N-CSRS 1 mimgf3550961-ncsrs.htm CERTIFIED SEMI-ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT

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:       811-04304
 
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: Delaware Group® Government Fund
 
Address of principal executive offices: 2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
 
Name and address of agent for service: David F. Connor, Esq.
2005 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 523-1918
 
Date of fiscal year end: July 31
 
Date of reporting period:   January 31, 2019


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders

Table of Contents

LOGO

      Fixed income mutual fund

      Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

      January 31, 2019

 

Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund’s prospectus and its summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting delawarefunds.com/literature or calling 800 523-1918. Investors should read the prospectus and the summary prospectus carefully before investing.

You can obtain shareholder reports and prospectuses online instead of in the mail.

Visit delawarefunds.com/edelivery.

 

LOGO


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Experience Delaware Funds® by Macquarie

Macquarie Investment Management (MIM) is a global asset manager with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. We are active managers who prioritize autonomy and accountability at the investment team level in pursuit of opportunities that matter for our clients. Delaware Funds is one of the longest-standing mutual fund families, with more than 75 years in existence.

If you are interested in learning more about creating an investment plan, contact your financial advisor.

You can learn more about Delaware Funds or obtain a prospectus for Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund at delawarefunds.com/literature.

 

Manage your account online

 

·   Check your account balance and transactions

 

·   View statements and tax forms

 

·   Make purchases and redemptions

Visit delawarefunds.com/account-access.

Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) offers a diverse range of products including securities investment management, infrastructure and real asset management, and fund and equity-based structured products. MIM is the marketing name for certain companies comprising the asset management division of Macquarie Group. This includes the following registered investment advisers: Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT), Macquarie Funds Management Hong Kong Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG, Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Europe Limited, and Macquarie Capital Investment Management LLC.

The Fund is distributed by Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP), an affiliate of MIMBT and Macquarie Group Limited.

Other than Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL), none of the entities noted are authorized deposit-taking institutions for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of MBL. MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities, unless noted otherwise. The Fund is governed by US laws and regulations.

Table of contents

 

Disclosure of Fund expenses

     1  

Security type / country and sector allocation

     3  

Schedule of investments

     5  

Statement of assets and liabilities

     14  

Statement of operations

     16  

Statements of changes in net assets

     18  

Financial highlights

     20  

Notes to financial statements

     28  

Other Fund information

     45  

About the organization

     49  

Unless otherwise noted, views expressed herein are current as of Jan. 31, 2019, and subject to change for events occurring after such date.

The Fund is not FDIC insured and is not guaranteed. It is possible to lose the principal amount invested.

Advisory services provided by Delaware Management Company, a series of MIMBT, a US registered investment advisor.

All third-party marks cited are the property of their respective owners.

© 2019 Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc.

 


Table of Contents

Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the six-month period August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. 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 six-month period from Aug. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The first section of the table shown, “Actual Fund return,” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section of the table, 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 section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The second section of the table shown, “Hypothetical 5% return,” 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.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section 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 these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The Fund’s expenses shown in the table reflect fee waivers in effect. The Fund’s expenses shown in the table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.

 

1


Table of Contents

Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the six-month period August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Expense analysis of an investment of $1,000

 

     

Beginning

 

Account Value

 

8/1/18

    

Ending

 

Account Value

 

1/31/19

    

Annualized

 

Expense Ratio

   

Expenses

 

Paid During Period

 

8/1/18 to 1/31/19*

 

 

Actual Fund return

          

Class A

     $1,000.00        $1,023.80        1.04%       $5.31  

Class C

     1,000.00        1,019.60        1.79%         9.11  

Class R

     1,000.00        1,025.30        0.79%         4.03  

Institutional Class

     1,000.00        1,024.00        0.79%         4.03  

 

Hypothetical 5% return (5% return before expenses)

          

Class A

     $1,000.00        $1,019.96        1.04%       $5.30  

Class C

     1,000.00        1,016.18        1.79%         9.10  

Class R

     1,000.00        1,021.22        0.79%         4.02  

Institutional Class

     1,000.00        1,021.22        0.79%         4.02  

*“Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

Because actual returns reflect only the most recent six-month period, the returns shown may differ significantly from fiscal year returns.

 

2


Table of Contents
Security type / country and sector allocation
Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund    As of January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other fund materials. The sector designations may represent the investment manager’s internal sector classifications.

 

Security type / country

 

  

        Percentage of net assets        

 

Corporate Bonds by Country

       72.85 %

Argentina

       3.25 %

Australia

       1.33 %

Bahrain

       1.09 %

Brazil

       12.15 %

Chile

       4.45 %

China

       4.52 %

Dominican Republic

       0.93 %

Georgia

       0.88 %

Ghana

       1.07 %

Guatemala

       0.92 %

Hong Kong

       1.19 %

India

       1.67 %

Indonesia

       0.86 %

Israel

       3.02 %

Jamaica

       0.39 %

Kazakhstan

       1.82 %

Kuwait

       1.11 %

Macau

       0.99 %

Mexico

       7.59 %

Morocco

       0.87 %

Netherlands

       0.96 %

Panama

       0.89 %

Peru

       0.84 %

Republic of Korea

       1.78 %

Russia

       3.04 %

Singapore

       1.12 %

South Africa

       4.58 %

Spain

       0.79 %

Turkey

       3.51 %

Ukraine

       2.64 %

United Arab Emirates

       0.90 %

Zambia

       1.70 %

Loan Agreement

       1.37 %

Regional Bonds

       1.12 %

Sovereign Bonds by Country

       16.48 %

Argentina

       0.56 %

Bermuda

       0.87 %

Dominican Republic

       1.50 %

 

3


Table of Contents

Security type / country and sector allocation

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

Security type / country

 

  

Percentage of net assets        

 

Egypt

       0.87 %

Ivory Coast

       0.80 %

Jordan

       1.10 %

Mongolia

       0.89 %

Nigeria

       1.98 %

Peru

       0.55 %

Saudi Arabia

       0.91 %

Senegal

       1.00 %

South Africa

       1.02 %

Turkey

       1.94 %

Ukraine

       1.69 %

Uruguay

       0.80 %

Supranational Banks

       2.65 %

Options Purchased

       0.01 %

Short-Term Investments

       4.91 %

Total Value of Securities

       99.39 %

Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities

       0.61 %

Total Net Assets

       100.00 %

Corporate bonds by sector

 

  

Percentage of net assets        

 

Banking

       15.68 %

Basic Industry

       18.29 %

Capital Goods

       0.88 %

Communications

       4.02 %

Consumer Cyclical

       3.69 %

Consumer Non-Cyclical

       8.93 %

Electric

       7.62 %

Energy

       12.87 %

Utilities

       0.87 %

Total

       72.85 %

 

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Table of Contents
Schedule of investments
Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund    January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)  
     

Corporate Bonds – 72.85%D

                 

Argentina – 3.25%

     

Rio Energy 144A 6.875% 2/1/25 #

     225,000      $             180,563  

Tecpetrol 144A 4.875% 12/12/22 #

     335,000        316,575  

Transportadora de Gas del Sur 144A 6.75% 5/2/25 #

     170,000        159,341  

YPF 144A 51.729% (BADLARPP + 4.00%) 7/7/20 #

     170,000        72,250  
     

 

 

 
        728,729  
     

 

 

 

Australia – 1.33%

     

Adani Abbot Point Terminal 144A 4.45% 12/15/22 #

     340,000        298,579  
     

 

 

 
        298,579  
     

 

 

 

Bahrain – 1.09%

     

Oil and Gas Holding 144A 7.625% 11/7/24 #

     230,000        244,771  
     

 

 

 
        244,771  
     

 

 

 

Brazil – 12.15%

     

Aegea Finance 144A 5.75% 10/10/24 #

     200,000        195,000  

Banco do Brasil 144A 4.875% 4/19/23 #

     315,000        318,937  

Braskem Netherlands Finance 144A 4.50% 1/10/28 #

     315,000        307,912  

Cemig Geracao e Transmissao 144A 9.25% 12/5/24 #

     270,000        295,646  

CSN Resources 144A 7.625% 2/13/23 #

     205,000        201,669  

JBS Investments 144A 7.25% 4/3/24 #

     200,000        207,564  

JBS USA LUX 144A 6.75% 2/15/28 #

     120,000        123,000  

Marfrig Holdings Europe 144A 8.00% 6/8/23 #

     200,000        207,392  

Petrobras Global Finance

     

7.25% 3/17/44

     105,000        110,880  

7.375% 1/17/27

     130,000        141,635  

Rede D’or Finance 144A 4.95% 1/17/28 #

     200,000        188,100  

Suzano Austria

     

144A 6.00% 1/15/29 #

     200,000        210,300  

144A 7.00% 3/16/47 #

     200,000        217,400  
     

 

 

 
        2,725,435  
     

 

 

 

Chile – 4.45%

     

AES Gener 144A 8.375% 12/18/73 #µ

     200,000        204,900  

Banco de Credito e Inversiones 144A 3.50% 10/12/27 #

     200,000        188,525  

Engie Energia Chile 144A 4.50% 1/29/25 #

     200,000        202,534  

Geopark 144A 6.50% 9/21/24 #

     200,000        194,250  

VTR Finance 144A 6.875% 1/15/24 #

     200,000        206,730  
     

 

 

 
        996,939  
     

 

 

 

China – 4.52%

     

Baidu 4.375% 3/29/28

     215,000        215,346  

Bank of China 144A 5.00% 11/13/24 #

     205,000        213,736  

BOC Aviation 144A 2.375% 9/15/21 #

     200,000        193,356  

JD.com 3.125% 4/29/21

     200,000        195,660  

Tencent Holdings 144A 2.985% 1/19/23 #

     200,000        195,933  
     

 

 

 
        1,014,031  
     

 

 

 

 

5


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)  
     

Corporate BondsD (continued)

                 

Dominican Republic – 0.93%

     

AES Andres 144A 7.95% 5/11/26 #

     200,000      $             208,400  
     

 

 

 
        208,400  
     

 

 

 

Georgia – 0.88%

     

Bank of Georgia 144A 6.00% 7/26/23 #

     200,000        197,864  
     

 

 

 
        197,864  
     

 

 

 

Ghana – 1.07%

     

Tullow Oil 144A 7.00% 3/1/25 #

     245,000        239,859  
     

 

 

 
        239,859  
     

 

 

 

Guatemala – 0.92%

     

Comunicaciones Celulares via Comcel Trust 144A 6.875% 2/6/24 #

     200,000        207,294  
     

 

 

 
        207,294  
     

 

 

 

Hong Kong – 1.19%

     

CK Hutchison International 17 144A 2.875% 4/5/22 #

     270,000        266,081  
     

 

 

 
        266,081  
     

 

 

 

India – 1.67%

     

ICICI Bank 144A 4.00% 3/18/26 #

     200,000        191,954  

Vedanta Resources 144A 6.125% 8/9/24 #

     200,000        182,431  
     

 

 

 
        374,385  
     

 

 

 

Indonesia – 0.86%

     

Perusahaan Listrik Negara 144A 5.25% 5/15/47 #

     200,000        192,348  
     

 

 

 
        192,348  
     

 

 

 

Israel – 3.02%

     

Israel Chemicals 144A 6.375% 5/31/38 #

     250,000        257,611  

Israel Electric 144A 5.00% 11/12/24 #

     200,000        210,600  

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III 6.75% 3/1/28

     200,000        208,235  
     

 

 

 
        676,446  
     

 

 

 

Jamaica – 0.39%

     

Digicel Group Two 144A PIK 9.125% 4/1/24 # LOGO

     200,000        88,000  
     

 

 

 
        88,000  
     

 

 

 

Kazakhstan – 1.82%

     

KazMunayGas National JSC 144A 6.375% 10/24/48 #

     200,000        214,220  

KazTransGas JSC 144A 4.375% 9/26/27 #

     200,000        193,459  
     

 

 

 
        407,679  
     

 

 

 

Kuwait – 1.11%

     

Equate Petrochemical 144A 3.00% 3/3/22 #

     255,000        249,533  
     

 

 

 
        249,533  
     

 

 

 

Macau – 0.99%

     

Sands China 5.125% 8/8/25

     220,000        221,457  
     

 

 

 
        221,457  
     

 

 

 

 

6


Table of Contents

    

    

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)  
     

Corporate BondsD (continued)

                 

Mexico – 7.59%

     

Banco Santander Mexico

     

144A 4.125% 11/9/22 #

     150,000      $             149,137  

144A 5.95% 10/1/28 #µ

     205,000        209,049  

BBVA Bancomer 144A 5.125% 1/18/33 #µ

     200,000        181,250  

Credito Real 144A 9.50% 2/7/26 #

     220,000        220,000  

Cydsa 144A 6.25% 10/4/27 #

     200,000        185,500  

Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua 144A 5.25% 6/23/24 #

     200,000        198,000  

Infraestructura Energetica Nova 144A 4.875% 1/14/48 #

     240,000        198,300  

Mexichem 144A 5.50% 1/15/48 #

     220,000        198,550  

Petroleos Mexicanos 6.75% 9/21/47

     185,000        161,692  
     

 

 

 
        1,701,478  
     

 

 

 

Morocco – 0.87%

     

OCP 144A 4.50% 10/22/25 #

     200,000        196,369  
     

 

 

 
        196,369  
     

 

 

 

Netherlands – 0.96%

     

Syngenta Finance 144A 5.182% 4/24/28 #

     225,000        214,725  
     

 

 

 
        214,725  
     

 

 

 

Panama – 0.89%

     

C&W Senior Financing 144A 7.50% 10/15/26 #

     200,000        199,062  
     

 

 

 
        199,062  
     

 

 

 

Peru – 0.84%

     

Kallpa Generacion 144A 4.125% 8/16/27 #

     200,000        188,750  
     

 

 

 
        188,750  
     

 

 

 

Republic of Korea – 1.78%

     

Kookmin Bank 144A 2.875% 3/25/23 #

     200,000        195,523  

Woori Bank 144A 4.75% 4/30/24 #

     200,000        204,118  
     

 

 

 
        399,641  
     

 

 

 

Russia – 3.04%

     

Gazprom OAO via Gaz Capital 144A 4.95% 3/23/27 #

     260,000        255,093  

Novolipetsk Steel via Steel Funding DAC 144A 4.00% 9/21/24 #

     200,000        190,385  

Phosagro OAO via Phosagro Bond Funding DAC 144A 3.95% 11/3/21 #

     240,000        235,260  
     

 

 

 
        680,738  
     

 

 

 

Singapore – 1.12%

     

DBS Group Holdings 144A 4.52% 12/11/28 #µ

     245,000        251,050  
     

 

 

 
        251,050  
     

 

 

 

South Africa – 4.58%

     

Eskom Holdings SOC 144A 6.35% 8/10/28 #

     200,000        205,376  

Growthpoint Properties International 144A 5.872% 5/2/23 #

     200,000        203,452  

Myriad International Holdings 144A 4.85% 7/6/27 #

     200,000        199,660  

 

7


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)  
     

Corporate BondsD (continued)

                 

South Africa (continued)

     

SASOL Financing USA

     

5.875% 3/27/24

     200,000      $             206,545  

6.50% 9/27/28

     200,000        211,550  
     

 

 

 
        1,026,583  
     

 

 

 

Spain – 0.79%

     

Atento Luxco 1 144A 6.125% 8/10/22 #

     180,000        176,850  
     

 

 

 
        176,850  
     

 

 

 

Turkey – 3.51%

     

Akbank T.A.S. 144A 7.20% 3/16/27 #µ

     205,000        187,643  

Petkim Petrokimya Holding 144A 5.875% 1/26/23 #

     200,000        189,704  

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi 144A 6.25% 4/20/21 #

     210,000        211,639  

Turkiye Is Bankasi 144A 7.00% 6/29/28 #µ

     240,000        197,401  
     

 

 

 
        786,387  
     

 

 

 

Ukraine – 2.64%

     

Kernel Holding 144A 8.75% 1/31/22 #

     220,000        218,953  

MHP 144A 7.75% 5/10/24 #

     200,000        192,988  

MHP LUX 144A 6.95% 4/3/26 #

     200,000        180,000  
     

 

 

 
        591,941  
     

 

 

 

United Arab Emirates – 0.90%

     

Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline 144A 4.60% 11/2/47 #

     200,000        202,878  
     

 

 

 
        202,878  
     

 

 

 

Zambia – 1.70%

     

First Quantum Minerals

     

144A 7.25% 4/1/23 #

     200,000        192,252  

144A 7.50% 4/1/25 #

     200,000        188,250  
     

 

 

 
        380,502  
     

 

 

 

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $16,645,150)

        16,334,784  
     

 

 

 
     
     

Loan Agreement – 1.37%

                 

Republic of Angola 9.126% (LIBOR06M + 6.25%) 12/16/23 =

     318,750        307,594  
     

 

 

 

Total Loan Agreement (cost $318,750)

        307,594  
     

 

 

 
     
     

Regional Bonds – 1.12%D

                 

Argentina – 1.12%

     

Provincia de Cordoba

     

144A 7.125% 8/1/27 #

     155,000        122,063  

144A 7.45% 9/1/24 #

     150,000        128,625  
     

 

 

 

Total Regional Bonds (cost $315,047)

        250,688  
     

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

    

    

 

            Principal amount°      Value (US $)  
       

Sovereign Bonds – 16.48%D

                          

 

Argentina – 0.56%

        

Argentine Bonos del Tesoro 16.00% 10/17/23

     ARS        467,000      $             11,797  

Argentine Republic Government International Bond 5.625% 1/26/22

        125,000        113,783  
        

 

 

 
           125,580  
        

 

 

 

Bermuda – 0.87%

        

Bermuda Government International Bond 144A 3.717% 1/25/27 #

        200,000        195,172  
        

 

 

 
           195,172  
        

 

 

 

Dominican Republic – 1.50%

        

Dominican Republic International Bond 144A 6.00% 7/19/28 #

        325,000        335,969  
        

 

 

 
           335,969  
        

 

 

 

Egypt – 0.87%

        

Egypt Government International Bond 144A 5.577% 2/21/23 #

        200,000        194,484  
        

 

 

 
           194,484  
        

 

 

 

Ivory Coast – 0.80%

        

Ivory Coast Government International Bond 144A 6.125% 6/15/33 #

        200,000        179,104  
        

 

 

 
           179,104  
        

 

 

 

Jordan – 1.10%

        

Jordan Government International Bond 144A 5.75% 1/31/27 #

        255,000        247,063  
        

 

 

 
           247,063  
        

 

 

 

Mongolia – 0.89%

        

Development Bank of Mongolia 144A 7.25% 10/23/23 #

        200,000        200,400  
        

 

 

 
           200,400  
        

 

 

 

Nigeria – 1.98%

        

Nigeria Government International Bond

        

144A 7.875% 2/16/32 #

        200,000        199,220  

144A 9.248% 1/21/49 #

        230,000        244,133  
        

 

 

 
           443,353  
        

 

 

 

Peru – 0.55%

        

Peru Government Bond 144A 6.15% 8/12/32 #

     PEN        406,000        124,227  
        

 

 

 
           124,227  
        

 

 

 

Saudi Arabia – 0.91%

        

Saudi Government International Bond 144A 4.375% 4/16/29 #

        200,000        204,049  
        

 

 

 
           204,049  
        

 

 

 

 

9


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

    

 

            Principal amount°             Value (US $)  
         

Sovereign BondsD (continued)

                                   

Senegal – 1.00%

           

Senegal Government International Bond 144A 6.75% 3/13/48 #

        250,000         $             223,345  
           

 

 

 
              223,345  
           

 

 

 

South Africa – 1.02%

           

Republic of South Africa Government Bond 8.75% 1/31/44

     ZAR        3,301,000           228,187  
           

 

 

 
              228,187  
           

 

 

 

Turkey – 1.94%

           

Turkey Government Bond 8.00% 3/12/25

     TRY        1,542,000           223,839  

Turkey Government International Bond 7.625% 4/26/29

        200,000           210,460  
           

 

 

 
              434,299  
           

 

 

 

Ukraine – 1.69%

           

Ukraine Government International Bond

           

144A 7.75% 9/1/26 #

        200,000           182,325  

144A 8.994% 2/1/24 #

        200,000           197,296  
           

 

 

 
              379,621  
           

 

 

 

Uruguay – 0.80%

           

Uruguay Government International Bond 4.375% 1/23/31

        175,000           179,244  
           

 

 

 
              179,244  
           

 

 

 

Total Sovereign Bonds (cost $3,752,597)

              3,694,097  
           

 

 

 
           
         

Supranational Banks – 2.65%

                                   

Arab Petroleum Investments 144A 4.125% 9/18/23 #

        200,000           203,220  

Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement 144A 5.00% 7/27/27 #

        240,000           235,860  

Inter-American Development Bank

           

6.25% 6/15/21

     IDR        300,000,000           20,670  

7.875% 3/14/23

     IDR        1,870,000,000           134,959  
           

 

 

 

Total Supranational Banks (cost $607,147)

              594,709  
           

 

 

 
            Number of contracts                
         

Options Purchased – 0.01%

                                   

Currency Put Options – 0.01%

           

USD vs CLP strike price CLP 650, expiration date 2/4/19, notional amount CLP 2,407,600,000 (CITI)

        3,704,000           2,915  
           

 

 

 

Total Options Purchased (cost $24,539)

              2,915  
           

 

 

 

 

10


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)  
     

Short-Term Investments – 4.91%

                 

 

Discount Note – 1.35%

     

Federal Home Loan Bank 0.00% 2/1/19

     304,272      $             304,272  
     

 

 

 
        304,272  
     

 

 

 

Repurchase Agreements – 3.56%

     

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2.55%, dated 1/31/19, to be repurchased on 2/1/19, repurchase price $96,601 (collateralized by US government obligations 2.125% 12/31/22; market value $98,526)

     96,594        96,594  

Bank of Montreal 2.43%, dated 1/31/19, to be repurchased on 2/1/19, repurchase price $265,653 (collateralized by US government obligations 0.00%–4.375% 3/28/19–2/15/48; market value $270,947)

     265,635        265,635  

BNP Paribas 2.55%, dated 1/31/19, to be repurchased on 2/1/19, repurchase price $435,549 (collateralized by US government obligations 0.00%–4.375% 3/7/19–8/15/47; market value $444,228)

     435,518        435,518  
     

 

 

 
        797,747  
     

 

 

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $1,102,019)

        1,102,019  
     

 

 

 

Total Value of Securities – 99.39%
(cost $22,765,249)

      $ 22,286,806  
     

 

 

 

 

#

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At Jan. 31, 2019, the aggregate value of Rule 144A securities was $18,078,339, which represents 80.63% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 9 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

LOGO

PIK. 100% of the income received was in the form of both cash and par.

 

=

The value of this security was determined using significant unobservable inputs and is reported as a Level 3 security in the disclosure table located in Note 3 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

The rate shown is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

 

°

Principal amount shown is stated in USD unless noted that the security is denominated in another currency.

 

D

Securities have been classified by country of origin. Aggregate classification by business sector has been presented on page 3 in “Security type / country and sector allocation.”

 

m

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at Jan. 31, 2019. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

Variable rate investment. Rates reset periodically. Rate shown reflects the rate in effect at Jan. 31, 2019. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread are indicated in their description above. The reference rate descriptions (i.e. LIBOR03M, LIBOR06M, etc.) used in this report are identical for different securities, but the underlying reference

 

11


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

rates may differ due to the timing of the reset period. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions, or for mortgage-backed securities, are impacted by the individual mortgages which are paying off over time. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

The following foreign currency exchange contracts and futures contracts were outstanding at Jan. 31, 2019:1

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Counterparty

   Contracts to
Receive (Deliver)
            In Exchange For            Settlement
Date
            Unrealized
Appreciation
 

CITI

     COP        706,330,000           USD        (221,893        3/1/19         $         5,332  

UBS

     CLP        161,700,175           USD        (238,390        2/28/19           8,202  
                         

 

 

 

Total Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

      $ 13,534  
                         

 

 

 

Futures Contract

 

        Contracts to Buy (Sell)                

   Notional
    Amount    
    Notional
Cost
  (Proceeds)  
    Expiration
      Date       
     Value/
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Variation
Margin
Due from
(Due to)
      Brokers      
 

(3)       US Treasury Long Bonds

   $ (440,062   $ (428,429     3/20/19      $ (11,633   $ (3,000

The use of foreign currency exchange contracts and futures contracts involve elements of market risk and risks in excess of the amounts disclosed in these financial statements. The foreign currency exchange contracts and notional amounts presented above represent the Fund’s total exposure in such contracts, whereas only the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is reflected in the Fund’s net assets.

1See Note 6 in “Notes to financial statements.”

Summary of abbreviations:

ARS – Argentine Peso

BADLARPP – Argentina Term Deposit Rate

CITI – Citibank, N.A.

