N-CSRS 1 c94196_ncsrs.htm CERTIFIED SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT

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: 811-23383

 

LORD ABBETT CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in charter)

 

90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

John T. Fitzgerald, Esq., Vice President & Assistant Secretary

90 Hudson Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (888) 522-2388

 

Date of fiscal year end: 12/31

 

Date of reporting period: 6/30/2019

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

 

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

   

Item 1: Report(s) to Shareholders.
   

 

LORD ABBETT
SEMIANNUAL REPORT

 

Lord Abbett
Credit Opportunities Fund

 

For the period ended June 30, 2019

 

Important Information on Paperless Delivery

Beginning in February 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports like this one will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary, such as a broker-dealer, investment advisor or bank. Instead, the reports will be made available on Lord Abbett’s website and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.

 

If you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically, you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. Shareholders who hold accounts directly with the Fund may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by signing into your Lord Abbett online account at lordabbett.com and selecting “Log In.” For further information, you may also contact the Fund at (800) 821-5129. Shareholders who hold accounts through a financial intermediary should contact them directly.

 

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge by contacting the Fund at (800) 821-5129. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all funds held with Lord Abbett. If your fund shares are held through a financial intermediary please contact them directly. Your election applies to all funds held with that intermediary.

 

Table of Contents

 

1   A Letter to Shareholders
     
2   Information About Your Fund’s Expenses and Holdings Presented by Sector
     
4   Schedule of Investments
     
17   Statement of Assets and Liabilities
     
18   Statement of Operations
     
19   Statement of Changes in Net Assets
     
20   Financial Highlights
     
22   Notes to Financial Statements
     
36   Supplemental Information to Shareholders
 

 

 

Lord Abbett Credit Opportunities Fund
Semiannual Report

For the period from the Fund’s Inception on February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019

 

 

From left to right: James L.L. Tullis, Independent Chairman of the Lord Abbett Funds and Douglas B. Sieg, Trustee, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Lord Abbett Funds.

 

Dear Shareholders: We are pleased to provide you with this semiannual report for Lord Abbett Credit Opportunities Fund for the period from the Fund’s Inception on February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019. For additional information about the Fund, please visit our website at www.lordabbett.com, where you can access the quarterly commentaries by the Fund’s portfolio managers. General information about Lord Abbett mutual funds, as well as in-depth discussions of market trends and investment strategies, is also provided in Lord Abbett Insights, a quarterly newsletter available on our website.

Thank you for investing in Lord Abbett mutual funds. We value the trust that you place in us and look forward to serving your investment needs in the years to come.

 

Best regards,

 

 

Douglas B. Sieg
Trustee, President, and Chief Executive Officer

     

 

1

 

 

 

Expense Example

 

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur ongoing costs, including management fees and other Fund expenses. You may also incur transaction costs in the form of a repurchase fee of up to 2% which the Fund may (but does not currently) impose on shares that have been accepted for repurchase that have been held for less than one year. This Example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The Example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the period and held for the entire period (February 15, 2019 through June 30, 2019).

 

Actual Expenses

The first line of the table on the following page provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this line, together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading titled “Expenses Paid During Period 2/15/19 – 6/30/19” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

The second line of the table on the following page provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

2

 

 

 

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if any transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher.

 

   Beginning
Account
Value
  Ending
Account
Value
  Expenses
Paid During
Period
 
   2/15/19  6/30/19  2/15/19 -
6/30/19
 
Institutional Class           
Actual  $1,000.00  $1,037.30  $5.69  
Hypothetical (5% Return Before Expenses)  $1,000.00  $1,013.04  $5.63  
   
Net expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio of 1.50%, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 136/365 (to reflect the period from February 15, 2019, commencement of operations, to June 30, 2019.)

 

 

Portfolio Holdings Presented by Sector

June 30, 2019

 

Sector*  %**
Auto  4.44%
Capital Goods  0.59%
Consumer Cyclicals  3.21%
Consumer Discretionary  5.46%
Consumer Services  1.03%
Consumer Staples  3.15%
Energy  8.86%
Financial Services  21.16%
Foreign Government  2.99%
Health Care  7.34%
Industrials  1.59%
Information Technology  0.61%
Integrated Oils  1.55%
Manufacturing  0.41%
Materials & Processing  4.81%
Producer Durables  5.07%
Services  0.29%
Technology  2.62%
Telecommunications  4.13%
Transportation  3.18%
U.S. Government  2.48%
Utilities  4.66%
Repurchase Agreement  10.37%
Total  100.00%
     
*   A sector may comprise several industries.
**   Represents percent of total investments.

 

3

 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS 85.80%                
                 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES 16.11%                
                 
Automobiles 1.42%                
ACC Trust 2019-1 C  6.41%  2/20/2024  $500   $515,742 
Exeter Automobile Receivables Trust 2018-3A E  5.43%  8/15/2024   100    103,786 
Total              619,528 
                 
Credit Cards 2.11%                
Continental Credit Card 2016-1A C  11.33%  1/15/2025   400    419,848(a) 
Perimeter Master Note Business Trust 2019-1A C  8.06%  12/15/2022   500    503,157(a) 
Total              923,005 
                 
Other 12.58%                
ARES XLVI CLO Ltd. 2017-46A E  7.897%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.30%
)# 1/15/2030   250    227,936 
Ares XXXVII CLO Ltd. 2015-4A DR  8.747%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.15%
)# 10/15/2030   500    486,129 
Benefit Street Partners Clo XII Ltd. 2017-12A D  9.007%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.41%
)# 10/15/2030   250    241,669 
BlueMountain CLO 2016-3 Ltd. 2016-3A ER  8.468%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.95%
)# 11/15/2030   250    237,512 
Carlyle US Clo Ltd. 2017-2A D  8.742%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.15%
)# 7/20/2031   550    533,595 
Cedar Funding Ltd. 2018-9A E  8.111%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.35%
)# 4/20/2031   275    252,946 
Fairstone Financial Issuance Trust I 2019-1A D†(b)  7.257%  3/21/2033  CAD150    115,513(a) 
Gilbert Park CLO Ltd. 2017 1A E  9.187%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.40%
)# 10/15/2030  $250    246,722 
Mariner CLO 5 Ltd. 2018-5A E  8.23%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.65%
)# 4/25/2031   700    652,754 
Newtek Small Business Loan Trust 2017-1 B  5.404%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 3.00%
)# 2/15/2043   83    82,572 
Octagon Investment Partners 30 Ltd. 2017-1A D  8.792%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.20%
)# 3/17/2030   300    295,720 
Octagon Investment Partners 35 Ltd. 2018-1A D  7.792%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.20%
)# 1/20/2031   500    468,135 
Octagon Investment Partners 40 Ltd. 2019 1A E  9.086%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.46%
)# 4/20/2031   700    702,051 
Sounds Point CLO IV-R Ltd. 2019 1A E 144A  8.869%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.30%
)# 1/20/2032   500    483,229 
Sounds Point CLO IV-R Ltd. 2013-3RA E  8.851%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 6.25%
)# 4/18/2031   250    236,882 

 

4 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
Other (continued)              
Voya CLO Ltd. 2013-2A DR  8.18%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.60%
)# 4/25/2031  $250   $232,291 
Total              5,495,656 
Total Asset-Backed Securities (cost $7,026,405)              7,038,189 
                 
CONVERTIBLE BONDS 5.03%                
                 
Building Materials 0.85%                
Patrick Industries, Inc.  1.00%  2/1/2023   405    369,238 
                 
Electrical Equipment 0.73%                
NXP Semiconductors NV (Netherlands)(c)  1.00%  12/1/2019   300    316,869 
                 
Electrical: Household 0.68%                
SunPower Corp.  0.875%  6/1/2021   324    296,522 
                 
Energy Equipment & Services 0.80%                
Tesla Energy Operations, Inc.  1.625%  11/1/2019   362    349,954 
                 
Lodging 0.65%                
Huazhu Group Ltd. (China)(c)  0.375%  11/1/2022   264    286,133 
                 
Technology 0.55%                
Ctrip.com International Ltd. (China)(c)  1.00%  7/1/2020   243    240,153 
                 
Transportation: Miscellaneous 0.77%                
Scorpio Tankers, Inc. (Monaco)(c)  3.00%  5/15/2022   324    338,325 
Total Convertible Bonds (cost $2,113,238)              2,197,194 
                 
CORPORATE BONDS 44.15%                
                 
Auto Parts: Original Equipment 0.76%                
Garrett LX I Sarl/Garrett Borrowing LLC†(b)  5.125%  10/15/2026  EUR300    330,043 
                 
