N-CSRS
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM N-CSR

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY

Investment Company Act file number: 811-22626

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

4265 San Felipe, 8th Floor

Houston, TX 77027

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

  With a Copy To:

Gregory A. Reid, Principal Executive Officer

Salient Midstream & MLP fund

4265 San Felipe, 8th Floor

Houston, TX 77027

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

George J. Zornada

K&L Gates LLP

State Street Financial Center

One Lincoln St.

Boston, MA 02111-2950

(617) 261-3231

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 993-4001

Date of fiscal year end: November 30

Date of reporting period: May 31, 2018

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

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to the Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.


Table of Contents
Item 1. Report to Stockholders.

The following is a copy of the report transmitted to shareholders of the Salient Midstream & MLP Fund (the “Fund”), pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”) (17 CFR 270.30e-1).


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

Shareholder Letter      1  
Schedule of Investments      6  
Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity      9  
Statement of Operations      10  
Statements of Changes in Net Assets      11  
Statement of Cash Flows      12  
Financial Highlights      13  
Notes to Financial Statements      14  
Supplemental Information      24  
Privacy Policy      29  


Table of Contents

LOGO

Shareholder Letter (Unaudited)

Dear Fellow Shareholders:1

We are pleased to provide the semi-annual report of the Salient Midstream & MLP Fund (the “Fund”) (NYSE: SMM) which contains updated data as of May 31, 2018.

As of May 31, 2018, the Fund had total gross assets of $264.1 million, net asset value of $11.16 per share and 17.7 million common shares outstanding. The Fund’s price per share was $10.10, which represents a 9.5% discount to its net asset value (“NAV”).2

The Fund’s investment allocation is shown in the pie chart below:

 

LOGO

For illustrative purposes only.

Source: Salient Capital Advisors, LLC (“Adviser”), May 31, 2018.

Figures are based on the Fund’s gross assets.

* General Partners that are structured as C-Corporations for US federal tax purposes.

 

 

1 Certain statements in this letter are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are those of the portfolio managers and the Fund as of the date of this letter. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. The Fund disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The value of the Fund will fluctuate with the value of the underlying securities. Historically, closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value.

2 Past performance is not indicative of future results. Current performance may be higher or lower than the data shown. The data shown are unaudited. Returns do not reflect the deduction of taxes that shareholders may have to pay on Fund distributions or upon the sale of Fund shares.

 

   1  


Table of Contents

The Fund’s Top 10 holdings are shown below, as of May 31, 2018:1

 

Company Name    Sector      % of Gross
Assets
 

EMG Utica I Offshore Co-Investment, L.P.

     MLP Affiliate        9.1

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     MLP Affiliate        8.1

Plains GP Holdings LP, Class A

     MLP Affiliate        6.5

Targa Resources Corp.

     Midstream Company        6.4

ONEOK, Inc.

     Midstream Company        5.5

Energy Transfer Partners LP

     MLP        5.0

SemGroup Corp., Class A

     Midstream Company        4.7

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.

     Other Energy & Infrastructure        4.5

Energy Transfer Equity LP

     MLP        4.1

Enbridge, Inc.

     Midstream Company        4.1
     

 

 

 

Total

        58.0
     

 

 

 

For illustrative purposes only.

Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk. Figures are based on the Fund’s gross assets.

Source: Salient Capital Advisors, LLC (“Adviser”), May 31, 2018.

During the first half of the fiscal year (December 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018), the Fund’s NAV and market price total return were 3.6% and 3.0%, respectively, compared to 5.7% for the Alerian MLP Index (AMZ), during the same period.2,3 Some of the top contributing investments held by the Fund during the first half of the fiscal year include ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE), Plains GP Holdings, L.P., Class A (NYSE: PAGP), and Energy Transfer Partners, L.P (NYSE: ETP). Top detractors to Fund performance include Macquarie Infrastructure Corp. (NYSE: MIC), Enbridge Energy Management, LLC. (NYSE: EEQ), and Enbridge, Inc. (NYSE: ENB).

Performance Snapshot

as of May 31, 2018 (unaudited)

 

Price Per Share      Fiscal YTD
Total Return*
    Since Inception*
(Annualized)
 

$11.16 (NAV)

       3.6     -1.8

$10.10 (Market Price)

       3.0     -3.4

Source: Salient Capital Advisors, LLC (“Adviser”), May 31, 2018.

For illustrative purposes only. All figures represent past performance and are not indicative of future results. No investment strategy can guarantee performance results.

* Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Returns reflect the deduction of all Fund expenses, including management fees, operating expenses, and other Fund expenses. Returns do not reflect the deduction of brokerage commissions or taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares. Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. Inception date of the Fund was May 25, 2012.

 

 

1 Fund shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. Data are based on total market value of Fund investments unless otherwise indicated. The data provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended for trading purposes.

2 Alerian, May 31, 2018. “Alerian MLP Index”, “Alerian MLP Total Return Index”, “AMZ” and “AMZX” are trademarks of Alerian and their use is granted under a license from Alerian. Past performance is not indicative of how the index will perform in the future. The index reflects the reinvestment of dividends and income and does not reflect deductions for fees, expenses, or taxes. The index is unmanaged and is not available for direct investment. Alerian MLP Index (AMZ) is a composite of some of the most prominent energy MLPs that provides investors with a comprehensive benchmark for this maturing asset class.