CLP – Chilean Peso

COP – Colombian Peso

DAC – Designated Activity Company

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah

JSC – Joint Stock Company

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate

LIBOR03M – ICE LIBOR USD 3 Month

LIBOR06M – ICE LIBOR USD 6 Month

PEN – Peruvian Sol

 

12


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

Summary of abbreviations (continued):

PIK – Payment-in-kind

TRY – Turkish Lira

USD – US Dollar

ZAR – South African Rand

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

13


Table of Contents

Statement of assets and liabilities

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund    January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

    

 

Assets:

  

Investments, at value1

   $ 22,283,891  

Options purchased, at value2

     2,915  

Interest receivable

     322,245  

Cash

     28,984  

Cash collateral due from broker

     10,000  

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

     13,534  

Foreign currencies, at value3

     21,564  

Receivable from investment manager

     6,827  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     22,689,960  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Payable for securities purchased

     220,000  

Audit and tax fees payable

     24,415  

Other accrued expenses

     10,147  

Reports and statements to shareholders expenses payable

     9,048  

Variation margin due to broker on futures contracts

     3,000  

Accounting and administration expenses payable to affiliates

     412  

Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses payable to affiliates

     190  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable to affiliates

     91  

Distribution fees payable to affiliates

     66  

Legal fees payable to affiliates

     27  

Reports and statements to shareholders expenses payable to affiliates

     21  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     267,417  
  

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 22,422,543  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 23,137,453  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (714,910
  

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 22,422,543  
  

 

 

 

 

14


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

Class A:

  

Net assets

   $ 137,316  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     16,730  

Net asset value per share

   $ 8.21  

Sales charge

     4.50

Offering price per share, equal to net asset value per share / (1 – sales charge)

   $ 8.60  

Class C:

  

Net assets

   $ 44,774  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     5,455  

Net asset value per share

   $ 8.21  

Class R:

  

Net assets

   $ 2,529  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     308  

Net asset value per share

   $ 8.21  

Institutional Class:

  

Net assets

   $ 22,237,924  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     2,707,419  

Net asset value per share

   $ 8.21  

 

  
1 Investments, at cost    $ 22,740,710  

2 Options purchased, at cost

     24,539  

3 Foreign currencies, at cost

     20,816  

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

15


Table of Contents

Statement of operations

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund    Six months ended January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

    

 

Investment Income:

  

Interest

   $ 685,287  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Management fees

     81,299  

Distribution expenses — Class A

     151  

Distribution expenses — Class C

     360  

Distribution expenses — Class R

     6  

Registration fees

     27,813  

Audit and tax fees

     25,477  

Accounting and administration expenses

     22,398  

Reports and statements to shareholders expenses

     12,641  

Legal fees

     6,818  

Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses

     1,797  

Custodian fees

     1,615  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     560  

Other

     7,728  
  

 

 

 
     188,663  

Less expenses waived

     (102,449

Less waived distribution expenses — Class R

     (6

Less expense paid indirectly

     (65
  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     86,143  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     599,144  
  

 

 

 

 

16


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investments

   $ (259,987

Foreign currencies

     (40,889

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     (14,814

Futures contracts

     20,107  

Options purchased

     (55,113
  

 

 

 

Net realized loss

     (350,696
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     309,587  

Foreign currencies

     4,593  

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     13,831  

Futures contracts

     (9,552

Options purchased

     (20,849
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     297,610  
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss

     (53,086 ) 
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ 546,058  
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

  

 

17


Table of Contents

Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

 

    

 

    

Six months

ended

1/31/19

(Unaudited)

   

Year ended

7/31/18

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

    

Net investment income

   $                 599,144     $                 1,059,983  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (350,696     345,018  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     297,610       (1,376,362
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

     546,058       28,639  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:

    

Distributable earnings*:

    

Class A

     (3,571     (2,411

Class C

     (1,654     (4,133

Class R

     (75     (154

Institutional Class

     (660,158     (1,344,940
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (665,458     (1,351,638
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

    

Proceeds from shares sold:

    

Class A

     75,792       92,140  

Class C

     1,402       58,822  

Institutional Class

     95,322       126,314  

Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

    

Class A

     3,570       2,411  

Class C

     1,654       4,133  

Class R

     74       154  

Institutional Class

     659,689       1,341,785  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     837,503       1,625,759  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

18


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

    

Six months

ended

1/31/19

(Unaudited)

   

Year ended

7/31/18

 

Capital Share Transactions (continued):

    

Cost of shares redeemed:

    

Class A

   $                 (32   $                 (61,604

Class C

     (38,686     (38,549

Institutional Class

     (80,484     (30,869
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (119,202     (131,022
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions

     718,301       1,494,737  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets

     598,901       171,738  

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of period

     21,823,642       21,651,904  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period1

   $ 22,422,543     $ 21,823,642  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

1 

Net Assets – End of year includes undistributed net investment income of $36,706 in 2018. The Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income in 2018.

 

*

For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund has adopted amendments to Regulation S-X (see Note 11 in “Notes to financial statements”). For the year ended July 31, 2018, the dividends and distributions to shareholders were as follows:

 

     Class A     Class C     Class R     Institutional
Class
 

 

Dividends from net investment income

   $ (1,956   $ (2,926   $ (118   $ (1,027,398

Distributions from net realized gain

     (455     (1,207     (36     (317,542

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

19


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund Class A

    

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income3

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return4

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

3 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

4 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and/or distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

20


Table of Contents

 

 

       Six months ended               9/30/132
          1/31/191   Year ended   to
        (Unaudited)   7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
     $ 8.26       $ 8.77       $ 8.48       $ 8.21       $ 8.84       $ 8.50  
       0.21         0.39         0.37         0.36         0.37         0.32  
       (0.02       (0.39       0.29         0.24         (0.61       0.34  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       0.19                 0.66         0.60         (0.24       0.66  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.19 )       (0.38 )       (0.37 )       (0.33 )       (0.30 )       (0.32 )
       (0.05       (0.13                       (0.09        
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.24 )       (0.51 )       (0.37 )       (0.33 )       (0.39 )       (0.32 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ 8.21       $ 8.26       $ 8.77       $ 8.48       $ 8.21       $ 8.84  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       2.38%         (0.10%       8.03%         7.62%         (2.65%       7.86%  
     $ 137       $ 57       $ 27       $ 3       $ 2       $ 2  
       1.04%         1.16%         1.22%         1.01%         1.08%         1.31%  
       1.04%         1.16%         1.22%         1.03%         1.14%         1.50%  
       1.99%         1.90%         1.91%         2.04%         2.03%         2.48%  
       5.28%         4.57%         4.30%         4.44%         4.46%         4.66%  
       5.28%         4.57%         4.30%         4.42%         4.40%         4.47%  
       4.33%         3.83%         3.61%         3.41%         3.51%         3.49%  
       31%         108%         154%         232%         288%         152%  

    

                                                            

 

21


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund Class C

 

    

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income3

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return4

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

3 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

4 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and/or distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

22


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

       Six months ended               9/30/132
       1/31/191   Year ended   to
          (Unaudited)   7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
     $ 8.26       $ 8.77       $ 8.48       $ 8.22       $ 8.84       $ 8.50  
       0.18         0.33         0.32         0.36         0.37         0.27  
       (0.03       (0.39       0.32         0.23         (0.60       0.33  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       0.15         (0.06       0.64         0.59         (0.23       0.60  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.15       (0.32       (0.35       (0.33       (0.30       (0.26
       (0.05       (0.13                       (0.09        
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.20       (0.45       (0.35       (0.33       (0.39)         (0.26
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ 8.21       $ 8.26       $ 8.77       $ 8.48       $ 8.22       $ 8.84  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       1.96%         (0.84%       7.74%         7.49%         (2.53%       7.22%  
     $ 45       $ 82       $ 63       $ 2       $ 2       $ 2  
       1.79%         1.91%         1.81%         1.01%         1.08%         2.03%  
       1.79%         1.91%         1.81%         1.03%         1.14%         2.22%  
       2.74%         2.65%         2.66%         2.79%         2.78%         3.20%  
       4.53%         3.82%         3.71%         4.44%         4.46%         3.94%  
       4.53%         3.82%         3.71%         4.42%         4.40%         3.75%  
       3.58%         3.08%         2.86%         2.66%         2.76%         2.77%  
       31%         108%         154%         232%         288%         152%  
                                                              

 

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Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund Class R

 

    

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income3

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return4

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

3 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

4 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and/or distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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       Six months ended               9/30/132
       1/31/191   Year ended   to
          (Unaudited)   7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
     $ 8.26       $ 8.77       $ 8.48       $ 8.22       $ 8.84       $ 8.50  
       0.22         0.42         0.39         0.36         0.37         0.31  
       (0.02       (0.39       0.28         0.23         (0.60       0.33  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       0.20         0.03         0.67         0.59         (0.23       0.64  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.20       (0.41       (0.38       (0.33       (0.30       (0.30
       (0.05       (0.13                       (0.09        
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.25       (0.54       (0.38       (0.33       (0.39       (0.30
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ 8.21       $ 8.26       $ 8.77       $ 8.48       $ 8.22       $ 8.84  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       2.53%         0.16%         8.13%         7.49%         (2.53%       7.64%  
     $ 3       $ 2       $ 2       $ 2       $ 2       $ 2  
       0.79%         0.91%         1.00%         1.01%         1.08%         1.55%  
       0.79%         0.91%         1.00%         1.03%         1.14%         1.74%  
       2.24%         2.13%         2.16%         2.29%         2.28%         2.72%  
       5.53%         4.82%         4.52%         4.44%         4.46%         4.42%  
       5.53%         4.82%         4.52%         4.42%         4.40%         4.23%  
       4.08%         3.60%         3.36%         3.16%         3.26%         3.25%  
       31%         108%         154%         232%         288%         152%  
                                                              

 

25


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund Institutional Class

    

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income3

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Net realized gain

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return4

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets excluding interest expense

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

Date of commencement of operations; ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

3 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

4 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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       Six months ended               9/30/132
       1/31/191   Year ended   to
          (Unaudited)   7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
     $ 8.27       $ 8.78       $ 8.48       $ 8.22       $ 8.84       $ 8.50  
       0.22         0.42         0.39         0.36         0.37         0.34  
       (0.03 )       (0.39 )       0.29       0.23       (0.60 )       0.33
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       0.19       0.03       0.68       0.59       (0.23 )       0.67
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.20 )       (0.41 )       (0.38 )       (0.33 )       (0.30 )       (0.33 )
       (0.05 )       (0.13 )                   (0.09 )      
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       (0.25 )       (0.54 )       (0.38 )       (0.33 )       (0.39 )       (0.33 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
     $ 8.21       $ 8.27       $ 8.78       $ 8.48       $ 8.22       $ 8.84  
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
       2.40 %       0.16 %       8.25%         7.49%         (2.53%       8.08%  
     $ 22,238       $ 21,683       $ 21,560       $ 19,930       $ 18,532       $ 19,020  
       0.79%         0.91%         1.00%         1.01%         1.08%         1.07%  
       0.79%         0.91%         1.00%         1.03%         1.14%         1.26%  
       1.74%         1.65%         1.66%         1.79%         1.78%         2.24%  
       5.53%         4.82%         4.52%         4.44%         4.46%         4.90%  
       5.53%         4.82%         4.52%         4.42%         4.40%         4.71%  
       4.58%         4.08%         3.86%         3.66%         3.76%         3.73%  
       31%         108%         154%         232%         288%         152%  
                                                              

 

27


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Notes to financial statements

 

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund    January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 

Delaware Group® Government Fund (Trust) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers two series: Delaware Strategic Income Fund and Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund. These financial statements and the related notes pertain to Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund (Fund). The Trust is an open-end investment company. The Fund is considered diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and offers Class A, Class C, Class R, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.50%. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will incur a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) instead of a front-end sales charge of 1.00%, if redeemed during the first year and 0.50% during the second year, provided that Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP) paid a financial advisor a commission on the purchase of those shares. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00%, which will be incurred if redeemed during the first 12 months. Class R and Institutional Class shares are not subject to a sales charge and are offered for sale exclusively to certain eligible investors.

The investment objective of the Fund is to primarily seek current income and secondarily capital appreciation.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services - Investment Companies. The following accounting policies are in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) and are consistently followed by the Fund.

Security Valuation – Equity securities, except those traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq), are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the time of the regular close of the New York Stock Exchange on the valuation date. Equity securities traded on the Nasdaq are valued in accordance with the Nasdaq Official Closing Price, which may not be the last sales price. If, on a particular day, an equity security does not trade, the mean between the bid and ask prices will be used, which approximates fair value. Equity securities listed on a foreign exchange are normally valued at the last quoted sales price on the valuation date. Investments in repurchase agreements are generally valued at par, which approximates fair value, each business day. US government and agency securities are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices, which approximates fair value. Other debt securities and credit default swap (CDS) contracts are valued based upon valuations provided by an independent pricing service or broker/counterparty and reviewed by management. To the extent current market prices are not available, the pricing service may take into account developments related to the specific security, as well as transactions in comparable securities. Valuations for fixed income securities utilize matrix systems, which reflect such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, and ratings, and are supplemented by dealer and exchange quotations. Swap prices are derived using daily swap curves and models that incorporate a number of market data factors, such as discounted cash flows, trades, and values of the underlying reference instruments. Foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices, which approximates fair value. Interpolated values are derived when the settlement date of the contract is an interim date for which quotations are not available. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the daily quoted settlement prices. Exchange-traded options are valued at the last reported sale price or, if no sales are reported, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices, which

 

28


Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

approximates fair value. Generally, other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (Board). In determining whether market quotations are readily available or fair valuation will be used, various factors will be taken into consideration, such as market closures or suspension of trading in a security. Restricted securities are valued at fair value using methods approved by the Board.

Federal and Foreign Income Taxes – No provision for federal income taxes has been made as the Fund intends to continue to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to shareholders. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on the Fund’s federal income tax returns through six months ended Jan. 31, 2019 and for all open tax years (years ended July 31, 2015–July 31, 2018), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. In regard to foreign taxes only, the Fund has open tax years in certain foreign countries in which it invests that may date back to the inception of the Fund. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in other expenses on the “Statement of operations.” During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund did not incur any interest or tax penalties.

Class Accounting – Investment income, common expenses, and realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Distribution expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.

Repurchase Agreements – The Fund may purchase certain US government securities subject to the counterparty’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed upon date and price. The counterparty will be required on a daily basis to maintain the value of the collateral subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest). The agreements are conditioned upon the collateral being deposited under the Federal Reserve book-entry system with the Fund’s custodian or a third-party sub-custodian. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the other party to the agreement, retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. All open repurchase agreements as of the date of this report were entered into on Jan. 31, 2019 and matured on the next business day.

Foreign Currency Transactions – Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the prevailing exchange rates on the valuation date in accordance with the Fund’s prospectus. The value of all assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies is translated daily into US dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the US dollar. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates during the reporting period or upon settlement of the foreign currency transaction are reported in operations for the current period. The Fund generally bifurcates that portion of realized gains and losses on investments in debt securities which is due to changes in foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of debt securities. That portion of gains (losses) attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates is included on the “Statement of operations” under

 

29


Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

“Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currencies.” The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions as components of realized gains (losses) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are treated as ordinary income (loss) for federal income tax purposes.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of investments, 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Other – Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged directly to the Fund. Other expenses common to various funds within the Delaware Funds® by Macquarie (Delaware Funds) are generally allocated among such funds on the basis of average net assets. Management fees and certain other expenses are paid monthly. Security transactions are recorded on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date) for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in calculating realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income, respectively, over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. The Fund declares and pays dividends from net investment income monthly and pays distributions from net realized gain on investments, if any, annually. The Fund may distribute more frequently, if necessary for tax purposes. Dividends and distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

The Fund receives earnings credits from its custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which may be used to offset custody fees. The expenses paid under this arrangement are included on the “Statement of operations” under “Custodian fees” with the corresponding expenses offset included under “Less expenses paid indirectly.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund earned $63 under this arrangement.

The Fund receives earnings credits from its transfer agent when positive cash balances are maintained, which may be used to offset transfer agent fees. If the amount earned is greater than $1, the expenses paid under this arrangement is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses” with the corresponding expenses offset included under “Less expenses paid indirectly.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund earned $2 under this arrangement.

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates

In accordance with the terms of its investment management agreement, the Fund pays Delaware Management Company (DMC), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust and the investment manager, an annual fee which is calculated daily and paid monthly at the rate of 0.75% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.70% on the next $500 million, 0.65% on the next $1.5 billion, and 0.60% on average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.

 

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Table of Contents

    

    

 

    

 

DMC has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion, if any, of its management fee and/or pay/reimburse the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure total annual operating expenses (excluding any distribution and service (12b-1) fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, short sale dividend and interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations), in order to prevent total annual fund operating expenses from exceeding 0.79% of the Fund’s average daily net assets from Aug. 1, 2018 through Jan. 31, 2019.* This waiver and reimbursement may only be terminated by agreement of DMC and the Fund. The waiver and reimbursement are accrued daily and received monthly.

Delaware Investments Fund Services Company (DIFSC), an affiliate of DMC, provides fund accounting and financial administrative oversight services to the Fund. For these services, DIFSC’s fees are calculated daily and paid monthly based on the aggregate daily net assets of all funds within the Delaware Funds at the following annual rate: 0.00475% of the first $35 billion; 0.0040% of the next $10 billion; and 0.0025% of aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $45 billion (Total Fee). Each Fund in the Delaware Funds pays a minimum of $4,000, which, in aggregate, is subtracted from the Total Fee. Each Fund then pays its portion of the remainder of the Total Fee on a relative net asset value (NAV) basis. This amount is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Accounting and administration expenses.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund was charged $2,428 for these services.

DIFSC is also the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of the Fund. For these services, DIFSC’s fees were calculated daily and paid monthly based on the aggregate daily net assets of the retail funds within the Delaware Funds at the following annual rate: 0.014% of the first $20 billion; 0.011% of the next $5 billion; 0.007% of the next $5 billion; 0.005% of the next $20 billion; and 0.0025% of average daily net assets in excess of $50 billion. The fees payable to DIFSC under the transfer agent agreement described above are allocated among all retail funds in the Delaware Funds on a relative NAV basis. This amount is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund was charged $908 for these services. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DIFSC and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYMIS), BNYMIS provides certain sub transfer agency services to the Fund. Sub-transfer agency fees are paid by the Fund and are also included on the “Statement of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses.”

Pursuant to a distribution agreement and distribution plan, the Fund pays DDLP, the distributor and an affiliate of DMC, an annual 12b-1 fee of 0.25%, 1.00%, and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Class A, Class C, and Class R shares, respectively. The fees are calculated daily and paid monthly. DDLP has agreed to voluntarily suspend the 12b-1 fee for the Class R shares and the suspension of the 12b-1 fee will continue while the Fund is not broadly distributed. Institutional Class shares pay no 12b-1 fee.

As provided in the investment management agreement, the Fund bears a portion of the cost of certain resources shared with DMC, including the cost of internal personnel of DMC and/or its affiliates that provide legal, tax, and regulatory reporting services to the Fund. For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019,

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

the Fund was charged $306 for internal legal, tax, and regulatory reporting services provided by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees. This amount is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Legal fees.”

For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, DDLP earned $2 in commissions on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares.

Trustees’ fees include expenses accrued by the Fund for each Trustee’s retainer and meeting fees. Certain officers of DMC, DIFSC, and DDLP are officers and/or Trustees of the Trust. These officers and Trustees are paid no compensation by the Fund.

 

*The aggregate contractual waiver period covering this report is from April 1, 2018 through Nov. 28, 2019.

3. Investments

For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund made purchases and sales of investment securities other than short-term investments as follows:

 

Purchases

   $ 6,902,642  

Sales

     6,362,910  

At Jan. 31, 2019, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and derivatives for federal income tax purposes have been estimated since final tax characteristics cannot be determined until fiscal year end. At Jan. 31, 2019, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and derivatives for the Fund were as follows:

 

Cost of investments and derivatives

   $ 22,765,249  
  

 

 

 

Aggregate unrealized appreciation of investments and derivatives

   $ 313,980  

Aggregate unrealized depreciation of investments and derivatives

     (770,799
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation of investments and derivatives

   $ (456,819
  

 

 

 

US GAAP defines fair value as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. A three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements has been established based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances. The Fund’s investment in its entirety is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized on the next page.

 

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Level 1      Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. (Examples: equity securities, open-end investment companies, futures contracts, exchange-traded options contracts)
Level 2      Other observable inputs, including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs. (Examples: debt securities, government securities, swap contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, broker-quoted securities, fair valued securities)
Level 3      Significant unobservable inputs, including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments. (Examples: broker-quoted securities, fair valued securities)

Level 3 investments are valued using significant unobservable inputs. The Fund may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Valuations may also be based upon current market prices of securities that are comparable in coupon, rating, maturity, and industry. The derived value of a Level 3 investment may not represent the value which is received upon disposition and this could impact the results of operations.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by fair value hierarchy levels as of Jan. 31, 2019:

 

    

Level 1

   

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

 

Securities

          

Assets:

          

Corporate Debt

   $     $ 16,334,784      $      $ 16,334,784  

Foreign Debt

           4,539,494               4,539,494  

Loan Agreement

                  307,594        307,594  

Options Purchased

           2,915               2,915  

Short-Term Investments

           1,102,019               1,102,019  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Value of Securities

   $     $ 21,979,212      $ 307,594      $ 22,286,806  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Derivatives1

          

Assets:

          

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $     $ 13,534      $      $ 13,534  

Liabilities:

          

Futures Contract

   $ (11,633   $      $      $ (11,633

1Foreign currency exchange contracts and futures contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument at the period end.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

3. Investments (continued)

 

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, there were no transfers between Level 1 investments, Level 2 investments, or Level 3 investments that had a significant impact to the Fund. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels based on fair value at the beginning of the reporting period.

The Fund’s investments that are categorized as Level 3 were valued utilizing third party pricing information without adjustment. Such valuations are based on unobservable inputs. A significant change in third party information inputs could result in significantly lower or higher value of such Level 3 investments.

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

 

     Loan Agreement

Balance as of 7/31/18

     $ 328,571

Sales

       (31,875 )

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

       10,898
    

 

 

 

Balance as of 1/31/19

     $ 307,594
    

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments still held at the end of the period

     $ 10,898
    

 

 

 

When market quotations are not readily available for one or more portfolio securities, the Fund’s NAV shall be calculated by using the “fair value” of the securities as determined by the Pricing Committee. Such “fair value” is the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the security (or asset) upon its current sale. Each such determination should be based on a consideration of all relevant factors, which are likely to vary from one pricing context to another. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to: (i) the type of security, (ii) the size of the holding, (iii) the initial cost of the security, (iv) the existence of any contractual restrictions of the security’s disposition, (v) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies, (vi) quotations or evaluated prices from broker/dealers and/or pricing services, (vii) information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), (viii) an analysis of the company’s financial statements, and (ix) an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold.

The Pricing Committee, or its delegate, employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches, including due diligence of the Fund’s pricing vendors and periodic back-testing of the prices that are fair valued under these procedures and reviews of any market related activity. The pricing of all securities fair valued by the Pricing Committee is subsequently reported to and approved by the Board on a quarterly basis.

 

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4. Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

    

Six months

ended

1/31/19

   

    

    

Year ended

7/31/18

 

Shares sold:

       

Class A

     9,449          10,576  

Class C

     175          6,628  

Institutional Class

     12,049          14,515  

Shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

       

Class A

     447          287  

Class C

     207          480  

Class R

     9          18  

Institutional Class

     82,435          155,689  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     104,771          188,193  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Shares redeemed:

       

Class A

     (4        (7,045

Class C

     (4,850        (4,338

Institutional Class

     (9,829        (3,590
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     (14,683        (14,973
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net increase

     90,088          173,220  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

5. Line of Credit

The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Delaware Funds (Participants), was a participant in a revolving line of credit intended to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to fund redemptions of investor shares. Under the agreement, the Participants were charged an annual commitment fee of 0.15%, which was allocated across the Participants based on a weighted average of the respective net assets of each Participant. The revolving line of credit available was reduced from $155,000,000 to $130,000,000 on Sept. 6, 2018. The Participants were permitted to borrow up to a maximum of one-third of their net assets under the agreement. Each Participant was individually, and not jointly, liable for its particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The line of credit available under the agreement expired on Nov. 5, 2018.

On Nov. 5, 2018, the Participant entered into an amendment to the agreement for a $190,000,000 revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit available was increased to $220,000,000 on Nov. 29, 2018. The revolving line of credit is to be used as described above and operates in substantially the same manner as the original agreement. The line of credit available under the agreement expires on Nov. 4, 2019.

The Fund had no amounts outstanding as of Jan. 31, 2019, or at any time during the period then ended.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

6. Derivatives

US GAAP requires disclosures that enable investors to understand: (1) how and why an entity uses derivatives; (2) how they are accounted for; and (3) how they affect an entity’s results of operations and financial position.

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts as a way of managing foreign exchange rate risk. The Fund may enter into these contracts to fix the US dollar value of a security that it has agreed to buy or sell for the period between the date the trade was entered into and the date the security is delivered and paid for. The Fund may also enter into these contracts to hedge the US dollar value of securities it already owns that are denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund may enter into these contracts to facilitate or expedite the settlement of portfolio transactions. The change in value is recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

The use of foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts limit the risk of loss due to an unfavorable change in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency change favorably. In addition, the Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the value of its currency exchanged with the counterparty. The risk is generally mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used foreign currency exchange contracts and cross currency exchange contracts to hedge the US dollar value of securities it already owns that are denominated in foreign currencies and to facilitate or expedite the settlement of portfolio transactions.

Futures Contracts – A futures contract is an agreement in which the writer (or seller) of the contract agrees to deliver to the buyer an amount of cash or securities equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific security or index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. The Fund may use futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may invest in futures contracts to hedge its existing portfolio securities against fluctuations in fair value caused by changes in interest rates or market conditions. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits cash or pledges US government securities to a broker, equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Subsequent payments are received from the broker or paid to the broker each day, based on the daily fluctuation in the market value of the contract. These receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded daily by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses until the contracts are closed. When the contracts are closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts include potential imperfect correlation between the

 

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futures contracts and the underlying securities and the possibility of an illiquid secondary market for these instruments. When investing in futures, there is reduced counterparty credit risk to the Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. At Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund posted $10,000 cash collateral for open Futures contracts, which is shown as “Cash collateral due from broker” on the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used futures contracts to hedge the Fund’s existing portfolio securities against fluctuations in value caused by changes in interest rates or market conditions.

