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 811-22294
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor, New York, NY 10018
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
George P. Hoyt
Franklin Templeton
100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, CT 06902
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (888) 777-0102
Date of fiscal year end: November 30
Date of reporting period: November 30, 2021
ITEM 1. | REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
The Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
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Annual Report | | November 30, 2021 |
WESTERN ASSET
INVESTMENT GRADE DEFINED OPPORTUNITY TRUST INC. (IGI)
|
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE |
Fund objectives
The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and then to liquidate and distribute substantially all of the Fund’s net assets to stockholders on or about December 2, 2024. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation. There can be no assurance the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade corporate fixed income securities of varying maturities.
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II | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
Letter from the chairman
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide the annual report of Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. for the twelve-month reporting period ended November 30, 2021. Please read on for a detailed look at prevailing economic and market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period and to learn how those conditions have affected Fund performance.
As always, we remain committed to providing you with excellent service and a full spectrum of investment choices. We also remain committed to supplementing the support you receive from your financial advisor. One way we accomplish this is through our website, www.franklintempleton.com. Here you can gain immediate access to market and investment information, including:
• | | Fund prices and performance, |
• | | Market insights and commentaries from our portfolio managers, and |
• | | A host of educational resources. |
We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.
Sincerely,
Jane Trust, CFA
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
December 31, 2021
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | III |
Fund overview
Q. What is the Fund’s investment strategy?
A. The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and then to liquidate and distribute substantially all of the Fund’s net assets to stockholders on or about December 2, 2024. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation. There can be no assurance the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade corporate fixed income securities of varying maturities. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in corporate fixed income securities of below investment grade quality (commonly known as “high yield” or “junk” bonds) at the time of investment and other securities, including obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, common stocks, warrants and depositary receipts. While the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in below investment grade securities, the Fund will, under normal market conditions, maintain a portfolio with an overall dollar-weighted average of investment grade credit quality. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities of foreign issuers located anywhere in the world, including issuers located in emerging market countries. Additionally, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.
The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, such as options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, indexed securities, credit default swaps and other swap agreements, provided that the Fund’s exposure to derivative instruments, as measured by the total notional amount of all such instruments, will not exceed 20% of its net assets.
In purchasing securities and other investments for the Fund, we may take full advantage of the entire range of maturities and durations offered by corporate fixed income securities and may adjust the average maturity or duration of the Fund’s portfolio from time to time, depending on our assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and durations and our expectations of future changes in interest rates.
The Fund may take on leveraging risk by utilizing certain management techniques, whereby it will segregate liquid assets, enter into offsetting transactions or own positions covering its obligations. To the extent the Fund covers its commitment under such a portfolio management technique, such instrument will not be considered a senior security for the purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940. However, as a fundamental policy, the Fund will not leverage its capital structure by issuing senior securities such as preferred shares or debt instruments.
At Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”), the Fund’s subadviser, we utilize a fixed income team approach, with decisions derived from interaction among various investment management sector specialists. The sector teams are comprised of Western Asset’s senior portfolio management personnel, research analysts and an in-house economist. Under this team approach, management of client fixed income portfolios will reflect a consensus of interdisciplinary views within the Western Asset organization. The
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 1 | |
Fund overview (cont’d)
individuals responsible for development of investment strategy, day-to-day portfolio management, oversight and coordination of the Fund are S. Kenneth Leech, Michael C. Buchanan, Ryan K. Brist, Blanton Keh, Kurt Halvorson and Dan Alexander.
Q. What were the overall market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period?
A. Fixed income markets experienced periods of volatility and, overall, declined over the twelve-month reporting period ended November 30, 2021. Volatility was driven by a number of factors, including the repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic, sharply falling and then rising global growth, inflation concerns, rising interest rates and shifting central bank monetary policy. Most spread sectors (non-Treasuries) outperformed similar duration Treasuries. This was driven by monetary policy accommodation from the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) and the rollout of several COVID-19 vaccines which triggered increased investor risk appetite.
Short-term U.S. Treasury yields moved sharply higher as economic conditions improved. The yield for the two-year Treasury note began the reporting period at 0.16% and ended the reporting period at 0.52%. The low of 0.09% occurred on February 5, 2021, and the high of 0.63% took place on November 22, 2021. Long-term U.S. Treasury yields also moved higher, as positive economic data triggered inflationary concerns and the Fed began removing its monetary policy accommodations. The yield for the ten-year Treasury began the reporting period at 0.84% (the low for the period) and ended the period at 1.43%. The high of 1.74% took place on March 19 and March 31, 2021.
All told, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Indexi returned -1.15% for the twelve months ended November 30, 2021. Comparatively, the Bloomberg U.S. Credit Indexii returned -0.55% over the same period and the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield — 2% Issuer Cap Indexiii returned 5.27%.
Q. How did we respond to these changing market conditions?
A. We reduced the Fund’s duration during the reporting period. We pared the Fund’s high-yield bond allocation, mainly in the financials sector. In contrast, we increased the Fund’s exposures to bank loans and emerging markets.
During the reporting period, U.S. Treasury futures were used to manage the Fund’s duration and yield curve positioning. They contributed to performance. Corporate investment grade index swaps, which were used for credit hedging purposes, modestly contributed to results. Currency forwards, which were used to manage the Fund’s currency exposure, detracted from performance.
Performance review
For the twelve months ended November 30, 2021, Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. returned 0.83% based on its net asset value (“NAV”)iv and 6.70% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the Bloomberg U.S. Credit Index, returned -0.55% for the same
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2 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
period. The Lipper Corporate Debt BBB-Rated Closed-End Funds Category Averagev returned 0.55% over the same time frame. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each fund’s NAV.
The Fund has a practice of seeking to maintain a relatively stable level of distributions to shareholders. This practice has no impact on the Fund’s investment strategy and may reduce the Fund’s NAV. The Fund’s manager believes the practice helps maintain the Fund’s competitiveness and may benefit the Fund’s market price and premium/discount to the Fund’s NAV.
During the twelve-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $0.80 per share.* The performance table shows the Fund’s twelve-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of November 30, 2021. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
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Performance Snapshot as of November 30, 2021 | | | |
Price Per Share | | 12-Month Total Return** | |
$ 21.47 (NAV) | | | 0.83 | %† |
$ 22.03 (Market Price) | | | 6.70 | %‡ |
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results.
** Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Returns reflect the deduction of all Fund expenses, including management fees, operating expenses, and other Fund expenses. Returns do not reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions or taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares.
† Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions at NAV.
‡ Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Q. What were the leading contributors to performance?
A. The largest contributor to the Fund’s relative performance during the reporting period was its quality biases. In particular, an overweight to lower-quality securities contributed to results. They outperformed higher quality investment grade bonds as investors looked to generate incremental yield. From a sector positioning perspective, overweights to energy and financials were positive for returns.
Looking at security selection, the Fund’s European bank exposure, led by an overweight to Barclays, added to performance. Within the energy sector, an overweight to Western Midstream Partners was beneficial, as it was supported by rising oil prices. Finally, within the transportation sector, an overweight to Delta Airlines contributed to performance, as it rebounded off its COVID-19 pandemic low.
* | For the tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021, please refer to page 46 of this report. |
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 3 | |
Fund overview (cont’d)
Q. What were the leading detractors from performance?
A. The largest detractor from the Fund’s relative results during the reporting period was its tactical duration positioning. Elsewhere, the Fund’s sector positioning, led by an underweight to real estate investment trusts, was a headwind for performance.
Looking for additional information?
The Fund is traded under the symbol “IGI” and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available online under the symbol “XIGIX” on most financial websites. Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal’s Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites as well as www.franklintempleton.com.
In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call 1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Fund’s current NAV, market price and other information.
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4 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Thank you for your investment in Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. As always, we appreciate that you have chosen us to manage your assets and we remain focused on achieving the Fund’s investment goals.
Sincerely,
Western Asset Management Company, LLC
December 16, 2021
RISKS: The Fund is a non-diversified, limited term, closed-end management investment company designed primarily as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program and, due to the uncertainty inherent in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The Fund’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Similar to stocks, the Fund’s share price will fluctuate with market conditions and, at the time of sale, may be worth more or less than the original investment. Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Because the Fund is non-diversified, it may be more susceptible to economic, political or regulatory events than a diversified fund. The Fund’s investments are subject to a number of risks, including credit risk, inflation risk and interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall, reducing the value of the Fund’s holdings. The Fund may invest in lower-rated high-yield bonds or “junk bonds”, which are subject to greater liquidity and credit risk (risk of default) than higher-rated obligations. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. The Fund may invest in securities or engage in transactions that have the economic effects of leverage which can increase the risk and volatility of the Fund. The Fund may also invest in money market funds, including funds affiliated with the Fund’s manager and subadvisers. For more information on Fund risks, see Summary of information regarding the Fund — Principal Risk Factors in this report.
Portfolio holdings and breakdowns are as of November 30, 2021 and are subject to change and may not be representative of the portfolio managers’ current or future investments. Please refer to pages 10 through 29 for a list and percentage breakdown of the Fund’s holdings.
The mention of sector breakdowns is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. The information provided regarding such sectors is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed should consult their financial professional. The Fund’s top five sector holdings (as a percentage of net assets) as of November 30, 2021 were: financials (29.7%), energy (14.6%), health care (12.1%), communication services (10.1%) and industrials (9.7%). The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.
All investments are subject to risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 5 | |
Fund overview (cont’d)
i | The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index is a broad-based bond index comprised of government, corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed issues, rated investment grade or higher, and having at least one year to maturity. |
ii | The Bloomberg U.S. Credit Index is an index composed of corporate and non-corporate debt issues that are investment grade (rated Baa3/BBB or higher). |
iii | The Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield — 2% Issuer Cap Index is an index of the 2% Issuer Cap component of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield Index, which covers the U.S. dollar-denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. |
iv | Net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated by subtracting total liabilities, including liabilities associated with financial leverage (if any), from the closing value of all securities held by the Fund (plus all other assets) and dividing the result (total net assets) by the total number of the common shares outstanding. The NAV fluctuates with changes in the market prices of securities in which the Fund has invested. However, the price at which an investor may buy or sell shares of the Fund is the Fund’s market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Fund’s shares. |
v | Lipper, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Refinitiv, provides independent insight on global collective investments. Returns are based on the twelve-month period ended November 30, 2021, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 6 funds in the Fund’s Lipper category. |
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6 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Fund at a glance† (unaudited)
Investment breakdown (%) as a percent of total investments
† | The bar graph above represents the composition of the Fund’s investments as of November 30, 2021 and November 30, 2020 and does not include derivatives, such as futures contracts, forward foreign currency contracts and swap contracts. The Fund is actively managed. As a result, the composition of the Fund’s investments is subject to change at any time. |
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 7 | |
Fund performance (unaudited)
| | | | |
Net Asset Value | | | |
Average annual total returns1 | | | |
Twelve Months Ended 11/30/21 | | | 0.83 | % |
Five Years Ended 11/30/21 | | | 5.92 | |
Ten Years Ended 11/30/21 | | | 5.94 | |
| |
Cumulative total returns1 | | | |
11/30/11 through 11/30/21 | | | 78.10 | % |
| | | | |
Market Price | | | |
Average annual total returns2 | | | |
Twelve Months Ended 11/30/21 | | | 6.70 | % |
Five Years Ended 11/30/21 | | | 6.71 | |
Ten Years Ended 11/30/21 | | | 5.85 | |
| |
Cumulative total returns2 | | | |
11/30/11 through 11/30/21 | | | 76.57 | % |
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Returns reflect the deduction of all Fund expenses, including management fees, operating expenses, and other Fund expenses. Returns do not reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions or taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares.
1 | Assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value. |
2 | Assumes the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
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8 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Historical performance
Value of $10,000 invested in
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. vs. Bloomberg U.S. Credit Index† — November 2011 - November 2021
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. Returns reflect the deduction of all Fund expenses, including management fees, operating expenses, and other Fund expenses. Returns do not reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions or taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares.
† | Hypothetical illustration of $10,000 invested in Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. on November 30, 2011, assuming the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, at net asset value and also assuming the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan through November 30, 2021. The hypothetical illustration also assumes a $10,000 investment in the Bloomberg U.S. Credit Index. The Bloomberg U.S. Credit Index (the “Index”) is an index composed of corporate and non-corporate debt issues that are investment grade. The Index is unmanaged. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index. |
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 9 | |
Schedule of investments
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Corporate Bonds & Notes — 95.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Communication Services — 10.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diversified Telecommunication Services — 3.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 5/15/35 | | | | 370,000 | | | $ | 427,222 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 6/15/42 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 304,604 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.100 | % | | | 2/1/43 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 309,552 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.800 | % | | | 6/15/44 | | | | 290,000 | | | | 349,367 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 3/9/48 | | | | 422,000 | | | | 499,205 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 9/15/53 | | | | 90,000 | | | | 91,075 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.800 | % | | | 12/1/57 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 156,935 | |
AT&T Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 2/1/61 | | | | 260,000 | | | | 256,952 | |
British Telecommunications PLC, Senior Notes | | | 9.625 | % | | | 12/15/30 | | | | 1,550,000 | | | | 2,312,115 | |
Corning Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.900 | % | | | 11/15/49 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 243,484 | |
Telefonica Emisiones SA, Senior Notes | | | 7.045 | % | | | 6/20/36 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 201,175 | |
Verizon Communications Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.329 | % | | | 9/21/28 | | | | 218,000 | | | | 248,533 | |
Verizon Communications Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 3/16/47 | | | | 1,130,000 | | | | 1,615,169 | |
Verizon Communications Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.700 | % | | | 3/22/61 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 110,695 | |
Total Diversified Telecommunication Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,126,083 | |
Entertainment — 1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Walt Disney Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.650 | % | | | 11/15/37 | | | | 2,400,000 | | | | 3,590,236 | |
Media — 4.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CCO Holdings LLC/CCO Holdings Capital Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 5/1/32 | | | | 910,000 | | | | 907,557 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 6.384 | % | | | 10/23/35 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 233,589 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 3/1/42 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 116,360 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 6.484 | % | | | 10/23/45 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 575,001 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.375 | % | | | 5/1/47 | | | | 560,000 | | | | 672,995 | |
Charter Communications Operating LLC/Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 3.950 | % | | | 6/30/62 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 116,783 | |
Comcast Corp., Senior Notes | | | 6.400 | % | | | 5/15/38 | | | | 2,500,000 | | | | 3,617,249 | |
DISH DBS Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.750 | % | | | 12/1/28 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 246,801 | (a) |
Fox Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.476 | % | | | 1/25/39 | | | | 810,000 | | | | 1,048,648 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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10 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Media — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Time Warner Cable LLC, Senior Secured Notes | | | 6.550 | % | | | 5/1/37 | | | | 370,000 | | | $ | 496,212 | |
Time Warner Cable LLC, Senior Secured Notes | | | 7.300 | % | | | 7/1/38 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 474,119 | |
Time Warner Cable LLC, Senior Secured Notes | | | 6.750 | % | | | 6/15/39 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 27,462 | |
Time Warner Cable LLC, Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 9/1/41 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 245,434 | |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. LP, Senior Secured Notes | | | 8.375 | % | | | 3/15/23 | | | | 1,170,000 | | | | 1,282,321 | |
Time Warner Entertainment Co. LP, Senior Secured Notes | | | 8.375 | % | | | 7/15/33 | | | | 370,000 | | | | 546,074 | |
ViacomCBS Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 4/1/44 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 101,082 | |
Total Media | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,707,687 | |
Wireless Telecommunication Services — 0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sprint Corp., Senior Notes | | | 7.875 | % | | | 9/15/23 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 132,004 | |
Telefonica Europe BV, Senior Notes | | | 8.250 | % | | | 9/15/30 | | | | 390,000 | | | | 556,339 | |
T-Mobile USA Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.625 | % | | | 2/15/29 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 164,269 | |
T-Mobile USA Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.875 | % | | | 2/15/31 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 116,326 | |
T-Mobile USA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 4/15/40 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 113,692 | |
T-Mobile USA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | �� | | 3.000 | % | | | 2/15/41 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 95,565 | |
T-Mobile USA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 4/15/50 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 386,558 | |
Vodafone Group PLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 5/30/48 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 416,912 | |
Vodafone Group PLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 9/17/50 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 23,078 | |
Total Wireless Telecommunication Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,004,743 | |
Total Communication Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 23,428,749 | |
Consumer Discretionary — 4.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Automobiles — 1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ford Motor Co., Senior Notes | | | 3.250 | % | | | 2/12/32 | | | | 470,000 | | | | 470,771 | |
Ford Motor Credit Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 2.700 | % | | | 8/10/26 | | | | 630,000 | | | | 626,220 | |
General Motors Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.400 | % | | | 10/2/23 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 215,534 | |
General Motors Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.125 | % | | | 10/1/25 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 346,309 | |
General Motors Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.600 | % | | | 4/1/36 | | | | 290,000 | | | | 390,110 | |
General Motors Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.750 | % | | | 4/1/46 | | | | 580,000 | | | | 840,453 | |
Total Automobiles | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,889,397 | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 1.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Genting New York LLC/GENNY Capital Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.300 | % | | | 2/15/26 | | | | 740,000 | | | | 732,024 | (a) |
Marriott International Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.600 | % | | | 4/15/24 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 336,315 | |
McDonald’s Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.700 | % | | | 12/9/35 | | | | 260,000 | | | | 321,925 | |
McDonald’s Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.875 | % | | | 12/9/45 | | | | 370,000 | | | | 480,756 | |
Melco Resorts Finance Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 5.375 | % | | | 12/4/29 | | | | 590,000 | | | | 577,017 | (a) |