3 Past performance is not indicative of future results.

 

   2  


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Market Review

Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) got off to a good start in January 2018 with the Alerian MLP Index (AMZ) gaining 5.8% for the month.1 Performance was driven by many factors. First and foremost, the simple changing of the calendar appeared to transform a headwind into a tailwind. Given MLPs’ relative underperformance in 2017, the sector was a target-rich environment for investors to take losses and offset gains elsewhere in their portfolios. It appeared that MLP valuations were finally ready to catch up with what continued to be a quite bullish macro environment. Crude oil prices climbed to four-year highs while domestic crude oil production was nearing its all-time high of over 10.1 millions of barrels per day (mmb/d) set way back in November 1970.2,3 On the natural gas side, US dry gas production set a record of 73.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) in 2017 with the Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasting growth of 6.9 bcf/d in 2018.3 For midstream providers, increased throughput should go straight to the bottom line as the cost to ship that incremental barrel/cubic foot is negligible.4

Of course, just as it appeared to be safe to get back in the water, MLPs suffered one of their worst months in the history of the AMZ in February falling 9.7%, the 5th worst month ever.1 It was a perfect storm of negativity as extreme volatility in the broader market in late January/early February spilled over into the MLP space and investors flooded to the exits. In one sense, perhaps a pullback was warranted as the AMZ had rallied over 20% from the November 2017 low to the late January high.1 By and large, MLPs reported excellent 4Q17 results which made 2018 guidance look a little less impressive if you simply annualized 4Q numbers.2 Continued uncertainty over the timing and terms of the various simplification scenarios in the MLP space also weighed on the sector. The Tallgrass family (Tallgrass Energy Partners, L.P. (TEP) and Tallgrass Energy GP LP (TEGP)) announced its intention to merge at some point over the next several months and investors responded by selling both.5 TEP was down 17% while TEGP was down 16% in February.2 What we believe to be ultimately positive, transitioning of the MLP space to a self-funding model owned primarily by long-term institutional investors was never expected to be easy and March brought more heartburn.

MLPs, as represented by the AMZ, closed 6.9% down in March and -11.1% for 1Q18.2 The key driver of negative performance in March was the surprise announcement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on March 15th that MLPs would no longer be able to factor in an income tax provision when determining tariffs for pipelines that employ a cost-of-service tolling mechanism.6 For the overwhelming majority of MLPs, this was a non-issue. However, for certain MLPs that are largely comprised of legacy interstate natural gas pipelines: Dominion Midstream Partners, L.P. (DM), TC Pipelines, L.P. (TCP), and Spectra Energy Partners, L.P. (SEP) in particular, the impact was profound. Crude oil carrier Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. (EEP) was also impacted given that its Lakehead system operates on a cost-of-service tolling mechanism with a provision that automatically adjusts its tariff if there are changes to the allowable tax rate. We believe the lasting impact of the FERC ruling is that it likely accelerated the consolidation process which was already in motion to fold in MLPs with their general partners.

MLP investors licked their wounds and drove the benchmark Alerian MLP Index 8.1% higher in April.1 Buoyed by crude oil prices approaching $70/ barrel (bbl) for the first time since 2014 and continued record domestic production of all three major hydrocarbons: crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs), we saw investors flocking back into midstream/MLPs.2 While the macro picture has been favorable for the last nine months or so, we were encouraged by the strong 1Q18 earnings reports for MLPs and midstream companies, for most of the sector. Ironically, worries over potential pipeline takeaway capacity constraints in the Permian Basin could be one factor continuing to weigh on MLPs and midstream companies. However, what these worries have done is make it much easier to renew contracts on existing pipelines at much more favorable tariffs than what analysts were assuming just 3-6 months ago.

 

 

1 Alerian, May 2018. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) are publicly traded limited partnerships and limited liability companies that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes.

2 Bloomberg, May 2018.

3 EIA, May 2018. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is a principal agency of the U.S. Federal Statistical System responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating energy information.

4 Midstream The oil and gas industry is usually divided into three major components: upstream, midstream and downstream. The midstream sector involves the transportation (by pipeline, rail, barge, oil tanker or truck), storage, and wholesale marketing of crude oil or refined petroleum products.

5 Tallgrass Energy, March 2018.

6 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, March 2018. Salient Capital Advisors, LLC is not a tax advisor and as such cannot provide tax advice.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the United States federal agency that regulates the transmission and wholesale sale of electricity and natural gas in interstate commerce.

Tariffs The terms and conditions under which the service of a pipeline are offered or provided, including the tolls, the rules and regulations, and the practices relating to specific services.

Cost-of-service may be defined as the amount of revenue a regulated pipeline company must collect from rates charged consumers to recover the cost of doing business.

 

   3  


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MLPs logged another solid month of performance in May. As measured by the Alerian MLP Index, MLPs gained 5.05% for the month and have gained 5.7% for the first six months of the fiscal year vs. 3.2% for the S&P 500.1,2 With crude oil prices stabilizing in the high $60/bbl- low $70/bbl we have seen domestic production levels set new all-time highs of ~10.7 mmb/d for crude oil.2,3 Natural gas and natural gas liquids production levels are also at all-time highs.3 Simplification of corporate structures continues to be a trend in the midstream space as both Williams, Inc. (WMB) and Enbridge, Inc. (ENB) announced plans to absorb their underlying MLPs. The WMB corporate action was announced on its Analyst Day on May 17th.7 ENB’s move was announced on the same day and while the action itself was not unexpected, the timing was much earlier than analysts were modeling. ENB made an offer to acquire the outstanding shares of Enbridge Energy Partners, LP (EEP), Enbridge Energy Management LLC (EEQ), and Spectra Energy Partners, LP (SEP) with no premium to the respective tickers’ May 16th closing price.8 We believe these simplification transactions would likely have occurred at some point given the change in investor sentiment for traditional general partner (GP)/limited partner (LP) structures but the FERC ruling on March 15th simply accelerated the timing.9

We believe that investor trends favoring companies with better corporate governance, higher coverage ratios, and lower leverage is the new normal. As US production continues to increase, the inherent value in existing infrastructure should increase which could lead to multiple infrastructure expansion projects across the midstream space. Also, we believe that midstream operators have regained the “upper hand” if you will in negotiations with producers as it becomes apparent that we are not “over-piped” but likely could see bottlenecks over the next few months as production begins to outpace existing takeaway capacity.

