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

811-8709

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

125 Broad Street, New York, NY

 

10004

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
300 First Stamford Place,4th Fl.
Stamford, CT 06902

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(800) 451-2010

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

April 30,

 

 

Date of reporting period:

April 30, 2007

 

 



 

ITEM 1.

 

REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 

 

 

 

 

The Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.

 



 

 

Western Asset

 

 

High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

(HIX)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APRIL 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE

 


 

 

 

Western Asset

 

Annual Report April 30, 2007

 

High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s
Inside

 

 

 

 

Letter from the Chairman

I

 

 

 

 

Fund Overview

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Fund Objective
The Fund seeks to maximize current income by investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in high-yield debt securities. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital appreciation to the extent consistent with its objective of seeking to maximize current income.

 

 

 

 

Fund at a Glance

4

 

 

 

 

Schedule of Investments

5

 

 

 

 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

24

 

 

 

 

Statement of Operations

25

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

26

 

 

 

 

Statement of Cash Flows

27

 

 

 

 

Financial Highlights

28

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

29

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional Information

41

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certifications

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

45

 


 

 

Letter from the Chairman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Shareholder,

 

The U.S. economy expanded at a moderate pace during the 12-month reporting period. After expanding 2.6% in the second quarter of 2006, U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”)i increased 2.0% in the third quarter and 2.5% in the fourth quarter. The preliminary estimate for first quarter 2007 GDP growth was 0.6%. While consumer spending remained fairly solid, the cooling housing market continued to negatively impact the economy. In addition, corporate spending was mixed during the reporting period.

 

R. JAY GERKEN, CFA
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer

After increasing the federal funds rate ii to 5.25% in June 2006 — its 17th consecutive rate hike — the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)iii held rates steady at its last seven meetings. In its statement accompanying the May 2007 meeting, the Fed stated, “Economic growth slowed in the first part of this year and the adjustment in the housing sector is ongoing. Nevertheless, the economy seems likely to expand at a moderate pace over coming quarters. Core inflation remains somewhat elevated. Although inflation pressures seem likely to moderate over time, the high level of resource utilization has the potential to sustain those pressures.”

 

During the 12-month reporting period, both short- and long-term Treasury yields experienced periods of volatility. Yields fluctuated early in the period given mixed economic data and shifting expectations regarding the Fed’s future monetary policy. Then, at the end of February 2007, yields fell sharply as economic data weakened and the stock market experienced its largest one-day decline in more than five years. Overall, during the 12 months ended April 30, 2007, two-year Treasury yields moved from 4.87% to 4.60%. Over the same period, 10-year Treasury yields fell from 5.07% to 4.63%. Looking at the 12-month period as a whole, the

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.        I

 


 

overall bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Indexiv, returned 7.36%.

 

The high yield bond market generated solid results over the 12-month period ended April 30, 2007. During that time, the Citigroup High Yield Market Indexv returned 12.39%. With interest rates relatively low, demand for higher yielding bonds remained strong. The high yield market was further aided by strong corporate profits and low default rates.

 

Despite periods of weakness, emerging markets debt generated a positive return, as the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (“EMBI Global”)vi gained 11.92% during the reporting period. Strong investor demand, an expanding global economy and solid domestic spending supported many emerging market countries.

 

Please read on for a more detailed look at prevailing economic and market conditions during the Fund’s fiscal year and to learn how those conditions have affected Fund performance.

 

Special Shareholder Notices

 

Effective November 30, 2006, Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset Limited”) became an additional subadviser to the Fund, under an additional subadvisory agreement between Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) and Western Asset Limited. Western Asset and Western Asset Limited are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. Western Asset and Western Asset Limited provide day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund as the Fund’s subadviser and sub-subadviser, respectively. Western Asset Limited provides certain advisory services to the Fund relating to currency transactions and investments in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. Western Asset Limited has offices at 10 Exchange Place, London, England. Western Asset Limited acts as an investment adviser to institutional accounts, such as corporate pension plans, mutual funds, and endowment funds.

 

On May 17, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved changes to the non-fundamental investment policies relating to the Fund’s definition of “emerging market country”.

 

II        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 


 

Pursuant to the Board’s approval, effective June 1, 2007, the Fund changed its definition of “emerging market country” to include any country which is, at the time of investment, represented in the JPMorgan EMBI Global or categorized by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“World Bank”), in its annual categorization, as middle- or low income. Under the Fund’s previous investment policy, the Fund defined an “emerging market country” as: “any country which is considered to be an emerging country by the World Bank at the time of the Fund’s investment. The countries that will not be considered emerging market countries include: Australia; Austria; Belgium; Canada; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Luxembourg; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and the United States.” This revision to the definition of “emerging market country” is intended to allow Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”), the Fund’s investment manager, and Western Asset greater flexibility and opportunity to achieve the Fund’s investment objectives and make consistent the range of countries available for investment by the Fund consistent with the countries represented in its new benchmarks. Management believes that the definition, as revised, is consistent with that utilized by funds with comparable investment objectives.

 

Additionally, the Fund changed its benchmark from the Citigroup High Yield Market Index to the Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Indexvii and the JPMorgan EMBI Global Index, effective June 1, 2007. In the opinion of the Fund’s investment subadviser, the change provides for broader, more effective, benchmark indexes for the Fund and more accurate reflections of the portfolio strategies with which the Fund is managed.

 

Prior to October 9, 2006, the Fund was known as Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II Inc.

 

Information About Your Fund

 

Important information with regard to recent regulatory developments that may affect the Fund is contained in the Notes to Financial Statements included in this report.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.        III

 


 

As always, thank you for your confidence in our stewardship of your assets. We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.

Sincerely,

 

 

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

June 4, 2007

 

 

All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

i

 

Gross domestic product (“GDP”) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given time period.

 

 

 

ii

 

The federal funds rate is the interest rate that banks with excess reserves at a Federal Reserve district bank charge other banks that need overnight loans.

 

 

 

iii

 

The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, fullemployment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments.

 

 

 

iv

 

The Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index is a broad-based bond index comprised of government, corporate, mortgage and asset backed issues, rated investment grade or higher, and having at least one year to maturity.

 

 

 

v

 

The Citigroup High Yield Market Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of high yield securities.

 

 

 

vi

 

The JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (“EMBI Global”), tracks total returns for U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady bonds, loans, Eurobonds, and local market instruments. Countries covered are Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela.

 

 

 

vii

 

The Lehman Brothers U.S. Corporate High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index is an issuer-constrained version of the U.S. Corporate High-Yield Index that covers the U.S. dollar denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bond market. The U.S. High-Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index follows the same index construction rules as the uncapped index but limits issuer exposure to a maximum 2% and redistributes the excess market value index-wide on a prorata basis.

 

IV        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.


 

Fund Overview

 

Q. What were the overall market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period?

 

A.  As the fiscal year began, the bond market faced a number of challenges, including additional short-term interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)i, inflationary pressures and signs of solid economic growth. However, as the period progressed, oil prices moderated, a cooling housing market triggered slower economic growth and the Fed paused from raising rates after June 2006. These factors, as well as a flight to quality when the U.S. stock market abruptly fell in February 2007, helped both short- and long-term yields to fall during the 12-months ended April 30, 2007. Over this time, there were several periods of increased volatility in the bond market. This was often triggered by changing perceptions regarding the economy, inflation and the Fed’s future monetary policy.

 

Performance Review

 

For the 12 months ended April 30, 2007, the Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. returned 13.58%, based on its net asset value (“NAV”)ii and 25.58% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. In comparison, the Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the Citigroup High Yield Market Indexiii, returned 12.39% and the Lipper High Current Yield (Leveraged) Closed-End Funds Category Average1 increased 13.47% over the same time frame. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each fund’s NAV.

 

During the 12-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $0.89 per share. The performance table shows the Fund’s 12-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of April 30, 2007. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Performance Snapshot as of April 30, 2007 (unaudited)

 

 

 

12-Month

 

 

 

 

Price Per Share

Total Return

 

 

 

 

$12.38 (NAV)

13.58%

 

 

 

 

$11.61 (Market Price)

25.58%

 

 

 

 

All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results.

 

Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions in additional shares.

 

1        Lipper, Inc. is a major independent mutual-fund tracking organization. Returns are based on the 12-month period ended April 30, 2007, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 31 funds in the und’s Lipper category.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report          1

 


 

Q.           What were the most significant factors affecting Fund performance? What were the leading contributors to performance?

 

A. We maintained our disciplined investment approach that is grounded in conducting extensive research on each potential holding for the portfolio. Looking at the fiscal year as a whole, this approach proved beneficial to performance in a number of areas. From an asset class perspective, the Fund’s overweight to the strong performing high yield market and underweight to emerging market debt enhanced results. In terms of credit quality, a bias toward lower-rated securities boosted returns, as they outperformed their higher-rated counterparts. Finally, in terms of sector positioning, the Fund benefited from its overweight in three of the top five performing sectors in the Citigroup High Yield Market Index, during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2007. Over the same period, the Fund held underweight positions in all five of the worst performing sectors in the Citigroup High Yield Market Index.

 

What were the leading detractors from performance?

 

A. During the reporting period, the Fund’s overweights in the weak performing Argentina and Mexico markets detracted from the Fund’s performance.

 

Q.           Were there any significant changes to the Fund during the reporting period?

 

A. There were no significant changes to the Fund’s portfolio during the reporting period.

 

Looking for Additional Information?

 

The Fund is traded under the symbol “HIX” and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available on-line under the symbol “XHIXX” on most financial websites. Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal’s Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites as well as www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices.

 

In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call 1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Fund’s current NAV, market price and other information.

 

2          Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Thank you for your investment in Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. As always, we appreciate that you have chosen us to manage your assets, and we remain focused on achieving the Fund’s investment goals.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Western Asset Management Team

May 11, 2007

 

 

 

The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.

 

RISKS: As interest rates rise, bond prices fall generally, reducing the value of the Fund. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. High yield bonds involve greater credit and liquidity risks than investment grade bonds. Foreign securities are subject to certain risks not associated with domestic investing, such as currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions which could result in significant fluctuations. The risks are magnified in emerging markets.

 

All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.

 

i

The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments.

 

 

ii

NAV is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from the closing value of all securities held by the Fund (plus all other assets) and dividing the result (total net assets) by the total number of the common shares outstanding. The NAV fluctuates with changes in the market prices of securities in which the Fund has invested. However, the price at which an investor may buy or sell shares of the Fund is at the Fund’s market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Fund’s shares.

 

 

iii

The Citigroup High Yield Market Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of high yield securities.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report          3

 


 

Fund at a Glance (unaudited)

 

Investment Breakdown

 

As a Percent of Total Investments

 

 

4      Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007)

 

WESTERN ASSET HIGH INCOME FUND II INC.

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES — 88.5%

 

 

 

Aerospace & Defense — 1.6%

 

 

 

1,585,000

 

Alliant Techsystems Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.750% due 4/1/16

 

$

1,608,775

 

 

 

DRS Technologies Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

1,535,000

 

6.625% due 2/1/16

 

1,558,025

 

3,350,000

 

7.625% due 2/1/18

 

3,525,875

 

 

 

Hawker Beechcraft Acquisition Co.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,190,000

 

8.500% due 4/1/15 (a)

 

1,258,425

 

1,920,000

 

8.875% due 4/1/15 (a)(b)

 

2,025,600

 

2,370,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.750% due 4/1/17 (a)

 

2,547,750

 

106,119

 

Kac Acquisition Co., Subordinated Notes, 1.000% due 4/26/26 (c)(d)

 

0

 

5,500,000

 

L-3 Communications Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.625% due 6/15/12

 

5,726,875

 

 

 

Total Aerospace & Defense

 

18,251,325

 

Airlines — 1.2%

 

 

 

 

 

Continental Airlines Inc.:

 

 

 

965,000

 

Notes, 8.750% due 12/1/11

 

957,763

 

 

 

Pass-Through Certificates:

 

 

 

1,240,336

 

Series 2000-2, Class C, 8.312% due 10/2/12

 

1,284,523

 

198,893

 

Series 981-C, 6.541% due 9/15/08

 

198,769

 

1,365,000

 

Series C, 7.339% due 4/19/14

 

1,378,500

 

 

 

Delta Air Lines Inc., Pass-Through Certificates, Series 01-1:

 

 

 

1,395,954

 

6.619% due 3/18/11

 

1,413,404

 

6,135,000

 

7.111% due 9/18/11

 

6,384,234

 

2,135,000

 

7.711% due 9/18/11

 

2,189,709

 

 

 

Total Airlines

 

13,806,902

 

Auto Components — 1.0%

 

 

 

3,335,000

 

Keystone Automotive Operations Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

9.750% due 11/1/13

 

3,184,925

 

7,800,000

 

Visteon Corp., Senior Notes, 8.250% due 8/1/10

 

7,995,000

 

 

 

Total Auto Components

 

11,179,925

 

Automobiles — 2.3%

 

 

 

 

 

Ford Motor Co.:

 

 

 

 

 

Debentures:

 

 

 

1,880,000

 

8.875% due 1/15/22

 

1,668,500

 

3,425,000

 

8.900% due 1/15/32

 

2,962,625

 

8,815,000

 

Notes, 7.450% due 7/16/31

 

7,018,944

 

 

 

General Motors Corp.:

 

 

 

5,320,000

 

Notes, 7.200% due 1/15/11

 

5,093,900

 

 

 

Senior Debentures:

 

 

 

2,375,000

 

8.250% due 7/15/23

 

2,161,250

 

8,265,000

 

8.375% due 7/15/33

 

7,510,818

 

 

 

Total Automobiles

 

26,416,037

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        5

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Building Products — 1.4%

 

 

 

 

 

Ainsworth Lumber Co., Ltd.:

 

 

 

1,200,000

 

7.250% due 10/1/12

 

$

886,500

 

550,000

 

Senior Notes, 6.750% due 3/15/14

 

391,187

 

 

 

Associated Materials Inc.:

 

 

 

3,905,000

 

Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield 14.422% due 3/1/14 (f)

 

2,948,275

 

3,000,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.750% due 4/15/12

 

3,142,500

 

1,750,000

 

Nortek Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.500% due 9/1/14

 

1,736,875

 

9,655,000

 

NTK Holdings Inc., Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield 11.559% due 3/1/14

 

7,289,525

 

 

 

Total Building Products

 

16,394,862

 

Capital Markets — 0.3%

 

 

 

3,000,000

 

E*TRADE Financial Corp., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 9/15/13

 

3,146,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chemicals — 2.5%

 

 

 

2,800,000

 

Borden Chemicals & Plastics LP, Notes, 9.500% due 9/18/11 (c)(d)(e)

 

42,000

 

3,500,000

 

Equistar Chemicals LP, Senior Notes, 10.625% due 5/1/11

 

3,710,000

 

5,260,000

 

Georgia Gulf Corp., Senior Notes, 9.500% due 10/15/14 (a)

 

5,286,300

 

2,390,000

 

Huntsman International LLC, Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.875% due 11/13/14 (a)

 

2,509,500

 

 

 

Lyondell Chemical Co.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,400,000

 

8.000% due 9/15/14

 

1,473,500

 

1,155,000

 

8.250% due 9/15/16

 

1,241,625

 

 

 

Senior Secured Notes:

 

 

 

1,300,000

 

11.125% due 7/15/12

 

1,391,000

 

100,000

 

10.500% due 6/1/13

 

110,125

 

3,075,000

 

Methanex Corp., Senior Notes, 8.750% due 8/15/12

 

3,413,250

 

3,550,000

 

Millennium America Inc., Senior Notes, 9.250% due 6/15/08

 

3,692,000

 

690,000

 

Momentive Performance Materials Inc., Senior Notes, 9.750% due 12/1/14 (a)

 

733,125

 

4,475,000

 

Montell Finance Co. BV, Debentures, 8.100% due 3/15/27 (a)

 

4,452,625

 

1,255,000

 

Westlake Chemical Corp., Senior Notes, 6.625% due 1/15/16

 

1,226,762

 

 

 

Total Chemicals

 

29,281,812

 

Commercial Banks — 1.6%

 

 

 

5,260,000

 

ATF Capital BV, Senior Notes, 9.250% due 2/21/14 (a)

 

5,207,400

 

440,000

 

Banco Mercantil del Norte SA, Subordinated Bonds, 6.135% due 10/13/16 (a)(g)

 

447,953

 

4,490,000

 

HSBK Europe BV, 7.250% due 5/3/17 (a)

