockholders of the borrower. The Fund’s investments in Senior Loans are generally rated below investment grade
or unrated but believed by the Adviser to be of below investment grade quality and are considered speculative because of the credit risk
of their issuers. The risks associated with such Senior Loans are similar to the risks of other lower grade securities, although Senior
Loans are typically senior in payment priority and secured on a senior priority basis in contrast to subordinated and unsecured securities.
Senior Loans’ higher priority has historically resulted in generally higher recoveries in the event of a corporate reorganization.
In addition, because their interest payments are typically adjusted for changes in short-term interest rates, investments in Senior Loans
generally have less interest rate risk than certain other lower grade securities, which may have fixed interest rates. Loans and other
debt instruments are also subject to the risk of price declines due to increases in prevailing interest rates, although floating-rate
debt instruments are substantially less exposed to this risk than fixed-rate debt instruments. Interest rate changes may also increase
prepayments of debt obligations and require the Fund to invest assets at lower yields. During periods of deteriorating economic conditions,
such as recessions or periods of rising unemployment, or changing interest rates (notably increases), delinquencies and losses generally
increase, sometimes dramatically, with respect to obligations under such loans. An economic downturn or individual corporate developments
could adversely affect the market for these instruments and reduce the Fund’s ability to sell these instruments at an advantageous
time or price. An economic downturn would generally lead to a higher non-payment rate, and a Senior Loan may lose significant market value
before a default occurs.
|
Second Lien Loans Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Second Lien
Loans Risk. The
Fund may invest in “second lien” secured floating rate loans made to public and private corporations and other non-governmental
entities and issuers for a variety of purposes (“Second Lien Loans”). Second Lien Loans are subject to the same risks associated
with investment in Senior Loans and other lower grade debt securities. However, Second Lien Loans are second in right of payment to Senior
Loans and therefore are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and any property securing the loan may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments and repayment of principal after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. Second
Lien Loans are expected to have greater price volatility and exposure to losses upon default than Senior Loans and may be less liquid.
|
Subordinated Secured Loans Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Subordinated
Secured Loans Risk. Subordinated
secured loans generally are subject to similar risks as those associated with investment in Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans and below
investment grade securities. However, such loans may rank lower in right of payment than any outstanding Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans
or other debt instruments with higher priority of the borrower and therefore are subject to additional risk that the cash flow of the
borrower and any property securing the loan may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments and repayment of principal in the event of default
or bankruptcy after giving effect to the higher ranking secured obligations of the borrower. Subordinated secured loans are expected to
have greater price volatility than Senior Loans and Second Lien Loans and may be less liquid.
|
Unsecured Loans Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Unsecured Loans
Risk. Unsecured
loans generally are subject to similar risks as those associated with investment in Senior Loans, Second Lien Loans, subordinated secured
loans and below investment grade securities. However, because unsecured loans have lower priority in right of payment to any higher ranking
obligations of the borrower and are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral, they are subject to additional risk
that the cash flow of the borrower and available assets may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments and repayment of principal after
giving effect to any higher ranking obligations of the borrower. Unsecured loans are expected to have greater price volatility than Senior
Loans, Second Lien Loans and subordinated secured loans and may be less liquid.
|
Leverage Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Leverage Risk. The Fund’s use of leverage, through
borrowings or instruments such as derivatives, causes the Fund to be more volatile and riskier than if it had not been leveraged. Although
the use of leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased return, it also results in additional risks and can magnify the
effect of any losses. The effect of leverage in a declining market is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Fund
than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Fund shares. There can be no assurance
that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which it is employed. When the cost
of leverage is no longer favorable, or when the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain
distributions at historical levels and common shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities. The Fund’s
total leverage may vary significantly over time. To the extent the Fund increases its amount of leverage outstanding, it will be more
exposed to these risks. Investments in Investment Funds (as defined below) and certain other pooled and structured finance vehicles, such
as collateralized loan obligations, frequently expose the Fund to an additional layer of financial leverage and, thus, increase the Fund’s
exposure to leverage risk.
|
Management Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Management Risk. The Fund is actively managed, which means
that investment decisions are made based on investment views. There is no guarantee that the investment views will produce the desired
results or expected returns, causing the Fund to fail to meet its investment objective or underperform its benchmark index or funds with
similar investment objectives and strategies.