Options Contracts – The Fund may enter into options contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may buy or write options contracts for any number of reasons, including without limitation: to manage the Fund’s exposure to changes in securities prices caused by interest rates or market conditions and foreign currencies; as an efficient means of adjusting the Fund’s overall exposure to certain markets; to protect the value of portfolio securities; and as a cash management tool. The Fund may buy or write call or put options on securities, futures, swaps, swaptions, financial indices, and foreign currencies. When the Fund buys an option, a premium is paid and an asset is recorded and adjusted on a daily basis to reflect the current market value of the option purchased. When the Fund writes an option, a premium is received and a liability is recorded and adjusted on a daily basis to reflect the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is treated as realized gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has a realized gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund, as writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. When writing options, the Fund is subject to minimal counterparty risk because the counterparty is only obligated to pay premiums and does not bear the market risk of an unfavorable market change. No options written contracts were outstanding at Jan. 31, 2019.

There were no transactions in options written during the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used options purchased contracts to manage the Fund’s exposure to changes in securities prices caused by interest rates or market conditions.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

6. Derivatives (continued)

 

Fair value of derivative instruments as of Jan. 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

    

Asset Derivatives Fair Value

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

  

Currency

Contracts

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

     $ 13,534

Options purchased, at value

       2,915
    

 

 

 

Total

     $ 16,449
    

 

 

 
    

 

Liability Derivatives Fair Value

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

  

Currency

Contracts

Variation margin due to broker on futures contracts*

     $ (3,000 )

*Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts from the date the contracts were opened through Jan. 31, 2019. Only current day variation margin is reported on the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

The effect of derivative instruments on the “Statement of operations” for the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

              Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:                
    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

 

        

  

Futures
Contracts

             

Options

Purchased

 

        

  

Total

Currency contracts

     $ (14,814 )          $          $ (55,113 )          $ (69,927 )

Interest rate contracts

                  20,107                       20,107
    

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

 

Total

     $ (14,814 )          $ 20,107          $ (55,113 )          $ (49,820 )
    

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

 
    

 

                    Net Change  in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of:

    

Foreign

Currency

Exchange

Contracts

      

Futures
Contracts

      

Options

Purchased

      

Total

Currency contracts

     $ 13,831          $          $ (20,849 )          $ (7,018 )

Interest rate contracts

                  (9,552 )                       (9,552 )
    

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

 

Total

     $ 13,831          $ (9,552 )          $ (20,849 )          $ (16,570 )
    

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

          

 

 

 

 

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Derivatives Generally. The table below summarizes the average balance of derivative holdings by the Fund during the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019.

 

   

        Long Derivative        

Volume

 

        Short Derivative        

Volume

Foreign currency exchange contracts (average cost)

  $432,925   $  37,763

Futures contracts (average notional value)

    478,498

Options contracts (average value)

  12,236  

7. Offsetting

The Fund entered into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (ISDA Master Agreement) or a similar agreement with certain of its derivative contract counterparties in order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives and foreign exchange contracts and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting items and provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default (close-out), including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency, or other events.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

At Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund had the following assets and liabilities subject to offsetting provisions:

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivatives Assets and Liabilities

 

Counterparty

  

Gross Value of

Derivative Asset

  

Gross Value of

Derivative Liability

 

Net Position

Citibank, N.A.

     $ 5,332      $ (21,624 )     $ (16,292 )

UBS

       8,202              8,202
    

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

     $ 13,534      $ (21,624 )     $ (8,090 )
    

 

 

      

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Counterparty

  

Net Position

 

Fair Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral Received

  

Cash Collateral
Received(a)

  

Fair Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral Pledged

  

Cash
Collateral
Pledged

  

Net Exposure(b)

Citibank, N.A.

   $(16,292)   $—    $—    $—    $—    $(16,292)

UBS

         8,202      —      —      —      —          8,202 

Total

   $  (8,090)   $—    $—    $—    $—    $  (8,090)

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

7. Offsetting (continued)

 

Master Repurchase Agreements

Repurchase agreements are entered into by the Fund under master repurchase agreements (each, an MRA). The MRA permits the Fund, under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset payables and/or receivables with collateral held by and/or posted to the counterparty. As a result, one single net payment is created. Bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of the MRA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Based on the terms of the MRA, the Fund receives securities as collateral with a market value in excess of the repurchase price at maturity. Upon a bankruptcy or insolvency of the MRA counterparty, the Fund would recognize a liability with respect to such excess collateral. The liability reflects the Fund’s obligation under bankruptcy law to return the excess to the counterparty. As of Jan. 31, 2019, the following table is a summary of the Fund’s repurchase agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MRA:

 

Counterparty

  

Repurchase Agreements

  

Fair Value of

Non-Cash
Collateral Received(a)

  

Cash Collateral

Received

  

Net Collateral

Received

   

Net Exposure(b)

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

   $96,594    $(96,594)    $—      $(96,594   $—

Bank of Montreal

   265,635    (265,635)      —      (265,635     —

BNP Paribas

     435,518     (435,518)      —      (435,518     —

Total

   $797,747    $(797,747)    $—      $(797,747   $—

 

(a)The value of the related collateral received exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements as of Jan. 31, 2019.

(b)Net exposure represents the receivable (payable) that would be due from (to) the counterparty in the event of default.

8. Securities Lending

The Fund, along with other funds in the Delaware Funds, may lend its securities pursuant to a security lending agreement (Lending Agreement) with The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon). At the time a security is loaned, the borrower must post collateral equal to the required percentage of the market value of the loaned security, including any accrued interest. The required percentage is: (1) 102% with respect to US securities and foreign securities that are denominated and payable in US dollars; and (2) 105% with respect to foreign securities. With respect to each loan, if on any business day, the aggregate market value of securities collateral plus cash collateral held is less than the aggregate market value of the securities which are the subject of such loan, the borrower will be notified to provide additional collateral by the end of the following business day, which, together with the collateral already held, will be not less than the applicable initial collateral requirements for such security loan. If the aggregate market value of securities collateral and cash collateral held with respect to a security loan exceeds the applicable initial collateral requirement, upon request of the borrower, BNY Mellon must return enough collateral to the borrower by the end of the following business day to reduce the value of the remaining collateral to the applicable initial collateral requirement for such security loan. As a result of the foregoing, the value of the collateral held with respect to a loaned security on any particular day, may be more or less than the value of the security on loan. The collateral percentage with respect to the market value of the loaned security is determined by the security lending agent.

 

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Cash collateral received by each fund of the Trust is generally invested in a series of individual separate accounts, each corresponding to a fund. The investment guidelines permit each separate account to hold certain securities that would be considered eligible securities for a money market fund. Cash collateral received is generally invested in government securities; certain obligations issued by government sponsored enterprises; repurchase agreements collateralized by US Treasury securities; obligations issued by the central government of any Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country or its agencies, instrumentalities or establishments; obligations of supranational organizations; commercial paper, notes, bonds, and other debt obligations; certificates of deposit, time deposits, and other bank obligations; and asset-backed securities. The fund can also accept US government securities and letters of credit (non-cash collateral) in connection with securities loans.

In the event of default or bankruptcy by the lending agent, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. In the event the borrower fails to return loaned securities and the collateral received is insufficient to cover the value of the loaned securities and provided such collateral shortfall is not the result of investment losses, the lending agent has agreed to pay the amount of the shortfall to the Fund or, at the discretion of the lending agent, replace the loaned securities. The Fund continues to record dividends or interest, as applicable, on the securities loaned and is subject to changes in value of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan. The Fund has the right under the Lending Agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. With respect to security loans collateralized by non-cash collateral, the Fund receives loan premiums paid by the borrower. With respect to security loans collateralized by cash collateral, the earnings from the collateral investments are shared among the Fund, the security lending agent, and the borrower. The Fund records security lending income net of allocations to the security lending agent and the borrower.

The Fund may incur investment losses as a result of investing securities lending collateral. This could occur if an investment in the collateral investment account defaulted or became impaired. Under those circumstances, the value of a Fund’s cash collateral account may be less than the amount the Fund would be required to return to the borrowers of the securities and the Fund would be required to make up for this shortfall.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund had no securities out on loan.

9. Credit and Market Risk

Some countries in which the Fund may invest require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital, or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if there is deterioration in a country’s balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad.

The securities exchanges of certain foreign markets are substantially smaller, less liquid, and more volatile than the major securities markets in the US. Consequently, acquisition and disposition of securities by the Fund may be inhibited. In addition, a significant portion of the aggregate market value of equity securities listed on the major securities exchanges in emerging markets is held by a smaller number of investors. This may limit the number of shares available for acquisition or disposition by the Fund.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

9. Credit and Market Risk (continued)

 

The Fund invests a portion of its assets in high yield fixed income securities, which are securities rated lower than BBB- by S&P and Baa3 by Moody’s, or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Investments in these higher yielding securities are generally accompanied by a greater degree of credit risk than higher rated securities. Additionally, lower rated securities may be more susceptible to adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities.

The Fund invests in certain obligations that may have liquidity protection designed to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying security is timely. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies, or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor through third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction, or through a combination of such approaches. The Fund will not pay any additional fees for such credit support, although the existence of credit support may increase the price of the security.

The Fund invests in bank loans and other securities that may subject it to direct indebtedness risk, the risk that the Fund will not receive payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due in connection with these investments and will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than unsecured loans in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, although there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Some loans or claims may be in default at the time of purchase. Certain of the loans and the other direct indebtedness acquired by the Fund may involve revolving credit facilities or other standby financing commitments that obligate the Fund to pay additional cash on a certain date or on demand. These commitments may require the Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when the Fund might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that the Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times hold and maintain cash or other high grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. When a loan agreement is purchased the Fund may pay an assignment fee. On an ongoing basis, the Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a loan agreement. Prepayment penalty fees are received upon the prepayment of a loan agreement by the borrower. Prepayment penalty, facility, commitment, consent, and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned or paid.

When interest rates rise, fixed income securities (i.e. debt obligations) generally will decline in value. These declines in value are greater for fixed income securities with longer maturities or durations.

As the Fund may be required to rely upon another lending institution to collect and pass on to the Fund amounts payable with respect to the loan and to enforce the Fund’s rights under the loan and other direct indebtedness, an insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of the lending institution may delay or prevent the Fund from receiving such amounts. The highly leveraged nature of many loans may make them especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. Investments in such loans and other direct indebtedness may involve additional risk to the Fund.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which may include securities with contractual restrictions on resale, securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A promulgated

 

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under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and other securities which may not be readily marketable. The relative illiquidity of these securities may impair the Fund from disposing of them in a timely manner and at a fair price when it is necessary or desirable to do so. While maintaining oversight, the Board has delegated to DMC, the day-to-day functions of determining whether individual securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, which are determined to be liquid, are not subject to the Fund’s 15% limit on investments in illiquid securities. Rule 144A securities have been identified on the “Schedule of investments.” Restricted securities are valued pursuant to the security valuation procedures described in Note 1.

10. Contractual Obligations

The Fund enters into contracts in the normal course of business that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU), ASU 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities which amends the amortization period for certain callable debt securities purchased at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU 2017-08 does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued an ASU 2018-13, which changes certain fair value measurement disclosure requirements. The ASU 2018-13, in addition to other modifications and additions, removes the requirement to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for the timing of transfers between levels and the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2019. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted amendments to Regulation S-X to update and simplify the disclosure requirements for registered investment companies by eliminating requirements that are redundant or duplicative of US GAAP requirements or other SEC disclosure requirements. The new amendments require the presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the “Statement of assets and liabilities” and the total, rather than the components, of dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains on the “Statements of changes in net assets.” The amendments also removed the requirement for the parenthetical disclosure of undistributed net investment income on the “Statements of changes in net assets” and certain tax adjustments that were reflected in the “Notes to financial statements.” All of these have been reflected in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

12. Subsequent Events

Management has determined that no material events or transactions occurred subsequent to Jan. 31, 2019, that would require recognition or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Board consideration of advisory agreement for Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund at a meeting held August 15-16, 2018

At a meeting held on Aug. 15-16, 2018 (the “Annual Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of disinterested or independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement for Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund (the “Fund”). In making its decision, the Board considered information furnished at regular quarterly Board meetings, including reports detailing Fund performance, investment strategies, and expenses, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the renewal of the investment advisory contract. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal of the Investment Management Agreement with Delaware Management Company (“DMC”), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (“MIMBT”), included materials provided by DMC and its affiliates (collectively, “Macquarie Investment Management”) concerning, among other things, the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund; the costs of such services to the Fund; economies of scale; and the investment manager’s financial condition and profitability. In addition, in connection with the Annual Meeting, materials were provided to the Trustees in May 2018, including reports provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”). The Broadridge reports compared the Fund’s investment performance and expenses with those of other comparable mutual funds. The Independent Trustees reviewed and discussed the Broadridge reports with independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. In addition to the information noted above, the Board also requested and received information regarding DMC’s policy with respect to advisory fee levels and its breakpoint philosophy; the structure of portfolio manager compensation; comparative client fee information; and any constraints or limitations on the availability of securities for certain investment styles, which had in the past year inhibited, or which were likely in the future to inhibit, the investment manager’s ability to invest fully in accordance with Fund policies.

In considering information relating to the approval of the Fund’s advisory agreement, the Independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees and also received assistance and advice from an experienced and knowledgeable independent fund consultant, JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”). Although the Board gave attention to all information furnished, the following discussion identifies, under separate headings, the primary factors taken into account by the Board during its contract renewal considerations.

Nature, extent, and quality of services. The Board considered the services provided by DMC to the Fund and its shareholders. In reviewing the nature, extent, and quality of services, the Board considered reports furnished to it throughout the year, which covered matters such as the relative performance of the Fund; compliance of portfolio managers with the investment policies, strategies, and restrictions for the Fund; compliance by DMC and Delaware Distributors, L.P. (together, “Management”) personnel with the Code of Ethics adopted throughout the Delaware Funds® by Macquarie (“Delaware Funds”); and adherence to fair value pricing procedures as established by the Board. The Board was pleased with the current staffing of DMC and the emphasis placed on research in the investment process. The Board recognized DMC’s receipt of certain favorable industry distinctions during the past several years. The Board gave favorable consideration to DMC’s efforts to control expenses while maintaining service levels committed to Fund matters. The Board also noted the benefits provided to Fund shareholders (a) through each shareholder’s ability to: (i) exchange an investment in one Delaware Fund for the same class of shares in another Delaware Fund without a sales charge, or (ii) reinvest Fund dividends into

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

Board consideration of advisory agreement for Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund at a meeting held August 15-16, 2018 (continued)

 

additional shares of the Fund or into additional shares of other Delaware Funds, and (b) the privilege to combine holdings in other Delaware Funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. The Board was satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of the overall services provided by DMC.

Investment performance. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of the importance of investment performance to shareholders. Although the Board considered performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Investment Committee meetings throughout the year, the Board gave particular weight to the Broadridge reports furnished for the Annual Meeting. The Broadridge reports prepared for the Fund showed the investment performance of its Class A shares in comparison to a group of similar funds as selected by Broadridge (the “Performance Universe”). A fund with the best performance ranked first, and a fund with the poorest performance ranked last. The highest/best performing 25% of funds in the Performance Universe make up the first quartile; the next 25%, the second quartile; the next 25%, the third quartile; and the poorest/worst performing 25% of funds in the Performance Universe make up the fourth quartile. Comparative annualized performance for the Fund was shown for the past 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods, to the extent applicable, ended Jan. 31, 2018. The Board’s objective is that the Fund’s performance for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods be at or above the median of its Performance Universe.

The Performance Universe for the Fund consisted of the Fund and all retail and institutional emerging markets hard currency debt funds as selected by Broadridge. The Broadridge report comparison showed that the Fund’s total return for the 1- and 3-year periods was in the second quartile of its Performance Universe. The Board was satisfied with performance.

Comparative expenses. The Board considered expense data for the Delaware Funds. Management provided the Board with information on pricing levels and fee structures for the Fund as of its most recently completed fiscal year. The Board also focused on the comparative analysis of effective management fees and total expense ratios of the Fund versus effective management fees and total expense ratios of a group of similar funds as selected by Broadridge (the “Expense Group”). In reviewing comparative costs, the Fund’s contractual management fee and the actual management fee incurred by the Fund were compared with the contractual management fees (assuming all funds in the Expense Group were similar in size to the Fund) and actual management fees (as reported by each fund) within the Expense Group, taking into account any applicable breakpoints and fee waivers. The Fund’s total expenses were also compared with those of its Expense Group. The Broadridge total expenses, for comparative consistency, were shown by Broadridge for Class A shares and comparative total expenses including 12b-1 and non-12b-1 service fees. The Board’s objective is for the Fund’s total expense ratio to be competitive with those of the peer funds within its Expense Group.

The expense comparisons for the Fund showed that its contractual management fee was in the quartile with the second highest of its Expense Group and its total expenses were in the quartile with the highest expenses of its Expense Group. The Board noted that the Fund’s management fee and total expenses were not in line with the Board’s objective. In evaluating total expenses, the Board considered fee waivers in place through November 2018 and various initiatives implemented by Management, such as the negotiation of lower fees for fund accounting, fund accounting oversight, and custody services,

 

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which had created an opportunity for a further reduction in expenses. The Board was satisfied with Management’s efforts to improve the Fund’s total expense ratio and to bring it in line with the Board’s objective.

Management profitability. The Board considered the level of profits realized by DMC in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Investment Management Profitability Analysis that addressed the overall profitability of DMC’s business in providing management and other services to each of the individual funds and the Delaware Funds as a whole. Specific attention was given to the methodology used by DMC in allocating costs for the purpose of determining profitability. Management stated that the level of profits of DMC, to a certain extent, reflects recent operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by DMC. The Board considered DMC’s efforts to improve services provided to Fund shareholders and to meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from recent industry-wide Securities and Exchange Commission initiatives. The Board also considered the extent to which DMC might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including the potential for procuring additional business as a result of the prestige and visibility associated with its role as service provider to the Delaware Funds and the benefits from allocation of fund brokerage to improve trading efficiencies. As part of its work, the Board also reviewed a report prepared by JDL regarding MIMBT profitability as compared to certain peer fund complexes and the Independent Trustees met with JDL personnel to discuss DMC’s profitability in such context. The Board found that the management fees were reasonable in light of the services rendered and the level of profitability of DMC.

Economies of scale. The Trustees considered whether economies of scale are realized by DMC as the Fund’s assets increase and the extent to which any economies of scale are reflected in the level of management fees charged. The Trustees reviewed the Fund’s advisory fee pricing and structure, approved by the Board and shareholders, which includes breakpoints, and which applies to most funds in the Delaware Funds complex. Breakpoints in the advisory fee occur when the advisory fee rate is reduced on assets in excess of specified levels. Breakpoints result in a lower advisory fee than would otherwise be the case in the absence of breakpoints, when the asset levels specified in the breakpoints are exceeded. Although, as of March 31, 2018, the Fund had not reached a size at which it could take advantage of any breakpoints in the applicable fee schedule, the Board recognized that the fee was structured so that, if the Fund increases sufficiently in size, then economies of scale may be shared.

Board consideration of sub-advisory agreement for Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund at a meeting held November 14-15, 2018

At a meeting held on Nov. 14-15, 2018, the Board of Trustees of Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund (the “Fund”), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustees”), approved a new Sub-Advisory Agreement between Delaware Management Company (“DMC” or “Management”) and Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG (“MIMAK”) for the Fund. MIMAK may also be referenced as “sub-advisor” below.

In reaching the decision to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered and reviewed information about MIMAK, including its personnel, operations, and financial condition, which had been provided by MIMAK. The Board also reviewed material furnished by DMC, including: a memorandum from DMC reviewing the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the various services proposed to be rendered by MIMAK; information concerning MIMAK’s organizational structure and the experience of its key investment management personnel; copies of MIMAK’s Form ADV, financial statements, compliance

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund

    

 

Board consideration of sub-advisory agreement for Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund at a meeting held November 14-15, 2018 (continued)

 

policies and procedures, and Codes of Ethics; relevant performance information provided with respect to MIMAK; and a copy of the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

In considering such information and materials, the Independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. The materials prepared by Management in connection with the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement were sent to the Independent Trustees in advance of the meeting. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision. This discussion of the information and factors considered by the Board (as well as the discussion above) is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather summarizes certain factors considered by the Board. In view of the wide variety of factors considered, the Board did not, unless otherwise noted, find it practicable to quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the following factors. In addition, individual Trustees may have assigned different weights to various factors.

Nature, extent, and quality of services. The Board considered the nature, extent, and quality of services that MIMAK would provide as a sub-advisor to the Fund. The Trustees considered the type of services to be provided by MIMAK in connection with DMC’s management of the Fund, and the qualifications and experience of MIMAK’s research team. The Board considered MIMAK’s organization, personnel, and operations. The Trustees also considered Management’s review and recommendation process with respect to MIMAK, and Management’s favorable assessment as to the nature, extent, and quality of the research services to be provided by MIMAK, as well as MIMAK’s ability to render such services based on its experience, organization, and resources, were appropriate for the Fund, in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies, and policies.

In discussing the nature of the services proposed to be provided by MIMAK, several Board members observed that, unlike traditional sub-advisors, who make the investment-related decisions with respect to the sub-advised portfolio, the relationship contemplated in this case is limited to access to MIMAK’s on-the-ground research expertise, perspective, and resources.

Sub-advisory fees. The Board considered that DMC would not pay fees in connection with MIMAK’s services. The Board concluded that, in light of the quality and extent of the services to be provided and the nature of the business relationships between DMC and MIMAK, the proposed fee arrangement was understandable and reasonable.

Investment performance. In evaluating performance, the Board considered that MIMAK would provide investment recommendations and ideas, including with respect to specific securities, but that DMC’s portfolio managers for the Fund would retain portfolio management discretion over the Fund.

Economies of scale and fall-out benefits. The Board considered whether the proposed fee arrangement would reflect economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors as assets in the Fund increased, as applicable. The Board also considered that DMC and its affiliates may benefit by leveraging the global resources of its affiliates.

 

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About the organization

 

Board of trustees         

Shawn K. Lytle

President and

Chief Executive Officer

Delaware Funds®

by Macquarie

Philadelphia, PA

 

Thomas L. Bennett

Chairman of the Board

Delaware Funds

by Macquarie

Private Investor

Rosemont, PA

 

Jerome D. Abernathy

Managing Member

Stonebrook Capital

Management, LLC

New York, NY

  

Ann D. Borowiec

Former Chief Executive

Officer

Private Wealth Management

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

New York, NY

 

Joseph W. Chow

Former Executive Vice

President

State Street Corporation

Boston, MA

 

John A. Fry

President

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

  

Lucinda S. Landreth

Former Chief Investment

Officer

Assurant, Inc.

New York, NY

 

Frances A.

Sevilla-Sacasa

Former Chief Executive

Officer

Banco Itaú International

Miami, FL

  

Thomas K. Whitford

Former Vice Chairman

PNC Financial Services Group

Pittsburgh, PA

 

Christianna Wood

Chief Executive Officer

and President

Gore Creek Capital, Ltd.

Golden, CO

 

Janet L. Yeomans

Former Vice President and

Treasurer

3M Company

St. Paul, MN

Affiliated officers         
David F. Connor    Daniel V. Geatens    Richard Salus   
Senior Vice President,    Vice President and    Senior Vice President and   
General Counsel,    Treasurer    Chief Financial Officer   
and Secretary    Delaware Funds    Delaware Funds   
Delaware Funds    by Macquarie    by Macquarie   
by Macquarie    Philadelphia, PA    Philadelphia, PA   
Philadelphia, PA         

This semiannual report is for the information of Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund shareholders, but it may be used with prospective investors when preceded or accompanied by the Delaware Fund fact sheet for the most recently completed calendar quarter. These documents are available at delawarefunds.com/literature.

 

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities are available without charge (i) upon request, by calling 800 523-1918; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. In addition, a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities and the Schedule of Investments included in the Fund’s most recent Form N-Q are available without charge on the Fund’s website at delawarefunds.com/literature. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330.

Information (if any) regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Fund’s website at delawarefunds.com/proxy; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

 

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LOGO

      Fixed income mutual fund

      Delaware Strategic Income Fund

      January 31, 2019

Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund’s prospectus and its summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting delawarefunds.com/literature or calling 800 523-1918. Investors should read the prospectus and the summary prospectus carefully before investing.

You can obtain shareholder reports and prospectuses online instead of in the mail.

Visit delawarefunds.com/edelivery.

 

    


Table of Contents

Experience Delaware Funds® by Macquarie

Macquarie Investment Management (MIM) is a global asset manager with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. We are active managers who prioritize autonomy and accountability at the investment team level in pursuit of opportunities that matter for our clients. Delaware Funds is one of the longest-standing mutual fund families, with more than 75 years in existence.

If you are interested in learning more about creating an investment plan, contact your financial advisor.

You can learn more about Delaware Funds or obtain a prospectus for Delaware Strategic Income Fund at delawarefunds.com/literature.

 

Manage your account online

 

·   Check your account balance and transactions
·   View statements and tax forms
·   Make purchases and redemptions

Visit delawarefunds.com/account-access.

Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) offers a diverse range of products including securities investment management, infrastructure and real asset management, and fund and equity-based structured products. MIM is the marketing name for certain companies comprising the asset management division of Macquarie Group. This includes the following registered investment advisers: Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (MIMBT), Macquarie Funds Management Hong Kong Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG, Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited, Macquarie Investment Management Europe Limited, and Macquarie Capital Investment Management LLC.

The Fund is distributed by Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP), an affiliate of MIMBT and Macquarie Group Limited.