We continue to believe in the resiliency of the North American midstream energy industry and appreciate your confidence in investing with us.

Summary

Our long-term investment philosophy remains focused on MLPs and Midstream Companies that have the potential to achieve above average distribution growth which, we believe, leads to potentially higher long-term returns for investors. Being disciplined and sticking to our focus on choosing quality names using our “bottom up” stock selection approach will be more important than ever going forward. We believe the industry will continue its recovery off the lows set in February 2016 and expect investor sentiment to once again favor growth as the sector appears to be entering into a new expansionary phase. We are excited about the potential for 2018 to bring opportunities to invest in what continues to be a rapidly evolving sector.

Please note that this letter, including the financial information herein, is made available to shareholders of the Fund for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this letter.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Reid

President

MLP Business, Salient Capital Advisors, LLC

 

 

7 Williams, May 2018.

8 Enbridge, May 2018.

9 General Partner A general partner is an owner of a partnership who has unlimited liability. Limited Partner A limited partner is a partner in a partnership whose liability is limited to the extent of the partner’s share of ownership.

 

   4  


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Key Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

We supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) with certain non-GAAP financial measures: distributable cash flow and distributable cash flow coverage ratio. We believe these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist shareholders in understanding our financial results and assessing our performance. We pay distributions to our shareholders, funded in part by distributable cash flow generated from our portfolio investments. Distributable cash flow is the amount of income received by us from our portfolio investments less operating expenses, subject to certain adjustments as described below. Other companies with similar measures may calculate these measures differently, and as a result, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies’ non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. These adjusted financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported net investment income. These non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way of viewing an aspect of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the below reconciliation to the corresponding GAAP financial measures, provide a more complete understanding of our Fund. We strongly encourage shareholders to review our financial statements in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

The table below reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures, distributable cash flow and distributable cash flow coverage ratio, by starting with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net investment income.

 

     Period Ended
May 31, 2018
 

Net investment loss

   $ (1,343,624

Reconciling items:

  

Return of capital of distributions(a)

     7,578,518  

Dividends paid in stock(b)

     583,841  

Option premium earnings(c)

     343,778  

Distributable cash flow (non-GAAP)

   $ 7,162,513  

Distributions paid on common stock

   $ 7,354,816  

Distributable cash flow coverage ratio (non-GAAP)

     0.97  

Reconciliation of distributable cash flow to GAAP

(a) GAAP recognizes that a significant portion of the cash distributions received from MLPs is characterized as a return of capital and therefore excluded from net investment income, whereas the distributable cash flow calculation includes the return of capital portion of such distributions.

(b) Distributable cash flow includes the value of dividends paid-in-kind (i.e., stock dividends), whereas such amounts are not included in net investment income for GAAP purposes during the period received, but rather are recorded as unrealized gains upon receipt.

(c) We may sell covered call option contracts to generate income or to reduce our ownership of certain securities that we hold. In some cases, we are able to repurchase these call option contracts at a price less than the fee that we received, thereby generating a profit. The amount we received from selling call options, less the amount that we pay to repurchase such call option contracts is included in distributable cash flow. For GAAP purposes, “income” from call option contracts sold is not included in net investment income. See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Practices for a full discussion of the GAAP treatment of option contracts.

 

   5  


Table of Contents

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

May 31, 2018

 

     Shares/Units      Fair Value  

Master Limited Partnerships and Related Companies—132.0%

 

  

Gathering & Processing—30.4%

     

United States—30.4%

     

American Midstream Partners LP(a)

     99,350      $ 1,048,142  

EMG Utica I Offshore Co-Investment, L.P.(a)(b)(c)(d)

     16,000,000          23,902,496  

Enable Midstream Partners LP(a)(e)

     363,227        6,007,775  

EnLink Midstream LLC(e)

     476,698        8,342,215  

Targa Resources Corp.(a)(e)

     344,128        16,734,945  

Western Gas Partners LP(a)(e)

     80,612        4,165,222  
     

 

 

 
        60,200,795  
     

 

 

 

Liquids Transportation & Storage—37.5%

     

Canada—10.4%

     

Enbridge, Inc.(e)

     344,212        10,694,667  

Inter Pipeline, Ltd.

     116,101        2,192,900  

TransCanada Corp.

     184,903        7,734,492  
     

 

 

 
        20,622,059  
     

 

 

 

United States—27.1%

     

Enbridge Energy Management LLC (PIK rate 3.70%)(e)(f)

     617,557        5,866,791  

Genesis Energy LP(a)(e)

     432,295        9,493,198  

MPLX LP(a)

     130,133        4,673,076  

NGL Energy Partners LP(a)

     405,790        4,341,953  

Plains GP Holdings LP, Class A(a)(g)

     692,196        17,007,256  

SemGroup Corp., Class A(e)

     484,877        12,267,388  
     

 

 

 
        53,649,662  
     

 

 

 

Marine Midstream—3.5%

     

Monaco—1.3%

     

GasLog Partners LP

     103,627        2,533,680  
     

 

 

 

Republic of the Marshall Islands—2.2%

     

Golar LNG Partners LP

     257,748        4,322,434  
     

 

 

 

Natural Gas Pipelines & Storage—47.9%

     

Canada—2.8%

     

Pembina Pipeline Corp.