|
Market Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Market Risk. The value of, or income generated by, the investments
held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation. The value of certain investments (e.g., equity
securities) tends to fluctuate more dramatically over the shorter term than do the value of other asset classes. These movements may result
from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates,
changes in inflation or expectations about inflation, investor confidence or economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial
market conditions, tariffs and trade disruptions, recession, changes in currency rates, natural/ environmental disasters, cyber attacks,
terrorism, governmental or quasigovernmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics
and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened war or other armed conflicts (such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its risk
of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrade, and other similar events, each of which may be temporary or
last for extended periods. Many economies and markets have experienced high inflation rates in recent periods. In response to such inflation,
government authorities have implemented significant fiscal and monetary policies such as increasing interest rates and quantitative tightening
(reduction of money available in the market) which may adversely affect financial markets and the broader economy, as well as the Fund’s
performance. Administrative changes, policy reform and/or changes in law or governmental regulations can result in expropriation or nationalization
of the investments of a company in which the Fund invests. In addition, adverse changes in one sector or industry or with respect to a
particular company could negatively impact companies in other sectors or industries or increase market volatility as a result of the interconnected
nature of economies and markets and thus negatively affect the Fund’s performance. For example, developments in the banking or financial
services sectors (one or more companies operating in these sectors) could adversely impact a wide range of companies and issuers. These
types of adverse developments could negatively affect the Fund’s performance or operations.
|
Prepayment Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Prepayment Risk. Certain debt instruments, including loans
and mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, are subject to the risk that payments on principal may occur more quickly or earlier
than expected. In this event, the Fund might be forced to forego future interest income on the principal repaid early and to reinvest
income or proceeds at generally lower interest rates, thus reducing the Fund’s yield.
|
Short Sales Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Short Sales Risk. The Fund may make short sales of securities.
A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a borrowed security. If the price of the security sold short increases between the
time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss. Although the Fund’s gain
is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited.
|
Structured Finace Investments Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Structured Finance Investments Risk. The Fund’s structured
finance investments may consist of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) and commercial mortgage-backed securities
(“CMBS”) issued by governmental entities and private issuers, asset-backed securities (“ABS”), structured notes,
credit-linked notes and other types of structured finance securities. Holders of structured finance investments bear risks of the underlying
investments, index or reference obligation and are subject to counterparty risk. The Fund may have the right to receive payments only
from the structured product, and generally does not have direct rights against the issuer or the entity that sold the assets to be securitized.
The Fund may invest in structured finance products collateralized by low grade or defaulted loans or securities. Investments in such structured
finance products are subject to the risks associated with below investment grade securities. Such securities are characterized by high
risk. It is likely that an economic recession could severely disrupt the market for such securities and may have an adverse impact on
the value of such securities. Moreover, other types of events, domestic or international, may affect general economic conditions and financial
markets, such as pandemics, armed conflicts, energy supply or price disruptions, natural disasters and man-made disasters, which may have
a significant effect on the underlying assets. Structured finance securities are typically privately offered and sold, and thus are not
registered under the securities laws. As a result, investments in structured finance securities may be characterized by the Fund as illiquid
securities; however, an active dealer market may exist which would allow such securities to be considered liquid in some circumstances.
|
Mortgage Backed Securities Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Mortgage-Backed
Securities (“MBS”) Risk. MBS
represent an interest in a pool of mortgages. The risks associated with MBS include: (1) credit risk associated with the performance of
the underlying mortgage properties and of the borrowers owning these properties; (2) risks associated with their structure and execution
(including the collateral, the process by which principal and interest payments are allocated and distributed to investors and how credit
losses affect the return to investors in such MBS); (3) risks associated with the servicer of the underlying mortgages; (4) adverse changes
in economic conditions and circumstances, which are more likely to have an adverse impact on MBS secured by loans on certain types of
commercial properties than on those secured by loans on residential properties; (5) prepayment and extension risks, which can lead to
significant fluctuations in the value of the MBS; (6) loss of all or part of the premium, if any, paid; and (7) decline in the market
value of the security, whether resulting from changes in interest rates, prepayments on the underlying mortgage collateral or perceptions
of the credit risk associated with the underlying mortgage collateral. Income from and values of MBS also may be greatly affected by demographic
trends, such as population shifts or changing tastes and values, or increasing vacancies or declining rents resulting from legal, cultural
technological, global or local economic developments, as well as reduced demand for properties. In addition, the general effects of inflation
on the U.S. economy can be wide-ranging, as evidenced by rising interest rates, wages and costs of consumer goods and necessities. The
long-term effects of inflation on the general economy and on any individual mortgagor are unclear, and in certain cases, rising inflation
may affect a mortgagor’s ability to repay its related mortgage loan, thereby reducing the amount received by the holders of MBS with
respect to such mortgage loan. Additionally, increased rates of inflation may negatively affect the value of certain MBS in the secondary
market. MBS are particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates. Rising interest rates generally result in a decline in the value
of mortgage-related securities, such as CMBS and RMBS. MBS are also subject to risks similar to those associated with investing in real
estate, such as the possible decline in the value of (or income generated by) the real estate, variations in rental income, fluctuations
in occupancy levels and demand for properties or real estate-related services, changes in interest rates and changes in the availability
or terms of mortgages and other financing that may render the sale or refinancing of properties difficult or unattractive.