Other than Macquarie Bank Limited (MBL), none of the entities noted are authorized deposit-taking institutions for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Commonwealth of Australia). The obligations of these entities do not represent deposits or other liabilities of MBL. MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of these entities, unless noted otherwise. The Fund is governed by US laws and regulations.

Table of contents

 

Disclosure of Fund expenses

     1  

Security type / sector allocation

     3  

Schedule of investments

     4  

Statement of assets and liabilities

     28  

Statement of operations

     30  

Statements of changes in net assets

     32  

Financial highlights

     34  

Notes to financial statements

     42  

Other Fund information

     63  

About the organization

     69  

Unless otherwise noted, views expressed herein are current as of Jan. 31, 2019, and subject to change for events occurring after such date.

The Fund is not FDIC insured and is not guaranteed. It is possible to lose the principal amount invested.

Advisory services provided by Delaware Management Company, a series of MIMBT, a US registered investment advisor.

All third-party marks cited are the property of their respective owners.

© 2019 Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc.

 


Table of Contents

Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the six-month period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

As a shareholder of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on purchase payments, reinvested dividends, or other distributions; redemption fees; and exchange fees; and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees; distribution and service (12b-1) fees; and other Fund expenses. 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 six-month period from Aug. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019.

Actual expenses

The first section of the table shown, “Actual Fund return,” provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information in this section of the table, 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 section under the heading entitled “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.

Hypothetical example for comparison purposes

The second section of the table shown, “Hypothetical 5% return,” 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.

Please note that the expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs, such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees. Therefore, the second section 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 these transactional costs were included, your costs would have been higher. The Fund’s expenses shown in the table reflect fee waivers in effect. The Fund’s expenses shown in the table assume reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.

 

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Disclosure of Fund expenses

For the six-month period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

Expense analysis of an investment of $1,000

 

     

Beginning

 

Account Value

 

8/1/18

  

Ending

 

Account Value

 

1/31/19

  

Annualized

 

Expense Ratio

 

Expenses

 

Paid During Period

 

    8/1/18 to 1/31/19*    

 

Actual Fund return

                  

Class A

     $ 1,000.00            $997.50              0.84 %         $ 4.23    

Class C

       1,000.00            993.80            1.59 %           7.99    

Class R

       1,000.00            997.60            1.09 %           5.49    

Institutional Class

       1,000.00            998.80            0.59 %           2.97    

 

Hypothetical 5% return (5% return before expenses)

 

        

Class A

     $ 1,000.00          $ 1,020.97            0.84 %         $ 4.28    

Class C

       1,000.00            1,017.19            1.59 %           8.08    

Class R

       1,000.00            1,019.71            1.09 %           5.55    

Institutional Class

       1,000.00            1,022.23            0.59 %           3.01    

 

*

“Expenses Paid During Period” are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio, multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).

 

 

Because actual returns reflect only the most recent six-month period, the returns shown may differ significantly from fiscal year returns.

 

2


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Security type / sector allocation

 

Delaware Strategic Income Fund    As of January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

Sector designations may be different than the sector designations presented in other Fund materials. The sector designations may represent the investment manager’s internal sector classifications.

 

Security type / sector    Percentage of net assets    

Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     4.21    

Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     1.12    

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities

     0.17    

Collateralized Debt Obligations

     1.47    

Corporate Bonds

     61.89  

Banking

     10.50  

Basic Industry

     8.69  

Brokerage

     1.94  

Capital Goods

     4.40  

Communications.

     6.28  

Consumer Cyclical

     3.59  

Consumer Non-Cyclical

     5.27  

Electric

     3.50  

Energy

     10.72  

Finance Companies

     0.75  

Healthcare Services

     0.08  

Insurance

     3.20  

Real Estate

     0.31  

REITs

     0.45  

Technology

     0.89  

Transportation

     0.96  

Utilities

     0.36  

Municipal Bonds

     3.69    

Non-Agency Asset-Backed Securities

     4.96    

Non-Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations

     4.18    

Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     4.21    

Loan Agreements

     3.79    

Regional Bond

     0.24    

Sovereign Bonds

     3.63    

Supranational Banks

     0.70    

US Treasury Obligations

     0.34    

Convertible Preferred Stock

     0.03    

Preferred Stock

     1.31    

Options Purchased

     0.00    

Short-Term Investments

     3.62    

Total Value of Securities

     99.56    

Receivables and Other Assets Net of Liabilities

     0.44    

Total Net Assets

     100.00 %         

 

3


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Schedule of investments

 

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

   January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 

     Principal amount°     Value (US $)
     

Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations – 4.21%

            

Fannie Mae Connecticut Avenue Securities

    

Series 2017-C04 2M2 5.36% (LIBOR01M + 2.85%) 11/25/29

     25,000     $              25,870

Series 2018-C01 1M2 4.76% (LIBOR01M + 2.25%, Floor 2.25%) 7/25/30

     50,000     50,413

Series 2018-C02 2M2 4.71% (LIBOR01M + 2.20%, Floor 2.20%) 8/25/30

     45,000     44,910

Series 2018-C03 1M2 4.66% (LIBOR01M + 2.15%, Floor 2.15%) 10/25/30

     40,000     40,000

Series 2018-C05 1M2 4.86% (LIBOR01M + 2.35%, Floor 2.35%) 1/25/31

     35,000     35,082

Fannie Mae Interest Strip

    

Series 419 C3 3.00% 11/25/43 S

     59,997     10,416

Fannie Mae REMICs

    

Series 2008-15 SB 4.09% (6.60% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.60%) 8/25/36 S

     15,874     2,534

Series 2012-44 IK 3.50% 12/25/31 S

     32,947     3,274

Series 2012-115 MI 3.50% 3/25/42 S

     42,074     4,579

Series 2012-118 AI 3.50% 11/25/37 S

     88,410     8,862

Series 2012-128 IC 3.00% 11/25/32 S

     134,535     17,105

Series 2012-132 AI 3.00% 12/25/27 S

     114,051     9,467

Series 2012-137 AI 3.00% 12/25/27 S

     40,316     3,436

Series 2012-146 IO 3.50% 1/25/43 S

     116,444     22,987

Series 2013-7 EI 3.00% 10/25/40 S

     80,161     8,899

Series 2013-26 ID 3.00% 4/25/33 S

     152,689     20,998

Series 2013-35 IB 3.00% 4/25/33 S

     142,611     18,390

Series 2013-35 IG 3.00% 4/25/28 S

     53,114     4,586

Series 2013-38 AI 3.00% 4/25/33 S

     148,870     18,293

Series 2013-41 HI 3.00% 2/25/33 S

     120,005     12,793

Series 2013-44 DI 3.00% 5/25/33 S

     459,356     63,521

Series 2013-45 PI 3.00% 5/25/33 S

     49,126     6,751

Series 2013-103 SK 3.41% (5.92% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 5.92%) 10/25/43 S

     340,239     67,029

Series 2014-64 IT 3.50% 6/25/41 S

     33,943     2,985

Series 2015-66 ID 3.50% 5/25/42 S

     196,715     25,108

Series 2015-89 AZ 3.50% 12/25/45

     21,224     21,479

Series 2016-6 AI 3.50% 4/25/34 S

     90,134     10,810

Series 2016-33 DI 3.50% 6/25/36 S

     219,171     32,189

Series 2016-36 SB 3.49% (6.00% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.00%) 3/25/43 S

     72,276     9,150

Series 2016-40 IO 3.50% 7/25/36 S

     60,308     9,515

Series 2016-50 IB 3.00% 2/25/46 S

     83,495     12,365

Series 2016-51 LI 3.00% 8/25/46 S

     224,937     31,774

 

4


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (continued)

            

Fannie Mae REMICs

    

Series 2016-62 SA 3.49% (6.00% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.00%) 9/25/46 S

    247,900      $              47,770

Series 2016-64 CI 3.50% 7/25/43 S

    89,442      10,981

Series 2016-83 PI 3.50% 7/25/45 S

    75,878      11,401

Series 2016-99 DI 3.50% 1/25/46 S

    83,239      14,809

Series 2017-4 AI 3.50% 5/25/41 S

    93,074      10,737

Series 2017-4 BI 3.50% 5/25/41 S

    71,644      9,366

Series 2017-12 JI 3.50% 5/25/40 S

    68,283      8,360

Series 2017-15 NZ 3.50% 3/25/47

    34,217      34,163

Series 2017-16 SM 3.54% (6.05% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.05%) 3/25/47 S

    213,454      36,842

Series 2017-25 BL 3.00% 4/25/47

    16,000      15,317

Series 2017-61 TB 3.00% 8/25/44

    26,000      24,877

Series 2017-77 HZ 3.50% 10/25/47

    46,099      46,800

Freddie Mac REMICs

    

Series 4101 WI 3.50% 8/15/32 S

    48,893      7,876

Series 4135 AI 3.50% 11/15/42 S

    92,620      19,207

Series 4146 IA 3.50% 12/15/32 S

    113,003      17,244

Series 4181 DI 2.50% 3/15/33 S

    77,713      9,229

Series 4184 GS 3.611% (6.12% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.12%) 3/15/43 S

    123,954      25,459

Series 4185 LI 3.00% 3/15/33 S

    119,316      16,663

Series 4186 IB 3.00% 3/15/33 S

    63,795      8,132

Series 4191 CI 3.00% 4/15/33 S

    50,756      6,877

Series 4494 SA 3.671% (6.18% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.18%) 7/15/45 S

    58,928      11,790

Series 4504 IO 3.50% 5/15/42 S

    45,957      4,529

Series 4543 HI 3.00% 4/15/44 S

    68,002      10,360

Series 4581 LI 3.00% 5/15/36 S

    64,723      7,747

Series 4610 IB 3.00% 6/15/41 S

    336,729      34,208

Series 4644 GI 3.50% 5/15/40 S

    73,005      9,894

Series 4657 PS 3.491% (6.00% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.00%) 2/15/47 S

    156,273      28,142

Series 4665 NI 3.50% 7/15/41 S

    282,008      33,797

Series 4673 WI 3.50% 9/15/43 S

    79,988      11,381

Series 4690 WI 3.50% 12/15/43 S

    85,897      12,832

Series 4703 CI 3.50% 7/15/42 S

    139,652      17,080

Freddie Mac Strips

    

Series 319 S2 3.491% (6.00% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.00%) 11/15/43 S

    54,354      9,987

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes

    

Series 2017-DNA1 M2 5.76% (LIBOR01M + 3.25%, Floor 3.25%) 7/25/29

    250,000      268,328

 

5


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (continued)

            

Freddie Mac Structured Agency Credit Risk Debt Notes

    

Series 2018-HQA1 M2 4.81% (LIBOR01M + 2.30%) 9/25/30

    55,000      $              54,583

GNMA

    

Series 2011-157 SG 4.097% (6.60% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.60%) 12/20/41 S

    63,336      12,778

Series 2013-113 LY 3.00% 5/20/43

    22,000      21,055

Series 2015-74 CI 3.00% 10/16/39 S

    116,413      13,404

Series 2015-142 AI 4.00% 2/20/44 S

    39,967      4,876

Series 2016-108 SK 3.547% (6.05% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.05%) 8/20/46 S

    184,462      37,468

Series 2016-118 DI 3.50% 3/20/43 S

    480,315      57,197

Series 2016-118 ES 3.597% (6.10% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.10%) 9/20/46 S

    93,855      17,405

Series 2016-126 NS 3.597% (6.10% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.10%) 9/20/46 S

    110,709      20,452

Series 2016-147 ST 3.547% (6.05% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.05%) 10/20/46 S

    107,267      18,864

Series 2016-149 GI 4.00% 11/20/46 S

    83,135      16,815

Series 2016-156 PB 2.00% 11/20/46

    46,000      37,404

Series 2016-163 XI 3.00% 10/20/46 S

    167,177      21,366

Series 2017-10 IB 4.00% 1/20/47 S

    126,738      25,681

Series 2017-18 IQ 4.00% 12/16/43 S

    81,691      14,778

Series 2017-18 QS 3.59% (6.10% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.10%) 2/16/47 S

    126,050      21,926

Series 2017-34 DY 3.50% 3/20/47

    20,000      19,949

Series 2017-56 JZ 3.00% 4/20/47

    32,669      29,635

Series 2017-80 AS 3.697% (6.20% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.20%) 5/20/47 S

    171,658      32,844

Series 2017-101 AI 4.00% 7/20/47 S

    88,675      15,200

Series 2017-101 TI 4.00% 3/20/44 S

    109,665      15,668

Series 2017-107 QZ 3.00% 8/20/45

    21,965      19,949

Series 2017-113 LB 3.00% 7/20/47

    55,000      51,971

Series 2017-114 IK 4.00% 10/20/44 S

    171,777      31,355

Series 2017-116 ZL 3.00% 6/20/47

    42,885      38,759

Series 2017-130 YJ 2.50% 8/20/47

    25,000      23,038

Series 2017-141 JS 3.697% (6.20% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.20%) 9/20/47 S

    109,496      21,130

Series 2018-1 ST 3.697% (6.20% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.20%) 1/20/48 S

    185,581      34,773

Series 2018-46 AS 3.697% (6.20% minus LIBOR01M, Cap 6.20%) 3/20/48 S

    222,091      45,953
    

 

Total Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (cost $2,349,667)

     2,274,031
    

 

 

6


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – 1.12%

             

Freddie Mac Multifamily Structured Pass Through Certificates

     

Series K058 A2 2.653% 8/25/26 t

     80,000      $            77,525

FREMF Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2011-K14 B 144A 5.18% 2/25/47 #

     50,000      52,144

Series 2013-K25 C 144A 3.619% 11/25/45 #

     45,000      44,303

Series 2013-K33 C 144A 3.50% 8/25/46 #

     15,000      14,478

Series 2013-K712 B 144A 3.358% 5/25/45 #

     60,000      60,008

Series 2013-K713 B 144A 3.154% 4/25/46 #

     35,000      34,953

Series 2013-K713 C 144A 3.154% 4/25/46 #

     105,000      104,664

Series 2014-K717 B 144A 3.629% 11/25/47 #

     35,000      35,363

Series 2014-K717 C 144A 3.629% 11/25/47 #

     20,000      20,148

Series 2016-K53 B 144A 4.019% 3/25/49 #

     50,000      49,941

Series 2016-K722 B 144A 3.836% 7/25/49 #

     75,000      76,313

Series 2017-K71 B 144A 3.753% 11/25/50 #

     35,000      33,691
     

 

Total Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $606,033)

      603,531
     

 

     
     

Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities – 0.17%

             

Fannie Mae S.F. 30 yr

     

5.00% 7/1/47

     8,037      8,620

5.50% 8/1/48

     55,191      59,598

6.00% 7/1/41

     23,455      25,955
     

 

Total Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $94,709)

      94,173
     

 

     
     

Collateralized Debt Obligations – 1.47%

             

Benefit Street Partners CLO IV

     

Series 2014-IVA A1R 144A 4.251% (LIBOR03M + 1.49%) 1/20/29 #

     500,000      499,743

Venture CDO

     

Series 2016-25A A1 144A 4.251% (LIBOR03M + 1.49%) 4/20/29 #

     100,000      100,189

Venture XXIV CLO

     

Series 2016-24A A1D 144A 4.181% (LIBOR03M + 1.42%) 10/20/28 #

     195,000      194,717
     

 

Total Collateralized Debt Obligations (cost $793,830)

      794,649
     

 

     
     

Corporate Bonds – 61.89%

             

Banking – 10.50%

     

Akbank T.A.S. 144A 7.20% 3/16/27 #µ

     200,000      183,066

Banco de Credito e Inversiones 144A 3.50% 10/12/27 #

     200,000      188,525

Bank of America 3.864% 7/23/24 µ

     205,000      209,082

Bank of Montreal 3.30% 2/5/24

     55,000      54,887

Bank of New York Mellon 4.625% µy

     270,000      253,523

 

7


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Banking (continued)

     

BB&T 3.75% 12/6/23

     135,000      $            138,848

Citizens Bank 3.70% 3/29/23

     250,000      252,351

Credit Suisse Group

     

144A 6.25% #µy

     300,000      297,362

144A 7.50% #µy

     325,000      331,771

Fifth Third Bancorp

     

3.65% 1/25/24

     125,000      125,790

3.95% 3/14/28

     115,000      115,845

Goldman Sachs Group 6.00% 6/15/20

     185,000      192,329

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

3.797% 7/23/24 µ

     50,000      50,817

4.452% 12/5/29 µ

     60,000      62,826

6.75% µy

     240,000      258,875

Morgan Stanley

     

3.737% 4/24/24 µ

     75,000      75,949

3.811% (LIBOR03M + 1.22%) 5/8/24

     75,000      75,314

4.431% 1/23/30 µ

     25,000      26,011

5.00% 11/24/25

     35,000      37,042

5.50% 1/26/20

     100,000      102,416

PNC Financial Services Group 5.00% µy

     215,000      204,567

Popular 6.125% 9/14/23

     250,000      257,125

Regions Financial 3.80% 8/14/23

     75,000      75,685

Royal Bank of Scotland Group 8.625% µy

     600,000      640,308

Santander UK 144A 5.00% 11/7/23 #

     215,000      216,804

State Street 4.141% 12/3/29 µ

     65,000      68,942

SunTrust Banks

     

3.00% 2/2/23

     95,000      93,937

4.00% 5/1/25

     60,000      61,232

Turkiye Garanti Bankasi 144A 6.25% 4/20/21 #

     200,000      201,561

UBS Group Funding Switzerland 6.875% 3/22/67 µy

     200,000      205,726

USB Capital IX 3.807% (LIBOR03M + 1.02%) y

     705,000      543,890

Zions Bancorporation 4.50% 6/13/23

     75,000      76,278
     

 

      5,678,684
     

 

Basic Industry – 8.69%

     

Anglo American Capital

     

144A 4.00% 9/11/27 #

     200,000      189,167

144A 4.75% 4/10/27 #

     200,000      199,793

BHP Billiton Finance USA 144A 6.25% 10/19/75 #µ

     400,000      414,410

Braskem Netherlands Finance 144A 4.50% 1/10/28 #

     200,000      195,500

Cleveland-Cliffs 5.75% 3/1/25

     195,000      189,150

CSN Resources 144A 7.625% 2/13/23 #

     200,000      196,750

 

8


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Basic Industry (continued)

     

Dow Chemical

     

144A 4.80% 11/30/28 #

     85,000      $            88,935

144A 5.55% 11/30/48 #

     70,000      73,996

DowDuPont

     

4.205% 11/15/23

     55,000      57,018

4.725% 11/15/28

     55,000      58,365

5.419% 11/15/48

     65,000      70,779

Equate Petrochemical 144A 3.00% 3/3/22 #

     200,000      195,712

Georgia-Pacific 8.00% 1/15/24

     170,000      205,655

Hudbay Minerals 144A 7.625% 1/15/25 #

     235,000      242,637

Mexichem 144A 5.50% 1/15/48 #

     200,000      180,500

NOVA Chemicals

     

144A 5.00% 5/1/25 #

     60,000      55,425

144A 5.25% 6/1/27 #

     400,000      366,500

Novolipetsk Steel Via Steel Funding DAC 144A 4.00% 9/21/24 #

     200,000      190,385

OCP 144A 4.50% 10/22/25 #

     200,000      196,369

Petkim Petrokimya Holding 144A 5.875% 1/26/23 #

     200,000      189,705

Phosagro OAO Via Phosagro Bond Funding DAC 144A 3.95% 11/3/21 #

     200,000      196,050

SASOL Financing USA 5.875% 3/27/24

     200,000      206,545

Suzano Austria 144A 6.00% 1/15/29 #

     200,000      210,300

Syngenta Finance 144A 3.933% 4/23/21 #

     225,000      223,457

Vedanta Resources 144A 7.125% 5/31/23 #

     200,000      195,250

WRKCo

     

144A 4.65% 3/15/26 #

     45,000      46,419

144A 4.90% 3/15/29 #

     60,000      62,590
     

 

      4,697,362
     

 

Brokerage – 1.94%

     

Charles Schwab 3.85% 5/21/25

     50,000      51,601

E*TRADE Financial

     

3.80% 8/24/27

     65,000      61,371

5.30% µy

     20,000      18,177

Jefferies Group

     

4.15% 1/23/30

     30,000      26,338

6.45% 6/8/27

     60,000      63,362

6.50% 1/20/43

     565,000      551,845

Lazard Group 4.50% 9/19/28

     100,000      101,190

NFP 144A 6.875% 7/15/25 #

     185,000      176,675
     

 

      1,050,559
     

 

Capital Goods – 4.40%

     

Ardagh Packaging Finance 144A 6.00% 2/15/25 #

     295,000      287,625

 

9


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Capital Goods (continued)

     

BWAY Holding 144A 7.25% 4/15/25 #

     103,000      $              95,404

EnPro Industries 144A 5.75% 10/15/26 #

     175,000      174,563

General Electric 2.70% 10/9/22

     20,000      19,178

Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua 144A 5.25% 6/23/24 #

     200,000      198,000

L3 Technologies 3.85% 6/15/23

     205,000      207,361

New Enterprise Stone & Lime 144A 10.125% 4/1/22 #

     190,000      190,950

nVent Finance 4.55% 4/15/28

     160,000      157,194

Standard Industries 144A 6.00% 10/15/25 #

     355,000      358,994

TransDigm 6.375% 6/15/26

     200,000      193,250

United Rentals North America 5.875% 9/15/26

     344,000      352,600

United Technologies 3.65% 8/16/23

     140,000      142,114
     

 

      2,377,233
     

 

Communications – 6.28%

     

Altice Luxembourg 144A 7.75% 5/15/22 #

     200,000      194,750

AT&T

     

4.50% 3/9/48

     15,000      13,517

5.25% 3/1/37

     45,000      45,744

CCO Holdings 144A 5.875% 5/1/27 #

     235,000      236,245

Charter Communications Operating 5.375% 4/1/38

     35,000      33,775

Comcast 3.70% 4/15/24

     165,000      168,792

Crown Castle International 3.80% 2/15/28

     150,000      146,565

CSC Holdings 144A 7.75% 7/15/25 #

     250,000      262,500

Digicel Group Two 144A PIK 9.125% 4/1/24 # LOGO

     200,000      88,000

Discovery Communications 5.20% 9/20/47

     55,000      52,125

Fox

     

144A 4.709% 1/25/29 #

     40,000      41,830

144A 5.576% 1/25/49 #

     110,000      117,175

GTP Acquisition Partners I 144A 2.35% 6/15/20 #

     100,000      98,585

Level 3 Financing 5.375% 5/1/25

     150,000      148,500

Myriad International Holdings 144A 4.85% 7/6/27 #

     200,000      199,660

Radiate Holdco 144A 6.625% 2/15/25 #

     200,000      186,500

Sirius XM Radio 144A 5.375% 4/15/25 #

     145,000      147,356

Sprint 7.875% 9/15/23

     280,000      298,200

TELUS 4.60% 11/16/48

     5,000      5,048

Time Warner Cable 7.30% 7/1/38

     170,000      189,642

Time Warner Entertainment 8.375% 3/15/23

     80,000      92,586

Verizon Communications

     

4.329% 9/21/28

     65,000      67,324

4.50% 8/10/33

     135,000      137,743

Viacom 4.375% 3/15/43

     110,000      94,266

Vodafone Group 3.75% 1/16/24

     30,000      29,962

Warner Media 4.85% 7/15/45

     105,000      101,061

 

10


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Communications (continued)

     

Zayo Group 6.375% 5/15/25

     200,000      $          196,000
     

 

      3,393,451
     

 

Consumer Cyclical – 3.59%

     

AMC Entertainment Holdings 6.125% 5/15/27

     265,000      237,175

Atento Luxco 1 144A 6.125% 8/10/22 #

     95,000      93,337

Best Buy 4.45% 10/1/28

     100,000      95,256

Ford Motor Credit 4.14% 2/15/23

     200,000      190,033

General Motors Financial

     

4.35% 4/9/25

     95,000      92,260

5.10% 1/17/24

     55,000      55,957

5.25% 3/1/26

     95,000      95,083

GLP Capital 5.30% 1/15/29

     30,000      30,442

Golden Nugget 144A 8.75% 10/1/25 #

     117,000      120,217

M/I Homes 5.625% 8/1/25

     200,000      184,000

Murphy Oil USA 5.625% 5/1/27

     155,000      153,450

Prime Security Services Borrower 144A 9.25% 5/15/23 #

     138,000      146,280

Sands China 4.60% 8/8/23

     200,000      201,300

Scientific Games International 10.00% 12/1/22

     235,000      247,925
     

 

      1,942,715
     

 

Consumer Non-Cyclical – 5.27%

     

AbbVie 4.25% 11/14/28

     75,000      74,767

Anheuser-Busch 144A 3.65% 2/1/26 #

     170,000      167,308

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide 4.75% 1/23/29

     25,000      26,019

BAT Capital

     

2.297% 8/14/20

     10,000      9,873

3.222% 8/15/24

     80,000      76,857

Bayer US Finance II 144A 4.25% 12/15/25 #

     200,000      199,458

Bunge Finance 4.35% 3/15/24

     80,000      79,107

Campbell Soup 3.65% 3/15/23

     95,000      94,417

Charles River Laboratories International 144A 5.50% 4/1/26 #

     180,000      184,500

Cigna 144A 4.125% 11/15/25 #

     100,000      102,184

Conagra Brands 4.30% 5/1/24

     190,000      191,820

CVS Health 4.30% 3/25/28

     185,000      187,548

JBS Investments 144A 7.25% 4/3/24 #

     200,000      207,564

Marfrig Holdings Europe 144A 8.00% 6/8/23 #

     200,000      207,392

MHP 144A 6.95% 4/3/26 #

     200,000      180,000

MPH Acquisition Holdings 144A 7.125% 6/1/24 #

     108,000      107,514

Mylan 4.55% 4/15/28

     55,000      52,922

New York & Presbyterian Hospital 4.063% 8/1/56

     130,000      124,907

Pilgrim’s Pride 144A 5.75% 3/15/25 #

     120,000      118,200

 