     160,552        5,582,393  
     

 

 

 

United States—45.1%

     

DCP Midstream LP(a)

     69,569        2,915,637  

Energy Transfer Equity LP(a)(e)

     630,451        10,894,193  

Energy Transfer Partners LP(a)(e)

     690,648        13,115,406  

Enterprise Products Partners LP(a)(e)(g)

     313,967        9,073,646  

Kinder Morgan, Inc.

     471,809        7,869,774  

ONEOK, Inc.(e)

     211,323        14,403,776  

Tallgrass Energy GP LP(a)(e)

     440,695        9,479,349  

The Williams Companies, Inc.(e)(g)

     797,880        21,431,057  
     

 

 

 
        89,182,838  
     

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    6  


Table of Contents

Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

May 31, 2018

 

     Shares/Units      Fair Value  

Other Energy & Infrastructure—12.7%

     

United States—12.7%

     

Macquarie Infrastructure Corp.(e)

     306,273      $ 11,852,765  

NextEra Energy Partners LP(a)(e)

     151,019        6,789,814  

NRG Yield, Inc., Class A(a)(e)

     184,793        3,228,334  

NRG Yield, Inc., Class C(a)(e)

     182,198        3,188,465  
     

 

 

 
        25,059,378  
     

 

 

 

Total Master Limited Partnerships and Related Companies
(Cost $218,026,981)

        261,153,239  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments—132.0% (Cost $218,026,981)

        261,153,239  

Credit Facility—(32.7%)

        (64,589,219

Other Assets and Liabilities(h)—0.7%

        1,240,017  
     

 

 

 

Total Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders—100.0%

      $ 197,804,037  
     

 

 

 

 

All percentages disclosed are calculated by dividing the indicated amounts by net assets applicable to common shareholders.

(a) Non-income producing security.

(b) Securities determined to be illiquid under the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees and represent 12.1% of net assets applicable to common shareholders.

(c) Securities have been fair valued in good faith using fair value procedures approved by the Board of Trustees and represent 12.1% of net assets applicable to common shareholders. See Notes to Financial Statements for further information.

(d) EMG Utica I Offshore Co-Investment, L.P. is a restricted security exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. See footnote 2(g) in the Notes to Financial Statements for further information.

(e) All or a portion of these securities are held as collateral for the line of credit agreement. As of May 31, 2018, the total fair value of securities held as collateral for the line of credit agreement is $159,089,446.

(f) Distributions are paid-in-kind.

(g) All or a portion of these securities are held as collateral for the written call options. As of May 31, 2018, the total fair value of securities held as collateral for the written call options is $10,289,472.

(h) Includes cash which is being held as collateral for written options contracts.

Written Call Options:

 

Description    Counterparty      Exercise
Price
     Expiration
Date
     Number of
Contracts
     Notional
Value
     Fair Value     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Enterprise Products Partners

     Morgan Stanley      $ 28.00        06/15/2018        313      $ 904,570      $ (33,647   $ (15,271

Plains GP Holdings LP

     Morgan Stanley        26.00        06/15/2018        2,076        5,100,732        (20,760     37,523  

The Williams Companies, Inc.

     Morgan Stanley        28.50        06/15/2018        1,595        4,284,170        (3,988     28,251  
              

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
               $ 10,289,472      $ (58,395   $ 50,503  
              

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    7  


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Schedule of Investments (Unaudited)

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

May 31, 2018

 

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund invested in the following industries as of May 31, 2018:

 

     Value      % of
Total Investments
 

Gathering & Processing

   $ 60,200,795        23.1

Liquids Transportation & Storage

     74,271,721        28.4

Marine Midstream

     6,856,114        2.6

Natural Gas Pipelines & Storage

     94,765,231        36.3

Other Energy & Infrastructure

     25,059,378        9.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 261,153,239        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund invested in securities with exposure to the following countries as of May 31, 2018:

 

     Value      % of
Total Investments
 

Canada

   $ 26,204,452        10.0

Monaco

     2,533,680        1.0

Republic of the Marshall Islands

     4,322,434        1.7

United States

     228,092,673        87.3
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 261,153,239        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    8  


Table of Contents

Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

May 31, 2018

 

Assets:

  

Investments, at value (cost $218,026,981)

   $ 261,153,239  

Cash and cash equivalents

     2,615,645  

Deposit with broker for written options

     21  

Interest and dividends receivable

     295,473  

Prepaids and other assets

     12,401  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     264,076,779  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Credit Facility

     64,589,219  

Payable for investments purchased

     1,043,785  

Written options, at fair value (premiums received $108,898)

     58,395  

Payable to Advisor

     265,819  

Interest payable

     164,919  

Line of credit commitment fees payable

     7,703  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     142,902  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     66,272,742  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets applicable to common shareholders

   $ 197,804,037  
  

 

 

 

Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders:

  

Capital Stock, $0.01 par value; 17,722,449 shares issued and outstanding (unlimited shares authorized)

   $ 177,224  

Paid-in capital

     379,600,343  

Accumulated net investment loss

     (20,415,993

Accumulated net realized loss

     (204,734,298

Net unrealized appreciation

     43,176,761  
  

 