Automotive 3.54%                
General Motors Co.  6.75%  4/1/2046  $385    435,898 
Mclaren Finance plc(b)  5.00%  8/1/2022  GBP150    184,774 
Mclaren Finance plc†(b)  5.00%  8/1/2022  GBP200    246,365 
Navistar International Corp.  6.625%  11/1/2025  $310    326,275 
Tesla, Inc.  5.30%  8/15/2025   400    352,500 
Total              1,545,812 
                 
Banks: Regional 1.43%                
Macquarie Bank Ltd. (United Kingdom)(c)  6.125%
(5 Yr Swap rate + 3.70%
)# (e)   400    395,608 
Turkiye Is Bankasi AS (Turkey)(c)  6.00%  10/24/2022   250    229,242 
Total              624,850 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 5
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
Business Services 2.17%              
Ahern Rentals, Inc.  7.375%  5/15/2023  $365   $325,762 
NESCO LLC/NESCO Finance Corp.  6.875%  2/15/2021   315    310,275 
Verscend Escrow Corp.  9.75%  8/15/2026   300    313,125 
Total              949,162 
                 
Coal 1.10%                
Eterna Capital Pte Ltd. PIK 1.00% (Singapore)(c)  7.50%  12/11/2022   489    481,135 
                 
Computer Hardware 1.03%                
Banff Merger Sub, Inc.(b)  8.375%  9/1/2026  EUR100    95,491 
Diebold Nixdorf, Inc.  8.50%  4/15/2024  $400    356,000 
Total              451,491 
                 
Construction/Homebuilding 1.54%                
PulteGroup, Inc.  7.875%  6/15/2032   290    347,275 
William Lyon Homes, Inc.  6.00%  9/1/2023   320    326,400 
Total              673,675 
                 
Electric: Power 0.77%                
Pacific Gas & Electric Co.(d)  6.05%  3/1/2034   300    335,250 
                 
Engineering & Contracting Services 1.82%                
Brand Industrial Services, Inc.  8.50%  7/15/2025   390    355,388 
Promontoria Holding 264 BV†(b)  6.75%  8/15/2023  EUR400    438,252 
Total              793,640 
                 
Entertainment 2.04%                
Buena Vista Gaming Authority  13.00%  4/1/2023  $379    405,530 
Enterprise Development Authority (The)  12.00%  7/15/2024   392    427,280 
Scientific Games International, Inc.  10.00%  12/1/2022   55    57,888 
Total              890,698 
                 
Financial Services 0.75%                
Fairstone Financial, Inc.  7.875%  7/15/2024   322    329,044 
                 
Food 2.72%                
Chobani LLC/Chobani Finance Corp., Inc.  7.50%  4/15/2025   465    437,100 
Fresh Market, Inc. (The)  9.75%  5/1/2023   585    400,725 
Matterhorn Merger Sub LLC/Matterhorn Finance Sub, Inc.  8.50%  6/1/2026   390    348,075 
Total              1,185,900 

 

6 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
Health Care Products 0.44%              
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc./Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics SA  6.625%  5/15/2022  $200   $192,000 
                 
Health Care Services 3.64%                
CHS/Community Health Systems, Inc.  8.00%  11/15/2019   290    285,831 
HCA, Inc.  7.50%  11/6/2033   350    404,250 
Polaris Intermediate Corp. PIK 8.50%  8.50%  12/1/2022   200    177,500 
RegionalCare Hospital Partners Holdings, Inc./LifePoint Health, Inc.  9.75%  12/1/2026   290    304,500 
Surgery Center Holdings, Inc.  10.00%  4/15/2027   420    420,000 
Total              1,592,081 
                 
Machinery: Agricultural 2.85%                
Kernel Holding SA (Ukraine)†(c)  8.75%  1/31/2022   450    476,012 
MHP Lux SA (Luxembourg)†(c)  6.95%  4/3/2026   450    457,073 
Pyxus International, Inc.  9.875%  7/15/2021   360    311,400 
Total              1,244,485 
                 
Manufacturing 0.99%                
General Electric Co.  5.00%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 3.33%
)# (e)   450    432,351 
                 
Media 0.12%                
Altice Luxembourg SA†(b)  7.25%  5/15/2022  EUR45    52,637 
                 
Metals & Minerals: Miscellaneous 1.47%                
New Gold, Inc. (Canada)†(c)  6.25%  11/15/2022  $465    435,938 
Vedanta Resources plc (India)†(c)  8.25%  6/7/2021   200    208,100 
Total              644,038 
                 
Oil 4.53%                
California Resources Corp.  8.00%  12/15/2022   435    330,056 
Chaparral Energy, Inc.  8.75%  7/15/2023   510    318,750 
Citgo Holding, Inc.  10.75%  2/15/2020   215    223,062 
Indigo Natural Resources LLC  6.875%  2/15/2026   220    198,550 
MEG Energy Corp. (Canada)†(c)  6.50%  1/15/2025   285    287,494 
SRC Energy, Inc.  6.25%  12/1/2025   350    320,250 
Tapstone Energy LLC/Tapstone Energy Finance Corp.  9.75%  6/1/2022   240    166,800 
YPF SA (Argentina)(c)  8.75%  4/4/2024   130    131,911 
Total              1,976,873 

 

  See Notes to Financial Statements. 7
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
Oil: Integrated Domestic 1.89%                
Bristow Group, Inc.†(d)  8.75%  3/1/2023        $650   $632,125 
Transocean Proteus Ltd.  6.25%  12/1/2024   188    194,297 
Total              826,422 
                 
Real Estate 2.47%                
Agile Group Holdings Ltd.(China)(c)  10.215%
(5 Yr. Treasury CMT + 7.46%
)# (e)   200    200,926 
China Evergrande Group (China)(c)  8.25%  3/23/2022   450    434,961 
Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd.(c)  7.875%  6/30/2021   450    444,429 
Total              1,080,316 
                 
Retail: Specialty 0.99%                
Revlon Consumer Products Corp.  5.75%  2/15/2021   479    431,100 
                 
Telecommunications 4.09%                
Frontier Communications Corp.  8.50%  4/15/2020   515    422,300 
Frontier Communications Corp.  11.00%  9/15/2025   315    196,875 
Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA (Luxembourg)(c)  5.50%  8/1/2023   570    522,975 
Sprint Capital Corp.  8.75%  3/15/2032   555    643,800 
Total              1,785,950 
                 
Toys 1.00%                
Mattel, Inc.  5.45%  11/1/2041   570    436,050 
Total Corporate Bonds (cost $19,162,121)              19,285,003 
                 
FLOATING RATE LOANS(f) 15.02%                
                 
Advertising 0.50%                
ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC 2nd Lien Initial Term Loan  5.14%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 7.75%
) 9/29/2025   222    220,033 
                 
Aerospace/Defense 0.49%                
Jazz Acquisition, Inc. 2nd Lien Term Loan  9.35%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 7.75%
) 6/11/2027   214    212,395(g) 
                 
Automotive 0.97%                
Drive Chassis Holdco, LLC Term Loan  10.83%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 8.25%
) 4/4/2026   439    423,086 
                 
Business Services 0.97%                
KUEHG Corp. 2nd Lien Tranche B Term Loan  10.58%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 8.25%
) 8/18/2025   426    425,467 

 

8 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
Computer Software 0.99%              
Nomad Buyer, Inc. Initial Term Loan  (h) 8/1/2025        $433   $431,240(g) 
                 
Electric: Power 1.16%                
Moxie Patriot LLC Construction Advances Term Loan B1  8.08%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 5.75%
) 12/19/2020   224    215,175 
Pacific Gas & Electric Company Sold Out Revolving Term Loan  (h) 4/27/2020   300    293,532 
Total              508,707 
                 
Entertainment 0.35%                
SMG US Midco 2, Inc. 2nd Lien Initial Term Loan  9.40%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 7.00%
) 1/23/2026   150    152,063 
                 
Health Care Services 2.08%                
CCS-CMGC Holdings, Inc. 1st Lien Initial Term Loan  (h) 10/1/2025   773    762,902 
CP VI Bella Midco, LLC 2nd Lien Initial Term Loan  9.15%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 6.75%
) 12/28/2025   150    147,375 
Total              910,277 
                 
Insurance 1.45%                
FHC Health Systems, Inc. Initial Term Loan  6.40%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 4.00%
) 12/23/2021   303    303,462 
Vertafore, Inc. 2nd Lien Initial Term Loan  9.65%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 7.25%
) 7/2/2026   335    327,881 
Total              631,343 
                 