Sands China Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 5.125 | % | | | 8/8/25 | | | | 690,000 | | | | 726,404 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 11 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sands China Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 5.400 | % | | | 8/8/28 | | | | 200,000 | | | $ | 215,100 | |
Sands China Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 6/18/30 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 227,186 | |
Sands China Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 3.250 | % | | | 8/8/31 | | | | 510,000 | | | | 485,051 | (a) |
Wynn Macau Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 10/1/27 | | | | 370,000 | | | | 343,406 | (a) |
Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,445,184 | |
Household Durables — 0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lennar Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/15/27 | | | | 390,000 | | | | 445,507 | |
MDC Holdings Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.500 | % | | | 1/15/31 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 289,494 | |
MDC Holdings Inc., Senior Notes | | | 6.000 | % | | | 1/15/43 | | | | 310,000 | | | | 390,606 | |
Total Household Durables | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,125,607 | |
Internet & Direct Marketing Retail — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amazon.com Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.875 | % | | | 8/22/37 | | | | 410,000 | | | | 483,012 | |
Specialty Retail — 0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Home Depot Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.900 | % | | | 12/6/28 | | | | 930,000 | | | | 1,053,372 | |
Home Depot Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.300 | % | | | 4/15/40 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 108,443 | |
Home Depot Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.350 | % | | | 4/15/50 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 89,106 | |
Lithia Motors Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.625 | % | | | 12/15/27 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 177,567 | (a) |
Lithia Motors Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.875 | % | | | 6/1/29 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 304,074 | (a) |
Lowe’s Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.800 | % | | | 9/15/41 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 137,137 | |
Total Specialty Retail | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,869,699 | |
Total Consumer Discretionary | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,812,899 | |
Consumer Staples — 3.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beverages — 1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.600 | % | | | 4/15/48 | | | | 1,730,000 | | | | 2,123,042 | |
Coca-Cola Co., Senior Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 3/25/40 | | | | 290,000 | | | | 350,876 | |
Coca-Cola Co., Senior Notes | | | 4.200 | % | | | 3/25/50 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 207,129 | |
Constellation Brands Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 5/1/23 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 104,722 | |
Total Beverages | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,785,769 | |
Food Products — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kraft Heinz Foods Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/4/42 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 195,620 | |
Mars Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.200 | % | | | 4/1/30 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 236,488 | (a) |
Total Food Products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 432,108 | |
Tobacco — 1.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Altria Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.800 | % | | | 2/14/24 | | | | 290,000 | | | | 306,740 | |
Altria Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.400 | % | | | 2/14/26 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 549,122 | |
Altria Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.800 | % | | | 2/14/29 | | | | 1,360,000 | | | | 1,541,361 | |
Altria Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.875 | % | | | 9/16/46 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 78,422 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
12 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Tobacco — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reynolds American Inc., Senior Notes | | | 8.125 | % | | | 5/1/40 | | | | 470,000 | | | $ | 694,216 | |
Reynolds American Inc., Senior Notes | | | 7.000 | % | | | 8/4/41 | | | | 510,000 | | | | 686,590 | |
Total Tobacco | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,856,451 | |
Total Consumer Staples | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,074,328 | |
Energy — 14.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy Equipment & Services — 0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Halliburton Co., Senior Notes | | | 2.920 | % | | | 3/1/30 | | | | 60,000 | | | | 61,466 | |
Halliburton Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/45 | | | | 930,000 | | | | 1,139,787 | |
Total Energy Equipment & Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,201,253 | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 14.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Apache Corp., Senior Notes | | | 6.000 | % | | | 1/15/37 | | | | 84,000 | | | | 101,606 | |
Apache Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.100 | % | | | 9/1/40 | | | | 60,000 | | | | 65,187 | |
Apache Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 2/1/42 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 177,767 | |
Apache Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 4/15/43 | | | | 670,000 | | | | 715,292 | |
BP Capital Markets America Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.000 | % | | | 2/24/50 | | | | 710,000 | | | | 695,662 | |
Cameron LNG LLC, Senior Secured Notes | | | 3.302 | % | | | 1/15/35 | | | | 40,000 | | | | 42,294 | (a) |
Cameron LNG LLC, Senior Secured Notes | | | 3.701 | % | | | 1/15/39 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 54,954 | (a) |
Cheniere Energy Partners LP, Senior Notes | | | 3.250 | % | | | 1/31/32 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 350,266 | (a) |
Chevron USA Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 11/15/43 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 335,073 | |
Chevron USA Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.343 | % | | | 8/12/50 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 195,066 | |
ConocoPhillips, Senior Notes | | | 3.750 | % | | | 10/1/27 | | | | 110,000 | | | | 120,279 | (a) |
ConocoPhillips, Senior Notes | | | 6.500 | % | | | 2/1/39 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 2,194,376 | |
Continental Resources Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 4/15/23 | | | | 510,000 | | | | 527,294 | |
Continental Resources Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.268 | % | | | 11/15/26 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 128,595 | (a) |
Continental Resources Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 1/15/28 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 463,696 | |
Continental Resources Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.875 | % | | | 4/1/32 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 174,603 | (a) |
Continental Resources Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 6/1/44 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 155,532 | |
Coterra Energy Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 6/1/24 | | | | 960,000 | | | | 1,020,880 | (a) |
Coterra Energy Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.900 | % | | | 5/15/27 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 271,316 | (a) |
Devon Energy Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.850 | % | | | 12/15/25 | | | | 560,000 | | | | 642,439 | |
Devon Energy Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 1/15/30 | | | | 116,000 | | | | 124,652 | (a) |
Devon Energy Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.600 | % | | | 7/15/41 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 25,207 | |
Devon Energy Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/15/45 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 253,646 | |
Ecopetrol SA, Senior Notes | | | 5.875 | % | | | 5/28/45 | | | | 404,000 | | | | 377,352 | |
Energy Transfer LP, Junior Subordinated Notes (6.750% to 5/15/25 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 5.134%) | | | 6.750 | % | | | 5/15/25 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 337,013 | (b)(c) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 13 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy Transfer LP, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.125% to 5/15/30 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 5.306%) | | | 7.125 | % | | | 5/15/30 | | | | 880,000 | | | $ | 901,560 | (b)(c) |
Energy Transfer LP, Senior Notes | | | 4.200 | % | | | 9/15/23 | | | | 510,000 | | | | 534,642 | |
Energy Transfer LP, Senior Notes | | | 3.900 | % | | | 7/15/26 | | | | 630,000 | | | | 677,956 | |
Energy Transfer LP, Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 4/15/29 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 22,898 | |
Energy Transfer LP, Senior Notes | | | 6.625 | % | | | 10/15/36 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 25,835 | |
Energy Transfer LP, Senior Notes | | | 5.800 | % | | | 6/15/38 | | | | 60,000 | | | | 73,094 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 2/15/48 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 453,277 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.300 | % | | | 2/15/53 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 230,039 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.950 | % | | | 1/31/60 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 226,644 | |
Enterprise Products Operating LLC, Senior Notes (5.375% to 2/15/28 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 2.570%) | | | 5.375 | % | | | 2/15/78 | | | | 570,000 | | | | 580,010 | (c) |
EOG Resources Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 4/15/30 | | | | 370,000 | | | | 426,238 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.482 | % | | | 3/19/30 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 351,626 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp., Senior Notes | | | 2.995 | % | | | 8/16/39 | | | | 190,000 | | | | 196,166 | |
Exxon Mobil Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.227 | % | | | 3/19/40 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 262,532 | |
Florida Gas Transmission Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 2.300 | % | | | 10/1/31 | | | | 820,000 | | | | 808,904 | (a) |
KazMunayGas National Co. JSC, Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 4/14/33 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 244,753 | (a) |
Kinder Morgan Inc., Senior Notes | | | 7.800 | % | | | 8/1/31 | | | | 900,000 | | | | 1,262,276 | |
MPLX LP, Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 4/15/38 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 666,883 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Senior Notes | | | 2.700 | % | | | 8/15/22 | | | | 1,150,000 | | | | 1,162,776 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Senior Notes | | | 2.700 | % | | | 2/15/23 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 10,069 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Senior Notes | | | 7.875 | % | | | 9/15/31 | | | | 710,000 | | | | 926,688 | |
Occidental Petroleum Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.400 | % | | | 4/15/46 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 9,851 | |
Parsley Energy LLC/Parsley Finance Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.625 | % | | | 10/15/27 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 188,857 | (a) |
Parsley Energy LLC/Parsley Finance Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 2/15/28 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 337,945 | (a) |
Petrobras Global Finance BV, Senior Notes | | | 7.375 | % | | | 1/17/27 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 610,056 | |
Petrobras Global Finance BV, Senior Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 6/10/51 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 142,242 | |
Petroleos Mexicanos, Senior Notes | | | 6.875 | % | | | 8/4/26 | | | | 730,000 | | | | 775,508 | |
Petroleos Mexicanos, Senior Notes | | | 6.625 | % | | | 6/15/35 | | | | 460,000 | | | | 422,673 | |
Pioneer Natural Resources Co., Senior Notes | | | 2.150 | % | | | 1/15/31 | | | | 480,000 | | | | 461,558 | |
Range Resources Corp., Senior Notes | | | 9.250 | % | | | 2/1/26 | | | | 730,000 | | | | 785,214 | |
Southern Natural Gas Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 8.000 | % | | | 3/1/32 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 2,108,576 | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 7.850 | % | | | 2/1/26 | | | | 760,000 | | | | 932,994 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
14 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 7.250 | % | | | 12/1/26 | | | | 180,000 | | | $ | 221,384 | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.250 | % | | | 5/15/30 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 242,876 | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.400 | % | | | 8/15/41 | | | | 10,000 | | | | 12,925 | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.450 | % | | | 8/1/42 | | | | 860,000 | | | | 1,009,097 | |
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.950 | % | | | 5/15/50 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 34,033 | |
Western Midstream Operating LP, Senior Notes | | | 4.650 | % | | | 7/1/26 | | | | 1,560,000 | | | | 1,668,412 | |
Western Midstream Operating LP, Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 8/15/28 | | | | 890,000 | | | | 970,954 | |
Western Midstream Operating LP, Senior Notes | | | 5.300 | % | | | 2/1/30 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 150,892 | |
Western Midstream Operating LP, Senior Notes | | | 5.450 | % | | | 4/1/44 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 138,916 | |
Western Midstream Operating LP, Senior Notes | | | 6.500 | % | | | 2/1/50 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 491,978 | |
Williams Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.550 | % | | | 6/24/24 | | | | 1,130,000 | | | | 1,214,630 | |
Williams Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 7.750 | % | | | 6/15/31 | | | | 62,000 | | | | 85,316 | |
Williams Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 8.750 | % | | | 3/15/32 | | | | 148,000 | | | | 222,226 | |
Williams Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 10/15/51 | | | | 70,000 | | | | 71,308 | |
Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 32,905,334 | |
Total Energy | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 34,106,587 | |
Financials — 29.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Banks — 17.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.500% to 6/27/29 then 10 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 5.470%) | | | 7.500 | % | | | 6/27/29 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 214,027 | (a)(b)(c) |
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.625% to 1/10/28 then 10 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 5.353%) | | | 7.625 | % | | | 1/10/28 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 428,800 | (a)(b)(c) |
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA, Junior Subordinated Notes (8.375% to 10/14/30 then 10 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 7.760%) | | | 8.375 | % | | | 10/14/30 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 229,500 | (a)(b)(c) |
Bank of America Corp., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.100% to 3/17/25 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.898%) | | | 6.100 | % | | | 3/17/25 | | | | 590,000 | | | | 636,135 | (b)(c) |
Bank of America Corp., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.250% to 9/5/24 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.705%) | | | 6.250 | % | | | 9/5/24 | | | | 880,000 | | | | 933,350 | (b)(c) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 15 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Banks — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bank of America Corp., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.500% to 10/23/24 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 4.174%) | | | 6.500 | % | | | 10/23/24 | | | | 400,000 | | | $ | 434,600 | (b)(c) |
Bank of America Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.875 | % | | | 2/7/42 | | | | 1,340,000 | | | | 1,911,812 | |
Bank of America Corp., Senior Notes (2.572% to 10/20/31 then SOFR + 1.210%) | | | 2.572 | % | | | 10/20/32 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 432,149 | (c) |
Bank of America Corp., Senior Notes (3.458% to 3/15/24 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 0.970%) | | | 3.458 | % | | | 3/15/25 | | | | 110,000 | | | | 115,262 | (c) |
Bank of America Corp., Senior Notes (4.083% to 3/20/50 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.150%) | | | 4.083 | % | | | 3/20/51 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 305,619 | (c) |
Bank of America Corp., Senior Notes (4.271% to 7/23/28 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 1.310%) | | | 4.271 | % | | | 7/23/29 | | | | 690,000 | | | | 774,546 | (c) |
Bank of America Corp., Subordinated Notes | | | 7.750 | % | | | 5/14/38 | | | | 670,000 | | | | 1,051,895 | |
Barclays Bank PLC, Subordinated Notes | | | 7.625 | % | | | 11/21/22 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 454,812 | |
Barclays PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (6.125% to 6/15/26 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 5.867%) | | | 6.125 | % | | | 12/15/25 | | | | 1,660,000 | | | | 1,780,865 | (b)(c) |
Barclays PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.750% to 9/15/23 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 4.842%) | | | 7.750 | % | | | 9/15/23 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 344,000 | (b)(c) |
Barclays PLC, Subordinated Notes (5.088% to 6/20/29 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.054%) | | | 5.088 | % | | | 6/20/30 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 568,920 | (c) |
BNP Paribas SA, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.375% to 8/19/25 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 5.150%) | | | 7.375 | % | | | 8/19/25 | | | | 1,520,000 | | | | 1,723,186 | (a)(b)(c) |
Citigroup Inc., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.250% to 8/15/26 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 4.517%) | | | 6.250 | % | | | 8/15/26 | | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,237,654 | (b)(c) |
Citigroup Inc., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.300% to 5/15/24 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.423%) | | | 6.300 | % | | | 5/15/24 | | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,412,438 | (b)(c) |
Citigroup Inc., Senior Notes | | | 8.125 | % | | | 7/15/39 | | | | 752,000 | | | | 1,287,902 | |
Citigroup Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.650 | % | | | 7/23/48 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 552,053 | |
Citigroup Inc., Senior Notes (2.904% to 11/3/41 then SOFR + 1.379%) | | | 2.904 | % | | | 11/3/42 | | | | 470,000 | | | | 468,150 | (c) |
Citigroup Inc., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.600 | % | | | 3/9/26 | | | | 490,000 | | | | 541,795 | |
Citigroup Inc., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 7/25/28 | | | | 1,990,000 | | | | 2,187,664 | |
Citigroup Inc., Subordinated Notes | | | 6.675 | % | | | 9/13/43 | | | | 630,000 | | | | 960,128 | |
Cooperatieve Rabobank UA, Senior Notes | | | 5.750 | % | | | 12/1/43 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 353,828 | |
Credit Agricole SA, Junior Subordinated Notes (8.125% to 12/23/25 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 6.185%) | | | 8.125 | % | | | 12/23/25 | | | | 1,370,000 | | | | 1,617,243 | (a)(b)(c) |
Danske Bank A/S, Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/12/22 | | | | 740,000 | | | | 743,680 | (a) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
16 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Banks — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Danske Bank A/S, Senior Notes | | | 5.375 | % | | | 1/12/24 | | | | 530,000 | | | $ | 572,934 | (a) |
HSBC Holdings PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (6.375% to 9/17/24 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 3.705%) | | | 6.375 | % | | | 9/17/24 | | | | 800,000 | | | | 852,000 | (b)(c) |
HSBC Holdings PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (6.500% to 3/23/28 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 3.606%) | | | 6.500 | % | | | 3/23/28 | | | | 460,000 | | | | 504,677 | (b)(c) |
HSBC Holdings PLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.950 | % | | | 3/31/30 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 235,469 | |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, Senior Notes | | | 4.700 | % | | | 9/23/49 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 242,647 | (a) |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, Subordinated Notes (4.198% to 6/1/31 then 1 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 2.600%) | | | 4.198 | % | | | 6/1/32 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 200,757 | (a)(c) |
Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, Subordinated Notes (4.950% to 6/1/41 then 1 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 2.750%) | | | 4.950 | % | | | 6/1/42 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 444,663 | (a)(c) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.000% to 8/1/23 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.300%) | | | 6.000 | % | | | 8/1/23 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 721,962 | (b)(c) |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.400 | % | | | 5/15/38 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 2,178,002 | |
JPMorgan Chase & Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 5.625 | % | | | 8/16/43 | | | | 760,000 | | | | 1,067,090 | |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (6.750% to 6/27/26 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 4.815%) | | | 6.750 | % | | | 6/27/26 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 247,206 | (b)(c) |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.500% to 6/27/24 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 4.760%) | | | 7.500 | % | | | 6/27/24 | | | | 620,000 | | | | 674,123 | (b)(c) |
Lloyds Banking Group PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.500% to 9/27/25 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 4.496%) | | | 7.500 | % | | | 9/27/25 | | | | 470,000 | | | | 534,213 | (b)(c) |
NatWest Group PLC, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.648% to 9/30/31 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 2.500%) | | | 7.648 | % | | | 9/30/31 | | | | 710,000 | | | | 1,033,004 | (b)(c) |
NatWest Group PLC, Subordinated Notes | | | 6.100 | % | | | 6/10/23 | | | | 840,000 | | | | 900,252 | |
NatWest Group PLC, Subordinated Notes (3.754% to 11/1/24 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 2.100%) | | | 3.754 | % | | | 11/1/29 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 440,136 | (c) |
NatWest Markets NV, Subordinated Notes | | | 7.750 | % | | | 5/15/23 | | | | 820,000 | | | | 895,549 | |
PNC Bank NA, Subordinated Notes | | | 4.050 | % | | | 7/26/28 | | | | 650,000 | | | | 735,284 | |
UniCredit SpA, Senior Notes | | | 6.572 | % | | | 1/14/22 | | | | 570,000 | | | | 573,697 | (a) |
UniCredit SpA, Subordinated Notes (7.296% to 4/2/29 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 4.914%) | | | 7.296 | % | | | 4/2/34 | | | | 1,610,000 | | | | 1,922,164 | (a)(c) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 17 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Banks — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wells Fargo & Co., Senior Notes (3.196% to 6/17/26 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 1.170%) | | | 3.196 | % | | | 6/17/27 | | | | 720,000 | | | $ | 761,892 | (c) |
Wells Fargo & Co., Senior Notes (5.013% to 4/4/50 then SOFR + 4.502%) | | | 5.013 | % | | | 4/4/51 | | | | 410,000 | | | | 567,954 | (c) |
Wells Fargo & Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.400 | % | | | 6/14/46 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 503,641 | |
Wells Fargo & Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 12/7/46 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 671,118 | |
Westpac Banking Corp., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.421 | % | | | 7/24/39 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 201,959 | |
Total Banks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 41,384,406 | |
Capital Markets — 6.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charles Schwab Corp., Junior Subordinated Notes (4.000% to 12/1/30 then 10 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 3.079%) | | | 4.000 | % | | | 12/1/30 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 495,625 | (b)(c) |
Charles Schwab Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.850 | % | | | 5/21/25 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 249,152 | |
CI Financial Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.100 | % | | | 6/15/51 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 278,189 | |
CME Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.300 | % | | | 9/15/43 | | | | 750,000 | | | | 1,056,412 | |
Credit Suisse Group AG, Junior Subordinated Notes (5.250% to 8/11/27 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 4.889%) | | | 5.250 | % | | | 2/11/27 | | | | 1,660,000 | | | | 1,689,050 | (a)(b)(c) |
Credit Suisse Group AG, Senior Notes (4.194% to 4/1/30 then SOFR + 3.730%) | | | 4.194 | % | | | 4/1/31 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 440,211 | (a)(c) |
Credit Suisse USA Inc., Senior Notes | | | 7.125 | % | | | 7/15/32 | | | | 70,000 | | | | 100,086 | |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 6.250 | % | | | 2/1/41 | | | | 2,550,000 | | | | 3,706,868 | |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Senior Notes (2.650% to 10/21/31 then SOFR + 1.264%) | | | 2.650 | % | | | 10/21/32 | | | | 630,000 | | | | 631,955 | (c) |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Senior Notes (2.908% to 6/5/22 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 1.053%) | | | 2.908 | % | | | 6/5/23 | | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,111,793 | (c) |
Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Subordinated Notes | | | 5.150 | % | | | 5/22/45 | | | | 70,000 | | | | 91,690 | |
KKR Group Finance Co. III LLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.125 | % | | | 6/1/44 | | | | 1,300,000 | | | | 1,684,271 | (a) |
KKR Group Finance Co. VI LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.750 | % | | | 7/1/29 | | | | 110,000 | | | | 121,976 | (a) |