11


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Consumer Non-Cyclical (continued)

     

Surgery Center Holdings

     

144A 6.75% 7/1/25 #

     150,000      $          139,500

144A 8.875% 4/15/21 #

     110,000      112,750

Teva Pharmaceutical Finance Netherlands III 6.00% 4/15/24

     200,000      203,573
     

 

      2,848,180
     

 

Electric – 3.50%

     

Ausgrid Finance

     

144A 3.85% 5/1/23 #

     75,000      75,509

144A 4.35% 8/1/28 #

     45,000      45,273

Avangrid 3.15% 12/1/24

     105,000      102,008

Calpine

     

144A 5.25% 6/1/26 #

     125,000      119,219

5.75% 1/15/25

     85,000      80,325

CenterPoint Energy 3.85% 2/1/24

     40,000      40,315

Cleveland Electric Illuminating 5.50% 8/15/24

     170,000      185,877

ComEd Financing III 6.35% 3/15/33

     75,000      77,647

Consumers Energy

     

3.80% 11/15/28

     25,000      25,711

4.35% 4/15/49

     25,000      26,698

Duke Energy Ohio 3.65% 2/1/29

     85,000      86,050

Entergy Louisiana 4.00% 3/15/33

     155,000      158,072

Interstate Power & Light 4.10% 9/26/28

     115,000      117,145

IPALCO Enterprises 3.70% 9/1/24

     90,000      88,479

Israel Electric 144A 5.00% 11/12/24 #

     200,000      210,600

MidAmerican Energy 4.25% 7/15/49

     115,000      118,472

Nevada Power 2.75% 4/15/20

     70,000      70,008

PSEG Power 3.85% 6/1/23

     70,000      70,537

Southwestern Electric Power 4.10% 9/15/28

     190,000      193,162
     

 

      1,891,107
     

 

Energy – 10.72%

     

Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline 144A 4.60% 11/2/47 #

     200,000      202,878

Alta Mesa Holdings 7.875% 12/15/24

     320,000      222,496

AmeriGas Partners 5.875% 8/20/26

     105,000      103,981

Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings 7.00% 6/30/24

     185,000      204,388

Chesapeake Energy 8.00% 1/15/25

     115,000      116,173

Continental Resources 4.375% 1/15/28

     30,000      29,908

Diamond Offshore Drilling 7.875% 8/15/25

     235,000      223,250

Enbridge 6.25% 3/1/78 µ

     35,000      33,350

Enbridge Energy Partners

     

4.375% 10/15/20

     15,000      15,259

 

12


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Energy (continued)

     

Enbridge Energy Partners

     

5.20% 3/15/20

     5,000      $              5,117

5.50% 9/15/40

     25,000      27,004

Energy Transfer Operating

     

5.25% 4/15/29

     25,000      25,933

6.00% 6/15/48

     10,000      10,300

6.625% µy

     100,000      89,273

Ensco 7.75% 2/1/26

     285,000      230,316

Enterprise Products Operating 4.80% 2/1/49

     20,000      20,541

Gazprom OAO Via Gaz Capital 144A 4.95% 3/23/27 #

     200,000      196,225

Genesis Energy 6.50% 10/1/25

     183,000      173,850

Gulfport Energy 6.00% 10/15/24

     285,000      269,325

KazMunayGas National 144A 6.375% 10/24/48 #

     200,000      214,220

KazTransGas JSC 144A 4.375% 9/26/27 #

     200,000      193,459

Laredo Petroleum 6.25% 3/15/23

     375,000      359,531

Marathon Oil 4.40% 7/15/27

     100,000      100,436

MPLX

     

4.80% 2/15/29

     25,000      25,606

4.875% 12/1/24

     160,000      166,861

Murphy Oil 6.875% 8/15/24

     290,000      303,727

NiSource 144A 5.65% #µy

     60,000      57,850

Noble Energy

     

3.85% 1/15/28

     70,000      66,472

3.90% 11/15/24

     5,000      4,920

4.95% 8/15/47

     50,000      46,658

5.05% 11/15/44

     20,000      18,604

ONEOK 7.50% 9/1/23

     90,000      102,118

Petrobras Global Finance 7.375% 1/17/27

     75,000      81,713

Petroleos Mexicanos 6.75% 9/21/47

     25,000      21,850

Precision Drilling

     

144A 7.125% 1/15/26 #

     120,000      110,400

7.75% 12/15/23

     220,000      211,750

Rio Energy 144A 6.875% 2/1/25 #

     150,000      120,375

Sabine Pass Liquefaction

     

5.625% 3/1/25

     80,000      86,467

5.75% 5/15/24

     145,000      156,068

5.875% 6/30/26

     55,000      59,837

Schlumberger Holdings

     

144A 3.75% 5/1/24 #

     40,000      40,329

144A 4.30% 5/1/29 #

     65,000      66,273

Southwestern Energy 7.75% 10/1/27

     465,000      481,275

Transcanada Trust 5.875% 8/15/76 µ

     175,000      171,093

 

13


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

     Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

             

Energy (continued)

     

Whiting Petroleum 6.625% 1/15/26

     150,000      $          147,750

Williams

     

3.75% 6/15/27

     30,000      29,245

4.55% 6/24/24

     40,000      41,412

4.85% 3/1/48

     65,000      63,526

YPF 144A 51.729% (BADLARPP + 4.00%) 7/7/20 #

     105,000      44,625
     

 

      5,794,017
     

 

Finance Companies – 0.75%

     

GE Capital International Funding Co. Unlimited 4.418% 11/15/35

     200,000      179,101

International Lease Finance 8.625% 1/15/22

     200,000      224,492
     

 

      403,593
     

 

Healthcare Services – 0.08%

     

UnitedHealth Group

     

3.50% 2/15/24

     20,000      20,356

3.70% 12/15/25

     20,000      20,565
     

 

      40,921
     

 

Insurance – 3.20%

     

AssuredPartners 144A 7.00% 8/15/25 #

     225,000      216,000

Aviation Capital Group 144A 4.375% 1/30/24 #

     145,000      145,228

AXA Equitable Holdings

     

4.35% 4/20/28

     30,000      29,503

5.00% 4/20/48

     95,000      88,796

Brighthouse Financial

     

3.70% 6/22/27

     35,000      30,648

4.70% 6/22/47

     55,000      42,649

Cigna 144A 3.677% (LIBOR03M + 0.89%) 7/15/23 #

     155,000      153,093

HUB International 144A 7.00% 5/1/26 #

     225,000      218,813

Marsh & McLennan

     

3.875% 3/15/24

     15,000      15,307

4.375% 3/15/29

     80,000      82,930

4.90% 3/15/49

     40,000      42,390

MetLife 5.25% µy

     145,000      145,520

Progressive 4.00% 3/1/29

     60,000      62,378

USIS Merger Sub 144A 6.875% 5/1/25 #

     200,000      192,440

Voya Financial 4.70% 1/23/48 µ

     65,000      54,696

Willis North America

     

3.60% 5/15/24

     15,000      14,713

4.50% 9/15/28

     55,000      55,775

XLIT

     

5.245% (LIBOR03M + 2.458%) y

     65,000      62,075

 

14


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Corporate Bonds (continued)

            

Insurance (continued)

    

XLIT

    

5.50% 3/31/45

    75,000      $              78,160
    

 

     1,731,114
    

 

Real Estate – 0.31%

    

WeWork 144A 7.875% 5/1/25 #

    185,000      168,372
    

 

     168,372
    

 

REITs – 0.45%

    

Corporate Office Properties 5.25% 2/15/24

    85,000      88,779

Hospitality Properties Trust 4.50% 3/15/25

    100,000      95,500

Kilroy Realty 3.45% 12/15/24

    60,000      58,091
    

 

     242,370
    

 

Technology – 0.89%

    

CommScope Technologies 144A 5.00% 3/15/27 #

    125,000      106,863

Corning

    

4.375% 11/15/57

    30,000      26,342

5.35% 11/15/48

    30,000      31,739

Fiserv 3.80% 10/1/23

    25,000      25,050

Microchip Technology

    

144A 3.922% 6/1/21 #

    30,000      29,705

144A 4.333% 6/1/23 #

    85,000      83,828

NXP 144A 4.875% 3/1/24 #

    175,000      179,744
    

 

     483,271
    

 

Transportation – 0.96%

    

Adani Abbot Point Terminal 144A 4.45% 12/15/22 #

    200,000      175,635

Avis Budget Car Rental 144A 6.375% 4/1/24 #

    135,000      134,663

DAE Funding 144A 5.75% 11/15/23 #

    160,000      162,000

United Airlines 2019-1 Class AA Pass-Through Trust 4.15% 8/25/31¨

    45,000      45,592
    

 

     517,890
    

 

Utilities – 0.36%

    

Aegea Finance 144A 5.75% 10/10/24 #

    200,000      195,000
    

 

     195,000
    

 

Total Corporate Bonds (cost $34,191,350)

     33,455,839
    

 

    
     

Municipal Bonds – 3.69%

            

Bay Area, California Toll Authority (Build America Bond) Series S-3 6.907% 10/1/50

    170,000      245,502

Buckeye, Ohio Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority (Asset-Backed Senior Turbo) Series A-2 5.875% 6/1/47

    1,000,000      931,140

 

15


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Municipal Bonds (continued)

            

New Jersey Turnpike Authority (Build America Bonds) Series A 7.102% 1/1/41

    90,000      $              126,482

South Carolina Public Service Authority

    

Series D 4.77% 12/1/45

    55,000      55,664

State of California Various Purposes (Build America Bond) 7.55% 4/1/39

    135,000      198,604

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corporation Retirement Facility Revenue (Buckner Senior Living - Ventana Project) 6.625% 11/15/37

    400,000      435,672
    

 

Total Municipal Bonds (cost $2,022,444)

     1,993,064
    

 

    
     

Non-Agency Asset-Backed Securities – 4.96%

            

American Express Credit Account Master Trust

    

Series 2018-3 A 2.829% (LIBOR01M + 0.32%) 10/15/25

    100,000      99,291

Series 2018-9 A 2.889% (LIBOR01M + 0.38%) 4/15/26

    400,000      399,042

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust

    

Series 2017-A7 A7 2.891% (LIBOR01M + 0.37%) 8/8/24

    500,000      500,499

Series 2018-A2 A2 2.836% (LIBOR01M + 0.33%) 1/20/25

    500,000      498,601

Citicorp Residential Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2006-3 A5 5.267% 11/25/36

    300,000      306,724

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust

    

Series 2018-1 A 144A 3.19% 7/15/31 #

    100,000      98,699

Hardee’s Funding

    

Series 2018-1A A2I 144A 4.25% 6/20/48 #

    49,875      50,234

HOA Funding

    

Series 2014-1A A2 144A 4.846% 8/20/44 #

    45,750      45,207

PFS Financing

    

Series 2018-A A 144A 2.909% (LIBOR01M + 0.40%) 2/15/22 #

    100,000      99,884

Series 2018-E A 144A 2.959% (LIBOR01M + 0.45%) 10/17/22 #

    145,000      144,757

Tesla Auto Lease Trust

    

Series 2018-A B 144A 2.75% 2/20/20 #

    215,000      214,469

Volkswagen Auto Loan Enhanced Trust

    

Series 2018-1 A2B 2.686% (LIBOR01M + 0.18%) 7/20/21

    100,000      100,026

Volvo Financial Equipment Master Owner Trust

    

Series 2017-A A 144A 3.009% (LIBOR01M + 0.50%) 11/15/22 #

    75,000      75,157

 

16


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Non-Agency Asset-Backed Securities (continued)

            

Wendy’s Funding

    

Series 2018-1A A2I 144A 3.573% 3/15/48 #

    49,500      $              48,264
    

 

Total Non-Agency Asset-Backed Securities
(cost $2,643,614)

     2,680,854
    

 

    
     

Non-Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations – 4.18%

            

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities

    

Series 2005-5 6A3 5.00% 7/25/35

    44,947      44,686

Flagstar Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2018-1 A5 144A 3.50% 3/25/48 #

    88,719      88,172

Series 2018-5 A7 144A 4.00% 9/25/48 #

    94,882      95,671

Galton Funding Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2018-1 A43 144A 3.50% 11/25/57 #

    69,799      69,635

GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust

    

Series 1998-2 A 144A 7.75% 5/19/27 #

    19,998      20,055

JPMorgan Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2006-S1 1A1 6.00% 4/25/36

    34,226      35,920

Series 2007-A1 7A4 4.476% 7/25/35

    55,609      50,085

Series 2014-2 B1 144A 3.417% 6/25/29 #

    64,217      63,957

Series 2014-2 B2 144A 3.417% 6/25/29 #

    64,217      63,574

Series 2014-IVR6 2A4 144A 2.50% 7/25/44 #

    100,000      100,040

Series 2015-4 B1 144A 3.624% 6/25/45 #

    91,783      91,210

Series 2015-4 B2 144A 3.624% 6/25/45 #

    91,783      90,105

Series 2015-5 B2 144A 3.161% 5/25/45 #

    94,907      93,814

Series 2015-6 B1 144A 3.611% 10/25/45 #

    91,022      90,786

Series 2015-6 B2 144A 3.611% 10/25/45 #

    91,022      90,155

Series 2016-4 B1 144A 3.90% 10/25/46 #

    94,337      94,837

Series 2016-4 B2 144A 3.90% 10/25/46 #

    94,337      94,311

Series 2017-1 B2 144A 3.549% 1/25/47 #

    81,449      79,625

Series 2017-2 A3 144A 3.50% 5/25/47 #

    33,716      33,235

Series 2018-3 A5 144A 3.50% 9/25/48 #

    92,118      91,582

Series 2018-4 A15 144A 3.50% 10/25/48 #

    49,268      49,034

Series 2018-6 1A4 144A 3.50% 12/25/48 #

    32,445      32,326

Series 2018-7FRB A2 144A 3.256% (LIBOR01M + 0.75%) 4/25/46 #

    36,195      36,135

New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust

    

Series 2018-RPL1 A1 144A 3.50% 12/25/57 #

    92,110      91,818

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2014-2 A4 144A 3.50% 7/25/44 #

    32,942      32,773

Series 2015-1 B2 144A 3.876% 1/25/45 #

    45,162      45,257

Series 2017-4 A1 144A 3.50% 7/25/47 #

    83,145      82,240

Series 2018-5 A4 144A 3.50% 5/25/48 #

    93,598      93,407

 

17


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
     

Non-Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (continued)

            

Towd Point Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2015-5 A1B 144A 2.75% 5/25/55 #

    44,565      $              43,894

Series 2015-6 A1B 144A 2.75% 4/25/55 #

    50,919      50,031

Series 2017-1 A1 144A 2.75% 10/25/56 #

    64,103      62,733

Series 2017-2 A1 144A 2.75% 4/25/57 #

    66,297      64,933

Series 2018-1 A1 144A 3.00% 1/25/58 #

    84,909      83,347

Washington Mutual Mortgage Pass Through Certificates Trust

    

Series 2005-1 5A2 6.00% 3/25/35 ¨

    13,534      1,789

Wells Fargo Mortgage-Backed Securities Trust

    

Series 2006-AR5 2A1 4.217% 4/25/36

    7,466      7,380
    

 

Total Non-Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (cost $2,269,112)

     2,258,552
    

 

    
     

Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities – 4.21%

            

BANK

    

Series 2017-BNK4 XA 1.441% 5/15/50

    448,652      37,257

Series 2017-BNK5 B 3.896% 6/15/60

    60,000      59,602

Series 2017-BNK7 A5 3.435% 9/15/60

    65,000      64,741

BENCHMARK Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2018-B6 A4 4.261% 10/10/51

    80,000      84,648

Caesars Palace Las Vegas Trust

    

Series 2017-VICI B 144A 3.835% 10/15/34 #

    60,000      60,716

CD Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2016-CD2 A3 3.248% 11/10/49

    85,000      84,197

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2014-GC25 A4 3.635% 10/10/47

    75,000      76,533

Series 2017-C4 A4 3.471% 10/12/50

    45,000      44,884

COMM Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2013-CR6 AM 144A 3.147% 3/10/46 #

    110,000      109,186

Series 2014-CR19 A5 3.796% 8/10/47

    80,000      82,416

Series 2015-CR23 A4 3.497% 5/10/48

    85,000      86,005

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates

    

Series 2016-CR28 A4 3.762% 2/10/49 ¨

    70,000      71,535

GRACE Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2014-GRCE B 144A 3.52% 6/10/28 #

    100,000      100,170

GS Mortgage Securities Trust

    

Series 2010-C1 C 144A 5.635% 8/10/43 #

    150,000      153,454

Series 2015-GC32 A4 3.764% 7/10/48

    75,000      77,086

Series 2017-GS6 A3 3.433% 5/10/50

    75,000      74,742

Series 2018-GS9 A4 3.992% 3/10/51

    40,000      41,342

JPM-BB Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

    

Series 2015-C27 XA 1.317% 2/15/48

    1,115,273      54,287

Series 2015-C31 A3 3.801% 8/15/48

    65,000      66,623

 

18


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

    Principal amount°      Value (US $)
 

Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (continued)

JPMorgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust

    

Series 2005-CB11 E 5.566% 8/12/37

    35,000      $              35,760

Series 2013-LC11 B 3.499% 4/15/46

    130,000      128,319

Series 2016-WIKI A 144A 2.798% 10/5/31 #

    90,000      89,046

Series 2016-WIKI B 144A 3.201% 10/5/31 #

    85,000      84,246

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2006-C6 AJ 5.452% 9/15/39

    57,311      39,562

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

    

Series 2006-HQ10 B 5.448% 11/12/41

    100,000      94,570

UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2018-C9 A4 4.117% 3/15/51

    70,000      72,830

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust

    

Series 2015-C30 XA 0.923% 9/15/58

    1,879,665      87,861

Series 2015-NXS3 A4 3.617% 9/15/57

    45,000      45,488

Series 2017-C38 A5 3.453% 7/15/50

    90,000      89,285

Series 2017-RB1 XA 1.279% 3/15/50

    993,728      80,467
    

 

Total Non-Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities (cost $2,366,095)

 

   2,276,858
    

 

  
     

Loan Agreements – 3.79%

            

Applied Systems 2nd Lien 9.499% (LIBOR01M + 7.00%) 9/19/25

    270,000      270,675

Ball Metalpack Finco Tranche B 1st Lien 6.999% (LIBOR01M + 4.50%) 7/31/25

    104,475      103,566

Blue Ribbon 1st Lien 6.503% (LIBOR03M + 3.00%) 11/13/21

    101,530      91,250

Dakota Holding Tranche B 1st Lien 5.749% (LIBOR01M + 3.25%) 2/13/25

    173,688      168,097

DTZ US Borrower Tranche B 1st Lien 5.749% (LIBOR01M + 3.25%) 8/21/25

    99,750      98,129

Dynatrace 1st Lien 5.749% (LIBOR01M + 3.25%) 8/23/25

    140,000      139,008

GIP III Stetson I Tranche B 1st Lien 0.00% 7/18/25 X

    89,000      87,220

Hyperion Insurance Group Tranche B 1st Lien 6.00% (LIBOR01M + 3.50%) 12/20/24

    173,684      171,643

NCI Building Systems Tranche B 1st Lien 6.547% (LIBOR03M + 3.75%) 4/12/25

    174,125      166,616

Penn National Gaming Tranche B 1st Lien 4.758% (LIBOR01M + 2.25%) 10/15/25

    100,000      98,875

Sigma US Tranche B2 1st Lien 5.797% (LIBOR03M + 3.00%) 7/2/25

    174,125      167,886

Stars Group Holdings Tranche B 1st Lien 6.303% (LIBOR03M + 3.50%) 7/10/25

    125,260      124,352

Summit Midstream Partners Holdings Tranche B 1st Lien 8.499% (LIBOR01M + 6.00%) 5/21/22

    188,958      185,967

 

19


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

            Principal amount°      Value (US $)
       

Loan Agreements (continued)

                      

Vantage Specialty Chemicals Tranche B 1st Lien 5.999% (LIBOR02M + 3.50%) 10/28/24

        39,497      $            38,856

Verscend Holding Tranche B 1st Lien 6.999% (LIBOR01M + 4.50%) 8/27/25

        139,650      138,603
        

 

Total Loan Agreements (cost $2,105,870)

               2,050,743
        

 

        
       

Regional Bond – 0.24%D

                      

Argentina – 0.24%

        

Provincia de Cordoba 144A 7.45% 9/1/24 #

        150,000      128,625
        

 

Total Regional Bond (cost $156,938)

         128,625
        

 

        
       

Sovereign Bonds – 3.63%D

                      

Argentina – 0.29%

        

Argentine Republic Government International Bond 5.625% 1/26/22

        175,000      159,295
        

 

         159,295
        

 

Bermuda – 0.36%

        

Bermuda Government International Bond 144A 3.717% 1/25/27 #

        200,000      195,172
        

 

         195,172
        

 

Egypt – 0.36%

        

Egypt Government International Bond 144A 5.577% 2/21/23 #

        200,000      194,484
        

 

         194,484
        

 

Ivory Coast – 0.33%

        

Ivory Coast Government International Bond 144A 6.125% 6/15/33 #

        200,000      179,104
        

 

         179,104
        

 

Peru – 0.69%

        

Peru Government Bond 144A 6.15% 8/12/32 #

     PEN        1,219,000      372,987
        

 

         372,987
        

 

Saudi Arabia – 0.38%

        

Saudi Government International Bond 144A 4.375% 4/16/29 #

        200,000      204,049
        

 

         204,049
        

 

Senegal – 0.33%

        

Senegal Government International Bond 144A 6.75% 3/13/48 #

        200,000      178,676
        

 

         178,676
        

 

South Africa – 0.28%

        

Republic of South Africa Government Bond 8.00% 1/31/30

     ZAR        1,112,000      77,617

 

20


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

            Principal amount°      Value (US $)
       

Sovereign BondsD (continued)

                      

South Africa (continued)

        

Republic of South Africa Government Bond 8.75% 1/31/44

     ZAR        1,063,000      $          73,482
        

 

         151,099
        

 

Sri Lanka – 0.45%

        

Sri Lanka Government International Bond 144A 5.75% 4/18/23 #

        250,000      243,104
        

 

         243,104
        

 

Turkey – 0.16%

        

Turkey Government Bond 8.00% 3/12/25

     TRY        593,000      86,081
        

 

         86,081
        

 

Total Sovereign Bonds (cost $2,001,543)

               1,964,051
        

 

        
       

Supranational Banks – 0.70%

                      

Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement 144A 5.00% 7/27/27 #

        200,000      196,550

Inter-American Development Bank 7.875% 3/14/23

     IDR        2,500,000,000      180,427
        

 

Total Supranational Banks (cost $398,779)

         376,977
        

 

        
       

US Treasury Obligations – 0.34%

                      

US Treasury Bond

        

   3.375% 11/15/48

        50,000      53,671

US Treasury Notes

        

   2.625% 12/31/23

        100,000      100,854

   3.125% 11/15/28

        30,000      31,270
        

 

Total US Treasury Obligations (cost $184,703)

         185,795
        

 

            Number of shares       
       

Convertible Preferred Stock – 0.03%

                      

Wells Fargo & Co. 7.50% exercise price $156.71 y

        14      17,951
        

 

Total Convertible Preferred Stock (cost $17,972)

         17,951
        

 

        
       

Preferred Stock – 1.31%

                      

Bank of America 6.50% µy

        400,000      430,978

US Bancorp 3.807% (LIBOR03M + 1.02%) y

        350      278,250
        

 

Total Preferred Stock (cost $682,710)

         709,228
        

 

 

21


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

    

Number of

contracts

     Value (US $)
     

Options Purchased – 0.00%

             

Currency Put Options – 0.00%

     

USD vs CLP strike price INR 650, expiration date 2/4/19, notional amount CLP 1,203,800,000 (CITI)

     1,852,000      $              1,458
     

 

Total Options Purchased (cost $12,270)

      1,458
     

 

     Principal amount°       
     

Short-Term Investments – 3.62%

             

Discount Note – 1.00%

     

Federal Home Loan Bank 0.00% 2/1/19

     540,621      540,621
     

 

      540,621
     

 

Repurchase Agreements – 2.62%

     

Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2.55%, dated 1/31/19, to be repurchased on 2/1/19, repurchase price $171,638 (collateralized by US government obligations 2.125% 12/31/22; market value $175,059)

     171,626      171,626

Bank of Montreal 2.43%, dated 1/31/19, to be repurchased on 2/1/19, repurchase price $472,003 (collateralized by US government obligations 0.00%–4.375% 3/28/19–2/15/48; market value $481,411)

     471,972      471,972

BNP Paribas 2.55%, dated 1/31/19, to be repurchased on 2/1/19, repurchase price $773,870 (collateralized by US government obligations 0.00%–4.375% 3/7/19–8/15/47; market value $789,292)

     773,815      773,815
     

 

      1,417,413
     

 

Total Short-Term Investments (cost $1,958,034)

      1,958,034
     

 

Total Value of Securities – 99.56%
(cost $54,855,673)

      $    53,824,413
     

 

 

#

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At Jan. 31, 2019, the aggregate value of Rule 144A securities was $21,034,161, which represents 38.91% of the Fund’s net assets. See Note 9 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

Pass Through Agreement. Security represents the contractual right to receive a proportionate amount of underlying payments due to the counterparty pursuant to various agreements related to the rescheduling of obligations and the exchange of certain notes.

 

LOGO

PIK. 100% of the income received was in the form of both cash and par.

 

The rate shown is the effective yield at the time of purchase.