Machinery: Oil Well Equipment & Services 0.35%                
Brookfield WEC Holdings Inc. 2nd Lien Initial Term Loan  9.15%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 6.75%
) 8/3/2026   150    152,180 
                 
Media 2.67%                
Altice Financing SA March 2017 Refinancing Term Loan (Luxembourg)(c)  (h) 7/15/2025   319    303,616 
MediArena Acquisition B.V. 1st Lien Dollar Term Loan B (Netherlands)(c)  (h) 8/13/2021   434    432,492 
MediArena Acquisition B.V. 2nd Lien Dollar Term Loan B (Netherlands)(c)  11.95%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 9.00%
) 8/13/2022   434    432,190 
Total              1,168,298 
                 
Metal Fabricating 0.07%                
Doncasters US Finance LLC 2nd Lien Term Loan  10.58%
(3 Mo. LIBOR + 8.25%
) 10/9/2020   106    31,635 
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 9
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
Oil: Integrated Domestic 1.00%                
BEP Ulterra Drilling Technologies, LP Term Loan B  7.65%
(1 Mo. LIBOR + 5.25%
) 11/26/2025  $461   $435,428(g) 
                 
Retail 1.00%                
J. Crew Group, Inc. Amended Term Loan  (h)  3/5/2021   505    434,661 
                 
Transportation: Miscellaneous 0.97%                
Commercial Barge Line Co. Initial Term Loan  (h) 11/12/2020   626    425,541 
Total Floating Rate Loans (cost $6,603,087)              6,562,354 
                 
FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS 3.66%                
                 
Angola 0.98%                
Republic of Angola†(c)  8.25%  5/9/2028   400    429,259 
                 
Argentina 1.50%                
Argentine Republic Government International Bond(b)  3.375%  10/12/2020  CHF240    221,805 
Provincia de Cordoba†(c)  7.125%  6/10/2021  $300    262,500 
Provincia of Neuquen Argentina†(c)  7.50%  4/27/2025   200    169,000 
Total              653,305 
                 
Egypt 1.18%                
Republic of Egypt†(b)  4.75%  4/16/2026  EUR450    515,471 
Total Foreign Government Obligations (cost $1,589,055)              1,598,035 
                 
NON-AGENCY COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES 1.40%       
JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust 2014-DSTY D  3.931%#(i) 6/10/2027  $615    398,917 
Palisades Center Trust 2016-PLSD D  4.737%  4/13/2033   225    214,995 
Total Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $627,871)     613,912 
                 
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATION 0.43%                
                 
Government                
U.S. Treasury Note
(cost $184,559)
  2.125%  3/31/2024   185    188,021 
Total Long-Term Investments (cost $37,306,336)              37,482,708 
                 
10 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Investments  Interest
Rate
  Maturity
Date
  Principal
Amount
(000)
   Fair
Value
 
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 36.72%              
               
COMMERCIAL PAPER 21.40%              
               
Automotive 1.15%              
Hyundai Capital America  2.586%  7/1/2019       $500   $500,000 
                 
Chemicals 0.57%                
FMC Corp.  2.89%  7/1/2019   250    250,000 
                 
Drugs 1.15%                
Mylan N V  2.738%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
                 
Electric: Power 3.43%                
Entergy Corp.  2.576%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Co.  2.606%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
So. Cal. Edison  2.941%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
Total              1,500,000 
                 
Electronics 1.72%                
Amphenol Corp.  2.586%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
FMC Corp.  2.789%  7/1/2019   250    250,000 
Total              750,000 
                 
Food 1.15%                
Conagra Foods, Inc.  2.718%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
                 
Machinery: Agricultural 1.14%                
B A T Intl Fin  2.596%  7/2/2019   500    499,964 
                 
Machinery: Industrial/Specialty 0.80%                
CNH Industrial Capital  2.738%  7/2/2019   350    349,974 
                 
Manufacturing 1.15%                
Pentair Finance  2.84%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
                 
Media 1.14%                
RELX Investments plc  2.586%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
                 
Oil 1.14%                
Eni Finance USA, Inc.  2.576%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
                 
Oil: Crude Producers 2.29%                
Energy Transfer Partners  2.992%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
Enterprise Prods Oper LLC  2.576%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
Total              1,000,000 
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 11
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

         Principal     
   Interest  Maturity  Amount   Fair 
Investments  Rate  Date  (000)   Value 
Real Estate 1.14%                
Welltower, Inc.  2.586%  7/1/2019         $500   $500,000 
                 
Retail 2.29%                
Dollar General Corp.  2.586%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.  2.586%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
Total              1,000,000 
                 
Transportation: Miscellaneous 1.14%                
Union Pacific Corp.  2.586%  7/1/2019   500    500,000 
Total Commercial Paper (cost $9,349,938)              9,349,938 
                 
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATION 2.61%                
                 
Government                
U.S. Treasury Bill
(cost $1,139,928)
  Zero Coupon  7/2/2019   1,140    1,139,939 
                 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT 12.71%                
Repurchase Agreement dated 6/28/2019, 1.45% due 7/1/2019 with Fixed Income Clearing Corp. collateralized by $5,500,000 of U.S. Treasury Note at 2.75% due 9/15/2021; value: $5,663,642; proceeds: $5,551,231
(cost $5,550,560)
         5,551    5,550,560 
Total Short-Term Investments (cost $16,040,426)              16,040,437 
Total Investments in Securities 122.52% (cost $53,346,762)     53,523,145 
Liabilities in Excess of Cash, Foreign Cash and Other Assets(j) (22.52%)          (9,838,765)
Net Assets 100.00%             $43,684,380 
                 
CAD   Canadian dollar.
CHF   Swiss franc.
EUR   euro.
GBP   British pound.
CMT   Constant Maturity Rate.
LIBOR   London Interbank Offered Rate.
PIK   Payment-in-kind.
  Security was purchased pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 and, unless registered under such Act or exempted from registration, may only be resold to qualified institutional buyers.
#   Variable rate security. The interest rate represents the rate in effect at June 30, 2019.
(a)   Level 3 Investment as described in Note 2(n) in the Notes to Financials. Security valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information could result in a significantly lower or higher value of such Level 3 investments.
(b)   Investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities.
(c)   Foreign security traded in U.S. dollars.
(d)   Defaulted (non-income producing security).
(e)   Security is perpetual in nature and has no stated maturity.
   
12 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

(f)   Floating Rate Loans in which the Fund invests generally pay interest at rates which are periodically re-determined at a margin above the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the prime rate offered by major U.S. banks. The rate(s) shown is the rate(s) in effect at June 30, 2019.
(g)   Level 3 Investment as described in Note 2(n) in the Notes to Financials. Floating Rate Loans categorized as Level 3 are valued based on a single quotation obtained from a dealer. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America do not require the Fund to create quantitative unobservable inputs that were not developed by the Fund. Therefore, the Fund does not have access to unobservable inputs and cannot disclose such inputs in the valuation.
(h)   Interest rate to be determined.
(i)   Interest rate is based on the weighted average interest rates of the underlying mortgages within the mortgage pool.
(j)   Liabilities in Excess of Cash, Foreign Cash and Other Assets include net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts and swaps as follows:

 

Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps on Indexes - Sell Protection at June 30, 2019(1):

 

Referenced
Index
  Central
Clearing Party
  Fund
Pays
(Quarterly)
  Termination
Date
  Notional
Amount
   Notional
Value
   Payments
Upfront(2)
   Unrealized
Appreciation(3)
 
Markit CDX NA.HY.32(4)5)  Credit Suisse  5.00%  6/20/2024  $2,720,000   $2,924,840    $137,149      $67,691 
                                
(1)   If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities.
(2)   Upfront payments received by Central Clearing Party are presented net of amortization (See Note 2(i)).
(3)   Total unrealized appreciation on Credit Default Swaps on Indexes amounted to $67,691. Total unrealized depreciation on Credit Default Swaps on Indexes amounted to $0.
(4)   Central Clearinghouse: Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).
(5)   The Referenced Index is for the Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps on Indexes, which is comprised of a basket of high yield securities.