Morgan Stanley, Senior Notes | | | 6.375 | % | | | 7/24/42 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 213,224 | |
Morgan Stanley, Senior Notes (2.511% to 10/20/31 then SOFR + 1.200%) | | | 2.511 | % | | | 10/20/32 | | | | 370,000 | | | | 371,522 | (c) |
Raymond James Financial Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.650 | % | | | 4/1/30 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 139,916 | |
Raymond James Financial Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.950 | % | | | 7/15/46 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 197,283 | |
UBS AG Stamford, CT, Subordinated Notes | | | 7.625 | % | | | 8/17/22 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 344,743 | |
UBS Group AG, Junior Subordinated Notes (7.000% to 1/31/24 then USD 5 year ICE Swap Rate + 4.344%) | | | 7.000 | % | | | 1/31/24 | | | | 920,000 | | | | 988,637 | (a)(b)(c) |
Total Capital Markets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 13,912,603 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
18 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Consumer Finance — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Navient Corp., Senior Notes | | | 6.125 | % | | | 3/25/24 | | | | 480,000 | | | $ | 504,141 | |
Diversified Financial Services — 1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust, Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 9/15/23 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 558,510 | |
AerCap Ireland Capital DAC/AerCap Global Aviation Trust, Senior Notes | | | 3.850 | % | | | 10/29/41 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 547,580 | |
Carlyle Finance LLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.650 | % | | | 9/15/48 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 238,980 | (a) |
Carlyle Finance Subsidiary LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 9/19/29 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 249,559 | (a) |
Carlyle Holdings II Finance LLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.625 | % | | | 3/30/43 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 476,016 | (a) |
Global Aircraft Leasing Co. Ltd., Senior Notes (6.500% Cash or 7.250% PIK) | | | 6.500 | % | | | 9/15/24 | | | | 429,525 | | | | 417,269 | (a)(d) |
ILFC E-Capital Trust I Ltd. GTD ((Highest of 3 mo. USD LIBOR, 10 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate and 30 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate) + 1.550%) | | | 3.460 | % | | | 12/21/65 | | | | 800,000 | | | | 658,000 | (a)(c) |
Total Diversified Financial Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,145,914 | |
Insurance — 3.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allianz SE, Junior Subordinated Notes (3.500% to 4/30/26 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 2.973%) | | | 3.500 | % | | | 11/17/25 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 197,060 | (a)(b)(c) |
American International Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 4/1/48 | | | | 80,000 | | | | 105,025 | |
Americo Life Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.450 | % | | | 4/15/31 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 117,492 | (a) |
Arthur J Gallagher & Co., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 5/20/51 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 129,475 | |
Everest Reinsurance Holdings Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 10/15/50 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 234,552 | |
Fidelity & Guaranty Life Holdings Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 5/1/25 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 404,860 | (a) |
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 7.875 | % | | | 10/15/26 | | | | 840,000 | | | | 1,056,442 | (a) |
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 3.375 | % | | | 4/15/50 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 139,649 | (a) |
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 4/1/77 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 562,785 | (a) |
MetLife Inc., Junior Subordinated Notes (6.400%to 12/15/36 then 3 mo. USD LIBOR + 2.205%) | | | 6.400 | % | | | 12/15/36 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,241,922 | (b)(c) |
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 9.375 | % | | | 8/15/39 | | | | 520,000 | | | | 918,090 | (a) |
New York Life Insurance Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 4.450 | % | | | 5/15/69 | | | | 140,000 | | | | 184,374 | (a) |
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Subordinated Notes | | | 3.625 | % | | | 9/30/59 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 203,072 | (a) |
Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America, Subordinated Notes | | | 6.850 | % | | | 12/16/39 | | | | 1,050,000 | | | | 1,581,698 | (a) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 19 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Insurance — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America, Subordinated Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 9/15/44 | | | | 660,000 | | | $ | 870,162 | (a) |
Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America, Subordinated Notes | | | 3.300 | % | | | 5/15/50 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 348,327 | (a) |
Travelers Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 6.250 | % | | | 6/15/37 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 581,688 | |
Total Insurance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,876,673 | |
Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AFC Gamma Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.750 | % | | | 5/1/27 | | | | 550,000 | | | | 544,649 | (a) |
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rocket Mortgage LLC/Rocket Mortgage | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Co-Issuer Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.875 | % | | | 10/15/26 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 224,574 | (a) |
Rocket Mortgage LLC/Rocket Mortgage Co-Issuer Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.000 | % | | | 10/15/33 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 215,981 | (a) |
Total Thrifts & Mortgage Finance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 440,555 | |
Total Financials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 68,808,941 | |
Health Care — 12.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Biotechnology — 1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AbbVie Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.200 | % | | | 11/21/29 | | | | 990,000 | | | | 1,051,864 | |
AbbVie Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.550 | % | | | 3/15/35 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 239,143 | |
AbbVie Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.050 | % | | | 11/21/39 | | | | 1,160,000 | | | | 1,329,150 | |
Gilead Sciences Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.650 | % | | | 12/1/41 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 138,088 | |
Gilead Sciences Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 2/1/45 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 615,143 | |
Gilead Sciences Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 3/1/46 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 127,203 | |
Total Biotechnology | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,500,591 | |
Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories, Senior Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 11/30/46 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 278,781 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co., Senior Notes | | | 4.685 | % | | | 12/15/44 | | | | 910,000 | | | | 1,138,214 | |
Becton Dickinson and Co., Senior Notes | | | 4.669 | % | | | 6/6/47 | | | | 450,000 | | | | 570,921 | |
Total Health Care Equipment & Supplies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,987,916 | |
Health Care Providers & Services — 7.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Anthem Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 12/1/47 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 284,289 | |
Centene Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 12/15/27 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 166,193 | |
Centene Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.625 | % | | | 12/15/29 | | | | 560,000 | | | | 600,020 | |
Centene Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.375 | % | | | 2/15/30 | | | | 790,000 | | | | 796,666 | |
Centene Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.000 | % | | | 10/15/30 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 119,962 | |
Cigna Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 11/15/25 | | | | 540,000 | | | | 589,914 | |
Cigna Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.800 | % | | | 8/15/38 | | | | 540,000 | | | | 662,845 | |
Cigna Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.200 | % | | | 3/15/40 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 226,564 | |
CommonSpirit Health, Secured Notes | | | 4.350 | % | | | 11/1/42 | | | | 60,000 | | | | 70,125 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
20 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Health Care Providers & Services — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
CVS Health Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.100 | % | | | 3/25/25 | | | | 1,460,000 | | | $ | 1,579,015 | |
CVS Health Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.300 | % | | | 3/25/28 | | | | 1,610,000 | | | | 1,814,638 | |
CVS Health Corp., Senior Notes | | | 2.125 | % | | | 9/15/31 | | | | 310,000 | | | | 302,279 | |
CVS Health Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.780 | % | | | 3/25/38 | | | | 2,060,000 | | | | 2,511,782 | |
CVS Health Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.125 | % | | | 7/20/45 | | | | 540,000 | | | | 707,461 | |
CVS Health Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.050 | % | | | 3/25/48 | | | | 930,000 | | | | 1,230,577 | |
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Secured Bonds | | | 4.178 | % | | | 8/1/48 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 183,544 | |
HCA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 6/15/29 | | | | 340,000 | | | | 374,093 | |
HCA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.125 | % | | | 6/15/39 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 210,022 | |
HCA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 6/15/47 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 461,693 | |
HCA Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 6/15/49 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 688,162 | |
Humana Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.800 | % | | | 3/15/47 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 465,876 | |
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Senior Notes | | | 2.810 | % | | | 6/1/41 | | | | 120,000 | | | | 122,758 | |
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Senior Notes | | | 3.002 | % | | | 6/1/51 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 137,331 | |
Magellan Health Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 9/22/24 | | | | 1,070,000 | | | | 1,152,401 | |
Orlando Health Obligated Group, Senior Notes | | | 4.089 | % | | | 10/1/48 | | | | 270,000 | | | | 336,055 | |
UnitedHealth Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.700 | % | | | 12/15/25 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 273,108 | |
UnitedHealth Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.850 | % | | | 6/15/28 | | | | 540,000 | | | | 603,671 | |
UnitedHealth Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 8/15/39 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 242,569 | |
UnitedHealth Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 7/15/45 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 290,502 | |
Total Health Care Providers & Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 17,204,115 | |
Pharmaceuticals — 2.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Bausch Health Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/30/28 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 115,933 | (a) |
Bausch Health Cos. Inc., Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 1/30/30 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 111,699 | (a) |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Senior Notes | | | 3.400 | % | | | 7/26/29 | | | | 1,530,000 | | | | 1,677,736 | |
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 8/15/45 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 538,926 | |
Pfizer Inc., Senior Notes | | | 7.200 | % | | | 3/15/39 | | | | 560,000 | | | | 908,453 | |
Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III BV, Senior Notes | | | 7.125 | % | | | 1/31/25 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 213,944 | |
Wyeth LLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.950 | % | | | 4/1/37 | | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,563,000 | |
Zoetis Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.700 | % | | | 2/1/43 | | | | 40,000 | | | | 51,112 | |
Total Pharmaceuticals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,180,803 | |
Total Health Care | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 27,873,425 | |
Industrials — 9.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aerospace & Defense — 4.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 5.125 | % | | | 10/1/23 | | | | 820,000 | | | | 868,346 | (a) |
Avolon Holdings Funding Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 4/15/26 | | | | 640,000 | | | | 683,802 | (a) |
Boeing Co., Senior Notes | | | 2.800 | % | | | 3/1/24 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 516,531 | |
Boeing Co., Senior Notes | | | 2.196 | % | | | 2/4/26 | | | | 590,000 | | | | 589,103 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 21 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Aerospace & Defense — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Boeing Co., Senior Notes | | | 3.100 | % | | | 5/1/26 | | | | 2,190,000 | | | $ | 2,280,069 | |
Boeing Co., Senior Notes | | | 3.250 | % | | | 2/1/28 | | | | 580,000 | | | | 602,923 | |
Boeing Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.705 | % | | | 5/1/40 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 421,935 | |
Boeing Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.805 | % | | | 5/1/50 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 297,175 | |
Hexcel Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.200 | % | | | 2/15/27 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,066,898 | |
Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.483 | % | | | 12/1/27 | | | | 320,000 | | | | 341,332 | |
L3Harris Technologies Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.854 | % | | | 4/27/35 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 526,681 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 5/15/36 | | | | 50,000 | | | | 61,484 | |
Lockheed Martin Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.700 | % | | | 5/15/46 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 264,218 | |
Northrop Grumman Corp., Senior Notes | | | 7.875 | % | | | 3/1/26 | | | | 1,390,000 | | | | 1,733,750 | (a) |
Raytheon Technologies Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.625 | % | | | 11/16/48 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 232,795 | |
Total Aerospace & Defense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,487,042 | |
Air Freight & Logistics — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
United Parcel Service Inc., Senior Notes | | | 6.200 | % | | | 1/15/38 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 1,022,878 | |
Airlines — 1.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Airlines Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 4/20/26 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 173,980 | (a) |
American Airlines Inc./AAdvantage Loyalty IP Ltd., Senior Secured Notes | | | 5.750 | % | | | 4/20/29 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 177,650 | (a) |
Delta Air Lines Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.900 | % | | | 10/28/24 | | | | 840,000 | | | | 846,901 | |
Delta Air Lines Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.750 | % | | | 10/28/29 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 226,311 | |
Delta Air Lines Inc., Senior Secured Notes | | | 7.000 | % | | | 5/1/25 | | | | 420,000 | | | | 482,845 | (a) |
Delta Air Lines Inc./SkyMiles IP Ltd., Senior Secured Notes | | | 4.500 | % | | | 10/20/25 | | | | 290,000 | | | | 304,161 | (a) |
Delta Air Lines Inc./SkyMiles IP Ltd., Senior Secured Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 10/20/28 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 230,331 | (a) |
Southwest Airlines Co., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 5/4/23 | | | | 810,000 | | | | 850,529 | |
Southwest Airlines Co., Senior Notes | | | 5.125 | % | | | 6/15/27 | | | | 290,000 | | | | 330,611 | |
United Airlines Pass-Through Trust | | | 4.875 | % | | | 1/15/26 | | | | 287,360 | | | | 301,570 | |
Total Airlines | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,924,889 | |
Building Products — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Carrier Global Corp., Senior Notes | | | 2.722 | % | | | 2/15/30 | | | | 570,000 | | | | 582,206 | |
Carrier Global Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.577 | % | | | 4/5/50 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 170,345 | |
Total Building Products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 752,551 | |
Commercial Services & Supplies — 0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
California Institute of Technology, Senior Notes | | | 3.650 | % | | | 9/1/2119 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 217,840 | |
Waste Connections Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 12/1/28 | | | | 750,000 | | | | 849,505 | |
Total Commercial Services & Supplies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,067,345 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
22 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Industrial Conglomerates — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Electric Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.750 | % | | | 3/15/32 | | | | 330,000 | | | $ | 457,092 | |
General Electric Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.875 | % | | | 1/10/39 | | | | 143,000 | | | | 223,721 | |
Total Industrial Conglomerates | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 680,813 | |
Machinery — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Caterpillar Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 5/15/64 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 529,882 | |
Professional Services — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equifax Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.350 | % | | | 9/15/31 | | | | 970,000 | | | | 955,902 | |
Road & Rail — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Union Pacific Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.375 | % | | | 11/15/65 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 642,791 | |
Union Pacific Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.750 | % | | | 2/5/70 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 35,014 | |
Total Road & Rail | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 677,805 | |
Trading Companies & Distributors — 0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aircastle Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 8/11/25 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,103,369 | (a) |
Aviation Capital Group LLC, Senior Notes | | | 5.500 | % | | | 12/15/24 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 275,389 | (a) |
Aviation Capital Group LLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 8/1/25 | | | | 340,000 | | | | 362,511 | (a) |
Total Trading Companies & Distributors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,741,269 | |
Total Industrials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 21,840,376 | |
Information Technology — 3.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TD SYNNEX Corp., Senior Notes | | | 1.250 | % | | | 8/9/24 | | | | 800,000 | | | | 794,007 | (a) |
IT Services — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
International Business Machines Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 5/15/29 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 217,586 | |
Kyndryl Holdings Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.100 | % | | | 10/15/41 | | | | 450,000 | | | | 438,497 | (a) |
S&P Global Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.250 | % | | | 12/1/49 | | | | 110,000 | | | | 122,226 | |
S&P Global Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.300 | % | | | 8/15/60 | | | | 40,000 | | | | 35,532 | |
Total IT Services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 813,841 | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broadcom Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.150 | % | | | 11/15/30 | | | | 418,000 | | | | 457,404 | |
Broadcom Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.300 | % | | | 11/15/32 | | | | 580,000 | | | | 647,819 | |
Broadcom Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.187 | % | | | 11/15/36 | | | | 22,000 | | | | 21,685 | (a) |
Intel Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.900 | % | | | 7/29/45 | | | | 220,000 | | | | 294,675 | |
Intel Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 3/25/50 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 27,086 | |
Intel Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.950 | % | | | 3/25/60 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 141,683 | |
Intel Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.200 | % | | | 8/12/61 | | | | 180,000 | | | | 187,326 | |
Micron Technology Inc., Senior Notes | | | 2.703 | % | | | 4/15/32 | | | | 210,000 | | | | 211,199 | |
Micron Technology Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.366 | % | | | 11/1/41 | | | | 40,000 | | | | 40,355 | |
NVIDIA Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 4/1/40 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 113,288 | |
NVIDIA Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 4/1/50 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 347,344 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 23 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NVIDIA Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.700 | % | | | 4/1/60 | | | | 120,000 | | | $ | 143,823 | |
QUALCOMM Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.300 | % | | | 5/20/47 | | | | 70,000 | | | | 89,180 | |
Texas Instruments Inc., Senior Notes | | | 3.875 | % | | | 3/15/39 | | | | 430,000 | | | | 515,849 | |
Total Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment | | | | | | | | 3,238,716 | |
Software — 1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Microsoft Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.250 | % | | | 2/6/47 | | | | 1,520,000 | | | | 1,997,860 | |
Oracle Corp., Senior Notes | | | 3.950 | % | | | 3/25/51 | | | | 490,000 | | | | 528,851 | |
Oracle Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.100 | % | | | 3/25/61 | | | | 580,000 | | | | 635,076 | |
Total Software | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,161,787 | |
Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dell International LLC/EMC Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 8.100 | % | | | 7/15/36 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 304,887 | |
Dell International LLC/EMC Corp., Senior Secured Notes | | | 8.350 | % | | | 7/15/46 | | | | 60,000 | | | | 100,289 | |
Total Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals | | | | | | | | 405,176 | |
Total Information Technology | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 8,413,527 | |
Materials — 2.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chemicals — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ecolab Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.800 | % | | | 3/24/30 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 156,918 | |
OCP SA, Senior Notes | | | 3.750 | % | | | 6/23/31 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 193,380 | (a) |
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA, Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 9/10/51 | | | | 410,000 | | | | 397,848 | (a) |
Total Chemicals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 748,146 | |
Metals & Mining — 1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ArcelorMittal SA, Senior Notes | | | 4.550 | % | | | 3/11/26 | | | | 330,000 | | | | 360,560 | |
Barrick Gold Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.250 | % | | | 4/1/42 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 460,154 | |
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 7.250 | % | | | 4/1/23 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 612,009 | (a) |
First Quantum Minerals Ltd., Senior Notes | | | 6.875 | % | | | 10/15/27 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 423,496 | (a) |
Glencore Funding LLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 3/12/24 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 316,808 | (a) |
Glencore Funding LLC, Senior Notes | | | 4.000 | % | | | 3/27/27 | | | | 590,000 | | | | 635,822 | (a) |
Glencore Funding LLC, Senior Notes | | | 3.375 | % | | | 9/23/51 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 96,963 | (a) |
Yamana Gold Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.625 | % | | | 12/15/27 | | | | 550,000 | | | | 606,489 | |
Total Metals & Mining | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,512,301 | |
Paper & Forest Products — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Suzano Austria GmbH, Senior Notes | | | 3.125 | % | | | 1/15/32 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 326,786 | |
Total Materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,587,233 | |
Real Estate — 1.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diversified Healthcare Trust, Senior Notes | | | 4.750 | % | | | 5/1/24 | | | | 190,000 | | | | 194,461 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
24 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp., Senior Notes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/15/27 | | | | 400,000 | | | $ | 418,046 | |
MPT Operating Partnership LP/MPT Finance Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.625 | % | | | 8/1/29 | | | | 270,000 | | | | 282,270 | |
Ventas Realty LP, Senior Notes | | | 4.400 | % | | | 1/15/29 | | | | 540,000 | | | | 609,491 | |
Vornado Realty LP, Senior Notes | | | 3.500 | % | | | 1/15/25 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,049,320 | |
Welltower Inc., Senior Notes | | | 4.125 | % | | | 3/15/29 | | | | 510,000 | | | | 569,082 | |
Total Equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) | | | | | | | | 3,122,670 | |
Real Estate Management & Development — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security Capital Group Inc., Senior Notes | | | 7.700 | % | | | 6/15/28 | | | | 460,000 | | | | 630,770 | |
Total Real Estate | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,753,440 | |