 

 

Net assets applicable to common shareholders

   $ 197,804,037  
  

 

 

 

Net Asset Value:

  

Net assets applicable to common shareholders

   $ 197,804,037  

Common shares outstanding

     17,722,449  

Net asset value per common share outstanding

   $ 11.16  

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    9  


Table of Contents

Statement of Operations (Unaudited)

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2018

 

Investment Income:

  

Distributions from master limited partnerships

   $ 3,728,085  

Less return of capital on distributions

     (3,728,085
  

 

 

 

Net distributions from master limited partnerships

     —    

Dividends from master limited partnership related companies

     5,661,152  

Less return of capital on dividends

     (3,850,433
  

 

 

 

Net dividends from master limited partnership related companies

     1,810,719  

Foreign taxes withheld

     (61,068
  

 

 

 

Total Investment Income

     1,749,651  
  

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

  

Investment management fees

     1,606,197  

Sub-advisory fees

     79,782  

Administration fees

     78,836  

Custodian fees

     8,745  

Interest expense

     958,758  

Commitment fees

     39,276  

Professional fees

     155,170  

Transfer agent fees

     8,171  

Compliance fees

     42,406  

Other expenses

     115,934  
  

 

 

 

Total Expenses

     3,093,275  
  

 

 

 

Net Investment Loss

     (1,343,624
  

 

 

 

Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss):

  

Net realized loss on investments

     (2,923,683

Net realized gain on written options

     343,778  

Net realized loss on foreign currency

     (4,535
  

 

 

 

Net realized loss

     (2,584,440
  

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on:

  

Investments

     10,001,110  

Written options

     40,720  
  

 

 

 

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments and written options

     10,041,830  
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain from investments and written options

     7,457,390  
  

 

 

 

Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations

   $ 6,113,766  
  

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    10  


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

 

     Six Months Ended
May 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
November 30, 2017
 

Operations:

    

Net investment income/(loss)

   $ (1,343,624   $ 31,626  

Net realized gain/(loss), net of income taxes

     (2,584,440     4,323,894  

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation, net of income taxes

     10,041,830       (42,631,149
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations

     6,113,766       (38,275,629
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions:

    

Net investment income

     —         —    

In excess of net investment income

     (7,354,816     —    

From return of capital

     —         (17,297,109
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total distributions to common shareholders

     (7,354,816     (17,297,109
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in net assets applicable to common shareholders

   $ (1,241,050   $ (55,572,738
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

    

Beginning of period

     199,045,087       254,617,825  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of period

   $ 197,804,037     $ 199,045,087  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated net investment loss

   $ (20,415,993   $ (11,717,553
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    11  


Table of Contents

Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

For the Six Months Ended May 31, 2018

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

   $ 6,113,766  

Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities

  

Purchase of investments

     (61,774,888

Proceeds from disposition of investments

     84,191,563  

Premiums from written options

     1,662,704  

Proceeds paid to cover written options

     (1,383,848

Premiums paid on exercised written options

     (60,166

Net realized gain on investments

     2,923,683  

Net realized gain on written options

     (343,778

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments

     (10,001,110

Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from written options

     (40,720

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

  

Deposit with broker for written options

     18,380  

Interest and dividends receivable

     228,920  

Prepaids and other assets

     (4,191

Interest payable

     22,066  

Payable to Advisor

     (7,196

Line of credit commitment fees payable

     (4,631

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (106,004
  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     21,434,550  
  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

  

Advances from credit facility

     1,500,000  

Repayments on credit facility

     (13,900,000

Distributions paid to common shareholders, net of reinvestments

     (7,354,816
  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (19,754,816
  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     1,679,734  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     935,911  
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 2,615,645  
  

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of cash activity:

  

Cash paid for interest during the period

   $ 793,839  

Cash paid for line of credit commitment fees during the period

     31,573  

Supplemental schedule of non-cash activity:

  

Distributions received in kind

     583,841  

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    12  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

 

    Six Months Ended
May 31, 2018
(Unaudited)
    Year Ended
November 30,
2017
    Year Ended
November 30,
2016(1)
    Year Ended
November 30,
2015(1)
    Year Ended
November 30,
2014(1)
    Year Ended
November 30,
2013(1)
 

Per Common Share Data:(2)

           

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

  $ 11.23     $ 14.37     $ 14.23     $ 27.80     $ 24.29     $ 19.40  

Income/(loss) from operations:

           

Net investment income/(loss)(3)

    (0.08     0.00 (4)      0.11       0.09       (0.19     (0.11

Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) from investments

    0.43       (2.16     1.17       (11.99     5.15       6.37  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) resulting from operations

    0.35       (2.16     1.28       (11.90     4.96       6.26  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions paid from:

           

Net investment income

    —         —         (0.11     (0.09     —         —    

In excess of net investment income

    (0.42     —         (1.00     (1.28     (1.14     (0.86

Net realized gains

    —         —         —         (0.20     —         —    

Return of capital

    —         (0.98     (0.03     (0.10     (0.31     (0.51
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Asset Value, end of period

  $ 11.16     $ 11.23     $ 14.37     $ 14.23     $ 27.80     $ 24.29  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Per common share market value, end of period

  $ 10.10     $ 10.22     $ 13.40     $ 12.82     $ 26.20     $ 22.78  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investment return based on market value(5)(6)

    2.99     (17.08 )%      16.97     (46.45 )%      21.30     23.79
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ratios to Average Net Assets:(7)