 

Credit Default Swaps on Indexes - Sell Protection at June 30, 2019(1):

 

Referenced
Index
  Swap
Counterparty
  Fund
Receives
(Quarterly)
  Termination
Date
  Notional
Amount
   National
Value
   Payments
Upfront(2)
   Unrealized
Appreciation(3)
   Credit
Default
Swap
Agreements
Payable at
Fair Value(4)
 
Markit CMBX NA.BB.1O(5)  Morgan Stanley  5.00%  11/17/2059   $1,470,000    $1,342,912    $(170,321)          $43,233    $(127,088)
     
(1)   If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and take delivery of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities.
(2)   Upfront payments are presented net of amortization (See Note 2(i)).
(3)   Total unrealized appreciation on Credit Default Swaps on Indexes amounted to $43,233. Total unrealized depreciation on Credit Default Swaps on Indexes amounted to $0.
(4)   Includes upfront payments received/paid.
(5)   The Referenced Index is for Credit Default Swaps on Indexes, which is comprised of a basket of commercial mortgaged-backed securities. (See Note 2(i)).
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 13
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

Open Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts at June 30, 2019:

 

Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
  Transaction
Type
  Counterparty  Expiration
Date
  Foreign
Currency
   U.S. $
Cost on
Origination
Date
   U.S. $
Current
Value
 Unrealized
Appreciation
 
British pound  Sell  Barclays Bank plc  8/21/2019   99,000    $126,504    $126,019           $485 
Swiss franc  Sell  Morgan Stanley  10/14/2020   55,000    58,534    58,505    29 
Unrealized Appreciation on Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts         $514 
                              
Forward
Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
  Transaction
Type
  Counterparty  Expiration
Date
  Foreign
Currency
   U.S. $
Cost on
Origination
Date
   U.S. $
Current
Value
 Unrealized
Depreciation
 
euro  Buy  Bank of America  8/21/2019   40,000   $45,794   $45,666   $(128)
British pound  Sell  Morgan Stanley  8/21/2019   151,000    192,159    192,211    (52)
British pound  Sell  Morgan Stanley  8/21/2019   96,000    121,562    122,200    (638)
Canadian dollar  Sell  Morgan Stanley  9/19/2019   152,000    113,793    116,237    (2,444)
euro  Sell  Barclays Bank plc  8/21/2019   929,000    1,044,816    1,060,589    (15,773)
euro  Sell  Barclays Bank plc  8/21/2019   198,000    226,003    226,045    (42)
euro  Sell  Morgan Stanley  8/21/2019   99,000    112,847    113,023    (176)
euro  Sell  Morgan Stanley  8/21/2019   98,000    111,871    111,881    (10)
euro  Sell  Morgan Stanley  8/21/2019   178,000    199,515    203,212    (3,697)
Swiss franc  Sell  Morgan Stanley  10/14/2020   158,000    165,263    168,069    (2,806)
Unrealized Depreciation on Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts        $(25,766)

 

Open Futures Contracts at June 30, 2019:

 

Type  Expiration   Contracts  Position  Notional
Amount
  Notional
Value
  Unrealized
Depreciation
 
U.S. Ultra Treasury Bond  September 2019   1  Short  $(172,983) $(177,563) $(4,580 )
   
14 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(continued)

June 30, 2019

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2019 in valuing the Fund’s investments carried at fair value(1):

 

Investment Type(2)  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total 
Long-Term Investments                    
Asset-Backed Securities                    
Credit Cards  $   $   $923,005   $923,005 
Other       5,380,143    115,513    5,495,656 
Remaining Industries       619,528        619,528 
Convertible Bonds       2,197,194        2,197,194 
Corporate Bonds       19,285,003        19,285,003 
Floating Rate Loans                    
Aerospace/Defense           212,395    212,395 
Computer Software           431,240    431,240 
Oil: Integrated Domestic           435,428    435,428 
Remaining Industries       5,483,291        5,483,291 
Foreign Government Obligations       1,598,035        1,598,035 
Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities       613,912        613,912 
U.S. Treasury Obligation       188,021        188,021 
Short-Term Investments                    
Commercial Paper       9,349,938        9,349,938 
U.S. Treasury Obligation       1,139,939        1,139,939 
Repurchase Agreement       5,550,560        5,550,560 
Total  $   $51,405,564   $2,117,581   $53,523,145 
                     
Other Financial Instruments                    
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swap Contracts                    
Assets   $   $67,691   $   $67,691 
Liabilities                
Credit Default Swap Contracts                    
Assets                
Liabilities       (127,088)       (127,088)
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts                    
Assets       514        514 
Liabilities       (25,766)       (25,766)
Futures Contracts                    
Assets                
Liabilities   (4,580)           (4,580)
Total  $(4,580)  $(84,649)  $   $(89,229)
     
  (1) Refer to Note 2(n) for a description of fair value measurements and the three-tier hierarchy of inputs.
  (2) See Schedule of Investments for fair values in each industry and identification of foreign issuers and/or geography. The table above is presented by Investment Type. Industries are presented within an Investment Type should such Investment Type include securities classified as two or more levels within the three-tier fair value hierarchy. Each Level 3 security is identified on the Schedule of Investments along with the valuation technique utilized.
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 15
 

Schedule of Investments (unaudited)(concluded)

June 30, 2019

 

The following is a reconciliation of investments with unobservable inputs (Level 3) that were used in determining fair value:

 

Investment Type  Asset-Backed
Securities
   Floating
Rate Loans
 
Balance as of February 15, 2019          $    $ 
Accrued Discounts (Premiums)   (926)   384 
Realized Gain (Loss)       42 
Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)   4,174    3,705 
Purchases   1,035,270    1,076,002 
Sales       (1,070)
Transfers into Level 3        
Transfers out of Level 3        
Balance as of June 30, 2019  $1,038,518   $1,079,063 
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation for the period ended June 30, 2019, related to Level 3 investments held at June 30, 2019  $4,174   $3,705 
   
16 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)

June 30, 2019

 

ASSETS:    
Investments in securities, at cost  $53,346,762 
Investments in securities, at fair value  $53,523,145 
Cash   223,103 
Deposits with brokers for futures collateral   3,450 
Deposits with brokers for swaps collateral   135,984 
Foreign cash, at value (cost $210,050)   209,808 
Receivables:     
Interest and dividends   574,864 
Investment securities sold   214,555 
Capital shares sold   132,935 
From advisor (See Note 3)   40,904 
Variation margin for futures contracts   171 
Variation margin for centrally cleared credit default swap agreements   3,524 
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts   514 
Prepaid offering costs   284,196 
Prepaid expenses   1,182 
Total assets   55,348,335 
LIABILITIES:     
Payables:     
Investment securities purchased   10,981,027 
Offering costs   282,591 
Management fee   33,326 
Fund administration   1,066 
Trustees’ fees   72 
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts   25,766 
Credit default swap agreements payable, at fair value (including upfront payments of $170,321)   127,088 
Distributions payable   185,281 
Accrued expenses   27,738 
Total liabilities   11,663,955 
NET ASSETS  $43,684,380 
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:     
Paid-in capital  $43,325,578 
Total distributable earnings   358,802 
Net Assets  $43,684,380 
Net assets by class:     
Institutional Class Shares  $43,684,380 
Outstanding shares by class: (100 million shares of common stock authorized, $.001 par value)     
Institutional Class Shares   4,314,511 
Net asset value, redemption price per share (Net assets divided by outstanding shares):     
Institutional Class Shares-Net asset value  $10.12 
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 17
 

Statement of Operations (unaudited)

For the period February 15, 2019 (commencement of operations) to June 30, 2019

 

Investment income:    
Interest and other  $675,347 
Total investment income   675,347 
Expenses:     
Management fee   107,433 
Offering costs   161,004 
Professional   19,971 
Shareholder servicing   17,127 
Custody   4,177 
Fund administration   3,438 
Reports to shareholders   2,088 
Trustees’ fees   128 
Registration   97 
Other   3,415 
Gross expenses   318,878 
Fees waived and expenses reimbursed (See Note 3)   (189,959)
Net expenses   128,919 
Net investment income   546,428 
Net realized and unrealized gain:     
Net realized gain on investments   91,760 
Net realized loss on futures contracts   (13,814)
Net realized gain on foreign currency exchange contracts   31,091 
Net realized gain on swap contracts   40,236 
Net realized gain on foreign currency related transactions   969 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments   176,383 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts   (4,580)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts   (25,252)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts   110,924 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   59 
Net realized and unrealized gain   407,776 
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations  $954,204 
   
18 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

 

   For the Period
Ended June 30, 2019
*
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS  (unaudited) 
Operations:      
Net investment income  $546,428 
Net realized gain on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps and foreign currency related transactions   150,242 
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, futures contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies   257,534 
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations   954,204 
Distributions to shareholders   (595,402)
Capital share transactions (See Note 14):     
Net proceeds from sales of shares   42,689,400 
Reinvestment of distributions   536,178 
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions   43,225,578 
Net increase in net assets   43,584,380 
NET ASSETS:     
Beginning of period  $100,000 
End of period  $43,684,380 
   
* For the period February 15, 2019 (commencement of operations) to June 30, 2019.
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 19
 

Financial Highlights

 

      Per Share Operating Performance:  
      Investment operations:  Distributions to
shareholders from:
 
                     
   Net asset
value,
beginning
of period
  Net
invest-
ment
income(a)
  Net
realized
and
unrealized
gain
  Total
from
invest-
ment
oper-
ations
  Net
investment
income
  Total
distri-
butions
 
Institutional Class                    
2/15/2019 to 6/30/2019(c)(f)  $10.00  $0.23  $0.14  $0.37  $(0.25)  $(0.25)  
   
(a) Calculated using average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions.
(c) Unaudited.
(d) Not annualized.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Commenced on February 15, 2019.
   