Utilities — 4.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electric Utilities — 4.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Berkshire Hathaway Energy Co., Senior Notes | | | 6.125 | % | | | 4/1/36 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,368,239 | |
CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, Senior Secured Bonds | | | 4.500 | % | | | 4/1/44 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 678,198 | |
Comision Federal de Electricidad, Senior Notes | | | 3.348 | % | | | 2/9/31 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 191,704 | (a) |
Comision Federal de Electricidad, Senior Notes | | | 4.677 | % | | | 2/9/51 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 186,155 | (a) |
Commonwealth Edison Co., First Mortgage Bonds | | | 6.450 | % | | | 1/15/38 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 881,074 | |
Edison International, Junior Subordinated Notes (5.000% to 3/15/27 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 3.901%) | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/15/26 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 160,720 | (b)(c) |
Edison International, Junior Subordinated Notes (5.375% to 3/15/26 then 5 year Treasury Constant Maturity Rate + 4.698%) | | | 5.375 | % | | | 3/15/26 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 236,900 | (b)(c) |
Exelon Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.050 | % | | | 4/15/30 | | | | 190,000 | | | | 213,260 | |
FirstEnergy Corp., Senior Notes | | | 4.400 | % | | | 7/15/27 | | | | 480,000 | | | | 513,629 | |
FirstEnergy Corp., Senior Notes | | | 7.375 | % | | | 11/15/31 | | | | 3,040,000 | | | | 4,073,326 | |
Jersey Central Power & Light Co., Senior Notes | | | 4.300 | % | | | 1/15/26 | | | | 170,000 | | | | 185,380 | (a) |
MidAmerican Energy Co., First Mortgage Bonds | | | 3.650 | % | | | 4/15/29 | | | | 240,000 | | | | 264,360 | |
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Secured Bonds | | | 4.250 | % | | | 8/1/23 | | | | 160,000 | | | | 165,758 | |
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Secured Bonds | | | 2.500 | % | | | 2/1/31 | | | | 130,000 | | | | 124,329 | |
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Secured Bonds | | | 3.300 | % | | | 8/1/40 | | | | 30,000 | | | | 28,575 | |
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Secured Bonds | | | 4.950 | % | | | 7/1/50 | | | | 190,000 | | | | 213,593 | |
Southern California Edison Co., First Mortgage Bonds | | | 4.125 | % | | | 3/1/48 | | | | 480,000 | | | | 547,215 | |
Virginia Electric & Power Co., Senior Notes | | | 8.875 | % | | | 11/15/38 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 896,410 | |
Total Utilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,928,825 | |
Total Corporate Bonds & Notes (Cost — $191,114,783) | | | | | | | | 221,628,330 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 25 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Sovereign Bonds — 1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Argentina — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Argentine Republic Government International Bond, Senior Notes | | | 1.000 | % | | | 7/9/29 | | | | 11,447 | | | $ | 3,815 | |
Argentine Republic Government International Bond, Senior Notes, Step bond (1.125% to 7/9/22 then 1.500%) | | | 1.125 | % | | | 7/9/35 | | | | 182,200 | | | | 51,519 | |
Provincia de Buenos Aires, Senior Notes, Step bond (3.900% to 9/1/22 then 5.250%) | | | 3.900 | % | | | 9/1/37 | | | | 2,141,885 | | | | 838,676 | (a) |
Total Argentina | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 894,010 | |
Ghana — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ghana Government International Bond, Senior Notes | | | 8.950 | % | | | 3/26/51 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 232,263 | (a) |
Mexico — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mexican Bonos, Senior Notes | | | 8.500 | % | | | 11/18/38 | | | | 8,780,000 | MXN | | | 428,198 | |
Mexico Government International Bond, Senior Notes | | | 4.280 | % | | | 8/14/41 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 237,330 | |
Total Mexico | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 665,528 | |
Qatar — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Qatar Government International Bond, Senior Notes | | | 4.817 | % | | | 3/14/49 | | | | 410,000 | | | | 530,835 | (a) |
Total Sovereign Bonds (Cost — $2,495,096) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,322,636 | |
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations — 1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Government Obligations — 1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | 1.625 | % | | | 11/15/50 | | | | 70,000 | | | | 67,142 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | 1.875 | % | | | 2/15/51 | | | | 820,000 | | | | 833,966 | |
U.S. Treasury Bonds | | | 2.375 | % | | | 5/15/51 | | | | 510,000 | | | | 578,611 | |
U.S. Treasury Notes | | | 1.250 | % | | | 11/30/26 | | | | 710,000 | | | | 713,245 | |
Total U.S. Government & Agency Obligations (Cost — $2,077,300) | | | | | | | | 2,192,964 | |
Municipal Bonds — 0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
California — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Morongo Band of Mission Indians, CA, Revenue, Tribal Economic Development, Series A | | | 7.000 | % | | | 10/1/39 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 668,051 | (a) |
Florida — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sumter Landing, FL, Community Development District Recreational Revenue, Taxable Community Development District | | | 4.172 | % | | | 10/1/47 | | | | 260,000 | | | | 306,550 | |
Illinois — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Illinois State, GO, Taxable, Build America Bonds, Series 2010-3 | | | 6.725 | % | | | 4/1/35 | | | | 530,000 | | | | 664,121 | |
Total Municipal Bonds (Cost — $1,349,923) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,638,722 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
26 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
(Percentages shown based on Fund net assets)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount† | | | Value | |
Senior Loans — 0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consumer Discretionary — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Specialty Retail — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Great Outdoors Group LLC, Term Loan B2 (the greater of 3 mo. USD LIBOR or 0.750% + 3.750%) | | | 4.500 | % | | | 3/6/28 | | | | 357,300 | | | $ | 357,747 | (c)(e)(f) |
Health Care — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pharmaceuticals — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Horizon Therapeutics USA Inc., Incremental Term Loan B2 (the greater of 1 mo. USD LIBOR or 0.500% + 1.750%) | | | 2.250 | % | | | 3/15/28 | | | | 338,300 | | | | 336,881 | (c)(e)(f) |
Industrials — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Airlines — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delta Air Lines Inc., Initial Term Loan (the greater of 3 mo. USD LIBOR or 1.000% + 3.750%) | | | 4.750 | % | | | 10/20/27 | | | | 280,000 | | | | 295,109 | (c)(e)(f) |
Road & Rail — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
XPO Logistics Inc., Refinancing Term Loan (1 mo. USD LIBOR + 1.750%) | | | 1.831 | % | | | 2/24/25 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 347,775 | (c)(e)(f) |
Total Industrials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 642,884 | |
Materials — 0.0%†† | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Paper & Forest Products — 0.0%†† | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc., Term Loan B (the greater of 1 mo. USD LIBOR or 0.750% + 3.750%) | | | 4.500 | % | | | 2/9/28 | | | | 89,775 | | | | 89,252 | (c)(e)(f) |
Total Senior Loans (Cost — $1,409,291) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,426,764 | |
| | | | |
| | | | | | | | Shares | | | | |
Preferred Stocks — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Insurance — 0.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delphi Financial Group Inc. (3 mo. USD LIBOR + 3.190%) (Cost — $233,031) | | | 3.363 | % | | | | | | | 9,325 | | | | 224,499 | (c) |
Total Investments before Short-Term Investments (Cost — $198,679,424) | | | | 229,433,915 | |
Short-Term Investments — 1.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Western Asset Premier Institutional Government Reserves, Premium Shares (Cost — $2,391,042) | | | 0.010 | % | | | | | | | 2,391,042 | | | | 2,391,042 | (g) |
Total Investments — 99.6% (Cost — $201,070,466) | | | | | | | | | | | | 231,824,957 | |
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,023,046 | |
Total Net Assets — 100.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 232,848,003 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 27 | |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
November 30, 2021
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
† | Face amount denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. |
†† | Represents less than 0.1%. |
(a) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security has been deemed liquid pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Directors. |
(b) | Security has no maturity date. The date shown represents the next call date. |
(c) | Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is as of the most recent information available. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above. |
(d) | Payment-in-kind security for which the issuer has the option at each interest payment date of making interest payments in cash and/or additional securities. |
(e) | Interest rates disclosed represent the effective rates on senior loans. Ranges in interest rates are attributable to multiple contracts under the same loan. |
(f) | Senior loans may be considered restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is contractually obligated to receive approval from the agent bank and/or borrower prior to the disposition of a senior loan. |
(g) | In this instance, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, an “Affiliated Company” represents Fund ownership of at least 5% of the outstanding voting securities of an issuer, or a company which is under common ownership or control with the Fund. At November 30, 2021, the total market value of investments in Affiliated Companies was $2,391,042 and the cost was $2,391,042 (Note 7). |
| | |
|
Abbreviation(s) used in this schedule: |
| |
GO | | —General Obligation |
| |
GTD | | —Guaranteed |
| |
ICE | | —Intercontinental Exchange |
| |
JSC | | —Joint Stock Company |
| |
LIBOR | | —London Interbank Offered Rate |
| |
MXN | | —Mexican Peso |
| |
PIK | | —Payment-In-Kind |
| |
SOFR | | —Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
| |
USD | | —United States Dollar |
At November 30, 2021, the Fund had the following open futures contracts:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Date | | | Notional Amount | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Contracts to Buy: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
U.S. Treasury 2-Year Notes | | | 54 | | | | 3/22 | | | $ | 11,790,509 | | | $ | 11,811,656 | | | $ | 21,147 | |
U.S. Treasury 5-Year Notes | | | 9 | | | | 3/22 | | | | 1,087,233 | | | | 1,092,586 | | | | 5,353 | |
U.S. Treasury 10-Year Notes | | | 53 | | | | 3/22 | | | | 6,836,037 | | | | 6,933,063 | | | | 97,026 | |
U.S. Treasury Ultra Long- Term Bonds | | | 14 | | | | 3/22 | | | | 2,702,323 | | | | 2,807,875 | | | | 105,552 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 229,078 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
28 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Contracts | | | Expiration Date | | | Notional Amount | | | Market Value | | | Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Contracts to Sell: | |
U.S. Treasury Long-Term Bonds | | | 106 | | | | 3/22 | | | $ | 16,919,979 | | | $ | 17,185,250 | | | $ | (265,271) | |
Net unrealized depreciation on open futures contracts | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (36,193) | |
At November 30, 2021, the Fund had the following open forward foreign currency contracts:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Currency Purchased | | Currency Sold | | | Counterparty | | Settlement Date | | | Unrealized Depreciation | |
EUR | | 1,463,000 | | USD | | | 1,693,927 | | | BNP Paribas SA | | | 1/18/22 | | | $ | (31,697) | |
| | |
Abbreviation(s) used in this table: |
| |
EUR | | —Euro |
| |
USD | | —United States Dollar |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 29 | |
Statement of assets and liabilities
November 30, 2021
| | | | |
| |
Assets: | | | | |
Investments in unaffiliated securities, at value (Cost — $198,679,424) | | $ | 229,433,915 | |
Investments in affiliated securities, at value (Cost — $2,391,042) | | | 2,391,042 | |
Foreign currency, at value (Cost — $19,677) | | | 17,854 | |
Interest receivable | | | 2,453,982 | |
Deposits with brokers for open futures contracts | | | 307,500 | |
Receivable for securities sold | | | 1,700 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 1,567 | |
Total Assets | | | 234,607,560 | |
| |
Liabilities: | | | | |
Distributions payable | | | 721,311 | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | 711,772 | |
Investment management fee payable | | | 124,832 | |
Payable to broker — net variation margin on open futures contracts | | | 105,617 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts | | | 31,697 | |
Directors’ fees payable | | | 7,345 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 56,983 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 1,759,557 | |
Total Net Assets | | $ | 232,848,003 | |
| |
Net Assets: | | | | |
Par value ($0.001 par value; 10,846,786 shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 shares authorized) | | $ | 10,847 | |
Paid-in capital in excess of par value | | | 206,564,770 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 26,272,386 | |
Total Net Assets | | $ | 232,848,003 | |
| |
Shares Outstanding | | | 10,846,786 | |
| |
Net Asset Value | | | $21.47 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
30 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Statement of operations
For the Year Ended November 30, 2021
| | | | |
| |
Investment Income: | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 10,034,608 | |
Dividends from unaffiliated investments | | | 84,565 | |
Dividends from affiliated investments | | | 318 | |
Less: Foreign taxes withheld | | | (22,231) | |
Total Investment Income | | | 10,097,260 | |
| |
Expenses: | | | | |
Investment management fee (Note 2) | | | 1,531,082 | |
Transfer agent fees | | | 94,877 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 81,066 | |
Audit and tax fees | | | 54,383 | |
Legal fees | | | 38,924 | |
Fund accounting fees | | | 31,207 | |
Stock exchange listing fees | | | 12,513 | |
Shareholder reports | | | 10,908 | |
Insurance | | | 3,622 | |
Custody fees | | | 1,224 | |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 11,144 | |
Total Expenses | | | 1,870,950 | |
Less: Fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements (Note 2) | | | (327) | |
Net Expenses | | | 1,870,623 | |
Net Investment Income | | | 8,226,637 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Futures Contracts, Swap Contracts, Forward Foreign Currency Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions (Notes 1, 3 and 4): | | | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) From: | | | | |
Investment transactions in unaffiliated securities | | | 780,130 | |
Futures contracts | | | 289,256 | |
Swap contracts | | | 5,014 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | (59,068) | |
Foreign currency transactions | | | 344 | |
Net Realized Gain | | | 1,015,676 | |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) From: | | | | |
Investments in unaffiliated securities | | | (7,208,660) | |
Futures contracts | | | (61,369) | |
Swap contracts | | | (4,895) | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | (31,697) | |
Foreign currencies | | | (2,705) | |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | (7,309,326) | |
Net Loss on Investments, Futures Contracts, Swap Contracts, Forward Foreign Currency Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions | | | (6,293,650) | |
Increase in Net Assets From Operations | | $ | 1,932,987 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 31 | |
Statements of changes in net assets
| | | | | | | | |
For the Years Ended November 30, | | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
| | |
Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 8,226,637 | | | $ | 8,606,510 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | | | 1,015,676 | | | | (2,423,067) | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | (7,309,326) | | | | 13,579,784 | |
Increase in Net Assets From Operations | | | 1,932,987 | | | | 19,763,227 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders From (Note 1): | | | | | | | | |
Total distributable earnings | | | (8,653,691) | | | | (9,268,396) | |
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders | | | (8,653,691) | | | | (9,268,396) | |
| | |
Fund Share Transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Reinvestment of distributions (4,908 and 5,101 shares issued, respectively) | | | 106,648 | | | | 109,026 | |
Increase in Net Assets From Fund Share Transactions | | | 106,648 | | | | 109,026 | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | (6,614,056) | | | | 10,603,857 | |
| | |
Net Assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 239,462,059 | | | | 228,858,202 | |
End of year | | $ | 232,848,003 | | | $ | 239,462,059 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | |
32 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Financial highlights
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended November 30: | |
| | 20211 | | | 20201 | | | 20191 | | | 20181 | | | 20171 | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | | | $22.09 | | | | $21.12 | | | | $19.21 | | | | $21.00 | | | | $20.26 | |
| | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 0.76 | | | | 0.79 | | | | 0.88 | | | | 0.94 | | | | 0.99 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | (0.58) | | | | 1.03 | | | | 2.05 | | | | (1.71) | | | | 0.82 | |
Total income (loss) from operations | | | 0.18 | | | | 1.82 | | | | 2.93 | | | | (0.77) | | | | 1.81 | |
| | | | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.80) | | | | (0.81) | | | | (0.89) | | | | (0.96) | | | | (1.02) | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | (0.04) | | | | (0.13) | | | | (0.06) | | | | (0.05) | |
Total distributions | | | (0.80) | | | | (0.85) | | | | (1.02) | | | | (1.02) | | | | (1.07) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, end of year | | | $21.47 | | | | $22.09 | | | | $21.12 | | | | $19.21 | | | | $21.00 | |
Market price, end of year | | | $22.03 | | | | $21.42 | | | | $21.24 | | | | $18.05 | | | | $21.85 | |
Total return, based on NAV2,3 | | | 0.83 | % | | | 8.96 | % | | | 15.59 | % | | | (3.78) | % | | | 9.09 | % |
Total return, based on Market Price4 | | | 6.70 | % | | | 5.06 | % | | | 23.70 | % | | | (13.06) | % | | | 14.76 | % |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (millions) | | | $233 | | | | $239 | | | | $229 | | | | $208 | | | | $227 | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross expenses | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.79 | % | | | 0.78 | % | | | 0.78 | % | | | 0.78 | % |
Net expenses5 | | | 0.79 | 6 | | | 0.79 | 6 | | | 0.78 | | | | 0.78 | | | | 0.78 | |
Net investment income | | | 3.49 | | | | 3.77 | | | | 4.33 | | | | 4.65 | | | | 4.76 | |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 19 | % | | | 41 | % | | | 56 | % | | | 46 | % | | | 40 | % |
1 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
2 | Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
3 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested at NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
4 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
5 | The manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund. |
6 | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 33 | |
Notes to financial statements
1. Organization and significant accounting policies
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on April 24, 2009 and is registered as a non-diversified, limited-term, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and then to liquidate and distribute substantially all of the Fund’s net assets to stockholders on or about December 2, 2024. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation. There can be no assurance the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade corporate fixed income securities of varying maturities.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.
(a) Investment valuation. The valuations for fixed income securities (which may include, but are not limited to, corporate, government, municipal, mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities) and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of valuation techniques and methodologies. The independent third party pricing services typically use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar securities. Investments in open-end funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share of each fund on the day of valuation. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last reported sales price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. When the Fund holds securities or other assets that are denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund will normally use the currency exchange rates as of 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers or at the transaction price if the security has recently been purchased and no value has yet been obtained from a pricing service or pricing broker. When reliable prices are not readily available, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund values these securities as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the valuation process and has delegated the supervision of the daily valuation process to the Global Fund Valuation Committee (known
| | | | |
34 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
as Legg Mason North Atlantic Fund Valuation Committee prior to March 1, 2021) (the “Valuation Committee”). The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Fund’s pricing policies, and reporting to the Board of Directors. When determining the reliability of third party pricing information for investments owned by the Fund, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of pricing vendors, monitors the daily change in prices and reviews transactions among market participants.
The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making fair value determinations. Examples of possible methodologies include, but are not limited to, multiple of earnings; discount from market of a similar freely traded security; discounted cash-flow analysis; book value or a multiple thereof; risk premium/yield analysis; yield to maturity; and/or fundamental investment analysis. The Valuation Committee will also consider factors it deems relevant and appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Examples of possible factors include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the issuer’s financial statements; the purchase price of the security; the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase; analysts’ research and observations from financial institutions; information regarding any transactions or offers with respect to the security; the existence of merger proposals or tender offers affecting the security; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities.
For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such back testing monthly and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board of Directors quarterly.
The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.
GAAP establishes a disclosure hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to value assets and liabilities at measurement date. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
• | | Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
• | | Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
• | | Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 35 | |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets and liabilities carried at fair value:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS | |
Description | | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | | | Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Total | |
Long-Term Investments†: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate Bonds & Notes | | | — | | | $ | 221,628,330 | | | | — | | | $ | 221,628,330 | |
Sovereign Bonds | | | — | | | | 2,322,636 | | | | — | | | | 2,322,636 | |
U.S. Government & Agency Obligations | | | — | | | | 2,192,964 | | | | — | | | | 2,192,964 | |
Municipal Bonds | | | — | | | | 1,638,722 | | | | — | | | | 1,638,722 | |
Senior Loans | | | — | | | | 1,426,764 | | | | — | | | | 1,426,764 | |
Preferred Stocks | | | — | | | | 224,499 | | | | — | | | | 224,499 | |
Total Long-Term Investments | | | — | | | | 229,433,915 | | | | — | | | | 229,433,915 | |
Short-Term Investments† | | $ | 2,391,042 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,391,042 | |
Total Investments | | $ | 2,391,042 | | | $ | 229,433,915 | | | | — | | | $ | 231,824,957 | |
Other Financial Instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures Contracts†† | | $ | 229,078 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 229,078 | |
Total | | $ | 2,620,120 | | | $ | 229,433,915 | | | | — | | | $ | 232,054,035 | |
|
LIABILITIES | |
Description | | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | | | Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Total | |
Other Financial Instruments: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futures Contracts†† | | $ | 265,271 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 265,271 | |
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts†† | | | — | | | $ | 31,697 | | | | — | | | | 31,697 | |
Total | | $ | 265,271 | | | $ | 31,697 | | | | — | | | $ | 296,968 | |
† | See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
†† | Reflects the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of the instruments. |
(b) Futures contracts. The Fund uses futures contracts generally to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in interest rates or gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in certain asset classes. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or securities with a broker in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the ‘‘initial margin’’ and subsequent payments (‘‘variation margin’’) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. For certain futures, including foreign denominated futures, variation margin is not settled daily, but is recorded as a net variation margin payable or receivable. The daily changes in
| | | | |
36 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
contract value are recorded as unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the Statement of Operations and the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the amounts reflected in the financial statements. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.