 

°

Principal amount shown is stated in USD unless noted that the security is denominated in another currency.

 

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D

Securities have been classified by country of origin.

 

m

Fixed to variable rate investment. The rate shown reflects the fixed rate in effect at Jan. 31, 2019. Rate will reset at a future date.

 

Interest only security. An interest only security is the interest only portion of a fixed income security, which is separated and sold individually from the principal portion of the security.

 

y

No contractual maturity date.

 

Variable rate investment. Rates reset periodically. Rate shown reflects the rate in effect at Jan. 31, 2019. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread are indicated in their description above. The reference rate descriptions (i.e. LIBOR03M, LIBOR06M, etc.) used in this report are identical for different securities, but the underlying reference rates may differ due to the timing of the reset period. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions, or for mortgage-backed securities, are impacted by the individual mortgages which are paying off over time. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above.

 

X

This loan will settle after Jan. 31, 2019, at which time the interest rate, based on the LIBOR and the agreed upon spread on trade date, will be reflected.

The following foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, and swap contracts were outstanding at Jan. 31, 2019:1

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

Counterparty

   Contracts to
    Receive  (Deliver)    
      

     In Exchange For     

       Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation
       Unrealized
Depreciation
 

BA

     AUD        113,236          USD          (80,844)           3/1/19        $ 1,501        $  

BA

     CAD        139,050          USD          (104,579)           3/1/19          1,312           

BA

     EUR        99,765          USD          (114,871)           3/1/19                   (420

BA

     NZD        158,724          USD          (107,747)           3/1/19          2,032           

BNP

     AUD        94,460          USD          (67,414)           3/1/19          1,277           

CITI

     COP        592,822,820          USD          (186,673)           3/1/19          4,036           

UBS

     CLP        33,777,070          USD          (49,796)           2/28/19          1,714           
                         

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

 

                    $ 11,872        $ (420
                         

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

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Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

Futures Contracts

 

Contracts to Buy (Sell)     

Notional

Amount

    

Notional

Cost

(Proceeds)

    

Expiration

Date

    

Value/

Unrealized

Appreciation

    

Value/

Unrealized

Depreciation

   

Variation

Margin

Due from

(Due to)

Brokers

 

6

  US Treasury Long Bond        $ 880,125      $ 835,047        3/20/19      $ 45,078      $     $ 6,000  

14

  US Treasury 5 yr Notes          1,608,031        1,578,321        3/29/19        29,710              3,828  

(33)

  US Treasury 10 yr Notes          (4,041,469      (4,007,594      3/20/19               (33,875     (15,469
           

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Futures Contracts

 

   $ (1,594,226       $ 74,788      $ (33,875   $ (5,641
           

 

 

       

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Swap Contracts

CDS Contracts2

 

Reference Obligation/

Termination Date/

Payment Frequency

  

Notional

Amount3

    

Annual

Protection

Payments

   Value     

Upfront

Payments

Paid

(Received)

    

Unrealized

Depreciation4

    

Variation

Margin

Due from

(Due to)

Brokers

Centrally Cleared/ Protection Purchased:

                       

CDX.NA.HY.305
6/20/23-Quarterly

       940,800          5.00 %      $ (63,015 )        $ (57,997 )        $ (5,018 )        $ (2,753 )

CDX.NA.HY.315
12/20/23-Quarterly

       490,000          5.00 %        (29,311 )          (20,644 )          (8,667 )          (1,668 )

Over-The-Counter/ Protection Sold/ Moody’s Ratings:

                       

MSCS-CMBX.NA.BBB.66
5/11/63-Monthly

       460,000          3.00 %        (60,849 )          (50,848 )          (10,001 )         
                

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

 

Total CDS Contracts

                 $   (153,175        $   (129,489        $   (23,686        $   (4,421
                

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

 

The use of foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts, and swap contracts involves elements of market risk and risks in excess of the amounts disclosed in the financial statements. The notional amounts and foreign currency exchange contracts presented above represent the Fund’s total exposure in such contracts, whereas only the net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is reflected in the Fund’s net assets.

1See Note 6 in “Notes to financial statements.”

 

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2A CDS contract is a risk-transfer instrument through which one party (purchaser of protection) transfers to another party (seller of protection) the financial risk of a credit event (as defined in the CDS agreement), as it relates to a particular reference security or basket of securities (such as an index). Periodic payments (receipts) on such contracts are accrued daily and recorded as unrealized losses (gains) on swap contracts. Upon payment (receipt), such amounts are recorded as realized losses (gains) on swap contracts. Upfront payments made or received in connection with CDS contracts are amortized over the expected life of the CDS contracts as unrealized losses (gains) on swap contracts. The change in value of CDS contracts is recorded daily as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon a credit event (as defined in the CDS agreement) or the maturity or termination of the CDS agreement.

3Notional amount shown is stated in USD unless noted that the swap is denominated in another currency.

4Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) does not include periodic interest payments (receipt) on swap contracts accrued daily in the amount of $(8,595).

5Markit’s CDX.NA.HY Index is composed of 100 liquid North American entities with high yield credit ratings that trade in the CDS market.

6Markit’s CMBX.NA Index is a synthetic tradable index referencing a basket of 25 commercial mortgage-backed securities in North America. Credit-quality ratings are measured on a scale that ranges from AAA (highest) to BB (lowest). US Agency and US Agency mortgage-backed securities appear under US Government.

Summary of abbreviations:

AUD – Australian Dollar

BADLARPP – Argentina Term Deposit Rate

BA – Bank of America, N.A.

BB – Barclays Bank

BNP – BNP Paribas

CAD – Canadian Dollar

CDO – Collateralized Debt Obligation

CDS – Credit Default Swap

CDX.NA.HY – Credit Default Swap Index North American High-Yield

CITI – Citibank, N.A.

CLO – Collateralized Loan Obligation

CLP – Chilean Peso

CMBX.NA – Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Index North America

COP – Colombian Peso

EUR – European Monetary Unit

FREMF – Freddie Mac Multifamily

GNMA – Government National Mortgage Association

GS – Goldman Sachs

GSMPS – Goldman Sachs Reperforming Mortgage Securities

ICE – Intercontinental Exchange

 

25


Table of Contents

Schedule of investments

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

Summary of abbreviations (continued):

 

IDR – Indonesian Rupiah

INR – Indian Rupee

JPM – JPMorgan

LB – Lehman Brothers

LIBOR – London Interbank Offered Rate

LIBOR01M – ICE LIBOR USD 1 Month

LIBOR02M – ICE LIBOR USD 2 Month

LIBOR03M – ICE LIBOR USD 3 Month

LIBOR06M – ICE LIBOR USD 6 Month

MSCS – Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

NZD – New Zealand Dollar

PEN – Peruvian Nuevo Sol

PIK – Payment in-kind

REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust

REMIC – Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit

S.F. – Single Family

TRY – Turkish Lira

USD – US Dollar

yr – Year

ZAR – South African Rand

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Statement of assets and liabilities

Delaware Strategic Income Fund    January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 

Assets:

  

Investments, at value1

   $ 53,822,955  

Foreign currencies, at value2

     98,368  

Options purchased, at value3

     1,458  

Cash collateral due from brokers

     165,459  

Interest receivable

     632,406  

Receivable for securities sold

     600,817  

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

     11,872  

Receivable from investment manager

     11,787  

Receivable for fund shares sold

     5,118  

Other assets4

     97,871  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     55,448,111  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Cash due to custodian

     8,038  

Payable for securities purchased

     639,385  

Upfront payments received on credit default swap contracts

     129,489  

Other accrued expenses

     82,579  

Distribution payable

     59,812  

Payable for fund shares redeemed

     56,982  

Audit and tax fees payable

     27,325  

Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses payable to nonaffiliates

     16,682  

Distribution fees payable to affiliates

     10,811  

Unrealized depreciation on credit default swap contracts

     10,001  

Swap payments payable

     8,174  

Variation margin due to broker on futures contracts

     5,641  

Variation margin due to broker on centrally cleared credit default swap contracts

     4,421  

Accounting and administration expenses payable to affiliates

     516  

Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses payable to affiliates

     467  

Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

     420  

Trustees’ fees and expenses payable to affiliates

     229  

Legal fees payable to affiliates

     76  

Reports and statements to shareholders expenses payable to affiliates

     51  

Contingent liabilities4

     326,237  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,387,336  
  

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 54,060,775  
  

 

 

 

 

28


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

Net Assets Consist of:

  

Paid-in capital

   $ 61,290,403  

Total distributable earnings (loss)

     (7,229,628
  

 

 

 

Total Net Assets

   $ 54,060,775  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value

  

Class A:

  

Net assets

   $ 31,030,474  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     3,971,100  

Net asset value per share

   $ 7.81  

Sales charge

     4.50

Offering price per share, equal to net asset value per share / (1 – sales charge)

   $ 8.18  

Class C:

  

Net assets

   $ 2,956,761  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     377,994  

Net asset value per share

   $ 7.82  

Class R:

  

Net assets

   $ 4,033,484  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     514,493  

Net asset value per share

   $ 7.84  

Institutional Class:

  

Net assets

   $ 16,040,056  

Shares of beneficial interest outstanding, unlimited authorization, no par

     2,050,769  

Net asset value per share

   $ 7.82  

 

 

1 Investments, at cost

   $ 54,843,403  
2 Foreign currencies, at cost      92,811  
3 Options purchased, at cost      12,270  
4 See Note 11 in “Notes to financial statements.”   

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

29


Table of Contents

Statement of operations

Delaware Strategic Income Fund    Six months ended January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 

Investment Income:

  

Interest

   $ 1,555,785  

Dividends

     7,019  
  

 

 

 
     1,562,804  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

  

Management fees

     169,852  

Distribution expenses — Class A

     40,476  

Distribution expenses — Class C

     15,835  

Distribution expenses — Class R

     10,396  

Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses

     37,158  

Registration fees

     35,213  

Audit and tax fees

     29,431  

Legal fees

     27,470  

Accounting and administration expenses

     25,983  

Reports and statements to shareholders expenses

     18,890  

Custodian fees

     5,330  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     1,651  

Other

     34,703  
  

 

 

 
     452,388  

Less expenses waived

     (202,892

Less expenses paid indirectly

     (157
  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     249,339  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

     1,313,465  
  

 

 

 

 

30


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

  

Net realized gain (loss) on:

  

Investments

   $ (1,512,274

Foreign currencies

     (140,760

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     (24,504

Futures contracts

     135,802  

Options purchased

     (59,417

Swap contracts

     501  
  

 

 

 

Net realized loss

     (1,600,652
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of:

  

Investments

     93,222  

Foreign currencies

     6,564  

Foreign currency exchange contracts

     10,032  

Futures contracts

     (70,983

Options purchased

     (25,641

Swap contracts

     (15,078
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (1,884
  

 

 

 

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss

     (1,602,536
  

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   $ (289,071
  

 

 

 

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

31


Table of Contents

Statements of changes in net assets

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

    

Six months

ended

1/31/19

(Unaudited)

        

Year ended

7/31/18

 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets from Operations:

       

Net investment income

   $ 1,313,465        $ 3,028,235  

Net realized loss

     (1,600,652        (818,204

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (1,884        (2,507,082
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations

     (289,071        (297,051
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders from:

       

Distributable earnings*:

       

Class A

     (730,045        (1,552,628

Class C

     (59,571        (153,928

Class R

     (88,565        (177,132

Institutional Class

     (525,530        (1,242,954

Return of capital:

       

Class A

              (111,353

Class C

              (11,314

Class R

              (13,940

Institutional Class

              (93,054
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     (1,403,711        (3,356,303
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Capital Share Transactions:

       

Proceeds from shares sold:

       

Class A

     597,884          2,687,402  

Class C

     284,682          676,646  

Class R

     154,667          449,591  

Institutional Class

     995,209          17,003,462  

Net asset value of shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

       

Class A

     655,122          1,524,955  

Class C

     54,724          160,123  

Class R

     86,717          191,072  

Institutional Class

     534,777          1,321,849  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     3,363,782          24,015,100  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

32


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

    

Six months

ended

1/31/19
(Unaudited)

         Year ended
7/31/18
 

Capital Share Transactions (continued):

       

Cost of shares redeemed:

       

Class A

   $ (3,313,439      $ (19,738,537

Class C

     (753,654        (2,149,123

Class R

     (362,879        (1,877,771

Institutional Class

     (13,166,792        (22,370,603
  

 

 

      

 

 

 
     (17,596,764        (46,136,034
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Decrease in net assets derived from capital share transactions

     (14,232,982        (22,120,934
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Net Assets

     (15,925,764        (25,774,288

Net Assets:

       

Beginning of period

     69,986,539          95,760,827  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

End of period1

   $ 54,060,775        $ 69,986,539  
  

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

1

Net Assets – End of year includes distributions in excess of net investment income of $176,875 in 2018. The Securities and Exchange Commission eliminated the requirement to disclose undistributed (distributions in excess of) net investment income in 2018.

 

*

For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund has adopted amendments to Regulation S-X (see Note 12 in “Notes to financial statements”). For the year ended July 31, 2018, the dividends and distributions to shareholders were as follows:

 

     Class A          Class C          Class R         

Institutional

Class

 

Dividends from net investment income

   $ (1,552,628      $ (153,928      $ (177,132      $ (1,242,954

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

33


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Strategic Income Fund Class A

 

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income2

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Return of capital

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period.

Total return3

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

2

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

3 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and/ or distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

34


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

                

 

Six months ended    

1/31/191     

(Unaudited)    

            Year ended          
  7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
      $ 8.01     $ 8.41     $ 8.57     $ 8.43     $ 8.53     $ 8.34
        0.17       0.32       0.24       0.15       0.20       0.23
        (0.19 )       (0.37 )       (0.10 )       0.20       (0.06 )       0.23
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.02 )       (0.05 )       0.14       0.35       0.14       0.46
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.18 )       (0.32 )       (0.30 )       (0.20 )       (0.23 )       (0.23 )
              (0.03 )             (0.01 )       (0.01 )       (0.04 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.18 )       (0.35 )       (0.30 )       (0.21 )       (0.24 )       (0.27 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
      $ 7.81     $ 8.01     $ 8.41     $ 8.57     $ 8.43     $ 8.53
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.25% )       (0.62% )       1.73%       4.15%       1.65%       5.60%
      $ 31,030     $ 33,912     $ 51,220     $ 69,524     $ 64,069     $ 65,466
        0.84%       0.88%       0.90%       0.90%       0.91%       0.90%
        1.50%       1.35%       1.29%       1.21%       1.21%       1.19%
        4.22%       3.83%       2.84%       1.80%       2.30%       2.70%
        3.56%       3.36%       2.45%       1.49%       2.00%       2.41%
             

 

43%

 

 

     

 

125%

 

 

     

 

210%

 

 

     

 

316%

 

 

     

 

313%

 

 

     

 

273%

 

 

 

35


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Strategic Income Fund Class C

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income2

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Return of capital

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return3

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

3 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of a sales charge. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

36


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

                

 

Six months ended    
1/31/191     

(Unaudited)    

            Year ended          
  7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
      $ 8.02     $ 8.42     $ 8.58     $ 8.44     $ 8.54     $ 8.35
        0.14       0.25       0.18       0.09       0.13       0.16
        (0.19 )       (0.36 )       (0.10 )       0.19       (0.05 )       0.24
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.05 )       (0.11 )       0.08       0.28       0.08       0.40
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.15 )       (0.26 )       (0.24 )       (0.13 )       (0.17 )       (0.17 )
              (0.03 )             (0.01 )       (0.01 )       (0.04 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.15 )       (0.29 )       (0.24 )       (0.14 )       (0.18 )       (0.21 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
      $ 7.82     $ 8.02     $ 8.42     $ 8.58     $ 8.44     $ 8.54
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.62% )       (1.35% )       0.97%       3.37%       0.89%       4.81%
      $ 2,957     $ 3,450     $ 4,996     $ 9,490     $ 8,375     $ 8,572
        1.59%       1.63%       1.65%       1.65%       1.66%       1.65%
        2.25%       2.10%       2.04%       1.96%       1.96%       1.93%
        3.47%       3.08%       2.09%       1.05%       1.55%       1.95%
        2.81%       2.61%       1.70%       0.74%       1.25%       1.67%
             

 

43%

 

 

     

 

125%

 

 

     

 

210%

 

 

     

 

316%

 

 

     

 

313%

 

 

     

 

273%

 

 

 

37


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Strategic Income Fund Class R

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income2

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Return of capital

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return3

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

3 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects waivers by the manager and/or distributor. Performance would have been lower had the waivers not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

38


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

                

 

Six months ended    

1/31/191     

(Unaudited)    

            Year ended          
  7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
      $ 8.03     $ 8.44     $ 8.60     $ 8.46     $ 8.56     $ 8.37
        0.16       0.30       0.22       0.13       0.18       0.21
        (0.18 )       (0.38 )       (0.10 )       0.19       (0.06 )       0.23
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.02 )       (0.08 )       0.12       0.32       0.12       0.44
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.17 )       (0.30 )       (0.28 )       (0.17 )       (0.21 )       (0.21 )
              (0.03 )             (0.01 )       (0.01 )       (0.04 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.17 )       (0.33 )       (0.28 )       (0.18 )       (0.22 )       (0.25 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
      $ 7.84     $ 8.03     $ 8.44     $ 8.60     $ 8.46     $ 8.56
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.24% )       (0.97% )       1.48%       3.88%       1.40%       5.32%
      $ 4,034     $ 4,259     $ 5,725     $ 6,793     $ 6,863     $ 7,793
        1.09%       1.13%       1.15%       1.15%       1.16%       1.15%
        1.75%       1.60%       1.54%       1.46%       1.46%       1.45%
        3.97%       3.58%       2.59%       1.55%       2.05%       2.45%
        3.31%       3.11%       2.20%       1.24%       1.75%       2.15%
             

 

43%

 

 

     

 

125%

 

 

     

 

210%

 

 

     

 

316%

 

 

     

 

313%

 

 

     

 

273%

 

 

 

39


Table of Contents

Financial highlights

Delaware Strategic Income Fund Institutional Class

 

    

 

Selected data for each share of the Fund outstanding throughout each period were as follows:

 

 

Net asset value, beginning of period

Income (loss) from investment operations:

Net investment income2

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

Total from investment operations

Less dividends and distributions from:

Net investment income

Return of capital

Total dividends and distributions

Net asset value, end of period

Total return3

Ratios and supplemental data:

Net assets, end of period (000 omitted)

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to fees waived

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets

Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to fees waived

Portfolio turnover

 

 

 

1 

Ratios have been annualized and total return and portfolio turnover have not been annualized.

 

2 

The average shares outstanding method has been applied for per share information.

 

3 

Total return is based on the change in net asset value of a share during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions at net asset value. Total return during all of the periods shown reflects a waiver by the manager. Performance would have been lower had the waiver not been in effect.

See accompanying notes, which are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

40


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

                

 

Six months ended    

1/31/191     

(Unaudited)    

            Year ended          
  7/31/18   7/31/17   7/31/16   7/31/15   7/31/14
      $ 8.02     $ 8.42     $ 8.58     $ 8.44     $ 8.54     $ 8.35
        0.18       0.34       0.26       0.17       0.22       0.25
        (0.19 )       (0.37 )       (0.10 )       0.20       (0.05 )       0.24
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.01 )       (0.03 )       0.16       0.37       0.17       0.49
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.19 )       (0.34 )       (0.32 )       (0.22 )       (0.26 )       (0.26 )
              (0.03 )             (0.01 )       (0.01 )       (0.04 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.19 )       (0.37 )       (0.32 )       (0.23 )       (0.27 )       (0.30 )
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
      $ 7.82     $ 8.02     $ 8.42     $ 8.58     $ 8.44     $ 8.54
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
        (0.12% )       (0.36% )       1.99%       4.40%       1.90%       5.86%
      $ 16,040     $ 28,366     $ 33,820     $ 52,081     $ 46,155     $ 30,241
        0.59%       0.63%       0.65%       0.65%       0.66%       0.65%
        1.25%       1.10%       1.04%       0.96%       0.96%       0.93%
        4.47%       4.08%       3.09%       2.05%       2.55%       2.95%
        3.81%       3.61%       2.70%       1.74%       2.25%       2.67%
             

 

43%

 

 

     

 

125%

 

 

     

 

210%

 

 

     

 

316%

 

 

     

 

313%

 

 

     

 

273%

 

 

 

41


Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

January 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

 

 

Delaware Group® Government Fund (Trust) is organized as a Delaware statutory trust and offers two series: Delaware Emerging Markets Debt Fund and Delaware Strategic Income Fund. These financial statements and the related notes pertain to Delaware Strategic Income Fund (Fund). The Trust is an open-end investment company. The Fund is considered diversified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), and offers Class A, Class C, Class R, and Institutional Class shares. Class A shares are sold with a maximum front-end sales charge of 4.50%. Class A share purchases of $1,000,000 or more will incur a contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) instead of a front-end sales charge of 1.00% if redeemed during the first year, and 0.50% during the second year, provided that Delaware Distributors, L.P. (DDLP) paid a financial advisor a commission on the purchase of those shares. Class C shares are sold with a CDSC of 1.00%, which will be incurred if redeemed during the first 12 months. Class R and Institutional Class shares are not subject to a sales charge and are offered for sale exclusively to certain eligible investors.

The investment objective of the Fund is to seek high current income and, secondarily, long-term total return.

1. Significant Accounting Policies

The Fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946, Financial Services -Investment Companies. The following accounting policies are in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) and are consistently followed by the Fund.

Security Valuation – Equity securities, except those traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Nasdaq), are valued at the last quoted sales price as of the time of the regular close of the New York Stock Exchange on the valuation date. Equity securities traded on the Nasdaq are valued in accordance with the Nasdaq Official Closing Price, which may not be the last sales price. If, on a particular day, an equity security does not trade, the mean between the bid and ask prices will be used, which approximates fair value. US government and agency securities are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices, which approximates fair value. Equity securities listed on a foreign exchange are normally valued at the last quoted sales price on the valuation date. Other debt securities and credit default swap (CDS) contracts are valued based upon valuations provided by an independent pricing service or broker/counterparty and reviewed by management. To the extent current market prices are not available, the pricing service may take into account developments related to the specific security, as well as transactions in comparable securities. Valuations for fixed income securities utilize matrix systems, which reflect such factors as security prices, yields, maturities, and ratings, and are supplemented by dealer and exchange quotations. For asset-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, commercial mortgage securities, and US government agency mortgage securities, pricing vendors utilize matrix pricing which considers prepayment speed, attributes of the collateral, yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type as well as broker/dealer-supplied prices. Swap prices are derived using daily swap curves and models that incorporate a number of market data factors, such as discounted cash flows, trades, and values of the underlying reference instruments. Foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices, which approximates fair value. Interpolated values are derived when the settlement date of the contract is an interim date for which quotations are not

 

42


Table of Contents

    

    

 

available. Futures contracts and options on futures contracts are valued at the daily quoted settlement prices. Exchange-traded options are valued at the last reported sale price or, if no sales are reported, at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices, which approximates fair value. Investments in repurchase agreements are generally valued at par, which approximates fair value, each business day. Generally, other securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (Board). In determining whether market quotations are readily available or fair valuation will be used, various factors will be taken into consideration, such as market closures or suspension of trading in a security. Restricted securities are valued at fair value using methods approved by the Board.

Federal and Foreign Income Taxes – No provision for federal income taxes has been made as the Fund intends to continue to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and make the requisite distributions to shareholders. The Fund evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold are recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken or expected to be taken on the Fund’s federal income tax returns through the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019 and for all open tax years (years ended July 31, 2016–July 31, 2018), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial statements. In regard to foreign taxes only, the Fund has open tax years in certain foreign countries in which it invests that may date back to the inception of the Fund. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest accrued on unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in other expenses on the “Statement of operations.” During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund did not incur any interest or tax penalties.

Class Accounting – Investment income and common expenses are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of “settled shares” of each class in relation to the net assets of the Fund. Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments are allocated to the various classes of the Fund on the basis of daily net assets of each class. Distribution expenses relating to a specific class are charged directly to that class.

Repurchase Agreements – The Fund may purchase certain US government securities subject to the counterparty’s agreement to repurchase them at an agreed upon date and price. The counterparty will be required on a daily basis to maintain the value of the collateral subject to the agreement at not less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest). The agreements are conditioned upon the collateral being deposited under the Federal Reserve book-entry system with the Fund’s custodian or a third party sub-custodian. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the other party to the agreement, retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. All open repurchase agreements as of the date of this report were entered into on Jan. 31, 2019, and matured on the next business day.

To Be Announced Trades (TBA) – The Fund may contract to purchase or sell securities for a fixed price at a transaction date beyond the customary settlement period (examples: when issued, delayed delivery, forward commitment, or TBA transactions) consistent with the Fund’s ability to manage its investment portfolio and meet redemption requests. These transactions involve a commitment by the

 

43


Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

1. Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Fund to purchase or deliver securities for a predetermined price or yield with payment and delivery taking place more than three days in the future, or after a period longer than the customary settlement period for that type of security. No interest will be earned by the Fund on such purchases until the securities are delivered or transaction is completed; however, the market value may change prior to delivery.

Foreign Currency Transactions – Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the prevailing exchange rates on the valuation date in accordance with the Fund’s prospectus. The value of all assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies is translated daily into US dollars at the exchange rate of such currencies against the US dollar. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in exchange rates during the reporting period or upon settlement of the foreign currency transaction are reported in operations for the current period. The Fund generally bifurcates that portion of realized gains and losses on investments in debt securities which is due to changes in foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of debt securities. That portion of gains (losses), attributable to changes in foreign exchange rates, is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currencies.” The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions as components of realized gains (losses) for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are treated as ordinary income (loss) for federal income tax purposes.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the fair value of investments, 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.