           

Net investment income/(loss)

    (1.36 )%      0.01     1.01     0.41     (0.66 )%      (0.47 )% 

Gross operating expenses (including tax expense/benefit)

    3.13     2.40     2.34     (1.90 )%      3.34     5.44

Net operating expenses (including tax expense/benefit)

    3.13     2.40     2.34     (1.90 )%      3.21 %(8)      5.14 %(8) 

Net operating expenses (excluding tax benefit/expense)

    3.13     2.87     3.09     2.72     2.44 %(8)      2.25 %(8) 

Supplemental Data:

           

Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of period (in 000s)

  $ 197,804     $ 199,045     $ 254,618     $ 252,157     $ 492,670     $ 230,757  

Average net assets (000s)

  $ 198,120     $ 236,834     $ 201,307     $ 396,335     $ 280,809     $ 214,892  

Portfolio turnover(6)

    23.59     23.72     93.44     28.64     46.39 %(9)      74.87

Asset coverage per $1,000 unit of senior indebtedness(10)

  $ 4,062     $ 3,585     $ 3,817     $ 3,284     $ 3,354     $ 3,187  

Short-term borrowings, end of period (000s)

  $ 64,589     $ 76,989     $ 90,389     $ 110,400     $ 209,300     $ 105,500  

 

(1) At and prior to November 30, 2016, Salient Midstream & MLP Fund presented information on a consolidated basis. See Note 1 for additional information.

(2) Information presented relates to a common share outstanding for periods indicated.

(3) Per share net investment income/(loss) has been calculated using the average daily shares method.

(4) Amount represents less than $0.01 per share.

(5) Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common shares at the current market price on the first day of the period and a sale at the closing market price on the last day of the period reported (excluding brokerage commissions). Dividends and distributions are assumed for the purpose of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the DRIP.

(6) Not annualized for periods less than one year.

(7) Annualized for periods less than one year.

(8) The amount includes an investment adviser waiver representing 0.13% and 0.30% for the periods ended November 30, 2014 and November 30, 2013, respectively, to the expense ratios. Without this waiver, the expense ratios would be higher.

(9) In connection with the reorganization of Salient MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund into Salient Midstream & MLP Fund, no purchases or sales occurred in an effort to realign the combined fund’s portfolio after the merger, and therefore none have been excluded from the portfolio turnover calculation. The value of investments acquired in the reorganization, which has been excluded from purchases in the portfolio turnover calculation, is $337,519,725.

(10) Calculated by subtracting the Fund’s total liabilities (not including borrowings) from the Fund’s total assets and dividing by the total number of senior indebtedness units, where one unit equals $1,000 of senior indebtedness.

 

See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.    13  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

(1) ORGANIZATION

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund (the “Fund”), a Delaware statutory trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), commenced operations on May 24, 2012 as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of common shares of beneficial interest (“Common Shares”), which may be issued in more than one class or series. The Fund’s Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “SMM”.

The Fund’s objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on making quarterly cash distributions to its common shareholders. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities of midstream companies and master limited partnerships (“MLPs”).

The board of trustees of the Fund (each member thereof a “Trustee” and collectively, the “Board”) is authorized to engage an investment advisor, and pursuant to an investment management agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”), it has selected Salient Capital Advisors, LLC (the “Advisor”) to manage the Fund’s portfolio and operations. The Advisor is a Texas limited liability company that is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, as amended. Under the Investment Management Agreement, the Advisor is responsible for the establishment of an investment committee (the “Investment Committee”), which is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising the Fund’s investment program subject to the ultimate supervision of the Board.

Under the Fund’s organizational documents, the Fund’s Trustees and officers are indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties with respect to the Fund. In addition, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with vendors and others that provide general indemnification. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve any future potential claims that may be made against the Fund. However, based on experience, management expects that risk of loss to be remote.

Prior to September 30, 2016, the Fund invested up to 25% of its total assets in Salient Midstream & MLP Fund, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary (the “C-Corp Subsidiary”). The C-Corp Subsidiary, which was organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, was controlled by the Fund, and was therefore consolidated in the Fund’s financial statements until the C-Corp Subsidiary’s liquidation on September 30, 2016. The Fund invested in the C-Corp Subsidiary in order to gain additional exposure to the investment returns of the MLP markets, within the limitations of the federal tax law requirements applicable to regulated investment companies (“RIC”). In December 2015, the Advisor recommended, and the Board approved, a plan of liquidation of the C-Corp

Subsidiary (the “Plan”). As of January 21, 2016, all investments held by the C-Corp Subsidiary were sold and none were transferred to the Fund. Pursuant to the Plan, the C-Corp Subsidiary ceased operations and simultaneously transferred its other assets and liabilities to the Fund. The liquidation of the C-Corp Subsidiary was completed on September 30, 2016. Where the context requires for reporting of years prior to the liquidation, the “Fund” includes both the Fund and the C-Corp Subsidiary.