(c) Forward foreign currency contracts. The Fund enters into a forward foreign currency contract to hedge against, or manage exposure to, foreign issuers or markets. The Fund may also enter into a forward foreign currency contract to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate risk on its non-U.S. dollar denominated securities or to facilitate settlement of a foreign currency denominated portfolio transaction. A forward foreign currency contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set price with delivery and settlement at a future date. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When a forward foreign currency contract is closed, through either delivery or offset by entering into another forward foreign currency contract, the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value of the contract at the time it is closed.
Forward foreign currency contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts reflected on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of an unfavorable change in the foreign exchange rate underlying the forward foreign currency contract. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
(d) Swap agreements. The Fund invests in swaps for the purpose of managing its exposure to interest rate, credit or market risk, or for other purposes. The use of swaps involves risks that are different from those associated with other portfolio transactions. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the over-the-counter market and may be entered into as a bilateral contract (“OTC Swaps”) or centrally cleared (“Centrally Cleared Swaps”). Unlike Centrally Cleared Swaps, the Fund has credit exposure to the counterparties of OTC Swaps.
In a Centrally Cleared Swap, immediately following execution of the swap, the swap agreement is submitted to a clearinghouse or central counterparty (the “CCP”) and the CCP becomes the ultimate counterparty of the swap agreement. The Fund is required to interface with the CCP through a broker, acting in an agency capacity. All payments are settled with the CCP through the broker. Upon entering into a Centrally Cleared Swap, the Fund is required to deposit initial margin with the broker in the form of cash or securities.
Swap contracts are marked-to-market daily and changes in value are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation). The daily change in valuation of Centrally Cleared Swaps, if any, is recorded as a net receivable or payable for variation margin on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Gains or losses are realized upon termination of the swap agreement. Collateral, in the form of restricted cash or securities, may be required to be held in segregated accounts with the Fund’s custodian in compliance with the terms of the swap contracts. Securities posted as collateral for swap contracts are identified in the
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 37 | |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
Schedule of Investments and restricted cash, if any, is identified on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks may exceed amounts recorded in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These risks include changes in the returns of the underlying instruments, failure of the counterparties to perform under the contracts’ terms, and the possible lack of liquidity with respect to the swap agreements.
OTC Swap payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period are reflected as a premium or deposit, respectively, on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These upfront payments are amortized over the life of the swap and are recognized as realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are recognized as a realized gain or loss in the Statement of Operations.
The Fund’s maximum exposure in the event of a defined credit event on a credit default swap to sell protection is the notional amount. As of November 30, 2021, the Fund did not hold any credit default swaps to sell protection.
For average notional amounts of swaps held during the year ended November 30, 2021, see Note 4.
Credit default swaps
The Fund enters into credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts for investment purposes, to manage its credit risk or to add leverage. CDS agreements involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default by a third party, typically corporate or sovereign issuers, on a specified obligation, or in the event of a write-down, principal shortfall, interest shortfall or default of all or part of the referenced entities comprising a credit index. The Fund may use a CDS to provide protection against defaults of the issuers (i.e., to reduce risk where the Fund has exposure to an issuer) or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer���s default. As a seller of protection, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a stream of payments throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Fund could be required to make under a CDS agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. These amounts of potential payments will be partially offset by any recovery of values from the respective referenced obligations. As a seller of protection, the Fund effectively adds leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund is subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. As a buyer of protection, the Fund generally receives an amount up to the notional value of the swap if a credit event occurs.
Implied spreads are the theoretical prices a lender receives for credit default protection. When spreads rise, market perceived credit risk rises and when spreads fall, market perceived credit risk falls. The implied credit spread of a particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to enter into the agreement. Wider credit spreads and decreasing market values, 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
| | | | |
38 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
defined under the terms of the agreement. Credit spreads utilized in determining the period end market value of CDS agreements on corporate or sovereign issues are disclosed in the Schedule of Investments and serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/ performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for credit derivatives. For CDS agreements on asset-backed securities and credit indices, the quoted market prices and resulting values, particularly in relation to the notional amount of the contract as well as the annual payment rate, serve as an indication of the current status of the payment/ performance risk.
The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the contract (this risk is mitigated by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty). As the protection seller, the Fund’s maximum risk is the notional amount of the contract. CDS are considered to have credit risk-related contingent features since they require payment by the protection seller to the protection buyer upon the occurrence of a defined credit event.
Entering into a CDS agreement involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk in excess of the related amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreement may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreement, and that there will be unfavorable changes in net interest rates.
(e) Loan participations. The Fund may invest in loans arranged through private negotiation between one or more financial institutions. The Fund’s investment in any such loan may be in the form of a participation in or an assignment of the loan. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement related to the loan, or any rights of off-set against the borrower and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation.
The Fund assumes the credit risk of the borrower, the lender that is selling the participation and any other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any off-set between the lender and the borrower.
(f) Foreign currency translation. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from fluctuations in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 39 | |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, on the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.
(g) Credit and market risk. The Fund invests in high-yield instruments that are subject to certain credit and market risks. The yields of high-yield obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit and market risks. The Fund’s investments in securities rated below investment grade typically involve risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk related to timely and ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility and less liquid secondary market trading.
(h) Foreign investment risks. The Fund’s investments in foreign securities may involve risks not present in domestic investments. Since securities may be denominated in foreign currencies, may require settlement in foreign currencies or may pay interest or dividends in foreign currencies, 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 or economic developments, all of which affect the market and/or credit risk of the investments.
(i) Counterparty risk and credit-risk-related contingent features of derivative instruments. The Fund may invest in certain securities or engage in other transactions where the Fund is exposed to counterparty credit risk in addition to broader market risks. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers, which may also be considered counterparties as trading partners in other transactions. This may increase the risk of loss in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty or if the counterparty otherwise fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Fund’s subadviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. Market events and changes in overall economic conditions may impact the assessment of such counterparty risk by the subadviser. In addition, declines in the values of underlying collateral received may expose the Fund to increased risk of loss.
With exchange traded and centrally cleared derivatives, there is less counterparty risk to the Fund since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the
| | | | |
40 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
seller of the contract; therefore, the credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, the Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default of the clearing broker or clearinghouse.
The Fund has entered into master agreements, such as an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement, with certain of its derivative counterparties that govern over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives and provide for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral posting terms, netting provisions in the event of default or termination and credit related contingent features. The credit related contingent features include, but are not limited to, a percentage decrease in the Fund’s net assets or net asset value per share over a specified period of time. If these credit related contingent features were triggered, the derivatives counterparty could terminate the positions and demand payment or require additional collateral.
Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the terms of the ISDA Master Agreements do not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction.
Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearinghouse for exchange traded derivatives while collateral terms are contract specific for OTC traded derivatives. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.
As of November 30, 2021, the Fund held forward foreign currency contracts with credit related contingent features which had a liability position of $31,697. If a contingent feature in the master agreements would have been triggered, the Fund would have been required to pay this amount to its derivatives counterparties.
(j) Security transactions and investment income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income (including interest income from payment-in-kind securities), adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Paydown gains and losses on mortgage- and asset-backed securities are recorded as adjustments to interest income. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as practicable after the Fund determines the existence of a dividend declaration after exercising reasonable due diligence. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 41 | |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
(k) Distributions to shareholders. Distributions from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared quarterly and paid on a monthly basis. Distributions of net realized gains, if any, are declared at least annually. Distributions to shareholders of the Fund are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(l) Compensating balance arrangements. The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank whereby a portion of the custodian’s fees is paid indirectly by credits earned on the Fund’s cash on deposit with the bank.
(m) Federal and other taxes. It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Code”), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no federal or state income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of November 30, 2021, no provision for income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.
Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and capital gains at various rates.
(n) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. During the current year, the Fund had no reclassifications.
2. Investment management agreement and other transactions with affiliates
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is the Fund’s investment manager. Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”), Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. (“Western Asset Singapore”), Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“Western Asset Japan”) and Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset London”) are the Fund’s subadvisers. LMPFA, Western Asset, Western Asset Singapore, Western Asset Japan and Western Asset London are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. (“Franklin Resources”).
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. The Fund pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.65% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
LMPFA delegates to Western Asset the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. Western Asset Singapore, Western Asset Japan and Western Asset London provide certain subadvisory services to the Fund relating to currency transactions and investments in non-U.S. dollar denominated debt securities. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset a fee
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42 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
monthly, at an annual rate equal to 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund. In turn, Western Asset pays Western Asset Singapore, Western Asset Japan and Western Asset London a monthly subadvisory fee in an amount equal to 100% of the management fee paid to Western Asset on the assets that Western Asset allocates to each such non-U.S. subadviser to manage.
The manager has agreed to waive the Fund’s management fee to an extent sufficient to offset the net management fee payable in connection with any investment in an affiliated money market fund.
During the year ended November 30, 2021, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed amounted to $327, all of which was an affiliated money market fund waiver.
All officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Franklin Resources or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.
3. Investments
During the year ended November 30, 2021, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) and U.S. Government & Agency Obligations were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | Investments | | | U.S. Government & Agency Obligations | |
Purchases | | $ | 34,631,691 | | | $ | 8,919,804 | |
Sales | | | 36,779,081 | | | | 6,725,100 | |
At November 30, 2021, the aggregate cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Cost | | | Gross Unrealized Appreciation | | | Gross Unrealized Depreciation | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | |
Securities | | $ | 203,487,181 | | | $ | 29,074,062 | | | $ | (736,286) | | | $ | 28,337,776 | |
Futures contracts | | | — | | | | 229,078 | | | | (265,271) | | | | (36,193) | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | | — | | | | (31,697) | | | | (31,697) | |
4. Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Below is a table, grouped by derivative type, that provides information about the fair value and the location of derivatives within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities at November 30, 2021.
| | | | |
ASSET DERIVATIVES1 | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | |
Futures contracts2 | | $ | 229,078 | |
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 43 | |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
LIABILITY DERIVATIVES1 | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Total | |
Futures contracts2 | | $ | 265,271 | | | | — | | | $ | 265,271 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | 31,697 | | | | 31,697 | |
Total | | $ | 265,271 | | | $ | 31,697 | | | $ | 296,968 | |
1 | Generally, the balance sheet location for asset derivatives is receivables/net unrealized appreciation and for liability derivatives is payables/net unrealized depreciation. |
2 | Includes cumulative unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only net variation margin is reported within the receivables and/or payables on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
The following tables provide information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended November 30, 2021. The first table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of gains (losses) realized on derivatives during the period. The second table provides additional information about the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) resulting from the Fund’s derivatives and hedging activities during the period.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AMOUNT OF REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Credit Risk | | | Total | |
Futures contracts | | $ | 289,256 | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 289,256 | |
Swap contracts | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | 5,014 | | | | 5,014 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | (59,068) | | | | — | | | | (59,068) | |
Total | | $ | 289,256 | | | $ | (59,068) | | | $ | 5,014 | | | $ | 235,202 | |
|
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED APPRECIATION (DEPRECIATION) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | | | Foreign Exchange Risk | | | Credit Risk | | | Total | |
Futures contracts | | $ | (61,369) | | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | (61,369) | |
Swap contracts | | | — | | | | — | | | $ | (4,895) | | | | (4,895) | |
Forward foreign currency contracts | | | — | | | $ | (31,697) | | | | — | | | | (31,697) | |
Total | | $ | (61,369) | | | $ | (31,697) | | | $ | (4,895) | | | $ | (97,961) | |
During the year ended November 30, 2021, the volume of derivative activity for the Fund was as follows:
| | | | |
| | Average Market Value | |
Futures contracts (to buy) | | $ | 28,178,113 | |
Futures contracts (to sell) | | | 14,548,284 | |
Forward foreign currency contracts (to buy) | | | 1,061,751 | |
| |
| | Average Notional Balance | |
Credit default swap contracts (sell protection)† | | $ | 44,462 | |
† | At November 30, 2021, there were no open positions held in this derivative. |
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44 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
The following table presents the Fund’s OTC derivative assets and liabilities by counterparty net of amounts available for offset under an ISDA Master Agreement and net of the related collateral pledged (received) by the Fund as of November 30, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty | | Gross Assets Subject to Master Agreements1 | | | Gross Liabilities Subject to Master Agreements | | | Net Assets (Liabilities) Subject to Master Agreements | | | Collateral Pledged (Received) | | | Net Amount2 | |
BNP Paribas SA | | | — | | | $ | (31,697) | | | $ | (31,697) | | | | — | | | $ | (31,697) | |
1 | Absent an event of default or early termination, derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
2 | Represents the net amount receivable (payable) from (to) the counterparty in the event of default. |
5. Distributions subsequent to November 30, 2021
The following distributions have been declared by the Fund’s Board of Directors and are payable subsequent to the period end of this report:
| | | | | | | | |
Record Date | | Payable Date | | | Amount | |
11/22/2021 | | | 12/1/2021 | | | $ | 0.0665 | |
12/23/2021 | | | 12/31/2021 | | | $ | 0.0665 | |
1/24/2022 | | | 2/1/2022 | | | $ | 0.0665 | |
2/18/2022 | | | 3/1/2022 | | | $ | 0.0665 | |
6. Stock repurchase program
On November 16, 2015, the Fund announced that the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) had authorized the Fund to repurchase in the open market up to approximately 10% of the Fund’s outstanding common stock when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The Board has directed management of the Fund to repurchase shares of common stock at such times and in such amounts as management reasonably believes may enhance stockholder value. The Fund is under no obligation to purchase shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. During the year ended November 30, 2021, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.
7. Transactions with affiliated company
As defined by the 1940 Act, an affiliated company is one in which the Fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities, or a company which is under common ownership or control with the Fund. The following company was considered an affiliated company for
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 45 | |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
all or some portion of the year ended November 30, 2021. The following transactions were effected in such company for the year ended November 30, 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Affiliate Value at November 30, 2020 | | | Purchased | | | Sold | |
| | Cost | | | Shares | | | Cost | | | Shares | |
Western Asset Premier Institutional Government Reserves, Premium Shares | | | — | | | $ | 20,693,958 | | | | 20,693,958 | | | $ | 18,302,916 | | | | 18,302,916 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(cont’d) | | Realized Gain (Loss) | | | Dividend Income | | | Net Increase (Decrease) in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) | | | Affiliate Value at November 30, 2021 | |
Western Asset Premier Institutional Government Reserves, Premium Shares | | | — | | | $ | 318 | | | | — | | | $ | 2,391,042 | |
8. Income tax information and distributions to shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended November 30, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2021 | | | 2020 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Ordinary income | | $ | 8,653,691 | | | $ | 9,181,969 | |
Net long-term capital gains | | | — | | | | 86,427 | |
Total distributions paid | | $ | 8,653,691 | | | $ | 9,268,396 | |
As of November 30, 2021, the components of distributable earnings (loss) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Deferred capital losses* | | $ | (1,519,687) | |
Other book/tax temporary differences(a) | | | (475,004) | |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(b) | | | 28,267,077 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) — net | | $ | 26,272,386 | |
* | These capital losses have been deferred in the current year as either short-term or long-term losses. The losses will be deemed to occur on the first day of the next taxable year in the same character as they were originally deferred and will be available to offset future taxable capital gains. |
(a) | Other book/tax temporary differences are attributable to the realization for tax purposes of unrealized gains (losses) on certain futures and foreign currency contracts, the difference between cash and accrual basis distributions paid and book/tax differences in the timing of the deductibility of various expenses. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the difference between book and tax amortization methods for premiums on fixed income securities. |
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46 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
9. Recent accounting pronouncement
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) – Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, with further amendments to Topic 848. The amendments in the ASUs provide optional temporary accounting recognition and financial reporting relief from the effect of certain types of contract modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the LIBOR and other interbank-offered based reference rates as of the end of 2021 and 2023. The ASUs are effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management has reviewed the requirements and believes the adoption of these ASUs will not have a material impact on the financial statements.
10. Other matters
The outbreak of the respiratory illness COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “coronavirus”) has continued to rapidly spread around the world, causing considerable uncertainty for the global economy and financial markets. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. In addition, the outbreak of COVID-19, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the Fund by its service providers.
* * *
The Fund’s investments, payment obligations, and financing terms may be based on floating rates, such as the London Interbank Offered Rate, or “LIBOR,” which is the offered rate for short-term Eurodollar deposits between major international banks. On March 5, 2021, the ICE Benchmark Administration, the administrator of LIBOR, stated that it will cease the publication of (i) the overnight and one-, three-, six- and twelve-month USD LIBOR settings immediately following the LIBOR publication on Friday, June 30, 2023 and (ii) all other LIBOR settings, including the one-week and two-month USD LIBOR settings, immediately following the LIBOR publication on Friday, December 31, 2021. There remains uncertainty regarding the nature of any replacement rate and the impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund’s transactions and the financial markets generally. As such, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on the Fund or the Fund’s investments cannot yet be determined.
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report | | | | | 47 | |
Report of independent registered public accounting firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) as of November 30, 2021, the related statement of operations for the year ended November 30, 2021, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended November 30, 2021, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended November 30, 2021 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of November 30, 2021, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended November 30, 2021 and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period ended November 30, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of November 30, 2021 by correspondence with the custodian, agent banks and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
|
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
|
Baltimore, Maryland |
January 19, 2022 |
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.
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48 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. 2021 Annual Report |
Additional information (unaudited)
Information about Directors and Officers
The business and affairs of Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. (the “Fund”) are conducted by management under the supervision and subject to the direction of its Board of Directors. The business address of each Director is c/o Jane Trust, Legg Mason, 100 International Drive, 11th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Information pertaining to the Directors and officers of the Fund is set forth below.