20 See Notes to Financial Statements.
 
      Ratios to Average Net Assets:  Supplemental Data:  
                     
Net
asset
value,
end of
period
  Total
return
(%)(b)(d)
  Total
expenses
after
waivers
and/or
reimburse-
ments
(%)(e)
  Total
expenses
(%)(e)
  Net
investment
income
(%)(e)
  Net
assets,
end of
period
(000)
  Portfolio
turnover
rate
(%)(d)
 
                     
$10.12  3.73  1.50  3.62  6.20  $43,684  25  
     
  See Notes to Financial Statements. 21
 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)

 

1. ORGANIZATION  

 

Lord Abbett Credit Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that continuously offers its shares (the “Shares”) and is operated as an interval fund. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on September 18, 2018. The Fund had a sale to Lord Abbett and Co. LLC (“Lord Abbett”) of 10,000 shares of common stock for $100,000 ($10.00 per share). The Fund commenced operations on February 15, 2019.

 

The Fund’s investment objective is total return. The Fund currently offers one class of Common shares: Institutional Class.

 

The Fund will not list its Shares for trading on any securities exchange. There is currently no secondary market for its Shares and the Fund does not expect any secondary market to develop for its Shares. Shareholders of the Fund are not able have their Shares redeemed or otherwise sell their Shares on a daily basis because the Fund is an unlisted closed-end fund. In order to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund is structured as an interval fund and conducts quarterly repurchase offers for a portion of its outstanding Shares.

 

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund is considered an investment company under U.S. GAAP and follows the accounting and reporting guidance applicable to investment companies.

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

 

(a) Investment Valuation–Under procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), Lord, Abbett, the Fund’s investment manager, has formed a Pricing Committee to administer the pricing and valuation of portfolio investments and to ensure that prices utilized reasonably reflect fair value. Among other things, these procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

 

Securities actively traded on any recognized U.S. or non-U.S. exchange or on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the exchange or system on which they are principally traded. Events occurring after the close of trading on non-U.S. exchanges may result in adjustments to the valuation of foreign securities to reflect their fair value as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund may utilize an independent fair valuation service in adjusting the valuations of foreign securities. Unlisted equity securities are valued at the last quoted sale price or, if no sale price is available, at the mean between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices. Fixed income securities are valued based on evaluated prices supplied by independent pricing services, which reflect broker/dealer supplied valuations and the independent pricing services’ own electronic data processing techniques. Floating rate loans are valued at the average of bid and ask quotations obtained from dealers in loans on the basis of prices supplied by independent pricing services. Exchange traded options and futures contracts are valued at the last quoted sale price in the market where they are principally traded. If no sale has occurred, the mean

 

22

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

between the most recently quoted bid and asked prices is used. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are valued using daily forward exchange rates. Swaps are valued daily using independent pricing services or quotations from broker/dealers to the extent available.

 

Securities for which prices are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined by the Pricing Committee. The Pricing Committee considers a number of factors, including observable and unobservable inputs, when arriving at fair value. The Pricing Committee may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, yield curves, broker quotes, observable trading activity, option adjusted spread models and other relevant information to determine the fair value of portfolio investments. The Board or a designated committee thereof regularly reviews fair value determinations made by the Pricing Committee and may employ techniques such as reviewing related market activity, reviewing inputs and assumptions, and retrospectively comparing prices of subsequent purchases and sales transactions to fair value determinations made by the Pricing Committee.

 

Short-term securities with 60 days or less remaining to maturity are valued using the amortized cost method, which approximates fair value.

 

(b) Security Transactions–Security transactions are recorded as of the date that the securities are purchased or sold (trade date). Realized gains and losses on sales of portfolio securities are calculated using the identified-cost method. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) are allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.

 

(c) Investment Income–Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis as earned. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized using the effective interest method and are included in Interest and other income on the Statement of Operations. Investment income is allocated to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets at the beginning of the day.

 

(d) Income Taxes–It is the policy of the Fund to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all taxable income and capital gains to its shareholders. Therefore, no income tax provision is required.

 

The Fund files U.S. federal and various state and local tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination.

 

(e) Expenses–The Fund pays all expenses attributable to its operations not expressly assumed by Lord Abbett.

 

(f) Foreign Transactions–The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars and transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded in the Fund’s records at the rate prevailing when earned or recorded. Asset and liability accounts that are denominated in foreign currencies are adjusted daily to reflect current exchange rates and any unrealized gain (loss), if applicable, is included in Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. The resultant exchange gains and losses upon settlement of such transactions, if applicable, are included in Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the changes in market prices of the securities.

 

23

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

The Fund uses foreign currency exchange contracts to facilitate transactions in foreign-denominated securities. Losses from these transactions may arise from changes in the value of the foreign currency or if the counterparties do not perform under the contracts’ terms.

 

(g) Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts–The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts in order to reduce exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign portfolio holdings, or gain or reduce exposure to foreign currency solely for investment purposes. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is a commitment to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date at a negotiated rate. The contracts are valued daily at forward exchange rates and any unrealized gain (loss) is included in Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts on the Fund’s Statement of Operations. The gain (loss) arising from the difference between the U.S. dollar cost of the original contract and the value of the foreign currency in U.S. dollars upon closing of such contracts is included in Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency exchange contracts on the Fund’s Statement of Operations.

 

(h) Futures Contracts–The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts to enhance returns, to attempt to economically hedge some of its investment risk, or as a substitute position in lieu of holding the underlying asset on which the instrument is based. At the time of entering into a futures transaction, an investor is required to deposit and maintain a specified amount of cash or eligible securities called “initial margin.” Subsequent payments made or received by the Fund called “variation margin” are made on a daily basis as the market price of the futures contract fluctuates. The Fund will record an unrealized gain (loss) based on the amount of variation margin. When a contract is closed, a realized gain (loss) is recorded equal to the difference between the opening and closing value of the contract.

 

(i) Credit Default Swaps–The Fund may enter into credit default swap contracts in order to hedge credit risk or for speculation purposes. As a seller of a credit default swap contract (“seller of protection”), the Fund is required to pay the notional amount or other agreed-upon value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default by or other credit event involving the referenced issuer, obligation or index. In return, the Fund receives from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract.

 

As a purchaser of a credit default swap contract (“buyer of protection”), the Fund would receive the notional amount or other agreed upon value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of default by or other credit event involving the referenced issuer, obligation or index. In return, the Fund would make periodic payments to the counterparty over the term of the contracts, provided no event of default has occurred.

 

These credit default swaps may have as a reference obligation corporate or sovereign issuers or credit indices. These credit indices are comprised of a basket of securities representing a particular sector of the market.

 

Credit default swaps are fair valued based upon quotations from counterparties, brokers or market-makers and the change in value, if any, is recorded as an unrealized appreciation or depreciation. For a credit default swap sold by the Fund, payment of the agreed-upon amount made by the Fund in the event of default of the referenced debt obligation is recorded as the cost of the referenced debt obligation purchased/received. For a credit default swap purchased by the Fund, the agreed-upon amount received by the Fund in the event of default of the referenced debt obligation is recorded as proceeds from sale/delivery of the referenced debt

 

24

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

obligation and the resulting gain or loss realized on the referenced debt obligation is recorded as such by the Fund.

 

Any upfront payments made or received upon entering a credit default swap contract would be amortized or accreted over the life of the swap and recorded as realized gains or losses. Collateral, in the form of cash or securities, may be required to be held in segregated accounts with the custodian bank or broker in accordance with the swap agreement. The value and credit rating of each credit default swap where the Fund is the seller of protection, are both measures of the current payment/performance risk of the swap. As the value of the swap changes as a positive or negative percentage of the total notional amount, the payment/performance risk may decrease or increase, respectively. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) that the Fund as a seller of protection could be required to make under a credit default swap agreement would be an amount equal to the notional amount of the agreement. These potential amounts would be partially offset by any recovery values of the respective referenced obligations, upfront payments received upon entering into the agreement, or net amounts received from the settlement of buy protection credit default swap agreements entered into by the Fund for the same referenced entity or entities.