The Fund owns 100% of the limited partnership interests of EMG Utica I Offshore Co-Investment, L.P. (“EMG Utica”). EMG Utica holds a non-controlling underlying interest in Mark West Utica EMG, L.L.C., which is a joint venture between Mark West Energy Partners, L.P. (“Mark West”) and The Energy and Minerals Group (“EMG”). Mark West is owned by MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX), which is a U.S. domiciled publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates, develops, and acquires midstream energy infrastructure assets. EMG is a private investment firm that targets equity investments in the energy and minerals sector. EMG Utica is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) as it is a partnership and the Fund, as the limited partner, lacks substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights, as these reside with EMG Utica Co-Investment GP, LLC, the general partner for EMG Utica. Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810, “Consolidation”, prior to the adoption of ASC update 2015-02, management believed the Fund was the primary beneficiary as it owned 100% of EMG Utica and had the right to receive the economic benefit from the investment, and therefore consolidated EMG Utica in the Fund’s financial statements for the years ended November 30, 2016 and 2015. Under ASC Update 2015-02, which the Fund has adopted effective the year ended November 30, 2017, consolidation of a VIE’s financial statements would occur if a limited partner has the power to direct the activities and the right to receive the benefits from the entity considered for consolidation. As the Fund lacks the ability to control the activities of EMG Utica and does not have kick-out rights under its partnership agreement, EMG Utica is no longer consolidated within the Fund’s financial statements, effective the year ended November 30, 2017.

(2) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES

(a) BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying financial statements reflect the financial position of the Fund. The Fund is an investment company and follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance under FASB ASC Topic 946, “Financial Services-Investment Companies”.

 

 

   14  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

(b) CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Fund considers all unpledged temporary cash investments with a maturity date at the time of purchase of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(c) PORTFOLIO SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Realized gains and losses are reported using the specific identification cost basis.

(d) INVESTMENT VALUATION

The valuation of the Fund’s investments is determined each day based on the most recent close of regular session trading on the NYSE and reported by ALPS Fund Services, Inc., the Fund’s independent administrator (the “Administrator” or “ALPS”).

The Board has formed a valuation committee (the “Board Valuation Committee”) that is responsible for overseeing the Fund’s valuation policies, making recommendations to the Board on valuation-related matters, and overseeing implementation by the Advisor of the Fund’s valuation policies.

The Board has authorized the Advisor to establish a valuation committee of the Advisor (the “Advisor Valuation Committee”). The Advisor Valuation Committee’s function, subject to oversight of the Board Valuation Committee and the Board, is generally to review the Fund’s valuation methodologies, valuation determinations, and any information provided to the Advisor Valuation Committee by the Advisor or the Administrator.

To the extent that the price of a security cannot be determined applying the methods described below, the Advisor Valuation Committee in conjunction with the Administrator will determine the price of the security pursuant to the fair value procedures approved by the Board.

Investments held by the Fund are valued as follows:

 

    SECURITIES LISTED ON A SECURITIES EXCHANGE OR OVER-THE-COUNTER EXCHANGES—In general, the Fund values those securities at their last sales price on the exchange or over-the-counter market or a market’s official closing price on the valuation date. If the security is listed on more than one exchange, the Fund uses the price from the exchange that it considers to be the principal exchange on which the security is traded. If there have been no sales for that day on the exchange where the security is principally traded, then the price of the security will be valued at the mean between the closing “bid” and “ask” prices on the valuation date.
    PUBLICLY-TRADED EQUITY SECURITIES ACQUIRED IN A DIRECT PLACEMENT TRANSACTION—Such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale that can affect the security’s liquidity and fair value. Such securities that are convertible or otherwise will become freely tradable will be valued based on the market value of the freely tradable security less an applicable restriction discount. Generally, the discount will initially be equal to the discount at which the Fund purchased the securities and thereafter will be periodically reassessed and likely reduced over the anticipated restricted period.

 

    DERIVATIVES—Exchange traded futures contracts are valued using quoted final settlement prices from the national exchange on which they are principally traded. If no such price is reported by such exchange on the valuation date, the Advisor Valuation Committee will determine the fair value in good faith using information that is available at such time.

Options that are listed on a securities exchange are generally valued on the valuation date at the mean of the closing bid and ask prices of the posted market on the exchange on which they are listed. If on the valuation date the primary exchange is closed, the prior day price will be used. If no such price is reported, the fair value of such options will be determined in good faith using industry standard pricing models utilizing publicly available input information on the valuation date.

Options traded on an over-the-counter market are generally valued using the mean of the closing bid and ask prices provided by an independent pricing service. If a quotation is not available from the independent pricing service, the price is obtained from a broker (typically counterparty to the option) on the valuation date. If no such price is available on the valuation date, the Advisor Valuation Committee in conjunction with the Administrator will determine the fair value of such options in good faith using information that is available at such time.

Non exchange-traded derivatives, such as swap agreements, are valued based on procedures approved by the Board. Credit default swaps and total return swaps are generally fair valued using evaluated quotes provided by an independent pricing service. If a quotation is not available from the independent pricing service, the price is obtained from a broker (typically the counterparty to the swap agreement) on the valuation date.

 

   

SECURITIES NOT ACTIVELY TRADED—The value of securities, derivatives or synthetic securities that are not actively traded on an exchange are determined by obtaining quotes from brokers that normally deal in such securities or

 

 

   15  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

    by an unaffiliated pricing service that may use actual trade data or procedures using market indices, matrices, yield curves, specific trading characteristics of certain groups of securities, pricing models or a combination of these procedures. Securities for which independent pricing services are not available are valued pursuant to the valuation procedures approved by the Board.