 

4,487,194

 

 

 

ICICI Bank Ltd., Subordinated Bonds:

 

 

 

2,344,000

 

6.375% due 4/30/22 (a)(g)

 

2,342,309

 

2,650,000

 

Russian Agricultural Bank, Notes, 7.175% due 5/16/13 (a)**

 

2,818,937

 

 

 

TuranAlem Finance BV:

 

 

 

499,000

 

8.250% due 1/22/37 (a)

 

502,743

 

2,785,000

 

Bonds, 8.250% due 1/22/37 (a)**

 

2,805,887

 

 

 

Total Commercial Banks

 

18,612,423

 

Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.6%

 

 

 

4,385,000

 

Allied Security Escrow Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.375% due 7/15/11 (f)

 

4,472,700

 

 

 

Allied Waste North America Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

250,000

 

6.875% due 6/1/17

 

254,688

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

6        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Commercial Services & Supplies — 2.6% (continued)

 

 

 

 

 

Series B:

 

 

 

757,000

 

9.250% due 9/1/12

 

$

802,420

 

5,885,000

 

7.375% due 4/15/14 (f)

 

6,002,700

 

1,050,000

 

7.250% due 3/15/15

 

1,084,125

 

 

 

Aramark Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

2,690,000

 

8.500% due 2/1/15 (a)

 

2,827,862

 

650,000

 

8.860% due 2/1/15 (a)(g)

 

671,125

 

675,000

 

Ashtead Holdings PLC, Secured Notes, 8.625% due 8/1/15 (a)

 

708,750

 

4,495,000

 

DynCorp International LLC/DIV Capital Corporation, Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

Series B, 9.500% due 2/15/13

 

4,854,600

 

 

 

Interface Inc.:

 

 

 

2,875,000

 

Senior Notes, 10.375% due 2/1/10

 

3,191,250

 

1,500,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.500% due 2/1/14

 

1,642,500

 

3,000,000

 

Rental Services Corp., Senior Bonds, 9.500% due 12/1/14 (a)

 

3,202,500

 

 

 

Total Commercial Services & Supplies

 

29,715,220

 

Communications Equipment — 0.5%

 

 

 

6,100,000

 

Lucent Technologies Inc., Debentures, 6.450% due 3/15/29

 

5,581,500

 

Consumer Finance — 3.4%

 

 

 

 

 

Ford Motor Credit Co.:

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

3,075,000

 

7.875% due 6/15/10

 

3,093,438

 

3,320,000

 

7.000% due 10/1/13

 

3,143,326

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

4,248,000

 

10.605% due 6/15/11 (g)

 

4,582,165

 

1,950,000

 

9.875% due 8/10/11

 

2,078,281

 

1,210,000

 

8.105% due 1/13/12 (g)

 

1,194,592

 

2,490,000

 

8.000% due 12/15/16

 

2,439,166

 

 

 

General Motors Acceptance Corp.:

 

 

 

14,270,000

 

Bonds, 8.000% due 11/1/31

 

15,359,115

 

6,890,000

 

Notes, 6.875% due 8/28/12

 

6,892,742

 

 

 

Total Consumer Finance

 

38,782,825

 

Containers & Packaging — 1.9%

 

 

 

4,960,000

 

Graham Packaging Co. Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.875% due 10/15/14

 

5,158,400

 

4,725,000

 

Graphic Packaging International Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

9.500% due 8/15/13

 

5,079,375

 

2,349,000

 

Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc., Senior Secured Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.750% due 11/15/12

 

2,487,004

 

1,490,000

 

Plastipak Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 8.500% due 12/15/15 (a)

 

1,601,750

 

1,975,000

 

Radnor Holdings Corp., Senior Notes, 11.000% due 3/15/10 (e)

 

17,281

 

347,000

 

Smurfit Kappa Funding, Senior Notes, 9.625% due 10/1/12

 

366,952

 

4,805,000

 

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 3/15/17 (a)

 

4,805,000

 

2,355,000

 

Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 7/1/12

 

2,405,044

 

 

 

Total Containers & Packaging

 

21,920,806

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        7

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Diversified Consumer Services — 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

Education Management LLC/Education Management Finance Corp.:

 

 

 

1,505,000

 

Senior Notes, 8.750% due 6/1/14

 

$

1,599,063

 

3,770,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.250% due 6/1/16

 

4,137,575

 

 

 

Service Corp. International:

 

 

 

650,000

 

Debentures, 7.875% due 2/1/13

 

672,750

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,200,000

 

7.625% due 10/1/18

 

1,276,500

 

1,335,000

 

7.500% due 4/1/27 (a)

 

1,341,675

 

 

 

Total Diversified Consumer Services

 

9,027,563

 

Diversified Financial Services — 2.6%

 

 

 

1,390,000

 

Ameripath Intermediate Holdings Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

10.650% due 2/15/14 (a)(g)

 

1,400,425

 

4,060,000

 

Basell AF SCA, Senior Secured Subordinated Second Priority Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.375% due 8/15/15 (a)

 

4,242,700

 

2,110,000

 

CCM Merger Inc., Notes, 8.000% due 8/1/13 (a)

 

2,146,925

 

135,000

 

El Paso Performance-Linked Trust Certificates, Notes, 7.750% due 7/15/11 (a)

 

144,450

 

3,025,000

 

Idearc Inc., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 11/15/16 (a)

 

3,168,688

 

2,375,000

 

Milacron Escrow Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 11.500% due 5/15/11

 

2,366,094

 

588,000

 

MMG Fiduciary Trust Corp., 6.750% due 2/1/16

 

595,485

 

2,390,000

 

PGS Solutions Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.625% due 2/15/15 (a)

 

2,440,240

 

700,000

 

Smurfit Kappa Funding PLC, Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750% due 4/1/15

 

721,000

 

1,360,000

 

TNK-BP Finance SA, 7.500% due 7/18/16 (a)**

 

1,443,300

 

1,006,000

 

UCAR Finance Inc., Senior Notes, 10.250% due 2/15/12

 

1,063,845

 

2,055,000

 

UGS Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.000% due 6/1/12

 

2,250,225

 

4,130,000

 

Vanguard Health Holdings Co. I LLC, Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield

 

 

 

 

 

9.967% due 10/1/15

 

3,469,200

 

4,425,000

 

Vanguard Health Holdings Co. II LLC, Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

9.000% due 10/1/14

 

4,607,531

 

 

 

Total Diversified Financial Services

 

30,060,108

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 7.3%

 

 

 

4,740,000

 

Axtel SAB de CV, Senior Notes, 7.625% due 2/1/17 (a)**

 

4,822,950

 

370,000

 

Axtel SAB de CV, 7.625% due 2/1/17 (a)

 

376,475

 

4,350,000

 

Cincinnati Bell Inc., Senior Notes, 7.000% due 2/15/15

 

4,382,625

 

1,260,000

 

Cincinnati Bell Telephone Co., Senior Debentures, 6.300% due 12/1/28

 

1,184,400

 

 

 

Citizens Communications Co.:

 

 

 

385,000

 

Senior Bonds, 7.125% due 3/15/19 (a)

 

389,812

 

3,640,000

 

Senior Notes, 7.875% due 1/15/27 (a)

 

3,803,800

 

6,121,000

 

Hawaiian Telcom Communications Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B,

 

 

 

 

 

12.500% due 5/1/15

 

6,916,730

 

2,040,000

 

Inmarsat Finance II PLC, step bond to yield 8.062% due 11/15/12

 

1,948,200

 

 

 

Intelsat Bermuda Ltd.:

 

 

 

4,315,000

 

9.250% due 6/15/16

 

4,768,075

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,485,000

 

8.872% due 1/15/15 (g)

 

1,525,837

 

6,440,000

 

11.250% due 6/15/16

 

7,381,850

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Diversified Telecommunication Services — 7.3% (continued)

 

 

 

1,355,000

 

Intelsat Corp., Senior Notes, 9.000% due 8/15/14

 

$

1,470,175

 

 

 

Level 3 Financing Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

800,000

 

9.250% due 11/1/14 (a)

 

835,000

 

3,000,000

 

9.150% due 2/15/15 (a)(g)

 

3,052,500

 

2,215,000

 

8.750% due 2/15/17 (a)

 

2,264,837

 

2,820,000

 

Nordic Telephone Co. Holdings, Senior Secured Notes, 8.875% due 5/1/16 (a)

 

3,045,600

 

 

 

NTL Cable PLC, Senior Notes:

 

 

 

80,000

 

8.750% due 4/15/14

 

84,400

 

4,670,000

 

9.125% due 8/15/16

 

5,008,575

 

 

 

Qwest Communications International Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

365,000

 

7.500% due 2/15/14

 

378,688

 

900,000

 

Series B, 7.500% due 2/15/14

 

933,750

 

 

 

Qwest Corp.:

 

 

 

3,878,000

 

Debentures, 6.875% due 9/15/33

 

3,800,440

 

7,325,000

 

Notes, 8.875% due 3/15/12

 

8,130,750

 

3,640,000

 

Southwestern Bell Telephone Co., Debentures, 7.000% due 11/15/27

 

3,728,234

 

4,770,000

 

Telcordia Technologies Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.000% due 3/15/13 (a)

 

4,531,500

 

6,000,000

MXN

Telefonos de Mexico SA de CV, Senior Notes, 8.750% due 1/31/16

 

562,568

 

2,625,000

 

Umbrella Acquisition Inc., Senior Notes, 9.750% due 3/15/15 (a)(b)

 

2,647,969

 

610,000

 

Wind Acquisition Finance SA, Senior Bond, 10.750% due 12/1/15 (a)

 

707,600

 

5,110,000

 

Windstream Corp., Senior Notes, 8.625% due 8/1/16

 

5,633,775

 

 

 

Total Diversified Telecommunication Services

 

84,317,115

 

Electric Utilities — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

Enersis SA, Notes:

 

 

 

335,000

 

7.375% due 1/15/14

 

364,198

 

487,000

 

7.400% due 12/1/16

 

537,399

 

1,665,000

 

IPALCO Enterprises Inc., Secured Notes, 8.625% due 11/14/11

 

1,814,850

 

 

 

Midwest Generation LLC:

 

 

 

1,106,110

 

Pass-Through Certificates, Series B,8.560% due 1/2/16

 

1,220,178

 

1,455,000

 

Secured Notes, 8.750% due 5/1/34

 

1,615,050

 

2,570,000

 

Orion Power Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 12.000% due 5/1/10

 

2,981,200

 

 

 

Total Electric Utilities

 

8,532,875

 

Electrical Equipment — 0.1%

 

 

 

1,070,000

 

Belden CDT Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.000% due 3/15/17 (a)

 

1,099,684

 

Electronic Equipment & Instruments — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

NXP BV/NXP Funding LLC:

 

 

 

795,000

 

Senior Notes, 9.500% due 10/15/15 (a)

 

838,725

 

2,420,000

 

Senior Secured Bonds, 7.875% due 10/15/14 (a)

 

2,528,900

 

 

 

Total Electronic Equipment & Instruments

 

3,367,625

 

Energy Equipment & Services — 1.0%

 

 

 

3,270,000

 

Complete Production Services Inc., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 12/15/16 (a)

 

3,396,712

 

1,605,000

 

Geokinetics Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 11.855% due 12/15/12 (a)(g)

 

1,665,187

 

1,275,000

 

GulfMark Offshore Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750% due 7/15/14

 

1,310,063

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        9

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Energy Equipment & Services — 1.0% (continued)

 

 

 

3,175,000

 

Hanover Compressor Co., Senior Notes, 9.000% due 6/1/14

 

$

3,444,875

 

1,210,000

 

Pride International Inc., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 7/15/14

 

1,247,813

 

400,000

 

Southern Natural Gas Co., Senior Notes, 8.000% due 3/1/32

 

483,636

 

 

 

Total Energy Equipment & Services

 

11,548,286

 

Food & Staples Retailing — 0.3%

 

 

 

2,805,000

 

Delhaize America Inc., Debentures, 9.000% due 4/15/31

 

3,431,357

 

Food Products — 0.4%

 

 

 

 

 

Dole Food Co. Inc.:

 

 

 

1,600,000

 

Debentures, 8.750% due 7/15/13

 

1,600,000

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

2,065,000

 

7.250% due 6/15/10

 

2,036,606

 

1,050,000

 

8.875% due 3/15/11

 

1,068,375

 

 

 

Total Food Products

 

4,704,981

 

Gas Utilities — 0.5%

 

 

 

5,625,000

 

Suburban Propane Partners LP/Suburban Energy Finance Corp., Senior Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

6.875% due 12/15/13

 

5,639,063

 

Health Care Equipment & Supplies — 0.1%

 

 

 

1,145,000

 

Advanced Medical Optics Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

7.500% due 5/1/17 (a)

 

1,185,075

 

Health Care Providers & Services — 4.4%

 

 

 

4,425,000

 

AmeriPath Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 4/1/13 (f)

 

4,839,844

 

 

 

DaVita Inc.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

525,000

 

6.625% due 3/15/13 (a)

 

529,594

 

240,000

 

6.625% due 3/15/13

 

242,100

 

4,885,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.250% due 3/15/15

 

5,019,337

 

 

 

HCA Inc.:

 

 

 

1,870,000

 

Debentures, 7.500% due 11/15/95

 

1,547,711

 

2,100,000

 

Notes, 6.375% due 1/15/15

 

1,834,875

 

9,220,000

 

Senior Notes, 6.500% due 2/15/16

 

8,079,025

 

 

 

Senior Secured Notes:

 

 

 

3,065,000

 

9.250% due 11/15/16 (a)

 

3,348,512

 

2,510,000

 

9.625% due 11/15/16 (a)(b)

 

2,745,313

 

4,800,000

 

IASIS Healthcare LLC/IASIS Capital Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.750% due 6/15/14

 

4,998,000

 

 

 

Tenet Healthcare Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

6,000,000

 

7.375% due 2/1/13

 

5,670,000

 

4,560,000

 

9.875% due 7/1/14

 

4,696,800

 

1,470,000

 

6.875% due 11/15/31

 

1,183,350

 

4,680,000

 

Triad Hospitals Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.000% due 11/15/13

 

4,914,000

 

1,015,000

 

US Oncology Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 9.797% due 3/15/12 (a)(b)

 

1,032,763

 

 

 

Total Health Care Providers & Services

 

50,681,224

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

10        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure — 6.0%

 

 

 

 

 

Boyd Gaming Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

600,000

 

7.750% due 12/15/12

 

$

627,000

 

1,000,000

 

6.750% due 4/15/14

 

1,003,750

 

3,085,000

 

Buffets Inc., Senior Notes, 12.500% due 11/1/14

 

3,254,675

 

 

 

Caesars Entertainment Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

4,500,000

 

8.875% due 9/15/08

 

4,685,625

 

3,000,000

 

8.125% due 5/15/11

 

3,195,000

 

2,725,000

 

Carrols Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.000% due 1/15/13

 

2,834,000

 

1,150,000

 

Choctaw Resort Development Enterprise, Senior Notes, 7.250% due 11/15/19 (a)

 

1,171,563

 

4,725,000

 

Denny’s Holdings Inc., Senior Notes, 10.000% due 10/1/12

 

5,067,562

 

1,635,000

 

El Pollo Loco Inc., Senior Notes, 11.750% due 11/15/13

 

1,786,237

 

4,150,000

 

Herbst Gaming Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.000% due 11/15/14

 

3,994,375

 

4,070,000

 

Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, Senior Notes, 12.000% due 11/15/10

 

4,451,562

 

4,800,000

 

Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.000% due 3/1/14

 

4,752,000

 

3,850,000

 

Las Vegas Sands Corp., Senior Notes, 6.375% due 2/15/15

 

3,768,187

 

 

 

MGM MIRAGE Inc.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

355,000

 

8.500% due 9/15/10

 

382,513

 

955,000

 

6.750% due 9/1/12

 

960,969

 

4,700,000

 

7.625% due 1/15/17

 

4,817,500

 

455,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.375% due 2/1/11

 

485,144

 

1,700,000

 

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

6.875% due 2/15/15

 

1,712,750

 

1,560,000

 

OSI Restaurant Partners Inc., Senior Notes, 9.625% due 5/15/15 (a)

 

1,612,650

 

4,700,000

 

Pinnacle Entertainment Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.250% due 3/15/12

 

4,852,750

 

3,930,000

 

Pokagon Gaming Authority, Senior Notes, 10.375% due 6/15/14 (a)

 

4,421,250

 

415,000

 