 

Entering into credit default swaps involves credit and market risk. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreements, that there may be unfavorable changes in interest rates, and that Lord Abbett does not correctly predict the creditworthiness of the issuers of the reference obligation on which the credit default swap is based. For the centrally cleared credit default swaps, there was minimal counterparty risk to the Fund, since such credit default swaps entered into were traded through a central clearinghouse, which guarantees against default.

 

(j) Total Return Swaps–The Fund may enter into total return swap agreements to obtain exposure to a security or market without owning such security or investing directly in that market. The Fund may agree to make payments that are the equivalent of interest in exchange for the right to receive payments equivalent to any appreciation in the value of an underlying security, index or other asset, as well as receive payments equivalent to any distributions made on that asset, over the term of the swap. If the value of the asset underlying a total return swap declines over the term of the swap, the Fund also may be required to pay an amount equal to that decline in value to their counterparty.

 

(k) When-Issued, Forward Transactions or To-Be-Announced (“TBA”) Transactions–The Fund may purchase portfolio securities on a when-issued or forward basis. When-issued, forward transactions or TBA transactions involve a commitment by the Fund to purchase securities, with payment and delivery (“settlement”) to take place in the future, in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price or yield at the time of entering into the transaction. During the period between purchase and settlement, the fair value of the securities will fluctuate and assets consisting of cash and/or marketable securities (normally short-term U.S. Government or U.S. Government sponsored enterprise securities) marked to market daily in an amount sufficient to make payment at settlement will be segregated at the Fund’s custodian in order to pay for the commitment. At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the liability for the purchase and fair value of the security in determining its net asset value. The Fund, generally, has the ability to close out a purchase obligation on or before the

 

25

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

settlement date rather than take delivery of the security. Under no circumstances will settlement for such securities take place more than 120 days after the purchase date.

 

(l) Repurchase Agreements–The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with respect to securities. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which a fund acquires a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (a bank or securities dealer) at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date. The Fund requires at all times that the repurchase agreement be collateralized by cash, or by securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies, its instrumentalities, or U.S. Government sponsored enterprises having a value equal to, or in excess of, the value of the repurchase agreement (including accrued interest). If the seller of the agreement defaults on its obligation to repurchase the underlying securities at a time when the fair value of these securities has declined, the Fund may incur a loss upon disposition of the securities.

 

(m) Floating Rate Loans–The Fund may invest in floating rate loans, which usually take the form of loan participations and assignments. Loan participations and assignments are agreements to make money available to U.S. or foreign corporations, partnerships or other business entities (the “Borrower”) in a specified amount, at a specified rate and within a specified time. A loan is typically originated, negotiated and structured by a U.S. or foreign bank, insurance company or other financial institution (the “Agent”) for a group of loan investors (“Loan Investors”). The Agent typically administers and enforces the loan on behalf of the other Loan Investors in the syndicate and may hold any collateral on behalf of the Loan Investors. Such loan participations and assignments are typically senior, secured and collateralized in nature. The Fund records an investment when the Borrower withdraws money and records interest as earned. These loans pay interest at rates which are periodically reset by reference to a base lending rate plus a spread. These base lending rates are generally the prime rate offered by a designated U.S. bank or London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).

 

The loans in which the Fund invests may be subject to some restrictions on resale. For example, the Fund may be contractually obligated to receive approval from the Agent and/or Borrower prior to the sale of these investments. The Fund generally has no right to enforce compliance with the terms of the loan agreement with the Borrower. As a result, the Fund assumes the credit risk of the Borrower, the selling participant and any other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the Borrower (“Intermediate Participants”). In the event that the Borrower, selling participant or Intermediate Participants become insolvent or enter into bankruptcy, the Fund may incur certain costs and delays in realizing payment or may suffer a loss of principal and/or interest.

 

Unfunded commitments represent the remaining obligation of the Fund to the Borrower. At any point in time, up to the maturity date of the issue, the Borrower may demand the unfunded portion. As of June 30, 2019, the Fund did not have any unfunded loan commitments.

 

(n) Fair Value Measurements–Fair value is defined as the price that the Fund would receive upon selling an investment or transferring a liability in an orderly transaction to an independent buyer in the principal or most advantageous market of the investment. A three-tier hierarchy is used to maximize the use of observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk–for example, the risk inherent in a

 

26

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

particular valuation technique used to measure fair value (such as a pricing model) and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy classification is determined based on the lowest level of inputs that is significant to the fair value measurement, and is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below:

 

  Level 1 –  unadjusted 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.); and
     
  Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

A summary of inputs used in valuing the Fund’s investments and other financial instruments as of June 30, 2019 and, if applicable, Level 3 rollforwards for the period ended is included in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers into or out of an assigned level within the three-tier hierarchy. All transfers between different levels within the three-tier hierarchy are deemed to have occurred as of the beginning of the reporting period. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

3. MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES  

 

Management Fee

The Fund has a management agreement with Lord Abbett, pursuant to which Lord Abbett supplies the Fund with investment management services and executive and other personnel, provides office space and pays for ordinary and necessary office and clerical expenses relating to research and statistical work and supervision of the Fund’s investment portfolio.

 

The management fee is based on the Fund’s average daily net assets at the annual rate of 1.25%.

 

For the period ended June 30, 2019, the effective management fee, net of waivers, was at an annualized rate of 0.00% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

In addition, Lord Abbett provides certain administrative services to the Fund pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement in return for a fee at an annual rate of .04% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.

 

For the period from the Fund’s commencement of operations and continuing for a twelve month period, Lord Abbett has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion of its management fee and, if necessary, waive all or a portion of its administrative fee and reimburse the Fund’s other expenses to the extent necessary so that the total net annual operating expenses do not exceed an annual rate of 1.50%. This agreement may be terminated only upon the approval of the Board.

 

Distributor

Lord Abbett Distributor LLC (the “Distributor”), is the principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s Shares pursuant to a distribution agreement (the “Distribution Agreement”) with the Fund.

 

27

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

The Distributor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lord Abbett. The Distributor does not participate in the distribution of non-Lord Abbett managed products.

 

The Distributor acts as the distributor of Shares for the Fund on a best efforts basis, subject to various conditions, pursuant to the terms of the Distribution Agreement. The Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of Shares of the Fund.

 

The Fund may impose repurchase fees of up to 2.00% on Shares accepted for repurchase that have been held for less than one year.

 

Commissions

Distributor did not receive commissions on sales of shares of the Fund for the period ended June 30, 2019.

 

4. OFFERING & ORGANIZATIONAL COSTS  

 

The Fund will pay offering costs estimated to be $445,200 which will be amortized from the Fund’s commencement of operations and continuing for a twelve month period. Lord Abbett has agreed to pay the organizational expenses of the Fund estimated to be $140,000.

 

5. DISTRIBUTIONS AND CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARDS  

 

Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared daily and paid monthly. Taxable net realized gains from investment transactions, reduced by allowable capital loss carryforwards, if any, are declared and distributed to shareholders at least annually. The capital loss carryforward amount, if any, is available to offset future net capital gains. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amounts of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the components of net assets based on their federal tax basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions that exceed earnings and profits for tax purposes are reported as a tax return of capital.

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the period ended June 30, 2019 was as follows:

 

   Period Ended
6/30/2019*
(unaudited)
 
Distributions paid from:       
Ordinary income             $595,402 
Total distributions paid  $595,402 

 

* For the period February 15, 2019 (commencement of operations) to June 30, 2019.

 

As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate unrealized security gains and losses on investments and other financial instruments based on cost for U.S. federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Tax cost  $53,346,762 
Gross unrealized gain   698,620 
Gross unrealized loss   (441,145)
Net unrealized security gain  $257,475 

 

The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized gains (losses) is attributable to the tax treatment of other financial instruments.

 

28

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

6. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS  

 

Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) for the period ended June 30, 2019 were as follows:

 

U.S.
Government
Purchases*
  Non-U.S.
Government
Purchases
  U.S.
Government
Sales*
  Non-U.S.
Government
Sales
  $752,733  $40,159,090     $571,057    $5,249,691

 

* Includes U.S. Government sponsored enterprises securities.