|
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. CMBS are subject
to particular risks, including lack of standardized terms, shorter maturities than residential mortgage loans and providing for payment
of all or substantially all of the principal only at maturity rather than regular amortization of principal. In addition, commercial lending
generally is viewed as exposing the lender to a greater risk of loss than residential lending. Economic downturns and other events that
limit the activities of and demand for commercial retail and office spaces adversely impact the value of such securities. For example, economic
decline in the businesses operated by the tenants of office properties may increase the likelihood that the tenants may be unable to pay
their rents or that properties may be unable to attract or retain tenants.
|
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk. Credit-related
risk on RMBS primarily arises from losses due to delinquencies and defaults by the borrowers in payments on the underlying mortgage loans
and breaches by originators and servicers of their obligations under the underlying documentation pursuant to which the RMBS are issued.
The rate of delinquencies and defaults on residential mortgage loans and the aggregate amount of the resulting losses will be affected
by a number of factors, including general economic conditions, particularly those in the area where the related mortgaged property is
located, the level of the borrower’s equity in the mortgaged property and the individual financial circumstances of the borrower.
|
Asset Backed Securities Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Asset-Backed
Securities Risk. While
traditional fixed-income securities typically pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity, when the entire principal amount is due, an
ABS represents an interest in a pool of assets, such as automobile loans, credit card receivables, unsecured consumer loans or student
loans, that has been securitized and provides for monthly payments of interest, at a fixed or floating rate, and principal from the cash
flow of these assets. This pool of assets (and any related assets of the issuing entity) is the only source of payment for the ABS. The
ability of an ABS issuer to make payments on the ABS, and the timing of such payments, is therefore dependent on collections on these
underlying assets. The recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be sufficient to support payments on these securities,
or may be unavailable in the event of a default and enforcing rights with respect to these assets or collateral may be difficult and costly,
which may result in losses to investors in an ABS. ABS are particularly subject to interest rate risk and credit risk. Compared to other
fixed income investments with similar maturity and credit, ABS generally increase in value to a lesser extent when interest rates decline
and generally decline in value to a similar or greater extent when interest rates rise.
|
C L O C D O And C B O Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
CLO, CDO and
CBO Risk. In
addition to the general risks associated with credit securities discussed herein, collateralized loan obligations (“CLOs”),
collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), and collateralized bond obligations (“CBOs”) are subject
to additional risks due to their complex structure and highly leveraged nature, such as higher risk of volatility and magnified financial
losses. CLOs, CDOs and CBOs are subject to risks associated with the possibility that distributions from collateral securities may not
be adequate to make interest or other payments. The value of securities issued by CLOs, CDOs and CBOs also may decrease because of, among
other developments, changes in market value; changes in the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the servicer of the assets,
the originator of an asset in the pool, or the financial institution or fund providing the credit support or enhancement; loan performance
and prices; broader market sentiment, including expectations regarding future loan defaults; liquidity conditions; and supply and demand
for structured products. Additionally, the indirect investment structure of CLOs, CDOs and CBOs presents certain risks to the Fund such
as less liquidity compared with holding the underlying assets directly. CLOs, CDOs and CBOs normally charge management fees and administrative
expenses, which would be borne by the Fund. The terms of many structured finance investments, including CLOs, CDOs and CBOs, are tied
to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or other reference rates based on SOFR. These relatively new and developing
rates may not match the reference rate applicable to the underlying assets related to these investments. These events may adversely affect the Fund and its investments in CLOs, CDOs and CBOs, including their value, volatility and liquidity.