River Rock Entertainment Authority, Senior Notes, 9.750% due 11/1/11

 

441,456

 

1,555,000

 

Sbarro Inc., Senior Notes, 10.375% due 2/1/15 (a)

 

1,636,638

 

 

 

Snoqualmie Entertainment Authority, Senior Secured Notes:

 

 

 

885,000

 

9.150% due 2/1/14 (a)(g)

 

908,231

 

840,000

 

9.125% due 2/1/15 (a)

 

873,600

 

 

 

Station Casinos Inc.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

40,000

 

6.000% due 4/1/12

 

39,400

 

3,660,000

 

7.750% due 8/15/16

 

3,824,700

 

 

 

Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

80,000

 

6.875% due 3/1/16

 

75,600

 

1,635,000

 

6.625% due 3/15/18

 

1,504,200

 

 

 

Total Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure

 

69,140,887

 

Household Durables — 1.9%

 

 

 

310,000

 

American Greetings Corp., Senior Notes, 7.375% due 6/1/16

 

321,625

 

4,000,000

 

Holt Group Inc., Senior Notes, 9.750% due 1/15/06 (c)(d)(e)

 

0

 

3,355,000

 

Jarden Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.500% due 5/1/17

 

3,451,456

 

 

 

K Hovnanian Enterprises Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

2,605,000

 

7.500% due 5/15/16

 

2,513,825

 

3,580,000

 

8.625% due 1/15/17

 

3,615,800

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        11

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Household Durables — 1.9% (continued)

 

 

 

2,590,000

 

Norcraft Cos. LP/Norcraft Finance Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

9.000% due 11/1/11

 

$

2,713,025

 

5,765,000

 

Norcraft Holdings LP/Norcraft Capital Corp., Senior Discount Notes, step bond to

 

 

 

 

 

yield 9.952% due 9/1/12

 

5,274,975

 

4,150,000

 

Sealy Mattress Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.250% due 6/15/14

 

4,388,625

 

 

 

Total Household Durables

 

22,279,331

 

Household Products — 0.5%

 

 

 

70,000

 

American Achievement Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.250% due 4/1/12

 

71,575

 

 

 

Nutro Products Inc.:

 

 

 

960,000

 

Senior Notes, 9.370% due 10/15/13 (a)(g)

 

986,400

 

3,060,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.750% due 4/15/14 (a)

 

3,258,900

 

1,890,000

 

Visant Holding Corp., Senior Notes, 8.750% due 12/1/13

 

1,998,675

 

 

 

Total Household Products

 

6,315,550

 

Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders — 3.6%

 

 

 

2,540,000

 

AES China Generating Co., Ltd., ClassA, 8.250% due 6/26/10

 

2,538,303

 

 

 

AES Corp.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,325,000

 

9.500% due 6/1/09

 

1,421,063

 

1,900,000

 

9.375% due 9/15/10

 

2,094,750

 

250,000

 

8.875% due 2/15/11

 

271,250

 

4,225,000

 

7.750% due 3/1/14 (f)

 

4,489,063

 

730,000

 

Senior Secured Notes, 9.000% due 5/15/15 (a)

 

784,750

 

3,605,000

 

Dynegy Holdings Inc., Senior Debentures, 7.625% due 10/15/26

 

3,555,431

 

 

 

Edison Mission Energy, Senior Notes:

 

 

 

3,120,000

 

7.730% due 6/15/09

 

3,291,600

 

445,000

 

7.500% due 6/15/13

 

465,025

 

2,600,000

 

7.750% due 6/15/16

 

2,749,500

 

1,207,613

 

Mirant Mid Atlantic LLC, Pass-Through Certificates, Series B, 9.125% due 6/30/17

 

1,407,623

 

4,235,000

 

Mirant North America LLC, Senior Notes, 7.375% due 12/31/13

 

4,499,688

 

 

 

NRG Energy Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,675,000

 

7.250% due 2/1/14

 

1,737,813

 

8,770,000

 

7.375% due 2/1/16

 

9,131,762

 

1,800,000

 

7.375% due 1/15/17

 

1,869,750

 

 

 

TXU Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

890,000

 

Series Q, 6.500% due 11/15/24

 

774,668

 

220,000

 

Series R, 6.550% due 11/15/34

 

190,255

 

 

 

Total Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders

 

41,272,294

 

Industrial Conglomerates — 0.1%

 

 

 

680,000

 

Koppers Inc., Senior Notes, 9.875% due 10/15/13

 

741,200

 

2,750,000

 

Moll Industries Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 7/1/08 (c)(d)(e)

 

0

 

940,000

 

Sequa Corp., Senior Notes, 9.000% due 8/1/09

 

998,750

 

 

 

Total Industrial Conglomerates

 

1,739,950

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

12        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Insurance — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

Crum & Forster Holdings Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

6,005,000

 

10.375% due 6/15/13

 

$

6,617,390

 

1,400,000

 

7.750% due 5/1/17 (a)

 

1,414,000

 

 

 

Total Insurance

 

8,031,390

 

Internet & Catalog Retail — 0.2%

 

 

 

2,218,000

 

FTD Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750% due 2/15/14

 

2,240,180

 

IT Services — 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

SunGard Data Systems Inc.:

 

 

 

2,900,000

 

Senior Notes, 9.125% due 8/15/13

 

3,124,750

 

3,230,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.250% due 8/15/15

 

3,569,150

 

 

 

Total IT Services

 

6,693,900

 

Leisure Equipment & Products — 0.3%

 

 

 

3,600,000

 

WMG Acquisition Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.375% due 4/15/14

 

3,474,000

 

Machinery — 0.6%

 

 

 

1,260,000

 

American Railcar Industries Inc., Senior Unsecured Notes, 7.500% due 3/1/14 (a)

 

1,311,975

 

641,000

 

Mueller Group Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.000% due 5/1/12

 

695,485

 

4,959,000

 

Mueller Holdings Inc., Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield

 

 

 

 

 

14.287% due 4/15/14

 

4,661,460

 

 

 

Total Machinery

 

6,668,920

 

Media — 9.3%

 

 

 

 

 

Affinion Group Inc.:

 

 

 

4,465,000

 

Senior Notes, 10.125% due 10/15/13 (f)

 

4,889,175

 

2,025,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.500% due 10/15/15 (f)

 

2,237,625

 

6,905,000

 

AMC Entertainment Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.000% due 2/1/16 (f)

 

7,958,012

 

7,905,000

 

CCH I Holdings LLC/CCH I Holdings Capital Corp., Senior Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

11.750% due 5/15/14 (f)

 

7,905,000

 

6,041,000

 

CCH I LLC/CCH Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 11.000% due 10/1/15 (f)

 

6,448,767

 

 

 

CCH II LLC/CCH II Capital Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

4,390,000

 

10.250% due 9/15/10

 

4,697,300

 

3,032,000

 

10.250% due 10/1/13

 

3,346,570

 

1,500,000

 

Charter Communications Holdings LLC, Senior Discount Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

12.125% due 1/15/12

 

1,556,250

 

1,325,000

 

Charter Communications Holdings LLC/Charter Communications Holdings

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Corp., Senior Discount Notes, 11.750% due 5/15/11

 

1,371,375

 

925,000

 

Charter Communications Operating LLC, Second Lien Senior Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.375% due 4/30/14 (a)

 

974,719

 

1,375,000

 

Chukchansi Economic Development Authority, Senior Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.000% due 11/15/13 (a)

 

1,431,719

 

3,270,000

 

CMP Susquehanna Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.875% due 5/15/14 (a)

 

3,351,750

 

 

 

CSC Holdings Inc.:

 

 

 

4,210,000

 

Senior Debentures, Series B, 8.125% due 8/15/09

 

4,399,450

 

 

 

Senior Notes, Series B:

 

 

 

280,000

 

8.125% due 7/15/09

 

292,600

 

3,400,000

 

7.625% due 4/1/11

 

3,523,250

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        13

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Media — 9.3% (continued)

 

 

 

813,000

 

Dex Media East LLC/Dex Media East Finance Co., Senior Notes, Series B,

 

 

 

 

 

12.125% due 11/15/12

 

$

888,203

 

3,350,000

 

Dex Media Inc., Discount Notes, step bond to yield 8.367% due 11/15/13

 

3,174,125

 

2,344,000

 

Dex Media West LLC/Dex Media Finance Co., Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

Series B, 9.875% due 8/15/13

 

2,563,750

 

 

 

EchoStar DBS Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

3,410,000

 

7.000% due 10/1/13

 

3,559,188

 

8,010,000

 

7.125% due 2/1/16

 

8,380,462

 

2,419,000

 

Globo Communicacoes Participacao SA, Bonds, 7.250% due 4/26/22 (a)

 

2,445,609

 

930,000

 

ION Media Networks Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 11.606% due 1/15/13 (a)(g)

 

971,850

 

2,760,000

 

Lamar Media Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 6.625% due 8/15/15

 

2,753,100

 

2,615,000

 

Primedia Inc., Senior Notes, 8.875% due 5/15/11

 

2,699,988

 

1,255,000

 

Quebecor Media Inc., Senior Notes, 7.750% due 3/15/16

 

1,324,025

 

 

 

R.H. Donnelley Corp.:

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Discount Notes:

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

Series A-1, 6.875% due 1/15/13

 

996,250

 

2,200,000

 

Series A-2, 6.875% due 1/15/13

 

2,191,750

 

5,200,000

 

Senior Notes, Series A-3, 8.875% due 1/15/16

 

5,668,000

 

900,000

 

R.H. Donnelley Finance Corp. I, Senior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

10.875% due 12/15/12 (a)

 

978,750

 

4,885,000

 

Rainbow National Services LLC, Senior Notes, 8.750% due 9/1/12 (a)

 

5,239,162

 

280,000

 

Rogers Cable Inc., Senior Secured Second Priority Notes, 6.750% due 3/15/15

 

296,100

 

4,117,000

 

Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.000% due 3/15/12

 

4,291,972

 

750,000

 

Videotron Ltee., Senior Notes, 6.375% due 12/15/15

 

744,375

 

 

 

XM Satellite Radio Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

860,000

 

9.860% due 5/1/13 (g)

 

851,400

 

2,180,000

 

9.750% due 5/1/14

 

2,196,350

 

 

 

Total Media

 

106,597,971

 

Metals & Mining — 3.4%

 

 

 

385,000

 

Chaparral Steel Co., Senior Notes, 10.000% due 7/15/13

 

432,644

 

14,660,000

 

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 4/1/17

 

16,071,025

 

3,200,000

 

Metals USA Holdings Corp., Senior Notes, 11.356% due 1/15/12 (a)(b)(g)

 

3,184,000

 

5,685,000

 

Metals USA Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 11.125% due 12/1/15

 

6,338,775

 

2,470,000

 

Novelis Inc., Senior Notes, 7.250% due 2/15/15

 

2,615,112

 

5,000,000

 

Republic Technologies International LLC/RTI Capital Corp., Senior Secured Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

13.750% due 7/15/09 (c)(d)(e)

 

0

 

2,240,000

 

Tube City IMS Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.750% due 2/1/15 (a)

 

2,374,400

 

 

 

Vale Overseas Ltd., Notes:

 

 

 

1,284,000

 

8.250% due 1/17/34

 

1,583,921

 

6,178,000

 

6.875% due 11/21/36**

 

6,583,882

 

 

 

Total Metals & Mining

 

39,183,759

 

Multiline Retail — 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

Neiman Marcus Group Inc.:

 

 

 

1,210,000

 

Senior Notes, 9.000% due 10/15/15 (b)

 

1,340,075

 

5,020,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.375% due 10/15/15

 

5,666,325

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

14        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Multiline Retail — 0.8% (continued)

 

 

 

1,493,000

 

Saks Inc., Notes, 9.875% due 10/1/11

 

$

1,675,893

 

 

 

Total Multiline Retail

 

8,682,293

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 10.1%

 

 

 

5,145,000

 

Belden & Blake Corp., Secured Notes, 8.750% due 7/15/12 (f)

 

5,325,075

 

 

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

4,430,000

 

6.625% due 1/15/16

 

4,518,600

 

3,725,000

 

6.500% due 8/15/17

 

3,725,000

 

1,005,000

 

Compagnie Generale de Geophysique SA, Senior Notes, 7.500% due 5/15/15

 

1,060,275

 

2,800,000

 

Corral Finans AB, 6.855% due 4/15/10 (a)(b)

 

2,852,500

 

 

 

El Paso Corp.:

 

 

 

 

 

Medium-Term Notes:

 

 

 

5,025,000

 

7.800% due 8/1/31

 

5,628,000

 

7,525,000

 

7.750% due 1/15/32

 

8,428,000

 

5,200,000

 

Notes, 7.875% due 6/15/12

 

5,705,492

 

2,250,000

 

Enterprise Products Operating LP, Junior Subordinated Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.375% due 8/1/66 (g)

 

2,495,596

 

5,060,000

 

EXCO Resources Inc., Senior Notes, 7.250% due 1/15/11

 

5,097,950

 

 

 

Gazprom:

 

 

 

 

 

Bonds:

 

 

 

104,590,000

RUB

Series A7, 6.790% due 10/29/09

 

4,104,802

 

34,860,000

RUB

Series A8, 7.000% due 10/27/11

 

1,362,707

 

2,503,000

 

Loan Participation Notes, 6.212% due 11/22/16 (a)**

 

2,541,796

 

1,770,000

 

Senior Notes, 6.510% due 3/7/22 (a)**

 

1,825,313

 

50,960,000

RUB

OAO, Series A6, 6.950% due 8/6/09

 

2,001,852

 

2,325,000

 

Inergy LP/Inergy Finance Corp., Senior Notes, 8.250% due 3/1/16

 

2,476,125

 

3,705,000

 

International Coal Group Inc., Senior Notes, 10.250% due 7/15/14

 

3,802,256

 

 

 

Mariner Energy Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

1,465,000

 

7.500% due 4/15/13

 

1,461,338

 

1,110,000

 

8.000% due 5/15/17

 

1,122,488

 

995,000

 

Northwest Pipeline Corp., Senior Notes, 7.000% due 6/15/16

 

1,069,625

 

490,000

 

OMI Corp., Senior Notes, 7.625% due 12/1/13

 

502,250

 

2,145,000

 

OPTI Canada Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 8.250% due 12/15/14 (a)

 

2,279,062

 

 

 

Pemex Project Funding Master Trust:

 

 

 

1,846,000

 

6.125% due 8/15/08**

 

1,865,383

 

250,000

 

7.375% due 12/15/14

 

280,125

 

1,298,000

 

Senior Notes, 5.948% due 12/3/12 (a)(g)

 

1,313,252

 

1,925,000

 

Petrohawk Energy Corp., Senior Notes, 9.125% due 7/15/13

 

2,071,781

 

 

 

Petroplus Finance Ltd.:

 

 

 

1,080,000

 

6.750% due 5/1/14 (a)

 

1,090,800

 

1,750,000

 

7.000% due 5/1/17 (a)

 

1,774,063

 

4,544,000

 

Petrozuata Finance Inc., 8.220% due 4/1/17 (a)**

 

4,636,890

 

 

 

Pogo Producing Co., Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

1,130,000

 

7.875% due 5/1/13

 

1,149,775

 

2,000,000

 

Series B, 8.250% due 4/15/11

 

2,045,000

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        15


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 10.1% (continued)

 

 

 

5,665,000

 

SemGroup LP, Senior Notes, 8.750% due 11/15/15 (a)

 

$

5,877,437

 

160,000

 

SESI LLC, Senior Notes, 6.875% due 6/1/14

 

163,200

 

3,715,000

 

Stone Energy Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes, 8.250% due 12/15/11

 

3,715,000

 

1,000,000

 

Swift Energy Co., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.375% due 5/1/12

 

1,050,000

 

 

 

Whiting Petroleum Corp., Senior Subordinated Notes:

 

 

 

2,550,000

 

7.250% due 5/1/12

 

2,518,125

 

1,975,000

 

7.000% due 2/1/14

 

1,930,563

 

 

 

Williams Cos. Inc.:

 

 

 

90,000

 

Debentures, Series A, 7.500% due 1/15/31

 

95,850

 

 

 

Notes:

 

 

 

3,650,000

 

7.875% due 9/1/21

 

4,060,625

 

6,225,000

 

8.750% due 3/15/32

 

7,275,469

 

3,700,000

 

Senior Notes, 7.625% due 7/15/19

 

4,051,500

 

 

 

Total Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

 

116,350,940

 

Paper & Forest Products — 1.8%

 