 

7. DISCLOSURES ABOUT DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES  

 

The Fund entered into forward foreign currency exchange contracts during the period ended June 30, 2019 (as described in note 2(g)). A forward foreign currency exchange contract reduces the Fund’s exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will deliver (or settle in cash) and increases its exposure to changes in the value of the currency it will receive (or settle in cash) for the duration of the contract. The Fund’s use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts involves the risk that Lord Abbett will not accurately predict currency movements, and the Fund’s returns could be reduced as a result. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are subject to the risk that those currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar, or, in the case of hedged positions, that the U.S. dollar will decline relative to the currency being hedged. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time. The Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

The Fund entered into U.S. Treasury futures contracts during the period ended June 30, 2019 (as described in note 2(h)) to economically hedge against changes in interest rates. The Fund bears the risk of interest rates moving unexpectedly, in which case the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and realize a loss. There is minimal counterparty credit risk to the Fund since futures are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures, guarantees futures against default.

 

The Fund entered into credit default swaps for the period ended June 30, 2019 (as described in note 2(i)), to economically hedge credit risk. Credit default swaps involve the exchange of a fixed rate premium for protection against the loss in value of an underlying security in the event of a defined credit event, such as payment default or bankruptcy. Under a credit default swap one party acts as a guarantor by receiving the fixed periodic payment in exchange for the commitment to purchase the underlying security at par if the defined credit event occurs. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the contract. For the centrally cleared credit default swaps, there was minimal counterparty risk to the Fund, since such credit default swaps entered into were traded through a central clearinghouse, which guarantees against default.

 

29

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

As of June 30, 2019, the Fund had the following derivatives at fair value, grouped into risk categories that illustrate the Funds use of derivative instruments:

 

Asset Derivatives  Interest
Rate
Contracts
   Foreign
Currency
Contracts
   Credit
Contracts
 
Centrally Cleared Credit Default Swaps(1)            $67,691 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts(2)            $514     
Liability Derivatives               
Credit Default Swaps(3)          $127,088 
Futures Contracts(4)        $4,580         
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts(5)      $25,766     
   
(1) Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Includes cumulative unrealized appreciation/depreciation of centrally cleared swap contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(2) Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
(3) Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Credit default swap agreements payable, at fair value.
(4) Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Includes cumulative unrealized appreciation/depreciation of futures contracts as reported in the Schedule of Investments. Only the current day’s variation margin is reported within the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
(5) Statement of Assets and Liabilities location: Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

 

Transactions in derivative instruments for the period ended June 30, 2019, were as follows:

 

   Interest Rate
Contracts
   Foreign
Currency
Contracts
   Credit
Contracts
 
Net Realized Gain (Loss)               
Credit Default Swaps Contracts(1)          $40,236 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts(2)      $31,091     
Futures Contracts(3)  $(13,814)        
Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation               
Credit Default Swaps Contracts(4)          $110,924 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts(5)      $(25,252)    
Futures Contracts(6)  $(4,580)        
Average Number of Contracts/Notional Amounts*               
Credit Default Swaps Contracts(7)          $1,415,086 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts(7)      $1,167,164     
Futures Contracts(8)   1         
   
* Calculated based on the number of contracts or notional amounts for the period ended June 30, 2019.
(1) Statement of Operations location: Net realized gain on swap contracts.
(2) Statement of Operations location: Net realized gain on foreign currency exchange contracts.
(3) Statement of Operations location: Net realized loss on futures contracts.
(4) Statement of Operations location: Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts.
(5) Statement of Operations location: Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts.
(6) Statement of Operations location: Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on futures contracts.
(7) Amount represents notional amounts in U.S. dollars.
(8) Amount represents number of contracts.

 

30

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

8. DISCLOSURES ABOUT OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES  

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) requires disclosures intended to help better assess the effect or potential effect of offsetting arrangements on a fund’s financial position. The following tables illustrate gross and net information about recognized assets and liabilities eligible for offset in the statement of assets and liabilities; and disclose such amounts subject to an enforceable master netting agreement or similar agreement, by counterparty. A master netting agreement is an agreement between a fund and a counterparty which provides for the net settlement of amounts owed under all contracts traded under that agreement, as well as cash collateral, through a single payment by one party to the other in the event of default on or termination of any one contract. The Fund’s accounting policy with respect to balance sheet offsetting is that, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the master netting agreement does not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and liabilities in the statement of assets and liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty.

 

Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Assets Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts      $514   $      $514 
Repurchase Agreement   5,550,560        5,550,560 
Total  $5,551,074   $   $5,551,074 

 

   Net Amounts
of Assets
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
     
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Received(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Received(a)
   Net
Amount(b)
 
Barclays Bank plc     $485               $(485)  $     $   $ 
Fixed Income Clearing Corp.   5,550,560            (5,550,560)    
Morgan Stanley   29    (29)            
Total  $5,551,074   $(514)  $   $(5,550,560)  $ 

 

Description  Gross Amounts of
Recognized Liabilities
   Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Statement of Assets
and Liabilities
   Net Amounts of
Liabilities Presented
in the Statement of
Assets and Liabilities
 
Credit Default Swap Contracts         $127,088   $        $127,088 
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts   25,766        25,766 
Total  $152,854   $   $152,854 

 

31

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

   Net Amounts
of Liabilities
Presented in
   Amounts Not Offset in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
     
Counterparty  the Statement
of Assets and
Liabilities
   Financial
Instruments
   Cash
Collateral
Pledged(a)
   Securities
Collateral
Pledged(a)
   Net
Amount(c)
 
Bank of America         $128                 $   $   $          $128 
Barclays Bank plc   15,815    (485)           15,330 
Morgan Stanley   136,911    (29)           136,882 
Total  $152,854   $(514)  $   $   $152,340 
   
(a) Collateral disclosed is limited to an amount not to exceed 100% of the net amount of assets (liabilities) presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities, for each respective counterparty.
(b) Net amount represents the amount owed to the Fund by the counterparty as of June 30, 2019.
(c) Net amount represents the amount owed by the Fund to the counterparty as of June 30, 2019.

 

9. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION  

 

The Fund’s officers and one Trustee, who are associated with Lord Abbett, do not receive any compensation from the Fund for serving in such capacities. Independent Trustees’ fees are allocated among all Lord Abbett-sponsored funds based on the net assets of each fund. Such amounts and earnings accrued thereon are included in Trustees’ fees on the Statement of Operations and in Trustees’ fees payable on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities and are not deductible for U.S. federal income tax purposes until such amounts are paid.

 

10. EXPENSE REDUCTIONS  

 

The Fund has entered into an arrangement with its transfer agent and custodian, whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Fund’s expenses.

 

11. CUSTODIAN AND ACCOUNTING AGENT  

 

State Street Bank and Trust Company (“SSB”) is the Fund’s custodian and accounting agent. SSB performs custodial, accounting and recordkeeping functions relating to portfolio transactions and calculating the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”).

 

12. REPURCHASE OFFERS  

 

In order to provide liquidity to shareholders, the Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy to make quarterly offers to repurchase its outstanding Shares at NAV per share, reduced by any applicable repurchase fee. Subject to applicable law and approval of the Board, for each quarterly repurchase offer, the Fund currently expects to offer to repurchase 5% of the Fund’s outstanding Shares at NAV, which is the minimum amount permitted. The Fund made its initial repurchase offer in June 2019 and completed its initial repurchase in July 2019. The result of the repurchase offer is as follows:

 

Repurchase Commencement Date June 10, 2019
Repurchase Deadline Date July 10, 2019
Repurchase Pricing Date July 10, 2019
Amount Repurchased $30,412
Shares Repurchased 3,005

 

Repurchase offers and the need to fund repurchase obligations may affect the ability of the Fund to be fully invested or force the Fund to maintain a higher percentage of its assets in liquid investments, which may harm the Fund’s investment performance. Moreover, diminution in the size

 

32

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

of the Fund through repurchases may result in untimely sales of portfolio securities (with associated imputed transaction costs, which may be significant), may limit the ability of the Fund to participate in new investment opportunities or to achieve its investment objective and will tend to increase the Fund’s expense ratio per common share for remaining shareholders. The Fund may accumulate cash by holding back (i.e., not reinvesting) payments received in connection with the Fund’s investments. If at any time cash and other liquid assets held by the Fund are not sufficient to meet the Fund’s repurchase obligations, the Fund intends, if necessary, to sell investments. If the Fund employs investment leverage, repurchases of Shares would compound the adverse effects of leverage in a declining market. Also, if the Fund borrows to finance repurchases, interest on that borrowing will negatively affect shareholders who do not tender their Shares by increasing the Fund’s expenses and reducing any net investment income.