|
Valuation Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Valuation Risk. The Fund may invest without limitation in
unregistered securities, restricted securities and securities for which there is no readily available trading market. It may be difficult
for the Fund to purchase and sell a particular investment at the price at which it has been valued by the Fund for purposes of the Fund’s
net asset value, causing the Fund to be unable to realize what the Fund believes should be the price of the investment. The Fund’s
ability to sell an instrument under favorable conditions may also be negatively impacted by, among other things, other market participants
selling the same or similar instruments at the same time or legal restrictions on the instrument’s resale. Valuation of portfolio
investments may be difficult, such as during periods of market turmoil or reduced liquidity, and for investments that may, for example,
trade infrequently or irregularly. In these and other circumstances, an investment may be valued using fair value methodologies, which
are inherently subjective, reflect good faith judgments based on available information and may not accurately estimate the price at which
the Fund could sell the investment at that time. Based on its investment strategies, a significant portion of the Fund’s investments
can be difficult to value and thus particularly prone to the foregoing risks. In addition to the foregoing risks, investors should note
that the Fund reserves the right to merge or reorganize with another fund, liquidate or convert into an open-end fund, in each case subject
to applicable approvals by shareholders and the Fund’s Board of Trustees as required by law and the Fund’s governing documents.
|
Investment Funds Risk [Member] |
|
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
|
Risk [Text Block] |
Investment Funds Risk. As an alternative to holding investments
directly, the Fund may also obtain investment exposure to Income Securities and Common Equity Securities by investing up to 30% of its
total assets in other investment companies, including registered investment companies, private investment funds and/or other pooled investment
vehicles (collectively, “Investment Funds”). These investments include open-end funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded funds
and business development companies as well as other pooled investment vehicles.
Investments in Investment Funds present certain special considerations and risks not present in making direct investments in Income Securities
and Common Equity Securities, and in addition to these risks, investments in Investment Funds subject the Fund to the risks affecting such
Investment Funds and involve operating expenses and fees that are in addition to the expenses and fees borne by the Fund. Such expenses
and fees attributable to the Fund’s investment in another Investment Fund are borne indirectly by Common Shareholders. Accordingly,
investment in such entities involves expenses and fees at both levels. Fees charged by other Investment Funds in which the Fund invests
may be similar to the fees charged by the Fund and can include asset-based management fees and administrative fees payable to such entities’
advisers and managers, thus resulting in duplicative fees. To the extent management fees of Investment Funds are based on total gross
assets, it may create an incentive for such entities’ managers to employ Financial Leverage, thereby adding additional expense and
increasing volatility and risk (including the Fund’s overall exposure to leverage risk). Fees payable to advisers and managers of
Investment Funds may include performance-based incentive fees calculated as a percentage of profits. Such incentive fees directly reduce
the return that otherwise would have been earned by investors over the applicable period. A performance-based fee arrangement may create
incentives for an adviser or manager to take greater investment risks in the hope of earning a higher profit participation. Investments in Investment Funds frequently expose the Fund to an
additional layer of Financial Leverage and, thus, increase the Fund’s exposure to leverage risk and costs. From time to time, the
Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in Investment Funds that employ leverage. The use of leverage by Investment Funds
may cause the Investments Funds’ market price of common shares and/or NAV to be more volatile and can magnify the effect of any losses.