 

 

2,845,000

 

Abitibi-Consolidated Co. of Canada, 6.000% due 6/20/13 (f)

 

2,475,150

 

 

 

Abitibi-Consolidated Inc.:

 

 

 

750,000

 

7.400% due 4/1/18

 

641,250

 

1,550,000

 

Senior Notes, 8.375% due 4/1/15

 

1,457,000

 

 

 

Appleton Papers Inc.:

 

 

 

395,000

 

Senior Notes, 8.125% due 6/15/11

 

412,281

 

4,685,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, Series B, 9.750% due 6/15/14 (f)

 

4,878,256

 

 

 

NewPage Corp.:

 

 

 

4,290,000

 

Senior Secured Notes, 11.610% due 5/1/12 (g)

 

4,777,987

 

2,130,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 12.000% due 5/1/13

 

2,377,613

 

1,000,000

 

Smurfit Capital Funding PLC, Debentures, 7.500% due 11/20/25

 

1,030,000

 

 

 

Verso Paper Holdings LLC:

 

 

 

370,000

 

Senior Secured Notes, 9.125% due 8/1/14 (a)

 

391,275

 

1,865,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.375% due 8/1/16 (a)

 

2,004,875

 

 

 

Total Paper & Forest Products

 

20,445,687

 

Pharmaceuticals — 0.5%

 

 

 

6,085,000

 

Leiner Health Products Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 11.000% due 6/1/12

 

6,008,938

 

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) — 1.1%

 

 

 

130,000

 

Forest City Enterprises Inc., Senior Notes,7.625% due 6/1/15

 

133,900

 

 

 

Host Marriott LP, Senior Notes:

 

 

 

2,500,000

 

7.125% due 11/1/13

 

2,587,500

 

3,400,000

 

Series O,6.375% due 3/15/15

 

3,429,750

 

1,500,000

 

Kimball Hill Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 12/15/12

 

1,470,000

 

 

 

Ventas Realty LP/Ventas Capital Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

490,000

 

7.125% due 6/1/15

 

512,050

 

1,245,000

 

6.500% due 6/1/16

 

1,265,231

 

2,615,000

 

6.750% due 4/1/17

 

2,693,450

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

 

12,091,881

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

16        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Real Estate Management & Development — 0.8%

 

 

 

2,180,000

 

Ashton Woods USA LLC/Ashton Woods Finance Co., Senior Subordinated

 

 

 

 

 

Notes, 9.500% due 10/1/15

 

$

2,106,425

 

 

 

Reality Corp., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

2,340,000

 

10.500% due 4/15/14 (a)

 

2,348,775

 

5,070,000

 

12.375% due 4/15/15 (a)

 

5,082,675

 

 

 

Total Real Estate Management & Development

 

9,537,875

 

Road & Rail — 1.7%

 

 

 

 

 

Group Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana SA de CV, Senior Notes:

 

 

 

4,850,000

 

9.375% due 5/1/12

 

5,262,250

 

160,000

 

12.500% due 6/15/12

 

171,680

 

 

 

Hertz Corp.:

 

 

 

3,930,000

 

Senior Notes,8.875% due 1/1/14

 

4,254,225

 

7,100,000

 

Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.500% due 1/1/16

 

8,129,500

 

910,000

 

Kansas City Southern de Mexico, Senior Notes, 7.625% due 12/1/13 (a)

 

928,200

 

840,000

 

Kansas City Southern Railway, Senior Notes, 7.500% due 6/15/09

 

863,100

 

 

 

Total Road & Rail

 

19,608,955

 

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment — 0.3%

 

 

 

3,295,000

 

Freescale Semiconductor Inc., Senior Notes, 8.875% due 12/15/14 (a)

 

3,315,594

 

Software — 0.6%

 

 

 

3,385,000

 

Activant Solutions Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.500% due 5/1/16 (f)

 

3,368,075

 

2,951,792

 

UGS Capital Corp. II, Senior Notes, 10.348% due 6/1/11 (a)(b)(g)

 

3,055,105

 

 

 

Total Software

 

6,423,180

 

Specialty Retail — 0.7%

 

 

 

 

 

AutoNation Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

745,000

 

7.356% due 4/15/13 (g)

 

755,244

 

830,000

 

7.000% due 4/15/14

 

838,300

 

2,750,000

 

Blockbuster Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 9.000% due 9/1/12

 

2,818,750

 

1,995,000

 

Eye Care Centers of America, Senior Subordinated Notes, 10.750% due 2/15/15

 

2,234,400

 

1,370,000

 

Linens ‘n Things Inc., Senior Secured Notes, 10.981% due 1/15/14 (g)

 

1,296,362

 

 

 

Total Specialty Retail

 

7,943,056

 

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods — 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

Levi Strauss & Co., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

5,470,000

 

9.750% due 1/15/15

 

6,030,675

 

400,000

 

8.875% due 4/1/16

 

431,500

 

2,950,000

 

Simmons Co., Senior Discount Notes, step bond to yield 9.995% due 12/15/14

 

2,496,438

 

 

 

Total Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods

 

8,958,613

 

Tobacco — 0.2%

 

 

 

 

 

Alliance One International Inc., Senior Notes:

 

 

 

400,000

 

8.500% due 5/15/12 (a)

 

415,000

 

1,970,000

 

11.000% due 5/15/12

 

2,196,550

 

 

 

Total Tobacco

 

2,611,550

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        17

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Trading Companies & Distributors — 1.0%

 

 

 

2,955,000

 

Ashtead Capital Inc., Notes, 9.000% due 8/15/16 (a)

 

$

3,191,400

 

2,665,000

 

H&E Equipment Services Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 7/15/16

 

2,904,850

 

3,965,000

 

Penhall International Corp., Senior Secured Notes, 12.000% due 8/1/14 (a)

 

4,361,500

 

715,000

 

TransDigm Inc., Senior Subordinated Notes, 7.750% due 7/15/14 (a)

 

745,387

 

 

 

Total Trading Companies & Distributors

 

11,203,137

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services — 2.1%

 

 

 

1,825,000

 

American Tower Corp., Senior Notes,7.500% due 5/1/12

 

1,911,687

 

4,180,000

 

Nextel Communications Inc., Senior Notes, Series D,7.375% due 8/1/15

 

4,328,018

 

440,000

 

Rogers Wireless Communications Inc., Senior Secured Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

7.250% due 12/15/12

 

476,300

 

 

 

Rural Cellular Corp.:

 

 

 

1,575,000

 

Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2/1/10

 

1,673,438

 

2,105,000

 

Senior Secured Notes, 8.250% due 3/15/12

 

2,231,300

 

11,050,000

 

True Move Co., Ltd., 10.750% due 12/16/13 (a)

 

11,657,750

 

2,220,000

 

UBS Luxembourg SA for OJSC Vimpel Communications, Loan Participation Notes,

 

 

 

 

 

8.250% due 5/23/16**

 

2,387,610

 

 

 

Total Wireless Telecommunication Services

 

24,666,103

 

 

 

TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $985,704,285)

 

1,018,170,777

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES — 0.1%

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services — 0.0%

 

 

 

1,975,400

 

Airplanes Pass-Through Trust, Subordinated Notes, Series D,

 

 

 

 

 

10.875% due 3/15/19 (c)(d)(e)

 

0

 

Electric — 0.1%

 

 

 

584,577

 

Mirant Mid-Atlantic LLC, Series C, 10.060% due 12/30/28

 

729,625

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $2,753,178)

 

729,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONVERTIBLE BOND & NOTE — 0.1%

 

 

 

Automobiles — 0.1%

 

 

 

1,110,000

 

Ford Motor Co., Senior Notes, 4.250% due 12/15/36 (Cost — $1,110,000)

 

1,254,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOVEREIGN BONDS — 5.9%

 

 

 

Argentina — 0.6%

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Argentina:

 

 

 

1,400,000

EUR

9.250% due 10/21/02 (e)

 

628,724

 

300,000

EUR

9.000% due 6/20/03 (e)

 

137,800

 

250,000

EUR

10.250% due 1/26/07 (e)

 

119,956

 

275,000

EUR

8.000% due 2/26/08 (e)

 

129,228

 

6,266,501

ARS

Bonds,2.000% due 1/3/10 (g)

 

4,321,928

 

665,000

 

Bonds, Series VII, 7.000% due 9/12/13

 

644,607

 

97,000

EUR

GDP Linked Securities, 0.000% due 12/15/35 (g)

 

19,346

 

 

 

Medium-Term Notes:

 

 

 

1,175,000

EUR

7.000% due 3/18/04 (c)(e)

 

545,737

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

18        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Argentina — 0.6% (continued)

 

 

 

600,000

EUR

8.125% due 10/4/04 (e)

 

$

268,429

 

525,000

EUR

9.000% due 5/24/05 (e)

 

244,736

 

 

 

Total Argentina

 

7,060,491

 

Brazil — 1.0%

 

 

 

 

 

Brazil Nota do Tesouro Nacional:

 

 

 

2,175,000

BRL

Series B, 6.000% due 5/15/45

 

1,721,001

 

3,504,000

BRL

Series F, 9.762% due 7/1/10

 

1,689,933

 

 

 

Federative Republic of Brazil:

 

 

 

2,482,000

 

11.000% due 8/17/40

 

3,369,935

 

 

 

Collective Action Securities:

 

 

 

2,005,000

 

8.750% due 2/4/25**

 

2,635,572

 

1,978,000

 

Notes, 8.000% due 1/15/15**

 

2,246,514

 

 

 

Total Brazil

 

11,662,955

 

Colombia — 0.5%

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Colombia:

 

 

 

51,000

 

10.375% due 1/28/33

 

76,041

 

4,615,000

 

7.375% due 9/18/37**

 

5,168,800

 

 

 

Total Colombia

 

5,244,841

 

Ecuador — 0.2%

 

 

 

2,100,000

 

Republic of Ecuador, 10.000% due 8/15/30 (a)**

 

1,955,625

 

El Salvador — 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of El Salvador:

 

 

 

858,000

 

7.750% due 1/24/23 (a)

 

999,570

 

178,000

 

8.250% due 4/10/32 (a)

 

218,940

 

 

 

Total El Salvador

 

1,218,510

 

Mexico — 1.1%

 

 

 

 

 

United Mexican States:

 

 

 

50,000

 

11.375% due 9/15/16

 

72,125

 

11,592,000

 

Medium-Term Notes, Series A, 6.750% due 9/27/34**

 

12,942,468

 

 

 

Total Mexico

 

13,014,593

 

Panama — 0.3%

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Panama:

 

 

 

1,285,000

 

9.625% due 2/8/11

 

1,466,506

 

350,000

 

7.250% due 3/15/15

 

385,000

 

1,320,000

 

6.700% due 1/26/36

 

1,400,850

 

 

 

Total Panama

 

3,252,356

 

Peru — 0.1%

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Peru:

 

 

 

708,000

 

8.750% due 11/21/33**

 

953,145

 

259,000

 

Bonds, 6.550% due 3/14/37

 

274,799

 

198,000

 

Global Bonds, 7.350% due 7/21/25

 

230,670

 

 

 

Total Peru

 

1,458,614

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        19

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

Philippines — 0.2%

 

 

 

1,695,000

 

Republic of the Philippines, 9.500% due 2/2/30**

 

$

2,261,723

 

Russia — 0.0%

 

 

 

244,000

 

Russian Federation, 12.750% due 6/24/28 (a)

 

444,538

 

Turkey — 0.8%

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Turkey:

 

 

 

490,000

 

7.000% due 6/5/20

 

498,728

 

335,000

 

11.875% due 1/15/30

 

517,366

 

594,000

 

Bonds, 7.000% due 9/26/16**

 

608,108

 

7,954,000

 

Notes, 6.875% due 3/17/36**

 

7,725,322

 

 

 

Total Turkey

 

9,349,524

 

Uruguay — 0.1%

 

 

 

1,026,307

 

Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Bonds, 7.625% due 3/21/36**

 

1,157,161

 

Venezuela — 0.9%

 

 

 

 

 

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela:

 

 

 

10,246,000

 

5.750% due 2/26/16**

 

9,567,202

 

241,000

 

7.650% due 4/21/25

 

253,773

 

183,000

 

Collective Action Securities, Notes, 10.750% due 9/19/13

 

223,352

 

 

 

Total Venezuela

 

10,044,327

 

 

 

TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $63,750,705)

 

68,125,258

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOAN PARTICIPATIONS — 1.3%

 

 

 

United States — 1.3%

 

 

 

279,613

 

Ashmore Energy International, Synthetic Revolving Department,

 

 

 

 

 

8.250% due 3/30/14 (Credit Suisse Securities) (g)(h)

 

281,099

 

2,130,387

 

Ashmore Energy, Term Loan,8.350% due 3/30/14 (Credit Suisse Securities) (g)(h)

 

2,141,704

 

2,000,000

 

Penhall International Corp., Term Loan, 12.824% due 4/1/12

 

 

 

 

 

(Deutsche Bank Securities) (g)(h)

 

1,970,000

 

7,500,000

 

SandRidge Energy, Term Loan, 8.975% due 4/1/15

 

 

 

 

 

(Banc of America Securities) (g)(h)

 

7,743,750

 

2,500,000

 

Verso Paper Holdings, Term Loan, 11.605% due 2/1/12

 

 

 

 

 

(Credit Suisse Securities) (g)(h)

 

2,510,938

 

 

 

TOTAL LOAN PARTICIPATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $14,347,499)

 

14,647,491

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

 

COMMON STOCKS — 0.0%

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 0.0%

 

 

 

Household Durables — 0.0%

 

 

 

10,685,938

 

Home Interiors & Gifts Inc. (c)(d)*

 

106,859

 

52,472

 

Mattress Discounters Corp. (c)(d)*

 

0

 

 

 

TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY

 

106,859

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

20        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

Security

 

Value

 

CONSUMER STAPLES — 0.0%

 

 

 

Food Products — 0.0%

 

 

 

3,784

 

Imperial Sugar Co.

 

$

112,612

 

 

 

TOTAL COMMON STOCKS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $7,846,354)

 

219,471

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.5%

 

 

 

CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY — 0.4%

 

 

 

Automobiles — 0.1%

 

 

 

65,000

 

Ford Motor Co., 7.400%

 

1,141,400

 

1,800

 

Ford Motor Co., 8.000%

 

34,740

 

1,800

 

Ford Motor Co., Series F, 7.550%

 

33,822

 

 

 

Total Automobiles

 

1,209,962

 

Media — 0.3%

 

 

 

387

 

ION Media Networks Inc., 13.250% (b)

 

2,995,622

 

 

 

TOTAL CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY

 

4,205,584

 

FINANCIALS — 0.1%

 

 

 

Diversified Financial Services — 0.1%

 

 

 

12,100

 

Preferred Plus, Series FRD-1,7.400%

 

212,960

 

8,200

 

Preferred Plus, Series FMC1 Trust, Senior Debentures, Series LMG-3, 8.250%

 

169,412

 

44,100

 

Saturns, Series F 2003-5, 8.125%

 

868,329

 

 

 

TCR Holdings Corp.:

 

 

 

17,552

 

Class B Shares, (c)(d)*

 

17

 

9,654

 

Class C Shares, (c)(d)*

 

10

 

25,451

 

Class D Shares, (c)(d)*

 

25

 

52,657

 

Class E Shares, (c)(d)*

 

53

 

 

 

TOTAL FINANCIALS

 

1,250,806

 

 

 

TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $5,156,455)

 

5,456,390

 

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS — 0.1%

 

 

 

ENERGY — 0.1%

 

 

 

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels — 0.1%

 

 

 

5,355

 

Chesapeake Energy Corp., Convertible, 6.250% (Cost — $1,345,637)

 

1,512,118

 

ESCROWED SHARES — 0.0%

 

 

 

8,800,000

 

Breed Technologies Inc. (c)(d)*

 

0

 

2,025,000

 

Pillowtex Corp. (c)(d)*

 

0

 

2,648,056

 

Vlasic Foods International Inc. (c)(d)*

 

0

 

 

 

TOTAL ESCROWED SHARES

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $0)

 

0

 

 

Warrants

 

 

 

 

 

WARRANTS — 0.1%

 

 

 

18,500

 

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Oil-linked payment obligations, Expires 4/15/20*

 

675,250

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        21

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Warrants

 

Security

 

Value

 

WARRANTS — 0.1% (continued)

 

 

 

3,500

 

Brown Jordan International Inc., Expires 8/15/07 (a)(c)*

 

$

31

 

31,517,970

 

ContiFinancial Corp., Liquidating Trust, Units of Interest

 

 

 

 

 

(Represents interest in a trust in the liquidation of ContiFinancial Corp. and its
affiliates) (c)(d)*

 

95

 

2,750

 

Leap Wireless International Inc., Expires 4/15/10 (c)(d)*

 

0

 

3,500

 

Mattress Discounters Co., Expires 7/15/07 (c)(d)*

 

0

 

13,614

 

Pillowtex Corp., Expires 11/24/09 (c)(d)*

 

0

 

5,000

 

UbiquiTel Inc., Expires 4/15/10 (a)(c)(d)*

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL WARRANTS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $538,361)

 

675,426

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $1,082,552,474)

 

1,110,790,856

 

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount†

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 3.4%

 

 

 

Certificate of Deposit (Yankee) — 0.2%

 

 

 

1,800,000

 

UBS AG Jersey Branch, Medium-Term Notes, 6.000% due 7/12/07

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $1,855,525)

 

1,865,880

 

Sovereign Bonds — 1.2%

 

 

 

2,955,000

MYR

Bank of Negara Monetary Note, Series 0107, 1.000% due 8/9/07

 

855,911

 

 

 

Egypt Treasury Bills:

 

 

 

47,100,000

EGP

Zero coupon bond to yield 9.643% due 10/30/07

 

7,917,645

 

33,275,000

EGP

Zero coupon bond to yield 9.307% due 11/6/07

 

5,585,455

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Sovereign Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $14,259,411)

 

14,359,011

 

Repurchase Agreement — 2.0%

 

 

 

22,756,000

 

Nomura Securities International Inc. repurchase agreement dated 4/30/07,

 

 

 

 

 

5.170% due 5/1/07;Proceeds at maturity — $22,759,268;

 

 

 

 

 

(Fully collateralized by various U.S. government agency obligations,

 

 

 

 

 

0.000% to 7.125% due 10/10/13 to 2/15/30;Market value — $23,211,453)

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $22,756,000)

 

22,756,000

 

 

 

TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

(Cost — $38,870,936)

 

38,980,891

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0% (Cost — $1,121,423,410#)

 

$ 1,149,771,747

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

22        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Schedule of Investments (April 30, 2007) (continued)

 

Face amount denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted.