 

If a repurchase offer is oversubscribed, the Board may determine to increase the amount repurchased by up to 2% of the Fund’s outstanding shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline (as defined in the Fund’s Prospectus). In the event that the Board determines not to repurchase more than the repurchase offer amount, or if shareholders tender more than the repurchase offer amount plus 2% of the Fund’s outstanding shares as of the date of the Repurchase Request Deadline, the Fund will repurchase the Shares tendered on a pro rata basis, and shareholders will have to wait until the next repurchase offer to make another repurchase request. Consequently, shareholders may be unable to liquidate all or a given percentage of their investment in the Fund during a particular repurchase offer. Some shareholders, in anticipation of proration, may tender more Shares than they wish to have repurchased in a particular quarter, thereby increasing the likelihood that proration will occur. A shareholder may be subject to market and other risks, and the NAV of Shares tendered in a repurchase offer may decline between the Repurchase Request Deadline and the date on which the NAV for tendered Shares is determined. In addition, the repurchase of Shares by the Fund may be a taxable event to shareholders, potentially including even shareholders who do not tender any Shares in such repurchase.

 

13. INVESTMENT RISKS  

 

The Fund is subject to the general risks and considerations associated with investing in debt securities and to the changing prospects of individual companies and/or sectors in which the Fund invests. The value of an investment will change as interest rates fluctuate and in response to market movements. When interest rates rise, the prices of debt securities are likely to decline; when rates fall, such prices tend to rise. Longer-term debt securities are usually more sensitive to interest rate changes. There is also the risk that an issuer of a debt security will fail to make timely payments of principal or interest to the Fund, a risk that is greater with high-yield securities (sometimes called “lower-rated bonds” or “junk bonds”), in which the Fund may substantially invest. Some issuers, particularly of high-yield securities, may default as to principal and/or interest payments after the Fund purchases its securities. A default, or concerns in the market about an increase in the risk of default, may result in losses to the Fund. High-yield securities are subject to greater price fluctuations, as well as additional risks. The market for below investment grade securities may be less liquid, which may make such securities more difficult to sell at an acceptable price, especially during periods of financial distress, increased market volatility, or significant market decline.

 

The Fund is subject to the risk of investing in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies and instrumentalities (such as the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”)). Unlike Ginnie Mae securities, securities

 

33

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)

 

issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government-related organizations such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government and no assurance can be given that the U.S. Government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so by law. Consequently, the Fund may be required to look principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation.

 

The mortgage-related and asset-backed securities in which the Fund may invest may be particularly sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults. These changes can affect the value, income, and/or liquidity of such positions. When interest rates are declining, the value of these securities with prepayment features may not increase as much as other fixed income securities. Early principal repayment may deprive the Fund of income payments above current market rates. Alternatively, rising interest rates may cause prepayments to occur at a slower-than-expected rate, extending the duration of a security and typically reducing its value. The payment rate will thus affect the price and volatility of a mortgage-related security. In addition, the Fund may invest in non-agency asset backed and mortgage related securities, which are issued by private institutions, not by government-sponsored enterprises.

 

The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in equity securities, the value of which fluctuates in response to movements in the equity securities markets in general, the changing prospects of individual companies in which the Fund invests, or an individual company’s financial condition.

 

The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which have both equity and fixed income risk characteristics, including market, credit, liquidity, and interest rate risks. Generally, convertible securities offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality and less potential for gains or capital appreciation in a rising equity securities market than equity securities. They tend to be more volatile than other fixed income securities and the market for convertible securities may be less liquid than the markets for stocks or bonds. A significant portion of convertible securities have below investment grade credit ratings and are subject to increased credit and liquidity risks.

 

Due to the Fund’s investment exposure to foreign companies and American Depositary Receipts, the Fund may experience increased market, industry and sector, liquidity, currency, political, information, and other risks. The securities of foreign companies also may be subject to inadequate exchange control regulations, the imposition of economic sanctions or other government restrictions, higher transaction and other costs, and delays in settlement to the extent they are traded on non-U.S. exchanges or markets.

 

The Fund is subject to the risks associated with derivatives, which may be different from and greater than the risks associated with directly investing in securities. Derivatives may be subject to risks such as liquidity risk, leveraging risk, interest rate risk, market risk, and credit risk. Illiquid securities may lower the Fund’s returns since the Fund may be unable to sell these securities at their desired time or price. Derivatives also may involve the risk of mispricing or improper valuation and the risk that changes in the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with the value of the underlying asset, rate or index. Whether the Fund’s use of derivatives is successful will depend on, among other things, the Fund’s ability to correctly forecast market movements and other factors. Losses may also arise from the failure of a derivative counterparty to meet its contractual obligations. If the Fund incorrectly forecasts these and other factors, the Fund’s performance could suffer. The Fund’s use of derivatives could result in a loss exceeding the amount of the Fund’s investment in these instruments.

 

34

 

Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(concluded)

 

The Fund may invest in loans, which include, among other things, loans to U.S. or foreign corporations, partnerships, other business entities, or to U.S. and non-U.S. governments. The Fund may invest in fixed rate and variable rate loans and floating or adjustable rate loans, including bridge loans, novations, assignments, and participations, which are subject to increased credit and liquidity risks. The loans in which the Fund invests will usually be rated below investment grade or may also be unrated. Below investment grade loans, as in the case of high-yield debt securities, or junk bonds, are usually more credit sensitive than interest rate sensitive, although the value of these instruments may be impacted by broader interest rate swings in the overall fixed income market. The Fund may invest in debtor-in-possession financings (commonly known as “DIP financings”). DIP financings are arranged when an entity seeks the protections of the bankruptcy court under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Such financings constitute senior liens on unencumbered security (i.e., security not subject to other creditors’ claims).

 

These factors can affect the Fund’s performance.

 

14. SUMMARY OF CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS  

 

Transactions in shares of capital stock were as follows:

 

   For the period ended June 30, 2019* 
Institutional Class Shares  Shares   Amount 
Shares sold   4,251,311   $42,689,400 
Reinvestment of distributions   53,200    536,178 
Increase   4,304,511   $43,225,578 
   
* From February 15, 2019 to June 30, 2019

 

35

 

Householding

 

The Fund has adopted a policy that allows it to send only one copy of the Fund’s prospectus, proxy material, annual report and semiannual report to certain shareholders residing at the same “household.” This reduces Fund expenses, which benefits you and other shareholders. If you need additional copies or do not want your mailings to be “householded,” please call Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388 or send a written request with your name, the name of your fund or funds and your account number or numbers to Lord Abbett Family of Funds, P.O. Box 219336, Kansas City, MO 64121.

 

Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures and Records

 

A description of the policies and procedures that Lord Abbett uses to vote proxies related to the Fund’s portfolio securities, and information on how Lord Abbett voted the Fund’s proxies during the period ended June 30 are available without charge, upon request, (i) by calling 888-522-2388; (ii) on Lord Abbett’s Website at www.lordabbett.com; and (iii) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) Website at www.sec.gov.

 

Shareholder Reports and Quarterly Portfolio Disclosure

 

The Fund is required to file its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for its first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Copies of the filings are available without charge, upon request on the SEC’s Website at www.sec.gov and may be available by calling Lord Abbett at 888-522-2388.

 

36

 

 

 

 

This report, when not used for the general information of shareholders of the Fund, is to be distributed only if preceded or accompanied by a current fund prospectus.        
         
Lord Abbett mutual fund shares are distributed by
LORD ABBETT DISTRIBUTOR LLC.
  Lord Abbett Credit Opportunities Fund, Inc.   LA-CROPP-3
(08/19)
 

Item 2: Code of Ethics.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 3: Audit Committee Financial Expert.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 4: Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 5: Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 6: Schedule of Investments.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 7: Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 8: Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
  Not applicable.
   
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)Based on their evaluation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures are reasonably designed and effective to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them by others within those entities.

 

(b)There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12: Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
  Not applicable.
   
Item 13: Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1) Code of Ethics. Not applicable.
     
  (a)(2) Certification of each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant as required by Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 is attached hereto as a part of EX-99.CERT.
     
  (a)(3) None.
     
  (a)(4) There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by the report.
   

  (b) Certification of each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Registrant as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is provided as a part of EX-99.906CERT.
   

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  LORD ABBETT CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND  
         
    By: /s/ Douglas B. Sieg  
      Douglas B. Sieg  
      President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

Date: August 29, 2019

   

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  LORD ABBETT CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND  
         
    By: /s/ Bernard J. Grzelak  
      Bernard J. Grzelak  
      Chief Financial Officer and Vice President  

 

Date: August 29, 2019

   

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/ Douglas B. Sieg  
      Douglas B. Sieg  
      President and Chief Executive Officer  

 

Date: August 29, 2019

 

    By: /s/ Bernard J. Grzelak  
      Bernard J. Grzelak  
      Chief Financial Officer and Vice President  

 

Date: August 29, 2019