Investments in Investment Funds expose the Fund to additional management risk. The success of the Fund’s investments in Investment
Funds will depend in large part on the investment skills and implementation abilities of the advisers or managers of such entities. Decisions
made by the advisers or managers of such entities may cause the Fund to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities. While GPIM will
seek to evaluate managers of Investment Funds and where possible independently evaluate the underlying assets, a substantial degree of
reliance on such entities’ managers is nevertheless present with such investments. In October 2020, the SEC adopted certain regulatory
changes and took other actions related to the ability of an investment company to invest in another investment company (which, in certain
instances, may also limit a fund’s ability to invest in certain types of structured finance vehicles). These changes include, among
other things, amendments to the existing regulatory framework, the adoption of Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act, and the rescission of certain
exemptive relief issued by the SEC permitting such investments in excess of statutory limits and the withdrawal of certain related SEC
staff no-action letters. These changes and actions may adversely impact the Fund’s investment strategies and operations, as well as
those of the underlying investment vehicles in which the Fund invests or other funds that invest in the Fund. When the Fund invests in private investment funds, such investments
pose additional risks to the Fund, in addition to those risks described above with respect to all Investment Funds. Certain private investment
funds involve capital call provisions under which an investor is obligated to make additional investments at specified levels even if
it would otherwise choose not to. Investments in private investment funds may have very limited liquidity. Often
there will be no secondary market for such investments and the ability to redeem or otherwise withdraw from a private investment fund
may be prohibited during the term of the private investment fund or, if permitted, may be infrequent. Certain private investment funds
are subject to “lock-up” periods of a year or more. The valuation of investments in private investment funds are often subject
to high conflicts and valuation risks. Investors in private investment funds are also often exposed to increased leverage risk.
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10
+ Details
Name: |
cef_CapitalStockLongTermDebtAndOtherSecuritiesAbstract |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:stringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8
+ Details
Name: |
cef_GeneralDescriptionOfRegistrantAbstract |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:stringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 3 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph Instruction 8
+ Details
Name: |
cef_InterestExpensesOnBorrowingsPercent |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:percentItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 2 -Paragraph b, d
+ Details
Name: |
cef_InvestmentObjectivesAndPracticesTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 8 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph c
+ Details
Name: |
cef_LatestPremiumDiscountToNavPercent |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:percentItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 3 -Subsection 1 -Paragraph Instruction 5
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OtherTransactionExpensesAbstract |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:stringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Form N-2 -Section Item 10 -Subsection 5 -Paragraph 2
+ Details
Name: |
cef_OutstandingSecurityAuthorizedShares |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:sharesItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- References
+ Details
Name: |
cef_RiskTextBlock |
Namespace Prefix: |
cef_ |
Data Type: |
dtr-types:textBlockItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionBoolean flag that is true when the XBRL content amends previously-filed or accepted submission.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_AmendmentFlag |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:booleanItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionFor the EDGAR submission types of Form 8-K: the date of the report, the date of the earliest event reported; for the EDGAR submission types of Form N-1A: the filing date; for all other submission types: the end of the reporting or transition period. The format of the date is YYYY-MM-DD.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:dateItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe type of document being provided (such as 10-K, 10-Q, 485BPOS, etc). The document type is limited to the same value as the supporting SEC submission type, or the word 'Other'.
+ References
+ Details
Name: |
dei_DocumentType |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:submissionTypeItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionA unique 10-digit SEC-issued value to identify entities that have filed disclosures with the SEC. It is commonly abbreviated as CIK.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityCentralIndexKey |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
dei:centralIndexKeyItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- DefinitionThe exact name of the entity filing the report as specified in its charter, which is required by forms filed with the SEC.
+ ReferencesReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Exchange Act -Number 240 -Section 12 -Subsection b-2
+ Details
Name: |
dei_EntityRegistrantName |
Namespace Prefix: |
dei_ |
Data Type: |
xbrli:normalizedStringItemType |
Balance Type: |
na |
Period Type: |
duration |
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_RisksAndOtherConsiderationsMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_CorporateBondRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_CoveredCallOptionStrategyRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=us-gaap_CreditRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_CurrentFixedIncomeAndDebtMarketConditionsMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_DerivativesTransactionsRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_EquitySecuritiesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_InvestmentInLoansRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_SeniorLoansRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_SecondLienLoansRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_SubordinatedSecuredLoansRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_UnsecuredLoansRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_LeverageRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_ManagementRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_MarketRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=us-gaap_PrepaymentRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_ShortSalesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_StructuredFinaceInvestmentsRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_MortgageBackedSecuritiesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_AssetBackedSecuritiesRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_CLOCDOAndCBORiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_ValuationRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
X |
- Details
Name: |
cef_RiskAxis=GOF_InvestmentFundsRiskMember |
Namespace Prefix: |
|
Data Type: |
na |
Balance Type: |
|
Period Type: |
|
|
Guggenheim Strategic Opp... (NYSE:GOF)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2024 to Dec 2024
Guggenheim Strategic Opp... (NYSE:GOF)
Historical Stock Chart
From Dec 2023 to Dec 2024