*

Non-income producing security.

(a)

Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security has been deemed liquid pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, unless otherwise noted.

(b)

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

(c)

Illiquid security.

(d)

Security is valued in good faith at fair value by or under the direction of the Board of Directors (See Note 1).

(e)

Security is currently in default.

(f)

All or a portion of this security is segregated for extended settlements and reverse repurchase agreements.

(g)

Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is that which is in effect at April 30, 2007.

(h)

Participation interest was acquired through the financial institution indicated parenthetically.

#

Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $1,123,229,962.

**

All or a portion of this security is held by the counterparty as collateral for open reverse repurchase agreements.

 

 

 

Abbreviations used in this schedule:

 

ARS – Argentine Peso

 

BRL – Brazilian Dollar

 

EGP – Egyptian Pound

 

EUR – Euro

 

GDP – Gross Domestic Product

 

MXN – Mexican Peso

 

MYR – Malaysian Ringgit

 

RUB – Russian Ruble

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        23


 

Statement of Assets and Liabilities (April 30, 2007)

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

Investments, at value (Cost — $1,121,423,410)

 

$

1,149,771,747

 

Foreign currency, at value (Cost — $1,045,159)

 

1,052,118

 

Cash

 

606

 

Dividends and interest receivable

 

22,948,686

 

Receivable for securities sold

 

5,751,766

 

Prepaid expenses

 

57,980

 

Total Assets

 

1,179,582,903

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

Loan payable (Note 4)

 

125,000,000

 

Payable for open reverse repurchase agreement

 

73,111,014

 

Payable for securities purchased

 

18,812,803

 

Interest payable (Note 4)

 

1,230,051

 

Investment management fee payable

 

752,714

 

Directors’ fees payable

 

8,993

 

Accrued expenses

 

112,822

 

Total Liabilities

 

219,028,397

 

Total Net Assets

 

$

960,554,506

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

Par value ($0.001 par value; 77,614,787 shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 shares authorized)

 

$

77,615

 

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

 

1,041,434,075

 

Undistributed net investment income

 

5,416,350

 

Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions

 

(114,730,278

)

Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currencies

 

28,356,744

 

Total Net Assets

 

$

960,554,506

 

 

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding

 

77,614,787

 

Net Asset Value

 

$

12.38

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

24        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Statement of Operations (For the year ended April 30, 2007)

 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

87,401,231

 

Dividends

 

321,820

 

Income from securities lending

 

197,874

 

Total Investment Income

 

87,920,925

 

EXPENSES:

 

 

 

Interest expense (Notes 3 and 4)

 

8,813,847

 

Investment management fee (Note 2)

 

8,651,477

 

Commitment fees (Note 4)

 

174,736

 

Shareholder reports

 

146,984

 

Directors’ fees

 

70,796

 

Stock exchange listing fees

 

56,441

 

Audit and tax

 

50,682

 

Legal fees

 

45,991

 

Custody fees

 

34,449

 

Transfer agent fees

 

26,432

 

Insurance

 

21,856

 

Loan fees

 

15,055

 

Miscellaneous expenses

 

28,979

 

Total Expenses

 

18,137,725

 

Net Investment Income

 

69,783,200

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY

 

 

 

TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 1 AND 3):

 

 

 

Net Realized Gain (Loss) From:

 

 

 

Investment transactions

 

25,862,120

 

Foreign currency transactions

 

(14,626

)

Net Realized Gain

 

25,847,494

 

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation From:

 

 

 

Investments

 

22,244,162

 

Foreign currencies

 

8,774

 

Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation

 

22,252,936

 

Increase From Payment by Affiliate (Note 2)

 

21,963

 

Net Gain on Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions

 

48,122,393

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

$

117,905,593

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        25

 


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (For the years ended April 30,)

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

$

69,783,200

 

$

71,382,213

 

Net realized gain

 

25,847,494

 

47,220,165

 

Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation

 

22,252,936

 

1,730,215

 

Increase from payment by affiliate

 

21,963

 

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

117,905,593

 

120,332,593

 

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM (NOTE 1):

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

(68,689,087

)

(70,629,457

)

Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders

 

(68,689,087

)

(70,629,457

)

Increase in Net Assets

 

49,216,506

 

49,703,136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of year

 

911,338,000

 

861,634,864

 

End of year*

 

$

960,554,506

 

$

911,338,000

 

* Includes undistributed net investment income of:

 

$

5,416,350

 

$

684,512

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

26        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Statement of Cash Flows (For the year ended April 30, 2007)

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Interest, dividends and securities lending received

 

$

81,501,168

 

Operating expenses paid

 

(9,168,358

)

Net purchases of short-term investments

 

(35,899,936

)

Realized loss on foreign currency transactions

 

(14,626

)

Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currencies

 

8,774

 

Purchases of long-term investments

 

(994,005,201

)

Proceeds from disposition of long-term investments

 

962,449,173

 

Interest paid

 

(8,065,572

)

Net Cash Flows Used By Operating Activities

 

(3,194,578

)

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Cash distributions paid on Common Stock

 

(68,689,087

)

Commitment fees paid

 

(174,736

)

Proceeds from reverse repurchase agreements, net

 

73,111,014

 

Net Cash Flows Provided By Financing Activities

 

4,247,191

 

 

 

 

 

Net Increase in Cash and Foreign Currency

 

1,052,613

 

Cash, Beginning of year

 

111

 

Cash and foreign currency, End of year

 

$

1,052,724

 

 

 

 

 

RECONCILIATION OF INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS TO
NET CASH FLOWS PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

Increase in Net Assets From Operations

 

$

117,905,593

 

Accretion of discount on investments

 

(6,276,414

)

Amortization of premium on investments

 

3,279,913

 

Increase in investments, at value

 

(135,118,031

)

Increase in payable for securities purchased

 

4,430,887

 

Decrease in payable for loaned securities collateral

 

(748,048

)

Increase in interest and dividends receivable

 

(3,423,256

)

Decrease in receivable for securities sold

 

15,850,983

 

Increase in prepaid expenses

 

(4,805

)

Increase in interest payable

 

748,275

 

Increase in commitment fees

 

174,736

 

Decrease in accrued expenses

 

(14,411

)

Total Adjustments

 

(121,100,171

)

Net Cash Flows Used By Operating Activities

 

$

(3,194,578

)

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        27

 


 

Financial Highlights

 

For a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended April 30:

 

 

 

 

 

2007(1)

 

2006

 

2005(1)

 

2004

 

2003

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year

 

 

$

11.74

 

$

11.10

 

$

11.03

 

$

10.42

 

$

10.48

 

Income From Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

0.90

 

0.92

 

1.02

 

1.12

 

1.18

 

Net realized and unrealized gain

 

 

0.63

 

0.63

 

0.27

 

0.85

 

0.12

 

Total Income From Operations

 

 

1.53

 

1.55

 

1.29

 

1.97

 

1.30

 

Less Distributions From:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net investment income

 

 

(0.89

)

(0.91

)

(1.22

)

(1.38

)

(1.16

)

Return of capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.22

)

Total Distributions

 

 

(0.89

)

(0.91

)

(1.22

)

(1.38

)

(1.38

)

Increase in Net Asset Value Due to Shares Issued on Reinvestment of Distributions

 

 

 

 

 

0.02

 

0.02

 

Net Asset Value, End of Year

 

 

$

12.38

 

$

11.74

 

$

11.10

 

$

11.03

 

$

10.42

 

Market Price, End of Year

 

 

$

11.61

 

$

10.04

 

$

11.14

 

$

11.75

 

$

11.65

 

Total Return, Based on NAV(2)

 

 

13.58

%(3)

14.43

%

12.13

%

19.99

%

15.58

%

Total Return, Based on Market Price(4)

 

 

25.58

%

(1.58

)%

5.39

%

13.51

%

15.00

%

Net Assets, End of Year (000s)

 

 

$

960,555

 

$

911,338

 

$

861,635

 

$

839,022

 

$

771,566

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross expenses

 

 

1.96

%

2.31

%

2.69

%

2.17

%

2.49

%

Gross expenses, excluding interest expense

 

 

1.01

 

1.21

 

1.67

 

1.57

 

1.63

 

Net expenses

 

 

1.96

 

2.30

(5)

2.69

 

2.17

 

2.49

 

Net expenses, excluding interest expense

 

 

1.01

 

1.20

(5)

1.67

 

1.57

 

1.63

 

Net investment income

 

 

7.55

 

7.94

 

8.99

 

10.18

 

12.64

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate

 

 

90

%

55

%

54

%

50

%

87

%

Supplemental Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans Outstanding, End of Year (000s)

 

 

$

125,000

 

$

125,000

 

$

300,000

 

$

300,000

 

$

300,000

 

Asset Coverage for Loan Outstanding

 

 

868

%

829

%

387

%

380

%

357

%

Weighted Average Loan (000s)

 

 

$

125,000

 

$

203,630

 

$

300,000

 

$

300,000

 

$

300,000

 

Weighted Average Interest Rate on Loans

 

 

5.56

%

4.21

%

2.44

%

1.64

%

2.15

%

 

(1)      Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method.

(2)      Performance figures may reflect voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of voluntary fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

(3)      The prior investment manager fully reimbursed the Fund for losses incurred resulting from an investment transaction error. Without this reimbursement, the total return would not have changed.

(4)      The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

(5)      Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements.

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

28        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report


 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.          Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (formerly known as Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II Inc.) (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland and is registered as a diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, (the “1940 Act”). The Fund seeks to maximize current income by investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in high-yield debt securities. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital appreciation to the extent consistent with its objective of seeking to maximize current income.

 

The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.

 

(a) Investment Valuation. Debt securities are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service that are based on transactions in debt obligations, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various other relationships between securities. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. Publicly traded foreign government debt securities are typically traded internationally in the over-the-counter market, and are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices as of the close of business of that market. When prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund may value these investments at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Short-term obligations with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.

 

(b) Repurchase Agreements. When entering into repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian or a third party custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the market value of which at least equals the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market to ensure the adequacy of the collateral. If the seller defaults, and the market value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.

 

(c) Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements in which the Fund sells portfolio securities and agrees to repurchase them from the buyer at a specified date and price. Whenever the Fund enters into a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund’s custodian delivers liquid assets to the counterparty in an amount at least equal to the repurchase price (including accrued interest) at the time the agreement is transacted. The Fund pays interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings, which may create leverage risk to the Fund.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        29

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

(d) Loan Participations. The Fund may invest in loans arranged through private negotiations between one or more financial institutions. The Fund’s investment in any such loan may be in the form of a participation in or an assignment of the loan. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower and the Fund may not benefit directly from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation.

 

The Fund assumes the credit risk of the borrower, the lender that is selling the participation and any other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the borrower. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling the participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.

 

(e) Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund has an agreement with its custodian whereby the custodian may lend securities owned by the Fund to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. In exchange for lending securities under the terms of the agreement with its custodian, the Fund receives a lender’s fee. Fees earned by the Fund on securities lending are recorded as securities lending income. Loans of securities by the Fund are collateralized by cash, U.S. government securities or high quality money market instruments that are maintained at all times in an amount at least equal to the current market value of the loaned securities, plus a margin which varies depending on the type of securities loaned. The custodian establishes and maintains the collateral in a segregated account. The Fund has the right under the lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

 

The Fund maintains the risk of any loss on the securities on loan as well as the potential loss on investments purchased with cash collateral received from securities lending.

 

(f) Credit and Market Risk. The Fund invests in high yield and emerging market instruments that are subject to certain credit and market risks. The yields of high yield and emerging market debt obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit and market risks. The Fund’s investment in securities rated below investment grade typically involve risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk related to timely and ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility and less liquid secondary market trading. The consequences of political, social, economic or diplomatic changes may have disruptive effects on the market prices of investments held by the Fund. The Fund’s investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities may also result in foreign currency losses caused by devaluations and exchange rate fluctuations.

 

(g) Cash Flow Information. The Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends from net investment income and net realized gains, which are paid in cash and may be reinvested at the discretion of shareholders. These activities are reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets and additional information on cash receipts and cash payments is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows.

 

(h) Security Transactions and Investment Income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific

 

30        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults on an expected interest payment, the Fund’s policy is to generally halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default.

 

(i) Foreign Currency Translation. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions.

 

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

 

Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, at the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates.

 

Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.

 

(j) Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions from net investment income for the Fund, if any, are declared and paid on a monthly basis. Distributions of net realized gains, if any, are declared at least annually. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.

 

(k) Federal and Other Taxes. It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its income and net realized gains on investments, if any, to shareholders each year. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements. Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest dividends and capital gains at various rates.

 

(l) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share. During the current year, the following reclassifications have been made:

 

 

 

Undistributed Net

 

Accumulated Net

 

 

 

Investment Income

 

Realized Loss

 

(a)

 

$3,637,725

 

$(3,637,725)

 

 

(a)  Reclassifications are primarily due to foreign currency transactions treated as ordinary income for tax purposes, book/tax differences in the treatment of various items and differences between book and tax amortization of premium on fixed income securities.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        31

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

2.          Investment Management Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates

 

Prior to August 1, 2006, Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. (“SBAM”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”), acted as the investment manager of the Fund. Under the investment management agreement, the Fund paid an investment management fee calculated daily and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets plus the proceeds of any outstanding borrowings used for leverage.

 

Effective August 1, 2006, Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) became the Fund’s investment manager and Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) became the Fund’s subadviser. The portfolio managers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund remained the same immediately prior to and immediately after the date of these changes. LMPFA and Western Asset are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason.

 

Effective November 30, 2006, Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset Limited”) became an additional subadviser to the Fund. Western Asset Limited provides certain advisory services to the Fund relating to currency transactions and investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. Western Asset Limited does not receive any compensation from the Fund and is compensated by Western Asset for its services to the Fund.

 

LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. LMPFA has delegated to the subadvisers the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The Fund’s investment management fee remains unchanged. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund.

 

During periods in which the Fund utilizes financial leverage, the fees which are payable to the investment manager as a percentage of the Fund’s assets will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize leverage because the fees are calculated as a percentage of the Fund’s assets, including those investments purchased with leverage.