The Fund’s annual proxy statement includes additional information about Directors and is available, without charge, upon request by calling the Fund at 1-888-777-0102.
| | |
Independent Directors† | | |
| |
Robert D. Agdern | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1950 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Compliance Liaison, Class III |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2015 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Member of the Advisory Committee of the Dispute Resolution Research Center at the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University (2002 to 2016); formerly, Deputy General Counsel responsible for western hemisphere matters for BP PLC (1999 to 2001); Associate General Counsel at Amoco Corporation responsible for corporate, chemical, and refining and marketing matters and special assignments (1993 to 1998) (Amoco merged with British Petroleum in 1998 forming BP PLC) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| |
Carol L. Colman | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1946 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit and Compensation Committees, and Chair of Pricing and Valuation Committee, Class I |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2009 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | President, Colman Consulting Company (consulting) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| | | | | | |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | | | | 49 | |
Additional information (unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
| | |
Independent Directors† (cont’d) | | |
| |
Daniel P. Cronin | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1946 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Nominating Committee, Class I |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2009 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Retired; formerly, Associate General Counsel, Pfizer Inc. (prior to and including 2004) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| |
Paolo M. Cucchi | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1941 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Compensation Committee, Class I |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2009 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Emeritus Professor of French and Italian (since 2014) and formerly, Vice President and Dean of The College of Liberal Arts (1984 to 2009) and Professor of French and Italian (2009 to 2014) at Drew University |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| |
William R. Hutchinson | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1942 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Lead Independent Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, Class II |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2009 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | President, W.R. Hutchinson & Associates Inc. (consulting) (since 2001) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | Director (1994 to 2021) and Non-Executive Chairman of the Board (December 2009 to April 2020), Associated Banc-Corp. (financial services company) |
| | | | |
50 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
| | |
Independent Directors† (cont’d) | | |
| |
Eileen A. Kamerick | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1958 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Audit Committee, Class III |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2013 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Chief Executive Officer, The Governance Partners, LLC (consulting firm) (since 2015); National Association of Corporate Directors Board Leadership Fellow (since 2016, with Directorship Certification since 2019) and financial expert; Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University Law Center (since 2021); Adjunct Professor, The University of Chicago Law School (since 2018); Adjunct Professor, Washington University in St. Louis and University of Iowa law schools (since 2007); formerly, Chief Financial Officer, Press Ganey Associates (health care informatics company) (2012 to 2014); Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Houlihan Lokey (international investment bank) and President, Houlihan Lokey Foundation (2010 to 2012) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | Director of ACV Auctions Inc. (since 2021); Trustee of AIG Funds and Anchor Series Trust (2018 to 2021); Director of Hochschild Mining plc (precious metals company) (since 2016); Director of Associated Banc-Corp (financial services company) (since 2007) |
| |
Nisha Kumar | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1970 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Coordinator of Alternative Investments, Class II |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2019 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Greenbriar Equity Group, LP (since 2011); formerly, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Rent the Runway, Inc. (2011); Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AOL LLC, a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (2007 to 2009), Member of the Council of Foreign Relations |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 20 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | Director of The India Fund, Inc. (since 2016); formerly, Director of Aberdeen Income Credit Strategies Fund (2017-2018); and Director of The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc. (2016 to 2018) |
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Additional information (unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
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Interested Director and Officer | | |
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Jane Trust, CFA2 | | |
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Year of birth | | 1962 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Class II |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2015 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Senior Vice President, Fund Board Management, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Officer and/or Trustee/Director of 132 funds associated with LMPFA or its affiliates (since 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMPFA (since 2015); formerly, Senior Managing Director (2018 to 2020) and Managing Director (2016 to 2018) of Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (2015) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 130 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
Additional Officers | | |
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Fred Jensen
Franklin Templeton 620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor, New York, NY 10018 |
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Year of birth | | 1963 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Chief Compliance Officer |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2020 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Director — Global Compliance of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2006 to 2020); Director of Compliance, Legg Mason Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (2006 to 2020); formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of Legg Mason Global Asset Allocation (prior to 2014); Chief Compliance Officer of Legg Mason Private Portfolio Group (prior to 2013); formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of The Reserve Funds (investment adviser, funds and broker-dealer) (2004) and Ambac Financial Group (investment adviser, funds and broker-dealer) (2000 to 2003) |
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Jenna Bailey Franklin Templeton 100 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 |
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Year of birth | | 1978 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Identity Theft Prevention Officer |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2015 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Senior Compliance Analyst of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Identity Theft Prevention Officer of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2015); formerly, Compliance Officer of Legg Mason & Co. (2013 to 2020); Assistant Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (2011 to 2020) |
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52 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
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Additional Officers (cont’d) | | |
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George P. Hoyt
Franklin Templeton 100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 |
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Year of birth | | 1965 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2020 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2020); formerly, Managing Director (2016 to 2020) and Associate General Counsel for Legg Mason & Co. and Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (2006 to 2020) |
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Thomas C. Mandia Franklin Templeton 100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 |
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Year of birth | | 1962 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Assistant Secretary |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2006 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Senior Associate General Counsel of Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Secretary of LMPFA (since 2006); Assistant Secretary of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); Secretary of LM Asset Services, LLC (“LMAS”) (since 2002) and Legg Mason Fund Asset Management, Inc. (“LMFAM”) (since 2013) (formerly registered investment advisers); formerly, Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020) |
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Christopher Berarducci Franklin Templeton 620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor, New York, NY 10018 |
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Year of birth | | 1974 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2019 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Vice President, Fund Administration and Reporting, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Treasurer (since 2010) and Principal Financial Officer (since 2019) of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; formerly, Managing Director (2020), Director (2015 to 2020), and Vice President (2011 to 2015) of Legg Mason & Co. |
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | | | | 53 | |
Additional information (unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
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Additional Officers (cont’d) | | |
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Jeanne M. Kelly Franklin Templeton 620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor, New York, NY 10018 |
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Year of birth | | 1951 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Senior Vice President |
Term of office1 and length of time served | | Since 2009 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | U.S. Fund Board Team Manager, Franklin Templeton (since 2020); Senior Vice President of certain funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMAS and LMFAM (since 2015); formerly, Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2005 to 2020); Senior Vice President of LMFAM (2013 to 2015) |
† | Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). |
1 | The Fund’s Board of Directors is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. The terms of office of the Class I, II and III Directors expire at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders in the year 2022, year 2023 and year 2024, respectively, or thereafter in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The Fund’s executive officers are chosen each year, to hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
2 | Ms. Trust is an “interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act because Ms. Trust is an officer of LMPFA and certain of its affiliates. |
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54 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
Annual chief executive officer and principal financial officer certifications (unaudited)
The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) has submitted to the NYSE the required annual certification and the Fund also has included the Certifications of the Fund’s CEO and Principal Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the Fund’s Form N-CSR filed with the SEC for the period of this report.
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Other shareholder communications regarding accounting matters (unaudited)
The Fund’s Audit Committee has established guidelines and procedures regarding the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters (collectively, “Accounting Matters”). Persons with complaints or concerns regarding Accounting Matters may submit their complaints to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). Persons who are uncomfortable submitting complaints to the CCO, including complaints involving the CCO, may submit complaints directly to the Fund���s Audit Committee Chair. Complaints may be submitted on an anonymous basis.
The CCO may be contacted at:
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
Compliance Department
620 Eighth Avenue, 47th Floor
New York, New York 10018
Complaints may also be submitted by telephone at 1-800-742-5274. Complaints submitted through this number will be received by the CCO.
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56 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited)
Investment Objectives
The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide current income and then to liquidate and distribute substantially all of the Fund’s net assets to stockholders on or about December 2, 2024. As a secondary investment objective, the Fund will seek capital appreciation. The Fund’s investment objectives are fundamental and may not be changed without stockholder approval.
Principal Investment Policies and Strategies
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in a portfolio of investment grade corporate fixed income securities of varying maturities. “Corporate fixed income securities” include corporate bonds, debentures, notes and other similar types of corporate debt instruments, as well as preferred shares, senior secured floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt (“Senior Loans”), second lien or other subordinated or unsecured floating rate and fixed rate loans or debt (“Second Lien Loans”), loan participations, payment-in-kind securities, zero-coupon bonds, bank certificates of deposit, fixed time deposits and bankers’ acceptances. Certain corporate debt instruments, such as convertible securities, may also include the right to participate in equity appreciation, and Western Asset will generally evaluate those instruments based primarily on their debt characteristics. The Fund’s policy to invest, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in a portfolio of investment grade corporate fixed income securities of varying maturities may be changed by the Board without a stockholder vote, except that the Fund will give stockholders at least 60 days’ notice of any change to such policy.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 50% of its net assets in corporate bonds, debentures and notes.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in (i) corporate fixed income securities of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as “high-yield” securities or “junk bonds”) at the time of investment and (ii) other securities, including obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, common stocks, warrants and depositary receipts. Corporate fixed income securities of below investment grade quality are regarded as having predominately speculative characteristics with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
While the Common Stock issued by the Fund will not be rated by an NRSRO, it is expected that, under normal market conditions, the Fund will maintain on an ongoing basis a dollar-weighted average credit quality of portfolio holdings of at least BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”) or Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch”) or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”), or comparable quality as determined by Western Asset. For securities with legal final maturities of 270 days or less, Western Asset
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Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
may use the underlying credit’s short-term ratings as a proxy for establishing the minimum credit requirement.
“Investment grade” quality securities are those that, at the time of investment, are either rated by one of the NRSROs that rate such securities within the four highest letter grades (including BBB- or higher by S&P or Fitch or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s), or if unrated are determined by Western Asset to be of comparable quality. In the event that a security is rated by multiple NRSROs and receives different ratings, the Fund will treat the security as being rated in the highest rating category received from an NRSRO (such securities are commonly referred to as split-rated securities). Securities rated BBB by S&P and Fitch are the lowest category of investment grade securities and are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal, although adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to impair the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category than in higher rated categories. Securities rated Baa by Moody’s are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal for the present, but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of time. Such securities lack outstanding investment characteristics and, in fact, have speculative characteristics as well. Ratings assigned by a rating agency are not absolute standards of credit quality and do not evaluate market risks or the liquidity of the securities.
Although the Fund invests primarily in securities of U.S. issuers, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities of foreign issuers located anywhere in the world, including issuers located in emerging market countries. A foreign issuer is a company organized under the laws of a foreign country that is principally traded in the financial markets of a foreign country. Additionally, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.
The Fund may invest in derivative instruments, such as options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, indexed securities, credit default swaps and other swap agreements; provided that the Fund’s exposure to derivative instruments, as measured by the total notional amount of all such instruments, will not exceed 20% of its net assets. With respect to this limitation, the Fund may net derivatives with opposite exposure to the same underlying instrument. The Fund will not include derivative instruments for the purposes of the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade corporate fixed income securities.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which are securities that cannot be sold within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the value at which the Fund has valued the securities.
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58 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
In order to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in the Fund’s underlying investments, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions for hedging or investment purposes.
It is expected that, under normal market conditions, the Fund will maintain on an ongoing basis a dollar-weighted average credit quality of portfolio holdings of at least BBB- or higher by S&P or Fitch or Baa3 or higher by Moody’s, or comparable quality. For securities with legal final maturities of 270 days or less, Western Asset may use the underlying credit’s short-term ratings as a proxy for establishing the minimum credit requirement. The Fund may purchase unrated securities if Western Asset determines that the securities are of comparable quality to rated securities that the Fund may purchase.
In purchasing securities and other investments for the Fund, Western Asset may take full advantage of the entire range of maturities and durations offered by corporate fixed-income securities and may adjust the average maturity or duration of the Fund’s portfolio from time to time, depending on its assessment of the relative yields available on securities of different maturities and durations and its expectations of future changes in interest rates. As the termination date of the Fund approaches, Western Asset may manage the Fund’s assets in a manner that causes the dollar-weighted average maturity of its assets to shorten and/or increase the percentage of cash or cash equivalents in the Fund’s portfolio.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities so long as the terms and the structure of such loans are not inconsistent with the requirements of the 1940 Act.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not leverage its capital structure by issuing senior securities such as preferred shares or debt instruments. However, the Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes as permitted by the 1940 Act.
Principal Risk Factors
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company designed primarily as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program and, due to the uncertainty inherent in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. Your Common Stock at any point in time may be worth less than you invested, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount that you invest. Your investment in the Common Stock represents an indirect investment in the fixed income securities and other investments owned by the Fund, most of which could be purchased directly. The value of the Fund’s portfolio securities may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. At any point in time, your Common Stock may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
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Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
Fixed Income Securities Risk. In addition to the risks described elsewhere in this section with respect to valuations and liquidity, fixed income securities, including high-yield securities, are also subject to certain risks, including:
• | | Issuer Risk. The value of fixed income securities may decline for a number of reasons that directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services. |
• | | Interest Rate Risk. The market price of the Fund’s investments will change in response to changes in interest rates and other factors. During periods of declining interest rates, the market price of fixed income securities generally rises. Conversely, during periods of rising interest rates, the market price of such securities generally declines. The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of fixed income securities is generally greater for securities with longer maturities. Additionally, such risk may be greater during the current period of historically low interest rates. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s securities will not affect interest income derived from securities already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may utilize certain strategies, including investments in structured notes or interest rate swap or cap transactions, for the purpose of reducing the interest rate sensitivity of the portfolio and decreasing the Fund’s exposure to interest rate risk, although there is no assurance that it will do so or that such strategies will be successful. |
• | | Prepayment Risk. During periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest the proceeds from such prepayment in lower yielding securities, which may result in a decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to stockholders. This is known as prepayment or “call” risk. Debt securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security at dates prior to its stated maturity at a specified price (typically greater than par) only if certain prescribed conditions are met. An issuer may choose to redeem a debt security if, for example, the issuer can refinance the debt at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit standing of the issuer. |
• | | Reinvestment Risk. Reinvestment risk is the risk that income from the Fund’s portfolio will decline if and when the Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed income securities at market interest rates that are below the portfolio’s current earnings rate. A decline in income could affect the Fund’s Common Stock price, its distributions or its overall return. |
Credit Risk. If an issuer or guarantor of a security held by the Fund or a counterparty to a financial contract with the Fund defaults or its credit is downgraded, or is perceived to be less creditworthy, or if the value of the assets underlying a security declines, the value of
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your investment will typically decline. Changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness may occur quickly. The Fund could be delayed or hindered in its enforcement of rights against an issuer, guarantor or counterparty. Subordinated securities are more likely to suffer a credit loss than non-subordinated securities of the same issuer and will be disproportionately affected by a default, downgrade or perceived decline in creditworthiness.
Below Investment Grade (High-Yield or Junk Bond) Securities Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in corporate fixed income securities of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as “high-yield” securities or “junk bonds”) at the time of investment. High yield debt securities are generally subject to greater credit risks than higher-grade debt securities, including the risk of default on the payment of interest or principal. High yield debt securities are considered speculative, typically have lower liquidity and are more difficult to value than higher grade bonds. High yield debt securities tend to be volatile and more susceptible to adverse events, credit downgrades and negative sentiments and may be difficult to sell at a desired price, or at all, during periods of uncertainty or market turmoil.
Senior Loan Risk. Senior Loans are usually rated below investment grade. As a result, the risks associated with Senior Loans are similar to the risks of below investment grade securities. While Senior Loans are typically senior and secured in contrast to other below investment grade securities which are often subordinated and unsecured, nevertheless, if a borrower of a Senior Loan defaults or goes into bankruptcy, the Fund may recover only a fraction of what is owed on the Senior Loan or nothing at all. Senior Loans are subject to a number of risks described elsewhere in this Prospectus, including credit risk, liquidity risk and management risk.
There is less readily available and reliable information about most Senior Loans than is the case for many other types of securities. If there is no independent evaluation of a Senior Loan by an NRSRO, Western Asset will rely on its own evaluation of credit quality to determine the Senior Loan’s equivalent credit rating. As a result, the Fund is particularly dependent on the analytical abilities of Western Asset when investing in Senior Loans.
Although Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a Senior Loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the Senior Loan’s value. In the event of the bankruptcy of a borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a Senior Loan. If the terms of a Senior Loan do not require the borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the already pledged collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not at all times
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Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
equal or exceed the amount of the borrower’s obligations under the Senior Loans. To the extent that a Senior Loan is collateralized by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy of the borrower.
Uncollateralized or under-collateralized Senior Loans involve a greater risk of loss. Some Senior Loans are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate the Senior Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness of the borrower or take other action detrimental to lenders, including the Fund. Such court action could under certain circumstances include invalidation of Senior Loans.
If legislation or state or federal regulations impose additional requirements or restrictions on the ability of financial institutions to make loans, the availability of Senior Loans for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such requirements or restrictions could reduce or eliminate sources of financing for certain Borrowers. This would increase the risk of default. If legislation or federal or state regulations require financial institutions to dispose of Senior Loans that are considered highly levered transactions or subject Senior Loans to increased regulatory scrutiny, financial institutions may determine to sell such Senior Loans. Such sales could result in prices that, in the opinion of Western Asset, do not represent fair value. If the Fund attempts to sell a Senior Loan at a time when a financial institution is engaging in such a sale, the price the Fund could get for the Senior Loan may be adversely affected.
The Fund may acquire Senior Loan assignments or participations. The purchaser of an assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the purchaser’s rights can be more restricted than those of the assigning institution, and, in any event, the Fund may not be able to unilaterally enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. A participation typically results in a contractual relationship only with the institution selling the participation, not with the borrower. In purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from the collateral supporting the debt obligation in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be exposed to the credit risk of both the borrower and the institution selling the participation.
Second Lien Loans Risk. Second Lien Loans generally are subject to similar risks as those associated with investments in Senior Loans. Because Second Lien Loans are subordinated or unsecured and thus lower in priority of payment to Senior Loans, they are subject to the additional risk that the cash flow of the borrower and property securing the loan or debt, if any, may be insufficient to meet scheduled payments after giving effect to the senior secured obligations of the borrower. This risk is generally higher for subordinated unsecured
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loans or debt, which are not backed by a security interest in any specific collateral. Second Lien Loans generally have greater price volatility than Senior Loans and may be less liquid. There is also a possibility that originators will not be able to sell participations in Second Lien Loans, which would create greater credit risk exposure for the holders of such loans. Second Lien Loans share the same risks as other below investment grade securities.
Liquidity Risk. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in illiquid securities. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to sell. Securities may become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, the portfolio may be harder to value, especially in changing markets, and if the Fund is forced to sell these investments in order to segregate assets or for other cash needs, the Fund may suffer a loss.
Derivatives Risk. The Fund may utilize a variety of derivative instruments for investment, hedging or risk management purposes, such as options contracts, futures contracts, options on futures contracts, indexed securities, credit default swaps and other swap agreements; provided that the Fund’s exposure to derivative instruments, as measured by the total notional amount of all such instruments, will not exceed 20% of its net assets. With respect to this limitation, the Fund may net derivatives with opposite exposure to the same underlying instrument. The Fund will not include derivative instruments for the purposes of the Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its net assets in investment grade corporate fixed income securities. Using derivatives can increase Fund losses and reduce opportunities for gains when market prices, interest rates, currencies, or the derivatives themselves behave in a way not anticipated by the Fund. Using derivatives also can have a leveraging effect and increase Fund volatility. Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of the size of the initial investment. Derivatives may not be available at the time or price desired, may be difficult to sell, unwind or value, and the counterparty may default on its obligations to the Fund. Derivatives are generally subject to the risks applicable to the assets, rates, indices or other indicators underlying the derivative. The value of a derivative may fluctuate more than the underlying assets, rates, indices or other indicators to which it relates. Use of derivatives may have different tax consequences for the Fund than an investment in the underlying security, and those differences may affect the amount, timing and character of income distributed to shareholders. The U.S. government and foreign governments are in the process of adopting and implementing regulations governing derivatives markets, including mandatory clearing of certain derivatives, margin and reporting requirements. The ultimate impact of the regulations remains unclear. Additional regulation of derivatives may make derivatives more costly, limit their availability or utility, otherwise adversely affect their performance or disrupt markets.
The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a new rule on October 28, 2020 that mandates that a fund’s derivatives risk management program provide for specific items as
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Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
required by the rule, including compliance with a VaR test. Compliance with these new requirements will be required after an eighteen-month transition period following the effective date of the adopted rule. Following the compliance date, these requirements may limit the ability of the Fund to use derivatives and reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may increase the cost of the Fund’s investments in derivatives, which could adversely affect shareholders.
Credit default swap contracts involve heightened risks and may result in losses to the Fund. Credit default swaps may be illiquid and difficult to value. When the Fund sells credit protection via a credit default swap, credit risk increases since the Fund has exposure to both the issuer whose credit is the subject of the swap and the counterparty to the swap.
Equity Risk. The values of equity securities, such as common stocks and preferred stocks, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the general outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries, such as labor shortages or increased production costs and competitive conditions within an industry. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities.