Other – Expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged directly to the Fund. Other expenses common to various funds within the Delaware Funds® by Macquarie (Delaware Funds) are generally allocated among such funds on the basis of average net assets. Management fees and certain other expenses are paid monthly. Security transactions are recorded on the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date) for financial reporting purposes. Costs used in calculating realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are those of the specific securities sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on debt securities are accreted or amortized to interest income, respectively, over the lives of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Realized gains (losses) on paydowns of asset- and mortgage-backed securities are classified as interest income. Withholding taxes and reclaims on foreign dividends and interest have been recorded in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. The Fund may pay foreign capital gains taxes on certain foreign securities held, which are reported as components of realized losses for financial reporting purposes, whereas such components are treated as ordinary loss for federal income tax purposes. The Fund declares dividends daily from net investment income and pays the dividends monthly and declares and pays distributions from net realized gain on investments, if any, annually. The Fund may distribute more frequently, if necessary for tax purposes. Dividends and distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

 

44


Table of Contents

    

    

 

 

The Fund receives earnings credits from its custodian when positive cash balances are maintained, which may be used to offset custody fees. The expenses paid under this arrangement are included on the “Statement of operations” under “Custodian fees” with the corresponding expenses offset included under “Less expenses paid indirectly.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund earned $55 under this arrangement.

The Fund receives earnings credits from its transfer agent when positive cash balances are maintained, which may be used to offset transfer agent fees. If the amount earned is greater than $1, the expenses paid under this arrangement are included on the “Statement of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses” with the corresponding expenses offset included under “Less expense paid indirectly.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund earned $102 under this arrangement.

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates

In accordance with the terms of its investment management agreement, the Fund pays Delaware Management Company (DMC), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust, and the investment manager, an annual fee which is calculated daily and paid monthly at the rates of 0.55% on the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Fund, 0.50% on the next $500 million, 0.45% on the next $1.5 billion, and 0.425% on average daily net assets in excess of $2.5 billion.

DMC has contractually agreed to waive all or a portion, if any, of its management fee and/or pay/ reimburse the Fund to the extent necessary to ensure total annual operating expenses (excluding any distribution and service (12b-1) fees, acquired fund fees and expenses, taxes, interest, short sale dividend and interest expenses, brokerage fees, certain insurance costs, and nonroutine expenses or costs, including, but not limited to, those relating to reorganizations, litigation, conducting shareholder meetings, and liquidations), in order to prevent total annual operating expenses from exceeding 0.59% of the Fund’s average daily net assets. This waiver was in effect from Aug. 1, 2018 through Jan. 31, 2019.* This waiver and reimbursement may only be terminated by agreement of DMC and the Fund. The waiver and reimbursement are accrued daily and received monthly.

Delaware Investments Fund Services Company (DIFSC), an affiliate of DMC, provides fund accounting and financial administration oversight services to the Fund. For these services, DIFSC’s fees were calculated daily and paid monthly based on the aggregate daily net assets of all funds within the Delaware Funds at the following annual rates: 0.00475% of the first $35 billion; 0.0040% of the next $10 billion; and 0.0025% of aggregate average daily net assets in excess of $45 billion (Total Fee). Each Fund in the Delaware Funds pays a minimum of $4,000, which, in aggregate, is subtracted from the Total Fee. Each Fund then pays its portion of the remainder of the Total Fee on a relative net asset value (NAV) basis. This amount is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Accounting and administration expenses.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund was charged $3,187 for these services.

DIFSC is also the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent of the Fund. For these services, DIFSC’s fees are calculated daily and paid monthly based on the aggregate daily net assets of the retail funds within the Delaware Funds at the following annual rates: 0.014% of the first $20 billion; 0.011% of the next $5 billion; 0.007% of the next $5 billion; 0.005% of the next $20 billion; and 0.0025% of average daily net assets in excess of $50 billion. The fees payable to DIFSC under the transfer agent agreement

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

2. Investment Management, Administration Agreements, and Other Transactions with Affiliates (continued)

 

described above are allocated among all retail funds in the Delaware Funds on a relative NAV basis. This amount is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund was charged $2,510 for these services. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DIFSC and BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (BNYMIS), BNYMIS provides certain sub-transfer agency services to the Fund. Sub-transfer agency fees are paid by the Fund and are also included on the “Statement of operations” under “Dividend disbursing and transfer agent fees and expenses.”

Pursuant to a distribution agreement and distribution plan, the Fund pays DDLP, the distributor and an affiliate of DMC, annual 12b-1 fees of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares, 1.00% of the average daily net assets of the Class C shares, and 0.50% of the average daily net assets of the Class R shares. The Board has adopted a formula for calculating 12b-1 fees for the Fund’s Class A shares that went into effect on June 1, 1992. The Fund’s Class A shares are currently subject to a blended 12b-1 fees equal to the sum of: (i) 0.10% of the average daily net assets representing shares acquired prior to June 1, 1992, and (ii) 0.25% of the average daily net assets representing shares acquired on or after June 1, 1992. All Class A shareholders currently bear 12b-1 fees at the same, blended rate currently 0.25% of the average daily net assets based on the formula described above. This method of calculating Class A 12b-1 fees may be discontinued at the sole discretion of the Board. Institutional Class shares pay no 12b-1 fees.

As provided in the investment management agreement, the Fund bears a portion of the cost of certain resources shared with DMC, including the cost of internal personnel of DMC and/or its affiliates that provide legal, tax, and regulatory reporting services to the Fund. For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund was charged $877 for internal legal, tax, and regulatory reporting services provided by DMC and/or its affiliates’ employees. This amount is included on the “Statement of operations” under “Legal fees.”

For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, DDLP earned $528 for commissions on sales of the Fund’s Class A shares. For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, DDLP received gross CDSC commissions of $81 on redemptions of the Fund’s Class A shares and these commissions were entirely used to offset upfront commissions previously paid by DDLP to broker/dealers on sales of those shares.

Trustees’ fees include expenses accrued by the Fund for each Trustee’s retainer and meeting fees. Certain officers of DMC, DIFSC, and DDLP are officers and/or Trustees of the Trust. These officers and Trustees are paid no compensation by the Fund.

Cross trades for the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019 were executed by the Fund pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board designed to ensure compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Cross trading is the buying or selling of portfolio securities between funds of investment companies, or between a fund of an investment company and another entity, that are or could be considered affiliates by virtue of having a common investment advisor (or affiliated investment advisors), common directors/trustees and/or common officers. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Board reviews such transactions for

 

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compliance with the procedures adopted by the Board. The Fund did not engage in Rule 17a-7 securities purchases and sales during the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019.

 

*The aggregate contractual waiver period covering this report is from April 1, 2018, through Nov. 28, 2019.

3. Investments

For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund made purchases and sales of investment securities other than short-term investments as follows:

 

Purchases other than US government securities

   $ 18,313,585  

Purchases of US government securities

     7,700,388  

Sales other than US government securities

     24,908,174  

Sales of US government securities

     16,092,172  

At Jan. 31, 2019, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and derivatives for federal income tax purposes has been estimated since the final tax characteristics cannot be determined until fiscal year end. At Jan. 31, 2019, the cost and unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of investments and derivatives for the Fund were as follows:

 

Cost of investments and derivatives

   $ 54,891,416  
  

 

 

 

Aggregate unrealized appreciation of investments and derivatives

   $ 665,858  

Aggregate unrealized depreciation of investments and derivatives

     (1,822,859
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized depreciation of investments and derivatives

   $ (1,157,001
  

 

 

 

US GAAP defines fair value as the price that the Fund would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. A three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements has been established based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable and refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Observable inputs reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best information available under the circumstances. The Fund’s investment in its entirety is assigned a level based upon the observability of the inputs which are significant to the overall valuation. The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below, and on the next page.

 

Level 1     Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. (Examples: equity securities, open-end investment companies, futures contracts, exchange-traded options contracts)
Level 2     Other observable inputs, including, but not limited to: quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the assets or liabilities (such as interest rates, yield curves, volatilities, prepayment speeds, loss severities, credit risks, and default rates) or other market-corroborated inputs. (Examples: debt securities,

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

3. Investments (continued)

 

    government securities, swap contracts, foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign securities utilizing international fair value pricing, broker-quoted securities, fair valued securities)
Level 3     Significant unobservable inputs, including the Fund’s own assumptions used to determine the fair value of investments. (Examples: broker-quoted securities, fair valued securities)

Level 3 investments are valued using significant unobservable inputs. The Fund may also use an income-based valuation approach in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Valuations may also be based upon current market prices of securities that are comparable in coupon, rating, maturity, and industry. The derived value of a Level 3 investment may not represent the value which is received upon disposition and this could impact the results of operations.

 

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The following table summarizes the valuation of the Fund’s investments by fair value hierarchy levels as of Jan. 31, 2019:

 

    

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Total

 

Securities

      

 

Assets:

      

 

Agency, Asset-& Mortgage-Backed Securities

   $     $ 10,982,648     $ 10,982,648  

Corporate Debt

           33,455,839       33,455,839  

Municipal Bonds

           1,993,064       1,993,064  

Foreign Bonds

           2,469,653       2,469,653  

Loan Agreements

           2,050,743       2,050,743  

US Treasury Obligation

           185,795       185,795  

Convertible Preferred Stock

     17,951             17,951  

Preferred Stock1

     278,250       430,978       709,228  

Short-Term Investments

           1,958,034       1,958,034  

Options Purchased

           1,458       1,458  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Value of Securities

   $ 296,201     $ 53,528,212     $ 53,824,413  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivatives2

      

 

Assets:

      

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

   $     $ 11,872     $ 11,872  

Futures Contracts

     74,788             74,788  

 

Liabilities:

      

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

           (420     (420

Futures Contracts

     (33,875           (33,875

Swap Contracts

           (23,686     (23,686

1Security type is valued across multiple levels. Level 1 investments represent exchange-traded investments, and Level 2 investments represent investments with observable inputs or matrix-priced investments. The amounts attributed to Level 1 investments, and Level 2 investments represent the following percentages of the total market value of these security types:

 

    

Level 1

          

Level 2

    

Total

 

Preferred Stock

     39.23        60.77      100.00

2Foreign currency exchange contracts, futures contracts and swap contracts are valued at the unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on the instrument at the period end.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, there were no transfers between Level 1 investments, Level 2 investments, or Level 3 investments that had a significant impact to the Fund. The Fund’s policy is to recognize transfers between levels based on fair value at the beginning of the reporting period.

A reconciliation of Level 3 investments is presented when the Fund has a significant amount of Level 3 investments at the beginning, interim, or end of the year in relation to the Fund’s net assets. Management has determined not to provide a reconciliation of Level 3 investments as they were not

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

3. Investments (continued)

 

considered significant to the Fund’s net assets at the beginning, interim, or end of the period. Management has determined not to provide additional disclosure on Level 3 inputs since the Level 3 investments were not considered significant to the Fund’s net assets at the end of the period.

4. Capital Shares

Transactions in capital shares were as follows:

 

     Six months
ended
1/31/19
                    Year ended
7/31/18
 

Shares sold:

         

Class A

     76,620            328,331  

Class C

     37,183            81,220  

Class R

     19,713            54,141  

Institutional Class

     126,519            2,037,509  

Shares issued upon reinvestment of dividends and distributions:

         

Class A

     83,965            185,008  

Class C

     7,003            19,434  

Class R

     11,081            23,367  

Institutional Class

     68,302            160,626  
  

 

 

        

 

 

 
     430,386            2,889,636  
  

 

 

        

 

 

 

Shares redeemed:

         

Class A

     (423,885          (2,369,305

Class C

     (96,440          (263,863

Class R

     (46,405          (225,963

Institutional Class

     (1,682,611          (2,676,815
  

 

 

        

 

 

 
     (2,249,341          (5,535,946
  

 

 

        

 

 

 
Net decrease      (1,818,955          (2,646,310
  

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

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Certain shareholders may exchange shares of one class for shares of another class in the same Fund. These exchange transactions are included as subscriptions and redemptions in the tables on the previous page and on the “Statements of changes in net assets.” For the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019 and year ended July 31, 2018, the Fund had the following exchange transactions.

 

    

Exchange Redemptions

  Exchange Subscriptions         
         Class A
    Shares
      Class C
    Shares
        Class A
    Shares
    

Institutional
Class

Shares

   Value  

Six months ended 1/31/19

             534       535        —        $ 4,187  

Year ended 7/31/18

     3,757       24,406       24,485        3,756        226,490  

5. Line of Credit

The Fund, along with certain other funds in the Delaware Funds (Participants), was a participant in a revolving line of credit intended to be used for temporary or emergency purposes as an additional source of liquidity to fund redemptions of investor shares. The revolving line of credit available was reduced from $155,000,000 to $130,000,0000 on Sept. 6, 2018. Under the agreement, the Participants were charged an annual commitment fee of 0.15%, which was allocated across the Participants based on a weighted average of the respective net assets of each Participant. The Participants were permitted to borrow up to a maximum of one-third of their net assets under the agreement. Each Participant was individually, and not jointly, liable for its particular advances, if any, under the line of credit. The line of credit available under the agreement expired on Nov. 5, 2018.

On Nov. 5, 2018, the Participants entered into an amendment to the agreement for a $190,000,000 revolving line of credit. The revolving line of credit available was increased to $220,000,000 on Nov. 29, 2018. The revolving line of credit is to be used as described above and operates in substantially the same manner as the original agreement. The line of credit available under the agreement expires on Nov. 4, 2019.

The Fund had no amounts outstanding as of Jan. 31, 2019, or at any time during the period then ended.

6. Derivatives

US GAAP requires disclosures that enable investors to understand: 1) how and why an entity uses derivatives; 2) how they are accounted for; and 3) how they affect an entity’s results of operations and financial position.

Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts – The Fund may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts as a way of managing foreign exchange rate risk. The Fund may enter into these contracts to fix the US dollar value of a security that it has agreed to buy or sell for the period between the date the trade was entered into and the date the security is delivered and paid for. The Fund may also use these contracts to hedge the US dollar value of securities it already owns that are denominated in foreign currencies. In addition, the Fund may enter into these contracts to facilitate or expedite the settlement of portfolio transactions. The change in value is

 

51


Table of Contents

Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

6. Derivatives (continued)

 

recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, a realized gain or loss is recorded equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

The use of foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but does establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. Although foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign cross currency exchange contracts limit the risk of loss due to an unfavorable change in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the currency change favorably. In addition, the Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk is the value of its currency exchanged with the counterparty. The risk is generally mitigated by having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used foreign currency exchange contracts to hedge the US dollar value of securities it already owned that were denominated in foreign currencies.

Futures Contracts – A futures contract is an agreement in which the writer (or seller) of the contract agrees to deliver to the buyer an amount of cash or securities equal to a specific dollar amount times the difference between the value of a specific security or index at the close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the agreement is made. The Fund may use futures contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may invest in futures contracts to hedge its existing portfolio securities against fluctuations in value caused by changes in interest rates or market conditions. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund deposits cash or pledges US government securities to a broker, equal to the minimum “initial margin” requirements of the exchange on which the contract is traded. Subsequent payments are received from the broker or paid to the broker each day, based on the daily fluctuation in the market value of the contract. These receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded daily by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses until the contracts are closed. When the contracts are closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. Risks of entering into futures contracts include potential imperfect correlation between the futures contracts and the underlying securities and the possibility of an illiquid secondary market for these instruments. When investing in futures, there is reduced counterparty credit risk to the Fund because futures are exchange-traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange-traded futures, guarantees against default. At Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund posted $25,000 in cash as collateral for open futures contracts, which is presented as “Cash collateral due from brokers” on the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used futures contracts to hedge the Fund’s existing portfolio securities against fluctuations in value caused by changes in interest rates or market conditions.

 

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Options Contracts – The Fund may enter into options contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may buy or write options contracts for any number of reasons, including without limitation: to manage the Fund’s exposure to changes in securities prices caused by interest rates or market conditions and foreign currencies; as an efficient means of adjusting the Fund’s overall exposure to certain markets; to protect the value of portfolio securities; and as a cash management tool. The Fund may buy or write call or put options on securities, futures, swaps, swaptions, financial indices, and foreign currencies. When the Fund buys an option, a premium is paid and an asset is recorded and adjusted on a daily basis to reflect the current market value of the option purchased. When the Fund writes an option, a premium is received and a liability is recorded and adjusted on a daily basis to reflect the current market value of the option written. Premiums received from writing options that expire unexercised are treated by the Fund on the expiration date as realized gains. The difference between the premium received and the amount paid on effecting a closing purchase transaction, including brokerage commissions, is treated as realized gain or loss. If a call option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds from the sale of the underlying security in determining whether the Fund has a realized gain or loss. If a put option is exercised, the premium reduces the cost basis of the securities purchased by the Fund. The Fund, as writer of an option, bears the market risk of an unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option. When writing options, the Fund is subject to minimal counterparty risk because the counterparty is only obligated to pay premiums and does not bear the market risk of an unfavorable market change.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used options contracts to manage the Fund’s exposure to changes in securities prices caused by interest rates or market conditions.

Swap Contracts – The Fund may enter into CDS contracts in the normal course of pursuing its investment objective. The Fund may enter into CDS contracts in order to hedge against a credit event, to enhance total return or to gain exposure to certain securities or markets. The Fund will not be permitted to enter into any swap transactions unless, at the time of entering into such transactions, the unsecured long-term debt of the actual counterparty, combined with any credit enhancements, is rated at least BBB- by Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (S&P) or Baa3 by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (Moody’s) or is determined to be of equivalent quality by DMC.

Credit Default Swaps. A CDS contract is a risk-transfer instrument through which one party (purchaser of protection) transfers to another party (seller of protection) the financial risk of a credit event (as defined in the CDS agreement), as it relates to a particular reference security or basket of securities (such as an index). In exchange for the protection offered by the seller of protection, the purchaser of protection agrees to pay the seller of protection a periodic amount at a stated rate that is applied to the notional amount of the CDS contract. In addition, an upfront payment may be made or received by the Fund in connection with an unwinding or assignment of a CDS contract. Upon the occurrence of a credit event, the seller of protection would pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of the reference security (or basket of securities) to the counterparty. Credit events generally include, among others, bankruptcy, failure to pay, and obligation default.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund entered into CDS contracts as a purchaser and seller of protection, as a hedge against credit events. Periodic payments (receipts) on such contracts are accrued daily and recorded as unrealized losses (gains) on swap contracts. Upon payment (receipt),

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

6. Derivatives (continued)

 

such amounts are recorded as realized losses (gains) on swap contracts. Upfront payments made or received in connection with CDS contracts are amortized over the expected life of the CDS contracts as unrealized losses (gains) on swap contracts. The change in value of CDS contracts is recorded daily as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. A realized gain or loss is recorded upon a credit event (as defined in the CDS agreement) or the maturity or termination of the agreement. Initial margin and variation margin are posted to central counterparties for centrally cleared CDS basket trades, as determined by the applicable central counterparty.

As disclosed in the footnotes to the “Schedule of investments” at Jan. 31, 2019, the notional amount of the protection sold was $460,000, which reflects the maximum potential amount the Fund would have been required to make as a seller of credit protection if a credit event had occurred. In addition to serving as the source of the current value of the securities, the quoted market prices and resulting market values for credit default swap agreements on securities and credit indices serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood of an expected liability (or profit) for the credit derivative if the swap agreement has been closed/sold as of the period end. Increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the reference entity’s credit soundness and a greater likelihood of risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement. At Jan. 31, 2019, there were no recourse provisions with third parties to recover any amounts paid under the credit derivative agreement (including any purchased credit protection) nor was any collateral held by the Fund and other third parties which the Fund can obtain in the occurrence of a credit event. At Jan. 31, 2019, net unrealized depreciation of the protection sold was $(10,001).

CDS contracts may involve greater risks than if the Fund had invested in the reference obligation directly. CDS contracts are subject to general market risk, liquidity risk, counterparty risk, and credit risk. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss from counterparty credit risk, either as the seller of protection or the buyer of protection, is the fair value of the contract. This risk is mitigated by (1) for bilateral swap contracts, having a netting arrangement between the Fund and the counterparty and by the posting of collateral by the counterparty to the Fund to cover the Fund’s exposure to the counterparty, and (2) for cleared swaps, trading these instruments through a central counterparty.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund used CDS contracts to hedge against credit events.

Swaps Generally. The value of open swaps may differ from that which would be realized in the event the Fund terminated its position in the contract on a given day. Risks of entering into these contracts include the potential inability of the counterparty to meet the terms of the contracts. This type of risk is generally limited to the amount of favorable movement in the value of the underlying security, instrument, or basket of instruments, if any, at the day of default. Risks also arise from potential losses from adverse market movements and such losses could exceed the unrealized amounts shown on the “Schedule of investments.” For centrally cleared swaps, payments are received from the broker or paid to the broker each day, based on the daily fluctuation in the market value of the contract. These receipts or payments are known as “variation margin” and are recorded by the Fund as unrealized gains or losses until the contracts are closed. When the contracts are closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss

 

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equal to the difference between the value of the contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

At Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund posted $140,459 in cash as collateral for open centrally cleared swap contracts which is included in “Cash collateral due from brokers” on the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

Fair values of derivative instruments as of Jan. 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

             

Asset Derivatives Fair Value

    

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

    

Currency
Contracts

    

Interest Rate

Contracts

 

Credit
Contracts

  

Total

Unrealized appreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

       $ 11,872        $     $      $ 11,872

Variation margin due to broker on futures contracts*

                  74,788              74,788

Options purchased, at value

                  1,458              1,458
      

 

 

        

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

       $ 11,872        $ 76,246     $      $ 88,118
      

 

 

        

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

 

Fair values of derivative instruments as of Jan. 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

      

Liability Derivatives Fair Value

    

Statement of Assets and

Liabilities Location

    

Currency
Contracts

    

Interest Rate

Contracts

    

Credit
Contracts

  

Total

Unrealized depreciation on foreign currency exchange contracts

       $ 420        $        $      $ 420

Variation margin due to broker on futures contracts*

                  33,875                 33,875

Variation margin due to broker on centrally cleared credit default swap contracts**

                           13,865        13,865

Unrealized depreciation on credit default swap contracts

                           10,001        10,001
      

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

       $ 420        $ 33,875        $ 23,866      $ 58,161
      

 

 

        

 

 

        

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

*Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of futures contracts from the date the contracts were opened through Jan. 31, 2019. Only current day variation margin is reported on the Fund’s “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

**Includes cumulative appreciation (depreciation) of centrally cleared credit default swap contracts from the date the contracts were opened through Jan. 31, 2019. Only current day variation margin is reported on the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

6. Derivatives (continued)

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the “Statement of operations” for the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019 was as follows:

 

     Net Realized Gain (Loss) on:
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
 

Futures
Contracts

 

Options
Purchased

 

Swap
Contracts

 

Total

Currency contracts

     $ (24,504 )     $     $ (59,186 )     $     $ (83,690 )

Interest rate contracts

             135,802       (231 )           135,571

Credit contracts

                         501       501
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

     $ (24,504 )     $ 135,802     $ (59,417 )     $ 501     $ 52,382
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 
             Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) of:        
     Foreign
Currency
Exchange
Contracts
  Futures
Contracts
  Options
Purchased
  Swap
Contracts
  Total

Currency contracts

     $ 10,032     $     $ (25,641 )     $     $ (15,609 )

Interest rate contracts

             (70,983 )                   (70,983 )

Credit contracts

                         (15,078 )       (15,078 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

     $ 10,032     $ (70,983 )     $ (25,641 )     $ (15,078 )     $ (101,670 )
    

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Derivatives Generally. The table below summarizes the average balance of derivative holdings by the Fund during the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019:

 

    

Long    

Derivative

Volume  

    

Short    

Derivative

Volume  

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts (average cost)

     USD      540,411        USD      24,722  

Futures contracts (average notional value)

     1,261,559        5,530,579  

Options contracts (average value)

     11,879         

CDS contracts (average notional value)*

     2,911,616        456,378  

 

*Long represents buying protection and short represents selling protection.

7. Offsetting

The Fund entered into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (ISDA Master Agreement) or a similar agreement with certain of its derivative contract counterparties in order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Fund mitigate its counterparty risk. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between the Fund and a counterparty that governs over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives and foreign exchange contracts and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting items and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement

 

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typically permit a single net payment in the event of default (close-out), including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency, or other events.

For financial reporting purposes, the Fund does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements on the “Statement of assets and liabilities.”

At Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund had the following assets and liabilities subject to offsetting provisions:

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivative Assets and Liabilities

 

Counterparty

   Gross Value of
Derivative Asset
        Gross Value of
Derivative Liability
      Net Position

 

Bank of America, N.A

     $ 4,845         $ (420 )       $ 4,425

BNP Paribas

       1,277                   1,277

Citibank, N.A

       4,036                   4,036

Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC

                 (10,001 )         (10,001 )

UBS

       1,714                   1,714
    

 

 

         

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total

     $ 11,872         $ (10,421 )       $ 1,451
    

 

 

         

 

 

       

 

 

 

Offsetting of Financial Assets and Liabilities and Derivative Assets and Liabilities (continued)

 

Counterparty

  

Net

Position

 

Fair Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral

Received

  

Cash

Collateral

Received

  

Fair Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral

Pledged

  

Cash Collateral

Pledged

  

Net

Exposure(a) 

 

Bank of America, N.A

     $ 4,425     $      $      $      $      $ 4,425

BNP Paribas

       1,277                                   1,277

Citibank, N.A

       4,036                                   4,036

Morgan Stanley Capital

                            

Services LLC

       (10,001 )                                   (10,001 )

UBS

       1,714                                   1,714
    

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total

     $ 1,451     $      $      $      $      $ 1,451
    

 

 

     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Master Repurchase Agreements

Repurchase agreements are entered into by the Fund under master repurchase agreements (each, an MRA). The MRA permits the Fund, under certain circumstances including an event of default (such as bankruptcy or insolvency), to offset payables and/or receivables with collateral held by and/or posted to the counterparty. As a result, one single net payment is created. Bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against such a right of offset in the event of the MRA counterparty’s bankruptcy or insolvency. Based on the terms of the MRA, the Fund receives securities as collateral with a market value in excess of the repurchase price at maturity. Upon a bankruptcy or insolvency of the MRA counterparty, the Fund would recognize a liability with respect to such excess collateral. The liability reflects the Fund’s obligation under bankruptcy law to return the

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

7. Offsetting (continued)

 

excess to the counterparty. As of Jan. 31, 2019, the following table is a summary of the Fund’s repurchase agreements by counterparty which are subject to offset under an MRA:

 

Counterparty

 

Repurchase

Agreements

 

Fair Value of

Non-Cash

Collateral Received(b) 

 

Cash Collateral

Received

 

Net Collateral

Received

 

Net

Exposure(a) 

 

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

    $ 171,626     $ (171,626 )     $     $ (171,626 )     $

Bank of Montreal

      471,972       (471,972 )             (471,972 )      

BNP Paribas

      773,815       (773,815 )             (773,815 )      
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Total

    $ 1,417,413     $ (1,417,413 )     $     $ (1,417,413 )     $
   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

(a)Net exposure represents the receivable (payable) that would be due from (to) the counterparty in the event of default.

(b)The value of the related collateral received exceeded the value of the repurchase agreements as of Jan 31, 2019.

8. Securities Lending

The Fund, along with other funds in the Delaware Funds, may lend its securities pursuant to a security lending agreement (Lending Agreement) with The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon). At the time a security is loaned, the borrower must post collateral equal to the required percentage of the market value of the loaned security, including any accrued interest. The required percentage is: (1) 102% with respect to US securities and foreign securities that are denominated and payable in US dollars; and (2) 105% with respect to foreign securities. With respect to each loan, if on any business day, the aggregate market value of securities collateral plus cash collateral held is less than the aggregate market value of the securities which are the subject of such loan, the borrower will be notified to provide additional collateral by the end of the following business day, which, together with the collateral already held, will be not less than the applicable initial collateral requirements for such security loan. If the aggregate market value of securities collateral and cash collateral held with respect to a security loan exceeds the applicable initial collateral requirement, upon request of the borrower, BNY Mellon must return enough collateral to the borrower by the end of the following business day to reduce the value of the remaining collateral to the applicable initial collateral requirement for such security loan. As a result of the foregoing, the value of the collateral held with respect to a loaned security on any particular day may be more or less than the value of the security on loan. The collateral percentage with respect to the market value of the loaned security is determined by the security lending agent.

Cash collateral received by each fund of the Trust is generally invested in a series of individual separate accounts, each corresponding to a fund. The investment guidelines permit each separate account to hold certain securities that would be considered eligible securities for a money market fund. Cash collateral received is generally invested in government securities; certain obligations issued by government sponsored enterprises; repurchase agreements collateralized by US Treasury securities; obligations issued by the central government of any Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country or its agencies, instrumentalities, or establishments; obligations of supranational organizations; commercial paper, notes, bonds, and other debt obligations; certificates of

 

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deposit, time deposits, and other bank obligations; and asset-backed securities. A fund can also accept US government securities and letters of credit (non-cash collateral) in connection with securities loans.

In the event of default or bankruptcy by the lending agent, realization and/or retention of the collateral may be subject to legal proceedings. In the event the borrower fails to return loaned securities and the collateral received is insufficient to cover the value of the loaned securities and provided such collateral shortfall is not the result of investment losses, the lending agent has agreed to pay the amount of the shortfall to the Fund or, at the discretion of the lending agent, replace the loaned securities. The Fund continues to record dividends or interest, as applicable, on the securities loaned and is subject to changes in value of the securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan. The Fund has the right under the Lending Agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand. With respect to security loans collateralized by non-cash collateral, the Fund receives loan premiums paid by the borrower. With respect to security loans collateralized by cash collateral, the earnings from the collateral investments are shared among the Fund, the security lending agent, and the borrower. The Fund records security lending income net of allocations to the security lending agent and the borrower.

The Fund may incur investment losses as a result of investing securities lending collateral. This could occur if an investment in the collateral investment account defaulted or became impaired. Under those circumstances, the value of a Fund’s cash collateral account may be less than the amount the Fund would be required to return to the borrowers of the securities and the Fund would be required to make up for this shortfall.

During the six months ended Jan. 31, 2019, the Fund had no securities out on loan.

9. Credit and Market Risk

Some countries in which the Fund may invest require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital, or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if there is deterioration in a country’s balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad.

The securities exchanges of certain foreign markets are substantially smaller, less liquid, and more volatile than the major securities markets in the US. Consequently, acquisition and disposition of securities by the Fund may be inhibited. In addition, a significant portion of the aggregate market value of securities listed on the major securities exchanges in emerging markets is held by a smaller number of investors. This may limit the number of shares available for acquisition or disposition by the Fund.

The Fund invests a portion of its assets in high yield fixed income securities, which are securities rated lower than BBB- by S&P and lower than Baa3 by Moody’s, or similarly rated by another nationally recognized statistical rating organization. Investments in these higher yielding securities are generally accompanied by a greater degree of credit risk than higher rated securities. Additionally, lower rated securities may be more susceptible to adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities.

The Fund invests in fixed income securities whose value is derived from an underlying pool of mortgages or consumer loans. The value of these securities is sensitive to changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults, and may be adversely affected by shifts in the market’s

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

9. Credit and Market Risk (continued)

 

perception of the issuers and changes in interest rates. Investors receive principal and interest payments as the underlying mortgages and consumer loans are paid back. Some of these securities are collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). CMOs are debt securities issued by US government agencies or by financial institutions and other mortgage lenders, which are collateralized by a pool of mortgages held under an indenture. Prepayment of mortgages may shorten the stated maturity of the obligations and can result in a loss of premium, if any has been paid. Certain of these securities may be stripped (securities which provide only the principal or interest feature of the underlying security). The yield to maturity on an interest-only CMO is extremely sensitive not only to changes in prevailing interest rates, but also to the rate of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. A rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, the Fund may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in these securities even if the securities are rated in the highest rating categories.

The Fund invests in certain obligations that may have liquidity protection designed to ensure that the receipt of payments due on the underlying security is timely. Such protection may be provided through guarantees, insurance policies, or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor through third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction or through a combination of such approaches. The Fund will not pay any additional fees for such credit support, although the existence of credit support may increase the price of the security.

The Fund invests in bank loans and other securities that may subject it to direct indebtedness risk, the risk that the Fund will not receive payment of principal, interest, and other amounts due in connection with these investments and will depend primarily on the financial condition of the borrower. Loans that are fully secured offer the Fund more protection than unsecured loans in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or principal, although there is no assurance that the liquidation of collateral from a secured loan would satisfy the corporate borrower’s obligation, or that the collateral can be liquidated. Some loans or claims may be in default at the time of purchase. Certain of the loans and the other direct indebtedness acquired by the Fund may involve revolving credit facilities or other standby financing commitments that obligate the Fund to pay additional cash on a certain date or on demand. These commitments may require the Fund to increase its investment in a company at a time when the Fund might not otherwise decide to do so (including at a time when the company’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid). To the extent that the Fund is committed to advance additional funds, it will at all times hold and maintain cash or other high grade debt obligations in an amount sufficient to meet such commitments. When a loan agreement is purchased, the Fund may pay an assignment fee. On an ongoing basis, the Fund may receive a commitment fee based on the undrawn portion of the underlying line of credit portion of a loan agreement. Prepayment penalty fees are received upon the prepayment of a loan agreement by the borrower. Prepayment penalty, facility, commitment, consent, and amendment fees are recorded to income as earned or paid.

As the Fund may be required to rely upon another lending institution to collect and pass on to the Fund amounts payable with respect to the loan and to enforce the Fund’s rights under the loan and other direct indebtedness, an insolvency, bankruptcy, or reorganization of the lending institution may delay or prevent the Fund from receiving such amounts. The highly leveraged nature of many loans may make

 

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them especially vulnerable to adverse changes in economic or market conditions. Investments in such loans and other direct indebtedness may involve additional risk to the Fund.

When interest rates rise, fixed income securities (i.e, debt obligations) generally will decline in value. These declines in value are greater for fixed income securities with longer maturities or durations.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, which may include securities with contractual restrictions on resale, securities exempt from registration under Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and other securities which may not be readily marketable. The relative illiquidity of these securities may impair the Fund from disposing of them in a timely manner and at a fair price when it is necessary or desirable to do so. While maintaining oversight, the Board has delegated to DMC, the day-to-day functions of determining whether individual securities are liquid for purposes of the Fund’s limitation on investments in illiquid securities. Securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, which are determined to be liquid, are not subject to the Fund’s 15% limit on investments in illiquid securities. Rule 144A securities have been identified on the “Schedule of investments.” Restricted securities are valued pursuant to security valuation procedures described in Note 1.

10. Contractual Obligations

The Fund enters into contracts in the normal course of business that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts. Management has reviewed the Fund’s existing contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

11. General Motors Term Loan Litigation

The Fund received notice of a litigation proceeding related to a General Motors Corporation (G.M.) term loan participation previously held by the Fund in 2009. Because it was believed that the Fund was a secured creditor, the Fund received the full principal on the loans in 2009 after the G.M. bankruptcy. However, based upon a US Court of Appeals ruling, the estate is seeking to recover such amounts arguing that the Fund is an unsecured creditor and, as an unsecured creditor, the Fund should not have received payment in full. Based upon available information related to the litigation and the Fund’s potential exposure, the Fund recorded a contingent liability of $326,237 and an asset of $97,871 based on the potential recoveries by the estate that resulted in a net decrease in the Fund’s NAV to reflect this potential recovery.

12. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU), ASU 2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities which amends the amortization period for certain callable debt securities purchased at a premium, shortening such period to the earliest call date. The ASU 2017-08 does not require any accounting change for debt securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU 2017-08 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2018. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

 

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Notes to financial statements

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

12. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued an ASU 2018-13, which changes certain fair value measurement disclosure requirements. The ASU 2018-13, in addition to other modifications and additions, removes the requirement to disclose the amount and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the policy for the timing of transfers between levels and the valuation process for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU 2018-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after Dec. 15, 2019. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of these changes on the financial statements.

In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted amendments to Regulation S-X to update and simplify the disclosure requirements for registered investment companies by eliminating requirements that are redundant or duplicative of US GAAP requirements or other SEC disclosure requirements. The new amendments require the presentation of the total, rather than the components, of distributable earnings on the “Statement of assets and liabilities” and the total, rather than the components, of dividends from net investment income and distributions from net realized gains on the “Statements of changes in net assets.” The amendments also removed the requirement for the parenthetical disclosure of undistributed net investment income on the “Statements of changes in net assets” and certain tax adjustments that were reflected in the “Notes to financial statements.” All of these have been reflected in the Fund’s financial statements.

13. Subsequent Events

Management has determined that no material events or transactions occurred subsequent to Jan. 31, 2019, that would require recognition or disclosure in the Fund’s financial statements.

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

 

 

Board consideration of advisory agreement for Delaware Strategic Income Fund at a meeting held August 15-16, 2018

At a meeting held on Aug. 15-16, 2018 (the “Annual Meeting”), the Board of Trustees (the “Board”), including a majority of disinterested or independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustees”), approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement for Delaware Strategic Income Fund (the “Fund”). In making its decision, the Board considered information furnished at regular quarterly Board meetings, including reports detailing Fund performance, investment strategies, and expenses, as well as information prepared specifically in connection with the renewal of the investment advisory contract. Information furnished specifically in connection with the renewal of the Investment Management Agreement with Delaware Management Company (“DMC”), a series of Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust (“MIMBT”), included materials provided by DMC and its affiliates (collectively, “Macquarie Investment Management”) concerning, among other things, the nature, extent, and quality of services provided to the Fund; the costs of such services to the Fund; economies of scale; and the investment manager’s financial condition and profitability. In addition, in connection with the Annual Meeting, materials were provided to the Trustees in May 2018, including reports provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions (“Broadridge”). The Broadridge reports compared the Fund’s investment performance and expenses with those of other comparable mutual funds. The Independent Trustees reviewed and discussed the Broadridge reports with independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees. In addition to the information noted above, the Board also requested and received information regarding DMC’s policy with respect to advisory fee levels and its breakpoint philosophy; the structure of portfolio manager compensation; comparative client fee information; and any constraints or limitations on the availability of securities for certain investment styles, which had in the past year inhibited, or which were likely in the future to inhibit, the investment manager’s ability to invest fully in accordance with Fund policies.

In considering information relating to the approval of the Fund’s advisory agreement, the Independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent legal counsel to the Independent Trustees and also received assistance and advice from an experienced and knowledgeable independent fund consultant, JDL Consultants, LLC (“JDL”). Although the Board gave attention to all information furnished, the following discussion identifies, under separate headings, the primary factors taken into account by the Board during its contract renewal considerations.

Nature, extent, and quality of services. The Board considered the services provided by DMC to the Fund and its shareholders. In reviewing the nature, extent, and quality of services, the Board considered reports furnished to it throughout the year, which covered matters such as the relative performance of the Fund; compliance of portfolio managers with the investment policies, strategies, and restrictions for the Fund; compliance by DMC and Delaware Distributors, L.P. (together, “Management”) personnel with the Code of Ethics adopted throughout the Delaware Funds® by Macquarie (“Delaware Funds”); and adherence to fair value pricing procedures as established by the Board. The Board was pleased with the current staffing of DMC and the emphasis placed on research in the investment process. The Board recognized DMC’s receipt of certain favorable industry distinctions during the past several years. The Board gave favorable consideration to DMC’s efforts to control expenses while maintaining service levels committed to Fund matters. The Board also noted the benefits provided to Fund shareholders (a) through each shareholder’s ability to: (i) exchange an investment in one Delaware Fund for the same

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

Board consideration of advisory agreement for Delaware Strategic Income Fund at a meeting held August 15-16, 2018 (continued)

 

class of shares in another Delaware Fund without a sales charge, or (ii) reinvest Fund dividends into additional shares of the Fund or into additional shares of other Delaware Funds, and (b) the privilege to combine holdings in other Delaware Funds to obtain a reduced sales charge. The Board was satisfied with the nature, extent, and quality of the overall services provided by DMC.

Investment performance. The Board placed significant emphasis on the investment performance of the Fund in view of the importance of investment performance to shareholders. Although the Board considered performance reports and discussions with portfolio managers at Investment Committee meetings throughout the year, the Board gave particular weight to the Broadridge reports furnished for the Annual Meeting. The Broadridge reports prepared for the Fund showed the investment performance of its Class A shares in comparison to a group of similar funds as selected by Broadridge (the “Performance Universe”). A fund with the best performance ranked first, and a fund with the poorest performance ranked last. The highest/best performing 25% of funds in the Performance Universe make up the first quartile; the next 25%, the second quartile; the next 25%, the third quartile; and the poorest/worst performing 25% of funds in the Performance Universe make up the fourth quartile. Comparative annualized performance for the Fund was shown for the past 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods, to the extent applicable, ended Jan. 31, 2018. The Board’s objective is that the Fund’s performance for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year periods be at or above the median of its Performance Universe.

The Performance Universe for the Fund consisted of the Fund and all retail and institutional multisector income funds as selected by Broadridge. The Broadridge report comparison showed that the Fund’s total return for the 1-year period was in the second quartile of its Performance Universe. The report further showed that the Fund’s total return for the 3- and 5-year periods was in the fourth quartile of its Performance Universe and the Fund’s total return for the 10-year period was in the third quartile of its Performance Universe. The Board noted that the Fund’s longer-term performance was not in line with the Board’s objective. In evaluating the Fund’s performance, the Board considered the Fund’s repositioning into a multisector fixed income fund in 2017. The Board also considered the numerous investment and performance reports delivered by Management personnel to the Board’s Investments Committee. The Board was satisfied that Management was taking action to improve Fund performance and meet the Board’s performance objective.

Comparative expenses. The Board considered expense data for the Delaware Funds. Management provided the Board with information on pricing levels and fee structures for the Fund as of its most recently completed fiscal year. The Board also focused on the comparative analysis of effective management fees and total expense ratios of the Fund versus effective management fees and total expense ratios of a group of similar funds as selected by Broadridge (the “Expense Group”). In reviewing comparative costs, the Fund’s contractual management fee and the actual management fee incurred by the Fund were compared with the contractual management fees (assuming all funds in the Expense Group were similar in size to the Fund) and actual management fees (as reported by each fund) within the Expense Group, taking into account any applicable breakpoints and fee waivers. The Fund’s total expenses were also compared with those of its Expense Group. The Broadridge total expenses, for comparative consistency, were shown by Broadridge for Class A shares and comparative total expenses

 

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including 12b-1 and non-12b-1 service fees. The Board’s objective is for the Fund’s total expense ratio to be competitive with those of the peer funds within its Expense Group.

The expense comparisons for the Fund showed that its actual management fee and total expenses were in the quartile with the lowest expenses of its Expense Groups. The Board was satisfied with the management fee and total expenses of the Fund in comparison to those of its Expense Group as shown in the Broadridge report.

Management profitability. The Board considered the level of profits realized by DMC in connection with the operation of the Fund. In this respect, the Board reviewed the Investment Management Profitability Analysis that addressed the overall profitability of DMC’s business in providing management and other services to each of the individual funds and the Delaware Funds as a whole. Specific attention was given to the methodology used by DMC in allocating costs for the purpose of determining profitability. Management stated that the level of profits of DMC, to a certain extent, reflects recent operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by DMC. The Board considered DMC’s efforts to improve services provided to Fund shareholders and to meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from recent industry-wide Securities and Exchange Commission initiatives. The Board also considered the extent to which DMC might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including the potential for procuring additional business as a result of the prestige and visibility associated with its role as service provider to the Delaware Funds and the benefits from allocation of fund brokerage to improve trading efficiencies. As part of its work, the Board also reviewed a report prepared by JDL regarding MIMBT profitability as compared to certain peer fund complexes and the Independent Trustees met with JDL personnel to discuss DMC’s profitability in such context. The Board found that the management fees were reasonable in light of the services rendered and the level of profitability of DMC.

Economies of scale. The Trustees considered whether economies of scale are realized by DMC as the Fund’s assets increase and the extent to which any economies of scale are reflected in the level of management fees charged. The Trustees reviewed the Fund’s advisory fee pricing and structure, approved by the Board and shareholders, which includes breakpoints, and which applies to most funds in the Delaware Funds complex. Breakpoints in the advisory fee occur when the advisory fee rate is reduced on assets in excess of specified levels. Breakpoints result in a lower advisory fee than would otherwise be the case in the absence of breakpoints, when the asset levels specified in the breakpoints are exceeded. Although, as of March 31, 2018, the Fund had not reached a size at which it could take advantage of any breakpoints in the applicable fee schedule, the Board recognized that the fee was structured so that, if the Fund increases sufficiently in size, then economies of scale may be shared.

Board consideration of sub-advisory agreement for Delaware Strategic Income Fund at a meeting held November 14-15, 2018

At a meeting held on Nov. 14-15, 2018, the Board of Trustees of Delaware Strategic Income Fund (the “Fund”), including a majority of non-interested or independent Trustees (the “Independent Trustees”), approved a new Sub-Advisory Agreement between Delaware Management Company (“DMC” or “Management”) and Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG (“MIMAK”) for the Fund. MIMAK may also be referenced as “sub-advisor” below.

 

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Other Fund information (Unaudited)

Delaware Strategic Income Fund

Board consideration of sub-advisory agreement for Delaware Strategic Income Fund at a meeting held November 14-15, 2018 (continued)

 

In reaching the decision to approve the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Board considered and reviewed information about MIMAK, including its personnel, operations, and financial condition, which had been provided by MIMAK. The Board also reviewed material furnished by DMC, including: a memorandum from DMC reviewing the Sub-Advisory Agreement and the various services proposed to be rendered by MIMAK; information concerning MIMAK’s organizational structure and the experience of its key investment management personnel; copies of MIMAK’s Form ADV, financial statements, compliance policies and procedures, and Codes of Ethics; relevant performance information provided with respect to MIMAK; and a copy of the Sub-Advisory Agreement.

In considering such information and materials, the Independent Trustees received assistance and advice from and met separately with independent counsel. The materials prepared by Management in connection with the approval of the Sub-Advisory Agreement were sent to the Independent Trustees in advance of the meeting. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s decision. This discussion of the information and factors considered by the Board (as well as the discussion above) is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather summarizes certain factors considered by the Board. In view of the wide variety of factors considered, the Board did not, unless otherwise noted, find it practicable to quantify or otherwise assign relative weights to the following factors. In addition, individual Trustees may have assigned different weights to various factors.

Nature, extent, and quality of services. The Board considered the nature, extent, and quality of services that MIMAK would provide as a sub-advisor to the Fund. The Trustees considered the type of services to be provided by MIMAK in connection with DMC’s management of the Fund, and the qualifications and experience of MIMAK’s research team. The Board considered MIMAK’s organization, personnel, and operations. The Trustees also considered Management’s review and recommendation process with respect to MIMAK, and Management’s favorable assessment as to the nature, extent, and quality of the research services to be provided by MIMAK, as well as MIMAK’s ability to render such services based on its experience, organization, and resources, were appropriate for the Fund, in light of the Fund’s investment objective, strategies, and policies.

In discussing the nature of the services proposed to be provided by MIMAK, several Board members observed that, unlike traditional sub-advisors, who make the investment-related decisions with respect to the sub-advised portfolio, the relationship contemplated in this case is limited to access to MIMAK’s on-the-ground research expertise, perspective, and resources.

Sub-advisory fees. The Board considered that DMC would not pay fees in connection with MIMAK’s services. The Board concluded that, in light of the quality and extent of the services to be provided and the nature of the business relationships between DMC and MIMAK, the proposed fee arrangement was understandable and reasonable.

Investment performance. In evaluating performance, the Board considered that MIMAK would provide investment recommendations and ideas, including with respect to specific securities, but that DMC’s portfolio managers for the Fund would retain portfolio management discretion over the Fund.

 

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Economies of scale and fall-out benefits. The Board considered whether the proposed fee arrangement would reflect economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors as assets in the Fund increased, as applicable. The Board also considered that DMC and its affiliates may benefit by leveraging the global resources of its affiliates.

 

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Table of Contents

About the organization

    

 

 

Board of trustees

 

Shawn K. Lytle

President and

Chief Executive Officer

Delaware Funds ®

by Macquarie

Philadelphia, PA

 

Thomas L. Bennett

Chairman of the Board

Delaware Funds

by Macquarie

Private Investor

Rosemont, PA

 

Jerome D. Abernathy

Managing Member

Stonebrook Capital

Management, LLC

New York, NY

  

Ann D. Borowiec

Former Chief Executive Officer

Private Wealth Management

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

New York, NY

 

Joseph W. Chow

Former Executive Vice President

State Street Corporation

Boston, MA

 

John A. Fry

President

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

  

Lucinda S. Landreth

Former Chief Investment Officer

Assurant, Inc.

New York, NY

 

Frances A.

Sevilla-Sacasa

Former Chief Executive Officer

Banco Itaú International

Miami, FL

  

Thomas K. Whitford

Former Vice Chairman

PNC Financial Services Group

Pittsburgh, PA

 

Christianna Wood

Chief Executive Officer and President

Gore Creek Capital, Ltd.

Golden, CO

 

Janet L. Yeomans

Former Vice President and Treasurer

3M Company

St. Paul, MN

Affiliated officers         

David F. Connor

Senior Vice President,

General Counsel,

and Secretary

Delaware Funds

by Macquarie

Philadelphia, PA

  

Daniel V. Geatens

Vice President and Treasurer

Delaware Funds

by Macquarie

Philadelphia, PA

  

Richard Salus

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Delaware Funds

by Macquarie

Philadelphia, PA

  

This semiannual report is for the information of Delaware Strategic Income Fund shareholders, but it may be used with prospective investors when preceded or accompanied by the Delaware Fund fact sheet for the most recently completed calendar quarter. These documents are available at delawarefunds.com/literature.

 

 

The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q, as well as a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities are available without charge (i) upon request, by calling 800 523-1918; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov. In addition, a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities and the Schedule of Investments included in the Fund’s most recent Form N-Q are available without charge on the Fund’s website at delawarefunds.com/literature. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C.; information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800 SEC-0330.

Information (if any) regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recently disclosed 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (i) through the Fund’s website at delawarefunds.com/proxy; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at sec.gov.

 

69


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. Investments

(a) Included as part of report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

(b) Divestment of securities in accordance with Section 13(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.

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 Companies and Affiliated Purchasers

Not applicable.

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

Not applicable.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of the filing of this report and have concluded that they are effective in providing reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the registrant in its reports or statements filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.


There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by the report to stockholders included herein (i.e., the registrant’s second fiscal quarter) 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.

(2) Certifications of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 30a-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.

(3) Written solicitations to purchase securities pursuant to Rule 23c-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Not applicable.

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.906CERT.


SIGNATURES

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

DELAWARE GROUP® GOVERNMENT FUND

SHAWN K. LYTLE
By: Shawn K. Lytle
Title:      President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 3, 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.

SHAWN K. LYTLE
By: Shawn K. Lytle
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 3, 2019
 
RICHARD SALUS
By: Richard Salus
Title:      Chief Financial Officer
Date: April 3, 2019