 

During the year ended April 30, 2007, SBAM reimbursed the Fund $21,963 for losses incurred resulting from an investment transaction error.

 

Certain officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.

 

3.          Investments

 

During the year ended April 30, 2007, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) and U.S Government & Agency Obligations were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Government &

 

 

 

Investments

 

Agency Obligations

 

Purchases

 

$848,615,442

 

$149,820,646

 

Sales

 

772,766,870

 

173,443,381

 

 

32        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

At April 30, 2007, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

 

$ 53,981,988

 

Gross unrealized depreciation

 

(27,440,203

)

Net unrealized appreciation

 

$ 26,541,785

 

 

Transactions in reverse repurchase agreements for the Fund during the year ended April 30, 2007 were as follows:

 

Average

 

Weighted

 

Maximum

 

Daily

 

Average

 

Amount

 

Balance*

 

Interest Rate*

 

Outstanding

 

$64,634,592

 

5.230%

 

$90,229,562

 

* Average based on the number of days that the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding.

 

Interest rates on reverse repurchase agreements ranged from 1.00% to 5.40% during the year ended April 30, 2007. Interest expense incurred on reverse repurchase agreements totaled $1,774,625.

 

At April 30, 2007, the Fund had the following reverse repurchase agreements outstanding:

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Security

 

Value

 

$2,347,288

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 11/09/06 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at $2,406,850 on 5/02/07, collateralized by: $1,975,000 Philippines Rep, 9.500% due 2/2/30; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,755,412.

 

$

2,347,288

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

505,200

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase &Co., dated 3/23/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at $508,063 on 5/2/07, collateralized by: $400,000 Indonesia Rep, 8.500% due 10/12/35; Market value (including accrued interest) — $497,960.

 

505,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,439,325

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 11/9/06 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,650,000 RSHB Cap S A,7.175% due 5/16/13; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,906,128.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,439,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,699,243

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 11/9/06 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,846,000 Pemex Proj FDG Master TR, 6.125% due 8/15/08; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,888,809.

 

1,699,243

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

936,915

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 11/21/06 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,050,000 Petrozuata Finance Incorp., 8.220% due 4/1/17; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,078,075.

 

936,915

 

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        33

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Security

 

Value

 

$4,703,530

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 11/30/06 bearing 5.400% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,850,000 TFM A DE C V,9.375% due 5/1/12; Market value (including accrued interest) — $5,489,594.

 

$

4,703,530

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,323,416

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 11/30/06 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,360,000 TNK BP Fin SA SR Med TRM NTS, 7.500% due 7/18/16; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,472,322.

 

1,323,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,305,149

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 1/08/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,005,000 Brazil Federative Rep, 8.750% due 2/4/25; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,677,251.

 

2,305,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

790,778

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 1/24/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at $802,887 on 5/9/07, collateralized by: $668,000 Peru Rep, 8.750% due 11/21/33; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,007,297.

 

790,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,792,672

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 1/29/07 bearing 5.300% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $10,013,000 United Mexican STS, 6.750% due 9/27/34; Market value (including accrued interest) — $11,243,796.

 

9,792,672

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,362,375

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 1/31/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,100,000 Republic of Ecuador, 10.000% due 8/15/30; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,999,133.

 

1,362,375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,525,697

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 1/31/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at $8,657,466 on 5/15/07, collateralized by: $10,246,000 Venezuela Republic, 5.750% due 2/26/16; Market value (including accrued interest) — $9,820,837.

 

8,525,697

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,067,489

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 2/5/07 bearing 5.300% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,145,000 Colombia Rep, 7.375% due 9/18/37; Market value (including accrued interest) — $4,678,950.

 

4,067,489

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,591,948

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,579,000 United Mexican STS, 6.750% due 9/27/34; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,773,090.

 

1,591,948

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,136,636

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase &Co., dated 3/23/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,026,307 Republica Oriental Del Uruguay, 7.625% due 3/21/36; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,165,881.

 

1,136,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,847,663

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase &Co., dated 3/23/07 bearing 5.000% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,785,000 Turanalem Fin B V Global 8.250% due 1/22/37; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,868,723.

 

2,847,663

 

 

34        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Face

 

 

 

 

 

Amount

 

Security

 

Value

 

$  633,204

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase & Co., dated 3/23/07 bearing 5.100% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $594,000 Turkey Republic, 7.000% due 9/26/16; Market value (including accrued interest) — $612,175.

 

$

633,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,811,595

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan Chase &Co., dated 3/23/07 bearing 5.150% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $1,770,000 Gaz Cap SA Luxembourg, 6.510% due 3/7/22; Market value (including accrued interest) — $1,842,534.

 

1,811,595

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,947,539

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at $1,950,144 on 5/9/07, collateralized by: $1,978,000 Brazil Federative Rep, 8.000% due 1/15/15; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,292,849.

 

1,947,539

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,877,824

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.250% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $7,954,000 Turkey Rep, 6.875% due 3/17/36; Market value (including accrued interest) — $7,791,956.

 

6,877,824

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,814,892

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $4,740,000 Axtel S A B De C V,7.625% due 2/1/17; Market value (including accrued interest) — $4,911,049.

 

4,814,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,346,312

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.300% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $2,503,000 Gaz Cap SA Luxembourg, 6.212% due 11/22/16; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,610,520.

 

2,346,312

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,089,655

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: $6,178,000 Vale Overseas Ltd, 6.875% due 11/21/36; Market value (including accrued interest) — $6,772,733.

 

6,089,655

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,214,672

 

Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 4/30/07 bearing 5.350% to be repurchased at an amount and date to be determined, collateralized by: 2,220,000 UBS Luxembourg SA, 8.250% due 5/23/16; Market value (including accrued interest) — $2,467,993.

 

2,214,672

 

 

 

Total Reverse Repurchase Agreements

 

 

 

 

 

(Proceeds — $73,111,017)

 

$73,111,017

 

 

At April 30, 2007, the Fund had no securities on loan.

 

4.          Loan

 

At April 30, 2007, the Fund had a $125,000,000 credit line available pursuant to a revolving credit and security agreement dated as of December 21, 2006 (“Agreement”), with CIESCO, LLC and Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”). Citibank acts as administrative agent and secondary lender. Also as of April 30, 2007, the Fund had a $125,000,000 loan outstanding pursuant to the Agreement. The loan generally bears interest at a variable rate

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        35

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

based on the weighted average interest rates of the underlying commercial paper or LIBOR, plus any applicable margin. In addition, the Fund pays a commitment fee on the total amount of the loan available, whether used or unused. For the year ended April 30, 2007, the Fund paid $174,736 in commitment fees. Securities held by the Fund are subject to a lien, granted to the lenders, to the extent of the borrowing outstanding and any additional expenses. For the year ended April 30, 2007, based on the number of days during the reporting period that the Fund had a loan balance outstanding, the average daily loan balance was $125,000,000 and the weighted average interest rate was 5.56%. Total interest expense incurred on the loan for the period was $7,039,222.

 

5.          Distributions Subsequent to April 30, 2007

 

On March 7, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Fund declared a dividend distribution in the amount of $0.0775 per share payable on May 25, 2007 to shareholders of record on May 18, 2007.

 

6.          Income Tax Information and Distributions to Shareholders

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended April 30, was as follows:

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Distributions paid from:

 

 

 

 

 

Ordinary Income

 

$68,689,087

 

$70,629,457

 

 

As of April 30, 2007, the components of accumulated earning on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Undistributed ordinary income — net

 

$

5,538,165

 

Capital loss carryforward *

 

(112,923,726

)

Other book/tax temporary differences(a)

 

(121,815

)

Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation)(b)

 

26,550,192

 

Total accumulated earnings/(losses) — net

 

$

(80,957,184

)

* During the taxable year ended April 30, 2007, the Fund utilized $24,152,614 of its capital loss carryover available from prior years. As of April 30, 2007, the Fund had the following net capital loss carryforwards remaining:

 

Year of Expiration

 

 

Amount

 

4/30/2010

 

$

(35,792,543

)

4/30/2011

 

(77,131,183

)

 

 

$

(112,923,726

 

These amounts will be available to offset any future taxable capital gains.

(a)  Other book/tax temporary differences are attributable primarily to book/tax differences in the accrual of income on securities in default and differences in the book/tax treatment of various items.

(b) The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the difference between book & tax amortization methods for premiums on fixed income securities.

 

36        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

7.          Regulatory Matters

 

On May 31, 2005, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued an order in connection with the settlement of an administrative proceeding against Smith Barney Fund Management LLC (“SBFM”) and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGM”) relating to the appointment of an affiliated transfer agent for the Smith Barney family of mutual funds (the “Affected Funds”).

 

The SEC order finds that SBFM and CGM willfully violated Section 206(1) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). Specifically, the order finds that SBFM and CGM knowingly or recklessly failed to disclose to the boards of the Affected Funds in 1999 when proposing a new transfer agent arrangement with an affiliated transfer agent that: First Data Investors Services Group (“First Data”), the Affected Funds’ then existing transfer agent, had offered to continue as transfer agent and do the same work for substantially less money than before; and that Citigroup Asset Management (“CAM”), the Citigroup business unit that, at the time, included the Affected Funds’ investment manager and other investment advisory companies, had entered into a side letter with First Data under which CAM agreed to recommend the appointment of First Data as sub-transfer agent to the affiliated transfer agent in exchange for, among other things, a guarantee by First Data of specified amounts of asset management and investment banking fees to CAM and CGM. The order also finds that SBFM and CGM willfully violated Section 206(2) of the Advisers Act by virtue of the omissions discussed above and other misrepresentations and omissions in the materials provided to the Affected Funds’ boards, including the failure to make clear that the affiliated transfer agent would earn a high profit for performing limited functions while First Data continued to perform almost all of the transfer agent functions, and the suggestion that the proposed arrangement was in the Affected Funds’ best interests and that no viable alternatives existed. SBFM and CGM do not admit or deny any wrongdoing or liability. The settlement does not establish wrongdoing or liability for purposes of any other proceeding.

 

The SEC censured SBFM and CGM and ordered them to cease and desist from violations of Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Advisers Act. The order requires Citigroup to pay $208.1 million, including $109 million in disgorgement of profits, $19.1 million in interest, and a civil money penalty of $80 million. Approximately $24.4 million has already been paid to the Affected Funds, primarily through fee waivers. The remaining $183.7 million, including the penalty, has been paid to the U.S. Treasury and will be distributed pursuant to a plan submitted for approval by the SEC. At this time, there is no certainty as to how the proceeds of the settlement will be distributed, to whom such distributions will be made, the methodology by which such distributions will be allocated, and when such distributions will be made.

 

The order also requires that transfer agency fees received from the Affected Funds since December 1, 2004 less certain expenses, be placed in escrow and provides that a portion of such fees may be subsequently distributed in accordance with the terms of the order.

 

On April 3, 2006, an aggregate amount of approximately $9 million was distributed to the Affected Funds.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        37

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

The order required SBFM to recommend a new transfer agent contract to the Affected Funds’ boards within 180 days of the entry of the order; if a Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent or sub-transfer agent, SBFM and CGM would have been required, at their expense, to engage an independent monitor to oversee a competitive bidding process. On November 21, 2005, and within the specified timeframe, the Fund’s Board selected a new transfer agent for the Fund. No Citigroup affiliate submitted a proposal to serve as transfer agent. Under the order, SBFM also must comply with an amended version of a vendor policy that Citigroup instituted in August 2004.

 

Although there can be no assurance, the Affected Funds’ does not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect on the Affected Funds.

 

This Fund is not one of the Affected Funds and therefore did not implement the transfer agent arrangement described above and therefore will not receive any portion of the distributions.

 

On December 1, 2005, Citigroup completed the sale of substantially all of its global asset management business, including SBFM, to Legg Mason.

 

8.          Other Matters

 

On September 16, 2005, the staff of the SEC informed SBFM and SBAM that the staff is considering recommending that the SEC institute administrative proceedings against SBAM for alleged violations of Sections 19(a) and 34(b) of the 1940 Act (and related Rule 19a-1). The notification is a result of an industry wide inspection undertaken by the SEC and is based upon alleged deficiencies in disclosures regarding dividends and distributions paid to shareholders of certain funds. Section 19(a) and related Rule 19a-1 of the 1940 Act generally require funds that are making dividend and distribution payments to provide shareholders with a written statement disclosing the source of the dividends and distributions, and, in particular, the portion of the payments made from each of net investment income, undistributed net profits and/or paid-in capital. In connection with the contemplated proceedings, the staff may seek a cease and desist order and/or monetary damages from SBFM or SBAM.

 

Although there can be no assurance, the Fund’s manager believes that this matter is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Fund.

 

9.          Subsequent Event

 

On May 17, 2007, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved changes to the non fundamental investment policies relating to the Fund’s definition of “emerging market country”.

 

Pursuant to the Board’s approval, effective June 1, 2007, the Fund changed its definition of “emerging market country” to include any country which is, at the time of investment, represented in the JPMorgan EMBI Global or categorized by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“World Bank”), in its annual categorization, as middle- or low-income. Under the Fund’s previous investment policy, the Fund defined an “emerging market country” as: “any country which is considered to be an emerging country by the World Bank at the time of the Fund’s investment. The countries that will

 

38        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

not be considered emerging market countries include: Australia; Austria; Belgium; Canada; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Luxembourg; Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; the United Kingdom; and the United States.” This revision to the definition of “emerging market country” is intended to allow LMPFA, the Fund’s investment manager, and Western Asset, the Fund’s subadviser, greater flexibility and opportunity to achieve the Fund’s investment objectives and make consistent the range of countries available for investment by the Fund and the countries represented in its current benchmarks. Management believes that the definition, as revised, is consistent with that utilized by funds with comparable investment objectives.

 

10.   Recent Accounting Pronouncement

 

During June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48” or the “Interpretation”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement 109. FIN 48 supplements FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, by defining the confidence level that a tax position must meet in order to be recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 prescribes a comprehensive model for how a fund should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the fund has taken or expects to take on a tax return. FIN 48 requires that the tax effects of a position be recognized only if it is “more likely than not” to be sustained based solely on its technical merits. Management must be able to conclude that the tax law, regulations, case law, and other objective information regarding the technical merits sufficiently support the position’s sustainability with a likelihood of more than 50 percent. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2006, which for this Fund will be May 1, 2007. At adoption, the financial statements must be adjusted to reflect only those tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained as of the adoption date. Management of the Fund has determined that adopting FIN 48 will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

* * *

 

On September 20, 2006, FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair-value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At the time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report        39

 


 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (formerly Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II Inc.) as of April 30, 2007, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, the statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. The financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year period ended April 30, 2005 were audited by other independent registered public accountants whose report thereon, dated June 22, 2005, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial highlights.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of April 30, 2007, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. as of April 30, 2007, and the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, its cash flows for the year then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

 

 

KPMG LLP

 

New York, New York
June 26, 2007

 

40        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. 2007 Annual Report

 


 

Additional Information (unaudited)

 

Information about Directors and Officers

 

The business and affairs of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (formerly known as Salomon Brothers High Income Fund II Inc.) (“Fund”) are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. Information pertaining to the Directors and Officers of the Fund is set forth below.

 

Name, Address and Birth Year

 

Position(s)

Held with

Fund(1)

 

Term of

Office(1) and

Length of

Time Served

 

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past

Five Years

 

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Director

(including

the Fund)

 

Other Board

Memberships

Held by

Director

Non-Interested Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carol L. Colman

 

Director and

 

Since

 

President, Colman

 

23

 

None

Colman Consulting Co.

 

Member of the

 

2002

 

Consulting Co.

 

 

 

 

278 Hawley Road

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

North Salem, NY 10560

 

Audit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1946

 

Committees,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel P. Cronin

 

Director and

 

Since

 

Formerly Associate

 

23

 

None

c/o Chairman of the Fund

 

Member of the

 

1998

 

General Counsel,

 

 

 

 

399 Park Avenue

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

Pfizer Inc.