Convertible Securities Risk. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock or other equity security of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible income securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers, but lower yields than comparable nonconvertible securities. The value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation’s capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities. Convertible securities may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument.
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investment Risk. A fund that invests in foreign (non-U.S.) securities may experience more rapid and extreme changes in value than a fund that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies. The securities markets of many foreign countries are relatively small, with a limited number of companies representing a small number of industries. Investments in foreign securities (including those denominated in U.S. dollars) are subject
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to economic and political developments in the countries and regions where the issuers operate or are domiciled, or where the securities are traded, such as changes in economic or monetary policies. Values may also be affected by restrictions on receiving the investment proceeds from a foreign country. Less information may be publicly available about foreign companies than about U.S. companies. Foreign companies are generally not subject to the same accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards as are U.S. companies. In addition, the Fund’s investments in foreign securities may be subject to the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets, imposition of currency exchange controls or restrictions on the repatriation of foreign currency, confiscatory taxation, political or financial instability and adverse diplomatic developments. In addition, there may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. Dividends or interest on, or proceeds from the sale of, foreign securities may be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes, and special U.S. tax considerations may apply.
The risks of foreign investment are greater for investments in emerging markets. The Fund considers an investment to be in an emerging market if the local currency long-term debt rating assigned by all NRSROs to debt issued by that country is below A-. Emerging market countries typically have economic and political systems that are less fully developed, and that can be expected to be less stable, than those of more advanced countries. Low trading volumes may result in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility. Emerging market countries may have policies that restrict investment by foreigners, that require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons, or that prevent foreign investors from withdrawing their money at will. An investment in emerging market securities should be considered speculative.
Currency Risk. The value of investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies increases or decreases as the rates of exchange between those currencies and the U.S. dollar change. Currency conversion costs and currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Currency exchange rates can be volatile, and are affected by factors such as general economic conditions, the actions of the U.S. and foreign governments or central banks, the imposition of currency controls and speculation. The Fund may be unable or may choose not to hedge its foreign currency exposure.
Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed investment portfolio. Western Asset and each individual portfolio manager will apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
Short Sales Risk. 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 realize a loss, which may be substantial. A fund that engages in a short sale or short position may lose more money than the actual cost of the short sale or short position and its potential losses
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Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
may be unlimited if the fund does not own the security sold short or the reference instrument and it is unable to close out of the short sale or short position.
Credit Crisis Liquidity and Volatility Risk. The markets for credit instruments, including fixed income securities, have experienced periods of extreme illiquidity and volatility. General market uncertainty and consequent repricing risk have led to market imbalances of sellers and buyers, which in turn have also resulted in significant valuation uncertainties in a variety of debt securities, including certain fixed income securities. These conditions resulted, and in many cases continue to result in greater volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency, with many debt securities remaining illiquid and of uncertain value. During times of reduced market liquidity, the Fund may not be able to sell securities readily at prices reflecting the values at which the securities are carried on the Fund’s books. Sales of large blocks of securities by market participants, such as the Fund, that are seeking liquidity can further reduce security prices in an illiquid market. These market conditions may make valuation of some of the Fund’s securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant valuation increases or decreases in its holdings. Illiquidity and volatility in the credit markets may directly and adversely affect the setting of dividend rates on the Common Stock.
Government Intervention in Financial Markets. The instability in the financial markets has led the U.S. government and foreign governments to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. U.S. federal and state governments and foreign governments, their regulatory agencies or self regulatory organizations may take additional actions that affect the regulation of the securities in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such securities, in ways that are unforeseeable. Issuers of corporate fixed income securities might seek protection under the bankruptcy laws. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which the Fund itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. Western Asset will monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund’s portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
Limited Term Risk. Unless the termination date is amended by stockholders in accordance with the Articles, the Fund will be terminated on or about December 2, 2024. The Fund does not seek to return $20 per share upon termination. As the assets of the Fund will be liquidated in connection with its termination, the Fund may be required to sell portfolio securities when it otherwise would not, including at times when market conditions are not favorable, which may cause the Fund to lose money. As the Fund approaches its termination date, the portfolio composition of the Fund may change, which may cause the Fund’s returns to decrease and the market price of the Common Stock to fall. Rather than reinvesting the
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66 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
proceeds of its securities, the Fund may distribute the proceeds in one or more liquidating distributions prior to the final liquidation, which may cause the Fund’s fixed expenses to increase when expressed as a percentage of net assets attributable to Common Stock, or the Fund may invest the proceeds in lower yielding securities or hold the proceeds in cash or cash equivalents, which may adversely affect the performance of the Fund. Upon its termination, the Fund will distribute substantially all of its net assets to stockholders which may be more than, equal to or less than $20 per share.
Counterparty Risk. The Fund may enter into transactions with counterparties that become unable or unwilling to fulfill their contractual obligations. There can be no assurance that any such counterparty will not default on its obligations to the Fund. In the event of a counterparty default, the Fund may be hindered or delayed in exercising rights against a counterparty and may experience significant losses. To the extent that the Fund enters into multiple transactions with a single or small set of counterparties, the Fund will be subject to increased counterparty risk.
Inflation/Deflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of certain assets or income from the Fund’s investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Stock and distributions on the Common Stock can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, the dividend rates or borrowing costs associated with the Fund’s use of leverage would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to stockholders. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time — the opposite of inflation. Deflation may have an adverse affect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer defaults more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund’s portfolio.
Leverage Risk. As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not leverage its capital structure by issuing senior securities such as preferred shares or debt instruments. However, the Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes as permitted by the 1940 Act. The Fund may take on leveraging risk by, among other things, purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, entering into credit default swaps or futures contracts, engaging in short sales or writing options on portfolio securities. When the Fund engages in transactions that have a leveraging effect on the Fund’s portfolio, the value of the Fund will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to be compounded. This is because leverage generally magnifies the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the Fund’s underlying asset or creates investment risk with respect to a larger pool of assets than the Fund would otherwise have. Engaging in such transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or meet segregation requirements.
Market Events Risk. The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | | | | 67 | |
Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, investor sentiment, the global and domestic effects of a pandemic, and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, public health events, terrorism, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments may be negatively affected.
The rapid and global spread of a highly contagious novel coronavirus respiratory disease, designated COVID-19, first detected in China in December 2019, has resulted in extreme volatility in the financial markets and severe losses; reduced liquidity of many instruments; restrictions on international and, in some cases, local travel, significant disruptions to business operations (including business closures); strained healthcare systems; disruptions to supply chains, consumer demand and employee availability; and widespread uncertainty regarding the duration and long-term effects of this pandemic. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may result in a sustained economic downturn or a global recession, domestic and foreign political and social instability, damage to diplomatic and international trade relations and increased volatility and/or decreased liquidity in the securities markets. The ultimate economic fallout from the pandemic, and the long-term impact on economies, markets, industries and individual issuers, are not known. Certain risks, such as interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and counterparty risk, may be heightened as a result of such market events. The U.S. government and the Federal Reserve, as well as certain foreign governments and central banks, are taking extraordinary actions to support local and global economies and the financial markets in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including by pushing interest rates to very low levels. This and other government intervention into the economy and financial markets to address the COVID-19 pandemic may not work as intended, particularly if the efforts are perceived by investors as being unlikely to achieve the desired results. The COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments and negatively impact the Fund’s performance. In addition, the outbreak of COVID-19, and measures taken to mitigate its effects, could result in disruptions to the services provided to the Fund by its service providers.
When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Transactions Risk. The Fund may purchase corporate fixed income securities on a when-issued basis, and may purchase or sell those securities for delayed delivery. When-issued and delayed-delivery transactions occur when securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future to
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68 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
secure an advantageous yield or price. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis may expose the Fund to counterparty risk of default as well as the risk that securities may experience fluctuations in value prior to their actual delivery. The Fund will not accrue income with respect to a when-issued or delayed-delivery security prior to its stated delivery date. Purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis can involve the additional risk that the price or yield available in the market when the delivery takes place may not be as favorable as that obtained in the transaction itself. Similar concerns arise for securities sold on a delayed-delivery basis.
Market Price Discount from Net Asset Value. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. This risk is separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities and may be a greater risk to investors expecting to sell their Common Stock in a relatively short period following completion of this offering. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of the Common Stock will depend not upon the Fund’s net asset value but upon whether the market price of the Common Stock at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price for the Common Stock.
Because the market price of the Common Stock will be determined by factors such as relative supply of and demand for the Common Stock in the market, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot predict whether the Common Stock will trade at, above or below net asset value or at, above or below the initial public offering price. The Fund’s Common Stock is designed primarily for long term investors and you should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. Changes to the investments of the Fund may be made regardless of the length of time particular investments have been held. A high portfolio turnover rate may result in increased transaction costs for the Fund in the form of increased dealer spreads and other transactional costs, which may have an adverse impact on the Fund’s performance. The portfolio turnover rate of the Fund will vary from year to year, as well as within a year.
Non-Diversification Risk. The Fund is classified as “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act. As a result, it can invest a greater portion of its assets in obligations of a single issuer than a “diversified” fund. The Fund may therefore be more susceptible than a diversified fund to being adversely affected by any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory occurrence. The Fund intends to qualify for the special tax treatment available to “regulated investment companies” under Subchapter M of the Code, and thus intends to satisfy the diversification requirements of Subchapter M, including the less stringent diversification requirement that applies to the percent of its total assets that are represented by cash and
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | | | | 69 | |
Summary of information regarding the Fund (unaudited) (cont’d)
cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and certain other securities.
Anti-Takeover Provisions Risk. The Fund’s Charter and Bylaws include provisions that are designed to limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund for short-term objectives, including by converting the Fund to open-end status or changing the composition of the Board, that may be detrimental to the Fund’s ability to achieve its primary investment objective. Such provisions may limit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. There can be no assurance, however, that such provisions will be sufficient to deter activist investors that seek to cause the Fund to take actions that may not be aligned with the interests of long-term shareholders.
Temporary Defensive Strategies Risk. When Western Asset anticipates unusual market or other conditions, the Fund may temporarily depart from its principal investment strategies as a defensive measure and invest all or a portion of its assets in cash or short-term fixed-income securities. To the extent that the Fund invests defensively, it may not achieve its investment objectives.
Operational risk. The valuation of the Fund’s investments may be negatively impacted because of the operational risks arising from factors such as processing errors and human errors, inadequate or failed internal or external processes, failures in systems and technology, changes in personnel, and errors caused by third party service providers or trading counterparties. It is not possible to identify all of the operational risks that may affect the Fund or to develop processes and controls that completely eliminate or mitigate the occurrence of such failures. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents, both intentional and unintentional, may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, Fund or proprietary information, cause the Fund, the Fund’s manager and subadvisers and/or their service providers to suffer data breaches, data corruption or loss of operational functionality or prevent fund investors from purchasing, redeeming or exchanging shares or receiving distributions. The Fund, manager and subadvisers have limited ability to prevent or mitigate cybersecurity incidents affecting third party service providers, and such third party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the Fund or the manager. Cybersecurity incidents may result in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders, and substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any future cybersecurity incidents. Issuers of securities in which the Fund invests are also subject to cybersecurity risks, and the value of these securities could decline if the issuers experience cybersecurity incidents.
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70 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
More Information
For a complete list of the Fund’s fundamental investment restrictions and more detailed descriptions of the Fund’s investment policies, strategies and risks, see the Fund’s registration statement on Form N-2 that was declared effective by the SEC on June 25, 2009, as amended or superseded by subsequent disclosures. The Fund’s fundamental investment restrictions may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities, as defined in the 1940 Act.
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | | | | 71 | |
Dividend reinvestment plan (unaudited)
Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash (i.e., opt-out), all dividends, including any capital gain dividends and return of capital distributions, on your Common Stock will be automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for the stockholders (the “Plan Agent”), in additional shares of Common Stock under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). You may elect not to participate in the Plan by contacting the Plan Agent. If you do not participate, you will receive all cash distributions paid by check mailed directly to you by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as dividend paying agent.
If you participate in the Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock you will receive will be determined as follows:
(1) If the market price of the Common Stock (plus $0.03 per share commission) on the payment date (or, if the payment date is not a NYSE trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) is equal to or exceeds the net asset value per share of the Common Stock at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the Fund will issue new Common Stock at a price equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date or (b) 95% of the market price per share of the Common Stock on the payment date.
(2) If the net asset value per share of the Common Stock exceeds the market price of the Common Stock (plus $0.03 per share commission) at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy Common Stock in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the payment date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the dividend or distribution payment date, or (b) the payment date for the next succeeding dividend or distribution to be made to the stockholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price (plus $0.03 per share commission) rises so that it equals or exceeds the net asset value per share of the Common Stock at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date before the Plan Agent has completed the open market purchases or (ii) if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full amount eligible to be reinvested in open market purchases, the Plan Agent will cease purchasing Common Stock in the open market and the Fund shall issue the remaining Common Stock at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the day prior to the issuance of shares for reinvestment or (b) 95% of the then current market price per share.
Common Stock in your account will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all shares of Common Stock you have received under the Plan. You may withdraw from the Plan (i.e., opt-out) by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling the Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to any dividend or distribution record date; otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the Plan Agent’s investment of the most recently declared dividend or distribution on the Common Stock.
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72 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
Plan participants who sell their shares will be charged a service charge (currently $5.00 per transaction) and the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred from the proceeds (currently $0.05 per share commission). There is no service charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in Common Stock. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases. Because all dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your Common Stock over time. Dollar cost averaging is a technique for lowering the average cost per share over time if the Fund’s net asset value declines. While dollar cost averaging has definite advantages, it cannot assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions. Investors will be subject to income tax on amounts reinvested under the Plan.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated, amended or supplemented by the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to stockholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund for which the termination or amendment is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent cash for any fractional share of Common Stock in your account. You may elect to notify the Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of your Common Stock on your behalf. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the Plan Agent at 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling the Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151.
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Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. | | | | | 73 | |
Important tax information (unaudited)
By mid — February, tax information related to a shareholder’s proportionate share of distributions paid during the preceding calendar year will be received, if applicable. Please also refer to www.franklintempleton.com for per share tax information related to any distributions paid during the preceding calendar year. Shareholders are advised to consult with their tax advisors for further information on the treatment of these amounts on their tax returns.
The following tax information for the Fund is required to be furnished to shareholders with respect to income earned and distributions paid during its fiscal year.
The Fund hereby reports the following amounts, or if subsequently determined to be different, the maximum allowable amounts, for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2021:
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| | Pursuant to: | | | Amount Reported | |
Income Eligible for Dividends Received Deduction (DRD) | | § | 854(b)(1)(A) | | | $ | 85,748 | |
Qualified Dividend Income Earned (QDI) | | § | 854(b)(1)(B) | | | $ | 85,748 | |
Section 163(j) Interest Earned | | § | 163(j) | | | $ | 133,653 | |
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74 | | | | Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. |
Western Asset
Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
Directors
Robert D. Agdern
Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
William R. Hutchinson
Eileen A. Kamerick
Nisha Kumar
Jane Trust
Chairman
Officers
Jane Trust
President and Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Berarducci
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer
Fred Jensen
Chief Compliance Officer
Jenna Bailey
Identity Theft Prevention Officer
George P. Hoyt
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Thomas C. Mandia
Assistant Secretary
Jeanne M. Kelly
Senior Vice President
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
47th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Investment manager
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC
Subadvisers
Western Asset Management Company, LLC
Western Asset Management Company Limited
Western Asset Management Company
Ltd Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd.
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
Transfer agent
Computershare Inc.
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202
Independent registered public accounting firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Baltimore, MD
Legal counsel
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
900 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
New York Stock Exchange Symbol
IGI
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
Your Privacy and the Security of Your Personal Information is Very Important to the Legg Mason Funds
This Privacy and Security Notice (the “Privacy Notice”) addresses the Legg Mason Funds’ privacy and data protection practices with respect to nonpublic personal information the Funds receive. The Legg Mason Funds include any funds sold by the Funds’ distributor, Franklin Distributors, LLC, as well as Legg Mason-sponsored closed-end funds. The provisions of this Privacy Notice apply to your information both while you are a shareholder and after you are no longer invested with the Funds.
The Type of Nonpublic Personal Information the Funds Collect About You
The Funds collect and maintain nonpublic personal information about you in connection with your shareholder account. Such information may include, but is not limited to:
• | | Personal information included on applications or other forms; |
• | | Account balances, transactions, and mutual fund holdings and positions; |
• | | Bank account information, legal documents, and identity verification documentation; |
• | | Online account access user IDs, passwords, security challenge question responses; and |
• | | Information received from consumer reporting agencies regarding credit history and creditworthiness (such as the amount of an individual’s total debt, payment history, etc.). |
How the Funds Use Nonpublic Personal Information About You
The Funds do not sell or share your nonpublic personal information with third parties or with affiliates for their marketing purposes, or with other financial institutions or affiliates for joint marketing purposes, unless you have authorized the Funds to do so. The Funds do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you except as may be required to perform transactions or services you have authorized or as permitted or required by law.
The Funds may disclose information about you to:
• | | Employees, agents, and affiliates on a “need to know” basis to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business, or to comply with obligations to government regulators; |
• | | Service providers, including the Funds’ affiliates, who assist the Funds as part of the ordinary course of business (such as printing, mailing services, or processing or servicing your account with us) or otherwise perform services on the Funds’ behalf, including companies that may perform statistical analysis, market research and marketing services solely for the Funds; |
• | | Permit access to transfer, whether in the United States or countries outside of the United States to such Funds’ employees, agents and affiliates and service providers as required to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business, or to comply with obligations to government regulators; |
• | | The Funds’ representatives such as legal counsel, accountants and auditors to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business, or to comply with obligations to government regulators; |
• | | Fiduciaries or representatives acting on your behalf, such as an IRA custodian or trustee of a grantor trust. |
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NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice (cont’d)
Except as otherwise permitted by applicable law, companies acting on the Funds’ behalf, including those outside the United States, are contractually obligated to keep nonpublic personal information the Funds provide to them confidential and to use the information the Funds share only to provide the services the Funds ask them to perform. The Funds may disclose nonpublic personal information about you when necessary to enforce their rights or protect against fraud, or as permitted or required by applicable law, such as in connection with a law enforcement or regulatory request, subpoena, or similar legal process. In the event of a corporate action or in the event a Fund service provider changes, the Funds may be required to disclose your nonpublic personal information to third parties. While it is the Funds’ practice to obtain protections for disclosed information in these types of transactions, the Funds cannot guarantee their privacy policy will remain unchanged.
Keeping You Informed of the Funds’ Privacy and Security Practices
The Funds will notify you annually of their privacy policy as required by federal law. While the Funds reserve the right to modify this policy at any time they will notify you promptly if this privacy policy changes.
The Funds’ Security Practices
The Funds maintain appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to guard your nonpublic personal information. The Funds’ internal data security policies restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to authorized employees, who may use your nonpublic personal information for Fund business purposes only.
Although the Funds strive to protect your nonpublic personal information, they cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide or transmit to them, and you do so at your own risk. In the event of a breach of the confidentiality or security of your nonpublic personal information, the Funds will attempt to notify you as necessary, so you can take appropriate protective steps. If you have consented to the Funds using electronic communications or electronic delivery of statements, they may notify you under such circumstances using the most current email address you have on record with them.