 

 

 

 

4th Floor

 

Audit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York, NY 10022

 

Committees,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1946

 

Class I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paolo M. Cucchi

 

Director and

 

Since

 

Vice President and Dean

 

23

 

None

Drew University

 

Member of the

 

2007

 

of College of Liberal

 

 

 

 

108 Brothers College

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

Arts at Drew University

 

 

 

 

Madison, NJ 07940

 

Audit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1941

 

Committees,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leslie H. Gelb

 

Director and

 

Since

 

President, Emeritus and

 

21

 

Director of

c/o Chairman of the Fund

 

Member of the

 

1998

 

Senior Board Fellow, The

 

 

 

two registered

399 Park Avenue

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

Council on Foreign

 

 

 

investment

4th Floor

 

Audit

 

 

 

Relations; Formerly,

 

 

 

companies

New York, NY 10022

 

Committees,

 

 

 

Columnist, Deputy

 

 

 

advised by

Birth Year: 1937

 

Class II

 

 

 

Editorial Page Editor

 

 

 

Blackstone

 

 

 

 

 

 

and Editor, Op-Ed Page,

 

 

 

Asia Advisors

 

 

 

 

 

 

The New York Times

 

 

 

LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(“Blackstone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisors”)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William R. Hutchinson

 

Director and

 

Since

 

President, W.R.

 

23

 

Associated

535 N. Michigan Avenue

 

Member of the

 

2003

 

Hutchinson & Associates

 

 

 

Banc-Corp.

Suite 1012

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

Inc.; Formerly Group

 

 

 

 

Chicago, IL 60611

 

Audit

 

 

 

Vice President, Mergers

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1942

 

Committees,

 

 

 

and Acquisitions, BP

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class III

 

 

 

Amoco p.l.c.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Riordan Roett

 

Director and

 

Since

 

Professor and Director,

 

21

 

None

The Johns Hopkins University

 

Member of the

 

1998

 

Latin America Studies

 

 

 

 

1740 Massachusetts Ave., NW

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

Program, Paul H. Nitze

 

 

 

 

Washington, DC 20036

 

Audit

 

 

 

School of Avanced

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1938

 

Committees,

 

 

 

International Studies, The

 

 

 

 

 

 

Class II

 

 

 

Johns Hopkins University

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.        41

 


 

Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)

 

Name, Address and Birth Year

 

Position(s)

Held with

Fund(1)

 

Term of

Office(1) and

Length of

Time Served

 

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past

Five Years

 

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Director

(including

the Fund)

 

Other Board

Memberships

Held by

Director

Non-Interested Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeswald W. Salacuse

 

Director and

 

Since

 

Henry J. Braker Professor

 

19

 

Director of

c/o Chairman of the Fund

 

Member of the

 

1998

 

of Commercial Law and

 

 

 

two registered

399 Park Avenue

 

Nominating and

 

 

 

formerly Dean, The

 

 

 

investment

4th Floor

 

Audit

 

 

 

Fletcher School of

 

 

 

companies

New York, NY 10022

 

Committees,

 

 

 

Law and Diplomacy,

 

 

 

advised by

Birth Year: 1938

 

Class I

 

 

 

Tufts University

 

 

 

Blackstone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisors

Interested Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R. Jay Gerken, CFA(2)

 

Director,

 

Since

 

Managing Director, Legg

 

149

 

None

Legg Mason & Co.,

 

Chairman,

 

2002

 

Mason; Chairman of the

 

 

 

 

LLC (“Legg Mason”)

 

President and

 

 

 

Board and

 

 

 

 

399 Park Avenue,

 

Chief Executive

 

 

 

Trustee/Director of 149

 

 

 

 

New York, NY 10022

 

Officer, Class III

 

 

 

funds associated with

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1951

 

 

 

 

 

Legg Mason Partners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Advisor, LLC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 (“LMPFA”) and its

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

affiliates; President,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LMPFA (since 2006);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman, President and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of certain mutual funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

associated with Legg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mason & Co. or its

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

affiliates; formerly,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman, Smith Barney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fund Management LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(“SBFM”) and Citi Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(“CFM”) (2002 to 2005);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

formerly, Chairman,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President and Chief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Executive Officer,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travelers Investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advisers Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2002 to 2005)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaprel Ozsolak

 

Chief Financial

 

Since

 

Director of Legg Mason;

 

N/A

 

N/A

Legg Mason

 

Officer and

 

2004

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

125 Broad Street,11th Floor

 

Treasurer

 

 

 

and Treasurer of certain

 

 

 

 

New York, NY 10004

 

 

 

 

 

mutual funds associated

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1965

 

 

 

 

 

with Legg Mason;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Formerly, Controller of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

certain mutual funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

associated with certain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

predecessor firms of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Legg Mason (from 2002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to 2004)

 

 

 

 

 

42        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 


 

Additional Information (unaudited) (continued)

 

Name, Address and Birth Year

 

Position(s)

Held with

Fund(1)

 

Term of

Office(1) and

Length of

Time Served

 

Principal

Occupation(s)

During Past

Five Years

 

Number of

Portfolios

in Fund

Complex

Overseen by

Director

(including

the Fund)

 

Other Board

Memberships

Held by

Director

Ted P. Becker

 

Chief

 

Since

 

Director of Global

 

N/A

 

N/A

Legg Mason

 

Compliance

 

2006

 

Compliance at Legg

 

 

 

 

399 Park Avenue,

 

Officer

 

 

 

Mason (since 2006);

 

 

 

 

4th Floor

 

 

 

 

 

Managing Director of

 

 

 

 

New York, NY 10022

 

 

 

 

 

Compliance at Legg

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1951

 

 

 

 

 

Mason, (since 2005);

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Compliance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officer with certain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mutual funds associated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with Legg Mason (since

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006); Managing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director of Compliance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at Legg Mason or its

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

predecessors (from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002 to 2005). Prior to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2002, Managing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director — Internal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit & Risk Review at

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Citigroup Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Robert I. Frenkel

 

Secretary and

 

Since

 

Managing Director and

 

N/A

 

N/A

Legg Mason

 

Chief Legal

 

2003

 

General Counsel of

 

 

 

 

300 First Stamford Place

 

Officer

 

 

 

Global Mutual Funds for

 

 

 

 

4th Floor

 

 

 

 

 

Legg Mason and its

 

 

 

 

Stamford, CT 06902

 

 

 

 

 

predecessor (since

 

 

 

 

Birth Year: 1954

 

 

 

 

 

1994); Secretary and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Legal Officer of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mutual funds associated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with Legg Mason (since

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2003); formerly,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secretary of CFM (from

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2001 to 2004)

 

 

 

 

 

(1)   The Fund’s Board of Directors is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. The terms of office of the Class I, II and III Directors expire at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders in the year 2008, year 2009 and year 2007, respectively, or thereafter in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The Fund’s executive officers are chosen each year at the first meeting of the Fund’s Board of Directors ng of the Board following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to hold office until the meeting of the Board following the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

(2)   Mr. Gerken is an “interested person” of the Fund as defined in the Invesment Company Act of 1940, as amended, because Mr. Gerken is an officer of LMPFA and certain of its affiliates.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.        43

 


 

Annual Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Certifications (unaudited)

 

The Fund’s CEO has submitted to the NYSE the required annual certification, and the Fund also has included the certifications of the Fund’s CEO and CFO required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the Fund’s Form N-CSR filed with the SEC for the period of this report.

 

44        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 


 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited)

 

Pursuant to certain rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission the following additional disclosure is provided.

 

Each shareholder purchasing shares of common stock (“Shares”) of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (“Fund”) will be deemed to have elected to be a participant in the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“Plan”), unless the shareholder specifically elects in writing (addressed to the Agent at the address below or to any nominee who holds Shares for the shareholder in its name) to receive all distributions in cash, paid by check, mailed directly to the record holder by or under the direction of American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as the Fund’s dividend-paying agent (“Agent”). A shareholder whose Shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee who does not provide an automatic reinvestment service may be required to take such Shares out of “street name” and register such Shares in the shareholder’s name in order to participate, otherwise dividends and distributions will be paid in cash to such shareholder by the broker or nominee. Each participant in the Plan is referred to herein as a “Participant.” The Agent will act as Agent for each Participant, and will open accounts for each Participant under the Plan in the same name as their Shares are registered.

 

Unless the Fund declares a distribution payable only in the form of cash, the Agent will apply all distributions in the manner set forth below.

 

If, on the determination date (as defined below), the market price per Share equals or exceeds the net asset value per Share on that date (such condition, a “market premium”), the Agent will receive the distribution in newly issued Shares of the Fund on behalf of Participants. If, on the determination date, the net asset value per Share exceeds the market price per Share (such condition, a “market discount”), the Agent will purchase Shares in the open market. The determination date will be the fourth New York Stock Exchange trading day (a New York Stock Exchange trading day being referred to herein as a “Trading Day”) preceding the payment date for the distribution. For purposes herein, “market price” will mean the average of the highest and lowest prices at which the Shares sell on the New York Stock Exchange on the particular date, or if there is no sale on that date, the average of the closing bid and asked quotations.

 

Purchases made by the Agent will be made as soon as practicable commencing on the Trading Day following the determination date and terminating no later than 30 days after the distribution payment date except where temporary curtailment or suspension of purchase is necessary to comply with applicable provisions of federal securities law; provided, however, that such purchases will, in any event, terminate on the Trading Day prior to the “ex-dividend” date next succeeding the distribution payment date.

 

If (i) the Agent has not invested the full distribution amount in open market purchases by the date specified above as the date on which such purchases must terminate or (ii) a market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, then the Agent will cease making open market purchases and will receive the uninvested portion of the distribution amount in newly issued Shares (x) in the case of (i) above, at the close of business on the date the Agent is required to terminate making open market purchases as specified above or (y) in the case of (ii) above, at the close of business on the date such shift occurs; but in no event prior to the payment date for the distribution.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.        45

 


 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited) (continued)

 

In the event that all or part of a distribution amount is to be paid in newly issued Shares, such Shares will be issued to Participants in accordance with the following formula: (i) if, on the valuation date, the net asset value per share is less than or equal to the market price per Share, then the newly issued Shares will be valued at net asset value per Share on the valuation date provided, however, that if the net asset value is less than 95% of the market price on the valuation date, then such Shares will be issued at 95% of the market price and (ii) if, on the valuation date, the net asset value per share is greater than the market price per Share, then the newly issued Shares will be issued at the market price on the valuation date. The valuation date will be the distribution payment date, except that with respect to Shares issued pursuant to the paragraph above, the valuation date will be the date such Shares are issued. If a date that would otherwise be a valuation date is not a Trading Day, the valuation date will be the next preceding Trading Day.

 

The open market purchases provided for above may be made on any securities exchange on which the Shares of the Fund are traded, in the over-the-counter market or in negotiated transactions, and may be on such terms as to price, delivery and otherwise as the Agent shall determine. Funds held by the Agent uninvested will not bear interest, and it is understood that, in any event, the Agent shall have no liability in connection with any inability to purchase Shares within the time periods herein provided, or with the timing of any purchases effected. The Agent shall have no responsibility as to the value of the Shares acquired for the Participant’s account. The Agent may commingle amounts of all Participants to be used for open market purchases of Shares and the price per Share allocable to each Participant in connection with such purchases shall be the average price (including brokerage commissions) of all Shares purchased by the Agent.

 

The Agent will maintain all Participant accounts in the Plan and will furnish written confirmations of all transactions in each account, including information needed by Participants for personal and tax records. The Agent will hold Shares acquired pursuant to the Plan in noncertificated form in the Participant’s name or that of its nominee, and each Participant’s proxy will include those Shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. The Agent will forward to Participants any proxy solicitation material and will vote any Shares so held for Participants only in accordance with the proxy returned by Participants to the Fund. Upon written request, the Agent will deliver to Participants, without charge, a certificate or certificates for the full Shares.

 

The Agent will confirm to Participants each acquisition made for their respective accounts as soon as practicable but not later than 60 days after the date thereof. Although Participants may from time to time have an undivided fractional interest (computed to three decimal places) in a Share of the Fund, no certificates for fractional shares will be issued. Distributions on fractional shares will be credited to each Participant’s account. In the event of termination of a Participant’s account under the Plan, the Agent will adjust for any such undivided fractional interest in cash at the market value of the Fund’s Shares at the time of termination less the pro rata expense of any sale required to make such an adjustment.

 

Any share dividends or split shares distributed by the Fund on Shares held by the Agent for Participants will be credited to their respective accounts. In the event that the Fund makes available to Participants rights to purchase additional Shares or other securities, the Shares held for Participants under the Plan will be added to other Shares held by the Participants in calculating the number of rights to be issued to Participants.

 

46        Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 


 

Dividend Reinvestment Plan (unaudited) (continued)

 

The Agent’s service fee for handling distributions will be paid by the Fund. Participants will be charged a pro rata share of brokerage commissions on all open market purchases.

 

Participants may terminate their accounts under the Plan by notifying the Agent in writing. Such termination will be effective immediately if notice is received by the Agent not less than ten days prior to any distribution record date; otherwise such termination will be effective on the first Trading Day after the payment due for such distribution with respect to any subsequent distribution. The Plan may be amended or terminated by the Fund as applied to any distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change or termination sent to Participants at least 30 days prior to the record date for the distribution. The Plan may be amended or terminated by the Agent, with the Fund’s prior written consent, on at least 30 days’ written notice to Plan Participants. Notwithstanding the preceding two sentences, the Agent or the Fund may amend or supplement the Plan at any time or times when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority. Upon any termination, the Agent will cause a certificate or certificates for the full Shares held by each Participant under the Plan and cash adjustment for any fraction to be delivered to each Participant without charge. If the Participant elects by notice to the Agent in writing in advance of such termination to have the Agent sell part or all of a Participant’s Shares and remit the proceeds to Participant, the Agent is authorized to deduct a $2.50 fee plus brokerage commission for this transaction from the proceeds.

 

Any amendment or supplement shall be deemed to be accepted by each Participant unless, prior to the effective date thereof, the Agent receives written notice of the termination of the Participant’s account under the Plan. Any such amendment may include an appointment by the Agent in its place and stead of a successor Agent under these terms and conditions, with full power and authority to perform all or any of the acts to be performed by the Agent under these terms and conditions. Upon any such appointment of an Agent for the purpose of receiving distributions, the Fund will be authorized to pay to such successor Agent, for each Participant’s account, all distributions payable on Shares of the Fund held in each Participant’s name or under the Plan for retention or application by such successor Agent as provided in these terms and conditions.

 

In the case of Participants, such as banks, broker-dealers or other nominees, which hold Shares for others who are beneficial owners (“Nominee Holders”), the Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of Shares certified from time to time by each Nominee Holder as representing the total amount registered in the Nominee Holder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are to participate in the Plan.

 

The Agent shall at all times act in good faith and use its best efforts within reasonable limits to insure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement and to comply with applicable law, but assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable for loss or damage due to errors unless such error is caused by its negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct or that of its employees.

 

All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Agent at 1-888-888-0151.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.        47

 


 

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WESTERN ASSET

 

 

HIGH INCOME FUND II INC.

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS

WESTERN ASSET

 

Carol L. Colman

HIGH INCOME FUND II INC.

 

Daniel P. Cronin

125 Broad Street

 

Paolo M. Cucchi

10th Floor, MF-2

 

Leslie H. Gelb

New York, New York 10004

 

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

 

 

Chairman

INVESTMENT MANAGER

 

William R. Hutchinson

Legg Mason Partners  

 

Riordan Roett

Fund Advisor, LLC

 

Jeswald W. Salacuse

 

 

 

SUBADVISER

 

OFFICERS

Western Asset Management

 

R. Jay Gerken, CFA

Company

 

President and Chief

Western Asset Management

 

Executive Officer

Company Limited

 

 

 

 

Kaprel Ozsolak

CUSTODIAN

 

Chief Financial Officer

State Street Bank and Trust

 

and Treasurer

Company

 

 

225 Franklin Street

 

Ted P. Becker

Boston, Massachusetts 02110

 

Chief Compliance Officer

 

 

 

TRANSFER AGENT

 

Robert I. Frenkel

American Stock Transfer &

 

Secretary and

Trust Company

 

Chief Legal Officer

59 Maiden Lane

 

 

New York, New York 10038

 

 

 

 

 

INDEPENDENT

 

 

REGISTERED PUBLIC

 

 

ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

KPMG LLP

 

 

345 Park Avenue

 

 

New York, NY 10154

 

 

 

 

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

 

 

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

 

 

425 Lexington Avenue

 

 

New York, New York 10017

 

 

 

 

 

NEW YORK STOCK

 

 

EXCHANGE SYMBOL

 

 

HIX

 


 

This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in this report.





American Stock Transfer
& Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038





WAS04049 4/07                  SR07-358



                        

 

Western Asset
High Income Fund II Inc.

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase at market prices, shares of its common stock in the open market.

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 are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. To obtain information on Form N-Q from the Fund, shareholders can call 1-800-451-2010.

Information an how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio transactions is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-451-2010, (2) on each Fund’s website at www.leggmason.com/InvestorServices and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 


 

ITEM 2.

 

CODE OF ETHICS.

 

 

 

 

 

The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

 

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors of the registrant has determined that William R. Hutchinson, a member of the Board’s Audit Committee, possesses the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” and has designated Mr. Hutchinson as the Audit Committee’s financial expert.  Mr. Hutchinson is an “independent” Director pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR.

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

 

 

 

 

a) Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the last two fiscal years ending April 30, 2006 and April 30, 2007 (the “Reporting Periods”) for professional services rendered by the Registrant’s principal accountant (the “Auditor”) for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $33,000 in 2006 performed by PwC and $53,500 in 2007 performed by KPMG.

 

 

 

 

 

b) Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the Registrant’s financial statements were $8,755 in 2006 and $12,000 in 2007. These services consisted of procedures performed in connection with the Agreed upon Procedures for the calculations pursuant to the Fund’s Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated May 21, 2004 with CXC Incorporated, Citicorp North America, Inc. and other secondary lenders as of January 31, 2006, February 28, 2006 and April 30, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (“service affiliates”), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the service affiliates. Accordingly, there were no such fees that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee for the Reporting Periods (prior to May 6, 2003 services provided by the Auditor were not required to be pre-approved).

 

 

 

 

 

(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“Tax Services”) were $5,666 in 2006 and $2,650 in 2007. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.

 

 

 

 

 

There were no fees billed for tax services by the Auditors to service affiliates during the Reporting Periods that required pre-approval by the Audit Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

d) All Other Fees. There were no other fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item for the Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Fees. There were no other non-audit services rendered by the Auditor to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with SBFM that provided ongoing services to Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee in the Reporting Period.

 

 

 

 

 

(e) Audit Committee’s pre–approval policies and procedures described in paragraph  (c) (7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation
S-X.

 

 

 

 

 

(1) The Charter for the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of each registered investment company (the “Fund”) advised by Smith Barney Fund Management LLC or Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. or one of their affiliates (each, an “Adviser”) requires that the Committee shall approve (a) all audit and permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissible non-audit services to be provided by the Fund’s independent auditors to the Adviser and

 



 

 

 

any Covered Service Providers if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund.  The Committee may implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than by the full Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

The Committee shall not approve non-audit services that the Committee believes may impair the independence of the auditors.  As of the date of the approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissible non-audit services include any professional services (including tax services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund.  Permissible non-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions or contribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible.

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissible non-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissible non-audit services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Covered Service Providers”) constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissible non-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissible non-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit.

 

 

 

 

 

(2) For the Legg Mason Partners Investment Trust, the percentage of fees that were approved by the audit committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100% and 0% for 2006 and 2007; Tax Fees were 100% and 0% for 2006 and 2007; and Other Fees were 100% and 0% for 2006 and 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

(f) N/A

 

 

 

 

 

(g) Non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. and CAM and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with CAM that provides ongoing services to Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. during the reporting period were $0 in 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

(h) Yes.  Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were not pre-approved (not requiring pre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Accountant’s independence.  All services provided by the Auditor to the Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. or to Service Affiliates, which were required to be pre-approved, were pre-approved as required.

 



 

ITEM 5.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

 

 

 

 

 

a)

Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)58(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of the following Board members:

 

 

 

 

 

 

William R. Hutchinson

 

 

 

Paolo M. Cucchi

 

 

 

Daniel P. Cronin

 

 

 

Carol L. Colman

 

 

 

Leslie H. Gelb

 

 

 

Dr. Riordan Roett

 

 

 

Jeswald W. Salacuse

 

 

 

 

 

b)

Not applicable

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

 

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS.

 

 

 

 

 

Included herein under Item 1.

 

 

 

ITEM 7.

 

DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

 

 

 

 

Proxy Voting Guidelines and Procedures

 

 

 

 

 

Although individual trustees may not agree with particular policies or votes by the manager or subadvisers, the Board has delegated proxy voting discretion to the manager and/or the subadvisers, believing that the manager and/or the subadvisers should be responsible for voting because it is a matter relating to the investment decision making process. LMPFA delegates the responsibility for voting proxies for the fund to the subadvisers through its contracts with the subadvisers. The subadvisers will use their own proxy voting policies and procedures to vote proxies. Accordingly, LMPFA does not expect to have proxy-voting responsibility for the fund. Should LMPFA become responsible for voting proxies for any reason, such as the inability of a subadviser to provide investment advisory services, LMPFA shall utilize the proxy voting guidelines established by the most recent subadviser to vote proxies until a new subadviser is retained. In the case of a material conflict between the interests of LMPFA (or its affiliates if such conflict is known to persons responsible for voting at LMPFA) and the fund, the board of trustees of LMPFA shall consider how to address the conflict and/or how to vote the proxies. LMPFA shall maintain records of all proxy votes in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations, to the extent that LMPFA votes proxies. LMPFA shall be responsible for gathering relevant documents and records related to proxy voting from the subadvisers and providing them to the fund as required for the fund to comply with applicable rules under the 1940 Act. The subadvisers’ Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures govern in determining how proxies relating to the fund’s portfolio securities are voted and are attached as Appendix A to this SAI. Information regarding how each fund voted proxies (if any) relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available without charge (1) by calling 888-425-6432, (2) on the fund’s website at http://www.leggmason.com/ InvestorServices and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

 

 

Background

 

 

 

 

 

An investment adviser is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, long-

 



 

 

 

standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities have been established for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.

 

 

 

 

 

Policy

 

 

 

 

 

As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.

 

 

 

 

 

While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).

 

 

 

 

 

In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset Management Company Limited) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.

 

 

 

 

 

Procedure

 

 

 

 

 

Responsibility and Oversight

 

 

 

 

 

The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.

 

 

 

 

 

Client Authority

 

 

 

 

 

At account start-up, or upon amendment of an IMA, the applicable client IMA are similarly reviewed. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Client Account Transition Team maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.

 

 

 

 

 

Proxy Gathering

 

 

 

 

 

Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified at start-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.

 

 

 

 

 

Proxy Voting

 

 

 

 

 

Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted.

 

 

 

b. Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority.

 



 

 

 

 

c. Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.)

 

 

 

d. If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party.

 

 

 

e. Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on a case-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department.

 

 

 

f. Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timing Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recordkeeping

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant to Section 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin 94-2. These records include:

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures.

 

 

 

b. Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities.

 

 

 

c. A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies.

 

 

 

d. Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests.

 

 

 

e. A proxy log including:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Issuer name;

 

 

 

2. Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted;

 

 

 

3. Council on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted;

 

 

 

4. A brief identification of the matter voted on;

 

 

 

5. Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer;

 

 

 

6. Whether a vote was cast on the matter;

 

 

 

7. A record of how the vote was cast; and

 

 

 

8. Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team.

 

 

 

Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part II of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.

 

 

 

 

 

Conflicts of Interest

 

 

 

 

 

All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:

 



 

 

 

1. Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company;

 

 

2. Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and

 

 

3. Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

Voting Guidelines

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.

 

 

Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.

 

 

 

 

 

I. Board Approved Proposals

 

 

 

 

 

The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

1. Matters relating to the Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors.

 

 

 

b. Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director.

 

 

 

c. Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences.

 

 

 

d. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors.

 

 

 

2. Matters relating to Executive Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution.

 

 

 

b. Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options.

 

 

 

c. Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price.

 

 

 

d. Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares

 



 

 

 

 

purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less.

 

 

 

3. Matters relating to Capitalization

 

 

 

 

 

The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock.

 

 

 

b. Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits).

 

 

 

c. Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs.

 

 

 

4. Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset votes these issues on a case-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans.

 

 

 

b. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.

 

 

 

6. Other Business Matters

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws.

 

 

 

b. Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

II. Shareholder Proposals

 

 

 

 

 

SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans.

 

 

 

2. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals.

 

 

 

3. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.

 

 

 

III. Voting Shares of Investment Companies

 

 

 

 

 

Western Asset may utilize shares of open or closed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios.

 

 

 

2. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt 12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or

 



 

 

 

 

approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

IV. Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers

 

 

 

 

 

In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held in non-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management.

 

 

 

2. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees.

 

 

 

3. Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated.

 

 

 

4. Western Asset votes on a case-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.

 

ITEM 8.

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

((a)(1):

 

NAME AND

 

LENGTH OF

 

PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING

ADDRESS

 

TIME SERVED

 

PAST 5 YEARS

 

 

 

 

 

S. Kenneth Leech
Western Asset
385 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 911101

 

Since 2006

 

Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset since 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen A. Walsh
Western Asset
385 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 911101

 

Since 2006

 

Co-portfolio manager of the fund; Deputy Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset since 2000.

 



 

Michael C. Buchanan
Western Asset
385 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 911101

 

Since 2006

 

Co-portfolio manager of the fund; portfolio manager and research analyst at Western Asset since 1994.

 

 

 

 

 

Keith J. Gardner
Western Asset
385 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 911101

 

Since 2006

 

Co-portfolio manager of the fund; portfolio manager and research analyst at Western Asset since 1994.

 

 

 

 

 

Detlev Schlichter
Western Asset
385 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 911101

 

Since 2007

 

Co-portfolio manager of the fund; portfolio manager at Western Asset since 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Van Schaick
Western Asset
385 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 911101

 

Since 2006

 

Co-portfolio manager of the fund; portfolio manager and research analyst at Western Asset since 1981.

 

(a)(2):

 

The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the fund’s portfolio managers for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of April 30, 2007.

 

Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers

 

     The table below identifies the number of accounts (other than the fund) for which the fund’s portfolio managers have day-to-day management responsibilities

 



 

and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance is also indicated.

 

 

 

Registered

 

Other Pooled

 

 

Portfolio

 

Investment

 

Investment

 

Other

Manager(s)

 

Companies

 

Vehicles

 

Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S. Kenneth Leech

 

115 registered investment companies with $106 billion in total assets under management

 

128 Other pooled investment vehicles with $188.9 billion in assets under management

 

979 Other accounts with $284 billion in total assets under management*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen A. Walsh

 

115 registered investment companies with $106 billion in total assets under management

 

128 Other pooled investment vehicles with $188.9 billion in assets under management

 

979 Other accounts with $284 billion in total assets under management*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keith J. Gardner

 

7 registered investment companies with $1.3 billion in total assets under management

 

6 Other pooled investment vehicles with $1.5 billion in assets under management

 

1 Other accounts with $14.6 million in total assets under management**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Van Schaick‡  

 

4 registered investment companies with $1.5 billion in total assets under management

 

0 Other pooled investment vehicles with $0 billion in assets under management

 

19 Other accounts with $3.8 million in total assets under management***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Detleve Schlichter

 

2 registered investment Companies with $215 million in total assets under management

 

22 Other pooled investment vehicles with $4 billion in under management

 

62 Other accounts with $24 billion in total assets under management****

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Buchanan‡  

 

14 registered investment Companies with $8 billion in total assets Under management

 

5 Other pooled investment vehicles with $3.8 billion in assets under management

 

11 Other accounts with $838 million in total assets under management

 


*

Includes 100 accounts managed, totaling $34 billion, for which advisory fee is performance based.

**

Includes 1 account managed, totaling $14.6 million, for which advisory fee is performance based.

***

Includes 3 accounts managed, totaling $669.7 million, for which advisory fee is performance based.

****

Includes 19 accounts managed, totaling $7.1 billion, for which advisory fee is performance based

 

‡ The numbers above reflect the overall number of portfolios managed by employees of Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”).  Mr. Leech and Mr. Walsh are involved in the management of all the Firm’s portfolios, but they are not solely responsible for particular portfolios.  Western Asset’s investment discipline

 



 

 emphasizes a team approach that combines the efforts of groups of specialists working in different market sectors. They are responsible for overseeing implementation of Western Asset’s overall investment ideas and coordinating the work of the various sector teams. This structure ensures that client portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members.

 

(a)(3): Portfolio Manager Compensation

 

With respect to the compensation of the portfolio managers, the Advisers’ compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation “target” and a respective cap, which are derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with their job function and peer universe.  This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience, and ability to produce desired results.

 

Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits, and a retirement plan.

 

In addition, employees are eligible for bonuses.  These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of the Advisers, and are determined by the professional’s job function and performance as measured by a formal review process.  All bonuses are completely discretionary.  One of the principal factors considered is a portfolio manager’s investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks.  Because portfolio managers are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the Portfolio) with similar investment strategies, they are compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account.  A smaller portion of a bonus payment is derived from factors that include client service, business development, length of service to the Adviser, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to the Adviser’s business. 

 

Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance.  These are determined based upon the factors described above and include Legg Mason, Inc. stock options and long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date. 

 

Potential Conflicts of Interest

 

Potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple accounts (including accounts managed in a personal capacity).  These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the knowledge and timing of a Portfolio’s trades, investment opportunities and broker selection.  Portfolio managers may be privy to the size, timing and possible market impact of a Portfolio’s trades.

 

It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a Portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the Portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully.  Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a Portfolio and another account.  A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a Portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, the Advisers or an affiliate has an interest in the account.  The Advisers have adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time.  All eligible accounts that can participate in a trade share the same price on a pro-rata allocation basis in an attempt to mitigate any conflict of interest.  Trades are allocated among similarly managed accounts to maintain consistency of portfolio strategy, taking into account cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy. 

 



 

With respect to securities transactions for the Portfolios, the Advisers determine which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction.  However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Advisers may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer.  In these cases, trades for a Portfolio in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts.  Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a Portfolio or the other account(s) involved.  Additionally, the management of multiple Portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each Portfolio and/or other account. 

 

It is theoretically possible that portfolio managers could use information to the advantage of other accounts they manage and to the possible detriment of a Portfolio.  For example, a portfolio manager could short sell a security for an account immediately prior to a Portfolio’s sale of that security.  To address this conflict, the Advisers have adopted procedures for reviewing and comparing selected trades of alternative investment accounts (which may make directional trades such as short sales) with long only accounts (which include the Portfolios) for timing and pattern related issues.  Trading decisions for alternative investment and long only accounts may not be identical even though the same Portfolio Manager may manage both types of accounts.  Whether the Adviser allocates a particular investment opportunity to only alternative investment accounts or to alternative investment and long only accounts will depend on the investment strategy being implemented.  If, under the circumstances, an investment opportunity is appropriate for both its alternative investment and long only accounts, then it will be allocated to both on a pro-rata basis.

 

A portfolio manager may also face other potential conflicts of interest in managing a Portfolio, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist in managing both a Portfolio and the other accounts listed above. 

 

(a)(4): Portfolio Manager Securities Ownership

 

The table below identifies the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each portfolio managers as of April 30, 2007.

 

 

 

Dollar Range of

 

 

Portfolio Securities

Portfolio Manager(s)

 

Beneficially Owned

 

 

 

S. Kenneth Leech

 

A

Stephen A. Walsh

 

A

Michael Buchanan

 

A

Keith J. Gardner

 

A

Jeffrey Van Schaick

 

A

Detlev Schlichter

 

A

 

Dollar Range ownership is as follows:

 

A: none

B: $1 - $10,000

C: 10,001 - $50,000

D: $50,001 - $100,000

E: $100,001 - $500,000

 



 

 

 

F: $500,001 - $1 million

 

 

G: over $1 million

 

 

 

ITEM 9.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

 

 

 

 

 

None.

 

 

 

ITEM 10.

 

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 

 

 

 

 

Not applicable.

 

 

 

ITEM 11.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal half-year (the registrant’s second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 12.

 

EXHIBITS.

 

 

 

 

 

(a) (1) Code of Ethics attached hereto.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.CODE ETH

 

 

 

 

 

(a) (2)  Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.CERT

 

 

 

 

 

(b)  Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.

 

 

 

 

 

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, there unto duly authorized.

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ R. Jay Gerken

 

 

 

R. Jay Gerken

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of

 

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

July 6, 2007

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ R. Jay Gerken

 

 

 

R. Jay Gerken

 

 

Chief Executive Officer of

 

 

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

 

Date:

 

July 6, 2007

 

 

By:

 

/s/ Kaprel Ozsolak

 

 

 

Kaprel Ozsolak

 

 

Chief Financial Officer of

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc.

 

 

 

Date:

 

July 6, 2007