In order for the Funds to provide effective service to you, keeping your account information accurate is very important. If you believe that your account information is incomplete, not accurate or not current, if you have questions about the Funds’ privacy practices, or our use of your nonpublic personal information, write the Funds using the contact information on your account statements, email the Funds by clicking on the Contact Us section of the Funds’ website at www.franklintempleton.com, or contact the Fund at 1-888-777-0102.
Revised April 2018
Legg Mason California Consumer Privacy Act Policy
Although much of the personal information we collect is “nonpublic personal information” subject to federal law, residents of California may, in certain circumstances, have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”). For example, if you are a broker,
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NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice (cont’d)
dealer, agent, fiduciary, or representative acting by or on behalf of, or for, the account of any other person(s) or household, or a financial advisor, or if you have otherwise provided personal information to us separate from the relationship we have with personal investors, the provisions of this Privacy Policy apply to your personal information (as defined by the CCPA).
• | | In addition to the provisions of the Legg Mason Funds Security and Privacy Notice, you may have the right to know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you. |
• | | You also have the right to request the deletion of the personal information collected or maintained by the Funds. |
If you wish to exercise any of the rights you have in respect of your personal information, you should advise the Funds by contacting them as set forth below. The rights noted above are subject to our other legal and regulatory obligations and any exemptions under the CCPA. You may designate an authorized agent to make a rights request on your behalf, subject to the identification process described below. We do not discriminate based on requests for information related to our use of your personal information, and you have the right not to receive discriminatory treatment related to the exercise of your privacy rights.
We may request information from you in order to verify your identity or authority in making such a request. If you have appointed an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf, or you are an authorized agent making such a request (such as a power of attorney or other written permission), this process may include providing a password/passcode, a copy of government issued identification, affidavit or other applicable documentation, i.e. written permission. We may require you to verify your identity directly even when using an authorized agent, unless a power of attorney has been provided. We reserve the right to deny a request submitted by an agent if suitable and appropriate proof is not provided.
For the 12-month period prior to the date of this Privacy Policy, the Legg Mason Funds have not sold any of your personal information; nor do we have any plans to do so in the future.
Contact Information
Address: Data Privacy Officer, 100 International Dr., Baltimore, MD 21202
Email: DataProtectionOfficer@franklintempleton.com
Phone: 1-800-396-4748
Revised October 2020
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NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
47th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase, at market prices, shares of its stock.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. To obtain information on Form N-PORT, shareholders can call the Fund at 1-888-777-0102.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-888-777-0102, (2) at www.franklintempleton.com and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in this report.
Computershare Inc.
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202
WASX012164 1/22 SR21-4323
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ITEM 2. | | CODE OF ETHICS. |
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| | The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller. |
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ITEM 3. | | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
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| | The Board of Directors of the registrant has determined that William R. Hutchinson, Eileen A. Kamerick and Nisha Kumar, are the members of the Board’s Audit Committee, possesses the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert”. |
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ITEM 4. | | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
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| | (a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the previous fiscal years ending November 30, 2020 and November 30, 2021 (the “Reporting Periods”) for professional services rendered by the Registrant’s principal accountant (the “Auditor”) for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $50,383 in November 30, 2020 and $50,383 in November 30, 2021. |
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| | (b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the Registrant’s financial statements were $0 in November 30, 2020 and $0 in November 30, 2021. |
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| | (c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“Tax Services”) were $0 in November 30, 2020 and $10,000 in November 30, 2021. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held. |
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| | There were no fees billed for tax services by the Auditors to service affiliates during the Reporting Periods that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee. |
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| | (d) All Other Fees. The aggregate fees for other fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item for the Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. were $0 in November 30, 2020 and $0 in November 30, 2021. |
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| | All Other Fees. There were no other non-audit services rendered by the Auditor to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisors, LLC (“LMPFA”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with LMPFA that provided ongoing services to Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee in the Reporting Period. |
| |
| | (e) Audit Committee’s pre—approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c) (7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. |
| |
| | (1) The Charter for the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of each registered investment company (the “Fund”) advised by LMPFA or one of their affiliates (each, an “Adviser”) requires that the Committee shall approve (a) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the Fund’s independent auditors to the Adviser and any Covered Service Providers if the |
| | |
| | engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Committee may implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than by the full Committee. |
| |
| | The Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee believes may impair the independence of the auditors. As of the date of the approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissible non-audit services include any professional services (including tax services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund. Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible. |
| |
| | Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Covered Service Providers”) constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit. |
| |
| | (2) For the Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc., the percentage of fees that were approved by the audit committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100% and 100% for November 30, 2020 and November 30, 2021; Tax Fees were 100% and 100% for November 30, 2020 and November 30, 2021; and Other Fees were 100% and 100% for November 30, 2020 and November 30, 2021. |
| |
| | (f) N/A |
| |
| | (g) Non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc., LMPFA and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with LMPFA that provides ongoing services to Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. during the reporting period were $701,092 in November 30, 2020 and $343,489 in November 30, 2021. |
| |
| | (h) Yes. Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Accountant’s independence. All services provided by the Auditor to the Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc. or to Service Affiliates, which were required to be pre-approved, were pre-approved as required. |
| | |
ITEM 5. | | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
| |
| | a) Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)58(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of the following Board members: |
| |
| | Robert D. Agdern |
| | Carol L. Colman |
| | Daniel P. Cronin |
| | Paolo M. Cucchi |
| | William R. Hutchinson |
| | Eileen A. Kamerick |
| | Nisha Kumar |
| |
| | b) Not applicable |
| |
ITEM 6. | | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. |
| |
| | Included herein under Item 1. |
| |
ITEM 7. | | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLOCIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
Western Asset Management Company, LLC
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
BACKGROUND
An investment adviser is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities have been established for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the investment manager.
POLICY
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)- 6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
PROCEDURE
Responsibility and Oversight
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| 1. | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| 2. | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority. |
| 3. | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.) |
| 4. | If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| 5. | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into the account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| 6. | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
Timing
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering, and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:
| a. | A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures. |
| b. | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| c. | A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| d. | Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| 2. | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| 3. | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| 4. | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| 5. | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| 6. | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| 7. | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| 8. | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
Disclosure
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest.
Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| 1. | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| 2. | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| 3. | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
Voting Guidelines
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
| I. | Board Approved Proposals |
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
| 1. | Matters relating to the Board of Directors |
Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board- approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
| a. | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| b. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| c. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| d. | Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
| 2. | Matters relating to Executive Compensation |
Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
| a. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
| b. | Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options. |
| c. | Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
| d. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
| 3. | Matters relating to Capitalization |
The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
| a. | Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock. |
| b. | Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits). |
| c. | Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs. |
| 4. | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions |
Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.
| 5. | Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures |
Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
| a. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
| a. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. |
| b. | Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| a. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. |
| c. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
| III. | Voting Shares of Investment Companies |
Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| 1. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios. |
| 2. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
| IV. | Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers |
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| 1. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management. |
| 2. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees. |
| 3. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated. |
| 4. | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights. |
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary. Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager.
In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (a) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (b) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
Western Asset Management Company Limited
Proxy Voting and Corporate Actions Policy
NOTE: Below policy relating to Proxy Voting and Corporate Actions is a global policy for all Western Asset affiliates. As compliance with the Policy is monitored by Western Asset Pasadena affiliate, the Policy has been adopted from US Compliance Manual and therefore all defined terms are those defined in the US Compliance Manual rather than UK Compliance Manual.
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
RESPONSIBILITY AND OVERSIGHT
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
CLIENT AUTHORITY
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
PROXY GATHERING
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
PROXY VOTING
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| • | | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| • | | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority. |
| • | | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.) |
| • | | If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| • | | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| • | | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
TIMING
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
RECORDKEEPING
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:
• | | A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures. |
• | | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
• | | A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
• | | Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| • | | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| • | | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| • | | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| • | | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| • | | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| • | | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| • | | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
DISCLOSURE
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
• | | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
• | | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
• | | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
VOTING GUIDELINES
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
BOARD APPROVAL PROPOSALS
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
Matters relating to the Board of Directors – Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
• | | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
• | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
• | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
• | | Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
Matters relating to Executive Compensation – Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by- case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
• | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
• | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options. |
• | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
• | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
Matters relating to Capitalization – The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board- approved
proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
• | | Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock; |
• | | Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits); |
• | | Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs; |
• | | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions; |
• | | Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions; |
Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures – Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans; |
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
Other Business Matters – Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws; |
• | | Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
• | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans; |
• | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals; |
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
VOTING SHARES OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios; |
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
VOTING SHARES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
• | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management; |
• | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees; |
• | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated; |
• | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights. |
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary.
Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager.
In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (a) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (b) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
CORPORATE ACTIONS
Western Asset must pay strict attention to any corporate actions that are taken with respect to issuers whose securities are held in client accounts. For example, Western Asset must review any tender offers, rights offerings, etc., made in connection with securities owned by clients. Western Asset must also act in a timely manner and in the best interest of each client with respect to any such corporate actions.
Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“WAMJ”) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
POLICY
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies for WAMJ is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, WAMJ will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
PROCEDURE
Responsibility and Oversight
The WAMJ Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Operations (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority, WAMJ will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if WAMJ becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If WAMJ personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| a. | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| b. | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm WAMJ voting authority. |
| c. | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.) |
| d. | If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and WAMJ obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by |
| applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle), WAMJ seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| e. | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, WAMJ may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| f. | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
Timing
WAMJ personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
WAMJ maintains records of proxies. These records include:
| a. | A copy of WAMJ’s policies and procedures. |
| b. | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| c. | A copy of any document created by WAMJ that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| d. | Each written client request for proxy voting records and WAMJ’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| 2. | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| 3. | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| 4. | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| 5. | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| 6. | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| 7. | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| 8. | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in WAMJ’s offices.
Disclosure
WAMJ’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| 1. | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| 2. | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| 3. | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
Voting Guidelines
WAMJ’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
| 1b. | Board Approved Proposals |
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, WAMJ generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
| 1. | Matters relating to the Board of Directors |
WAMJ votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
| a. | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| b. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| c. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| d. | Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
| 2. | Matters relating to Executive Compensation |
WAMJ generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long- term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
| a. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, WAMJ votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
| b. | WAMJ votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options. |
| c. | WAMJ votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
| d. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, WAMJ votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
| 3. | Matters relating to Capitalization |
The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where WAMJ is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
| a. | WAMJ votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock. |
| b. | WAMJ votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits). |
| c. | WAMJ votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs. |
| 4. | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions WAMJ votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions. |
| 5. | Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures |
WAMJ votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
| a. | WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
WAMJ votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
| a. | WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. |
| b. | WAMJ votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. WAMJ votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| a. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with WAMJ’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. |
| c. | WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
| 3b. | Voting Shares of Investment Companies |
WAMJ may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| • | | WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios. |
| • | | WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
| 4b. | Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers |
In the event WAMJ is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| 1. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management. |
| 2. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees. |
| 3. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated. |
WAMJ votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. (“WAMS”)
Compliance Policies and Procedures
Proxy Voting
WAMS has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and the applicable laws and regulations. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, WAMS will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
Procedure
Responsibility and Oversight
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| 1. | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| 2. | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority. |
| 3. | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. [See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.] |
| 4. | If a material conflict of interest exists, (4.1) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (4.2) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| 5. | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| 6. | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (4) or (5) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
Timing
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:
| • | | A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures. |
| • | | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| • | | A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| • | | Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| • | | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| • | | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| • | | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| • | | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| • | | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| • | | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| • | | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
Disclosure
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| • | | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| • | | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| • | | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
Voting Guidelines
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part 1 deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part 2 deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part 3 addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part 4 addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers
Part 1 - Board Approved Proposals
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
| • | | Matters relating to the Board of Directors. Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions: |
| • | | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| • | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| • | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| • | | Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
| • | | Matters relating to Executive Compensation. Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows: |
| • | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
| • | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or re-pricing of underwater options. |
| • | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
| • | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
| • | | Matters relating to Capitalization. The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits). |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs. |
| • | | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions. Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions. |
| • | | Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures. Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows: |
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
| • | | Other Business Matters. Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. |
| • | | Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
Part 2 - Shareholder Proposals
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
Part 3 – Voting Shares of Investment Companies
Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts 1 and 2 above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g. proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
Part 4 – Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound
corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have pre-emptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have pre-emptive rights. |
Retirement Accounts
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary. Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager. In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (1) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (2) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
| | |
ITEM 8. | | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
| |
(a)(1): | | |
| | | | |
NAME AND ADDRESS | | LENGTH OF TIME SERVED | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
S. Kenneth Leech Western Asset 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | | Since 2014 | | Responsible for the day-to-day management with other members of the Fund’s portfolio management team; Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset from 1998 to 2008 and since 2014; Senior Advisor/Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Western Asset from 2008-2013; Co- Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset from 2013-2014. |
| | |
Michael C. Buchanan Western Asset 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | | Since 2009 | | Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Head of Credit of Western Asset since 2005; Managing Director and head of U.S. Credit Products from 2003-2005 at Credit Suisse Asset Management |
| | |
Ryan Brist Western Asset 385 East Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91101 | | Since 2009 | | Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Head of U.S. Investment Grade Credit of Western Asset since 2009; Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager of Logan Circle Partners 2007-2009);Co-Chief Investment Officer and Senior Portfolio Manager at Delaware Investment Advisors (2000-2007) |
(a)(2): DATA TO BE PROVIDED BY FINANCIAL CONTROL
The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the fund’s portfolio managers for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of November 30, 2021.
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
The table below identifies the number of accounts (other than the fund) for which the fund’s portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other
accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance is also indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | |
Name of PM | | Type of Account | | Number of Accounts Managed | | Total Assets Managed | | Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based | | Assets Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based |
S. Kenneth Leech‡ | | Other Registered Investment Companies | | 92 | | $179.02 billion | | None | | None |
| | Other Pooled Vehicles | | 333 | | $86.95 billion | | 21 | | $2.76 billion |
| | Other Accounts | | 585 | | $222.94 billion | | 22 | | $16.22 billion |
Ryan Brist‡ | | Other Registered Investment Companies | | 8 | | $8.24 billion | | None | | None |
| | Other Pooled Vehicles | | 31 | | $13.94 billion | | None | | None |
| | Other Accounts | | 108 | | $51.78 billion | | 3 | | $1.74 billion |
Michael Buchanan‡ | | Other Registered Investment Companies | | 31 | | $21.42 billion | | None | | None |
| | Other Pooled Vehicles | | 80 | | $28.27 billion | | 6 | | $1.40 billion |
| | Other Accounts | | 168 | | $78.25 billion | | 8 | | $5.36 billion |
‡ | The numbers above reflect the overall number of portfolios managed by employees of Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”). Mr. Leech is involved in the management of all the Firm’s portfolios, but they are not solely responsible for particular portfolios. Western Asset’s investment discipline emphasizes a team approach that combines the efforts of groups of specialists working in different market sectors. They are responsible for overseeing implementation of Western Asset’s overall investment ideas and coordinating the work of the various sector teams. This structure ensures that client portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members. |
(a)(3): Investment Professional Compensation
Conflicts of Interest
The Subadviser has adopted compliance policies and procedures to address a wide range of potential conflicts of interest that could directly impact client portfolios. For example, potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios (including portfolios managed in a personal capacity). These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the knowledge and timing of a portfolio’s trades, investment opportunities and broker selection. Portfolio managers are privy to the size, timing, and possible market impact of a portfolio’s trades.
It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a portfolio and another account. A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, the Subadviser or an affiliate has an interest in the account. The Subadviser has adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time. Eligible accounts that can participate in a trade generally share the same price on a pro-rata allocation basis, taking into account differences based on factors such as cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy.
With respect to securities transactions, the Subadviser determines which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Subadviser may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer. In these cases, trades for a portfolio in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a portfolio or the other account(s) involved. Additionally, the management of multiple portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each portfolio and/or other account. The Subadviser’s team approach to portfolio management and block trading approach seeks to limit this potential risk.
The Subadviser also maintains a gift and entertainment policy to address the potential for a business contact to give gifts or host entertainment events that may influence the business judgment of an employee. Employees are permitted to retain gifts of only a nominal value and are required to make reimbursement for entertainment events above a certain value. All gifts (except those of a de minimis value) and entertainment events that are given or sponsored by a business contact are required to be reported in a gift and entertainment log which is reviewed on a regular basis for possible issues.
Employees of the Subadviser have access to transactions and holdings information regarding client accounts and the Subadviser’s overall trading activities. This information represents a potential conflict of interest because employees may take advantage of this information as they trade in their personal accounts. Accordingly, the Subadviser maintains a Code of Ethics that is compliant with Rule 17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Advisers Act to address personal trading. In addition, the Code of Ethics seeks to establish
broader principles of good conduct and fiduciary responsibility in all aspects of the Subadviser’s business. The Code of Ethics is administered by the Legal and Compliance Department and monitored through the Subadviser’s compliance monitoring program.
The Subadviser may also face other potential conflicts of interest with respect to managing client assets, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist. The Subadviser also maintains a compliance monitoring program and engages independent auditors to conduct a SOC1/ISAE 3402 audit on an annual basis. These steps help to ensure that potential conflicts of interest have been addressed.
Investment Professional Compensation
With respect to the compensation of the Fund’s investment professionals, the Subadviser’s compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation range, which is derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with its job function and peer universe. This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience and ability to produce desired results. Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits and a retirement plan.
In addition, the Subadviser’s employees are eligible for bonuses. These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of the Subadviser, and are determined by the professional’s job function and pre-tax performance as measured by a formal review process. All bonuses are completely discretionary. The principal factor considered is an investment professional’s investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks (e.g., a securities index and with respect to the Fund, the benchmark set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus to which the Fund’s average annual total returns are compared or, if none, the benchmark set forth in the Fund’s annual report). Performance is reviewed on a 1, 3 and 5 year basis for compensation—with 3 and 5 years having a larger emphasis. The Subadviser may also measure an investment professional’s pre-tax investment performance against other benchmarks, as it determines appropriate. Because investment professionals are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the Fund) with similar investment strategies, they are generally compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account. Other factors that may be considered when making bonus decisions include client service, business development, length of service to the Subadviser, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to the Subadviser’s business.
Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all investment professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance. These are determined based upon the factors described above and include long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date.
(a)(4): Investment Professional Securities Ownership
The table below identifies the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each investment professional as of November 30, 2021.
| | | | |
Investment Professional(s) | | Dollar Range of Portfolio Securities Beneficially Owned | |
S. Kenneth Leech | | | A | |
Michael C. Buchanan | | | A | |
Ryan Brist | | | A | |
| |
Dollar Range ownership is as follows: | | | | |
A: none | | | | |
B: $1 - $10,000 | | | | |
C: 10,001 - $50,000 | | | | |
D: $50,001 - $100,000 | | | | |
E: $100,001 - $500,000 | | | | |
F: $500,001 - $1 million | | | | |
G: over $1 million | | | | |
| | |
ITEM 9. | | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
| |
| | Not applicable. |
| |
ITEM 10. | | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
| |
| | Not applicable. |
| |
ITEM 11. | | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
| |
| | (a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| |
| | (b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
Western Asset Investment Grade Defined Opportunity Trust Inc.
| | |
By: | | /s/ Jane Trust |
| | Jane Trust |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Date: | | January 25, 2022 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| | |
By: | | /s/ Jane Trust |
| | Jane Trust |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
| |
Date: | | January 25, 2022 |
| |
| | Christopher Berarducci |
| | Principal Financial Officer |
| |
Date: | | January 25, 2022 |