 

    INVESTMENT FUNDS—Investments in investment limited partnerships and shares in unregistered investment funds (“Investment Funds”) for which a market value is not available will generally be valued using the partners’ capital or net asset value (the “NAV”) as a practical expedient, as reported by the Investment Fund managers or the administrators of such Investment Funds. These Investment Funds value their underlying investments in accordance with policies established by such Investment Funds. Prior to investing in any Investment Fund, the Adviser Valuation Committee, as part of the due diligence process, conducts a review of the valuation methodologies employed by the Investment Fund to determine whether such methods are appropriate for the asset types. The Adviser Valuation Committee will consider whether it is appropriate, in light of the relevant circumstances, to value shares at NAV as reported by an Investment Fund for valuation purposes, or whether to adjust such reported value to reflect an adjusted fair value. Because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, fair value may differ significantly from the value that would have been used had readily available markets for the investments in Investment Funds existed. The Fund’s investments in Investment Funds are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective operating agreements and offering memoranda of such Investment Funds.

 

    OTHER—Investments in private placement securities and other securities for which market quotations are not readily available will be valued in good faith by using fair value procedures approved by the Board. Such fair value procedures may consider among other factors discounts to publicly traded issues, time until conversion date, securities with similar yields, quality, type of issue, coupon, duration and rating, and an analysis of the issuer’s financial statements and reports. Valuation techniques such as the market approach and/or income approach may be used when sufficient and reliable data is available. If events occur that affect the value of the Fund’s securities before the NAV has been calculated, the securities so affected will generally be priced using fair value procedures.

(e) FOREIGN CURRENCY

The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts and investments denominated in a foreign currency, if any, are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at current exchange rates on the valuation date. Purchases and sales of investments denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts at the exchange rate on the respective dates of such transactions. The Fund does not isolate the portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gains on investments.

(f) MASTER LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS

Entities commonly referred to as MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies. The Fund invests in MLPs receiving partnership taxation treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and whose interests or “units” are traded on securities exchanges like shares of corporate stock. To be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an MLP whose units are traded on a securities exchange must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources such as interest, dividends, real property rents, gains on dispositions of real property, income and gains from mineral or natural resources activities, income and gains from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, and, in certain circumstances, income and gains from commodities or futures, forwards and options on commodities. Mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, processing, mining, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines) of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber or industrial source carbon dioxide. An MLP consists of a general partner and limited partners (or in the case of MLPs organized as limited liability companies, a managing member and members).

The general partner or managing member typically controls the operations and management of the MLP and has an ownership stake in the partnership or limited liability company. The limited partners or members, through their ownership of limited partner or member interests, provide capital to the entity, are intended to have no role in the operation and management of the entity and receive cash distributions. The Fund’s investments in MLPs consist only of limited partner or member interest ownership. The MLPs themselves generally do not pay U.S. federal income taxes. Thus, unlike investors in corporate securities, direct MLP investors are generally not subject to double taxation (i.e., corporate level tax and tax on corporate dividends). Currently, most MLPs operate in the energy and/or natural resources sector.

 

 

   16  


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

(g) RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES

The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities of which up to 10% may be in securities of privately held companies. A restricted security is a security which has been purchased through a private offering and cannot be resold to the general public without prior registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “1933 Act”) or pursuant to the resale limitations provided by

Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act. Illiquid securities are securities that cannot be sold or disposed of within a reasonable amount of time in the ordinary course of business. Certain restricted securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers, and may be deemed liquid by the Advisor based on procedures approved by the Board. Therefore, not all restricted securities are considered illiquid.

 

 

The restricted securities held at May 31, 2018 are identified below and are also presented in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments.

 

Security

  

% of Net
Assets

   

Acquisition
Date

    

Shares/Units

    

Cost

    

Fair Value

 

EMG Utica I Offshore Co-Investment, L.P.*

     12.1     2/22/2013        16,000,000      $ 16,000,000      $ 23,902,496  
  

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Restricted Securities

     12.1         $ 16,000,000      $ 23,902,496  
  

 

 

         

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

* EMG Utica has been deemed illiquid by the Advisor based on procedures approved by the Board.

 

(h) INVESTMENT INCOME

Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributions received from the Fund’s investments in MLPs generally are composed of ordinary income, capital gains and return of capital from the MLPs.

(i) USE OF ESTIMATES

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and such differences may be significant.

(j) DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Fund may invest in derivatives in order to meet its investment objectives. The risk in using derivatives varies depending upon the structure of the instruments. All open derivative positions at period end, if any, are presented in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. The following is a description of the derivative instruments that the Fund has utilized as part of its investment strategy, including the primary underlying risk exposures related to each instrument type.

OPTIONS—The Fund may write equity call options with the purpose of generating realized gains from premiums as a means to enhance distributions to the Fund’s common shareholders. Options are secured by investments, as detailed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. A call option on a security is a contract that gives the holder of such call option

the right to buy the security underlying the call option from the writer of such call option at a specified price at any time during the term of the option. At the time the call option is sold, the writer of a call option receives a premium from the buyer of such call option. If the Fund writes a call option, it will have the obligation upon exercise of such call option to deliver the underlying security upon payment of the exercise price. As the writer of a covered call option, during the option’s life, the Fund gives up the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium and the strike price of the call, but the Fund retains the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline.

FUTURES CONTRACTS—The Fund may invest in futures contracts as a part of its hedging strategy to manage exposure to interest rate, equity and market price movements, and commodity prices. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date. The underlying asset is not physically delivered. Futures contracts are valued at their quoted daily settlement prices. Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to segregate liquid assets in accordance with the initial margin requirements of the clearinghouse to secure the Fund’s performance. The clearinghouse also requires daily settlement of variation margin representing changes in the value of each contract. Fluctuations in the value of the contracts are recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until the contracts are closed, when they are recorded as net realized gain (loss) on futures contracts. The primary risks associated with the use of futures contracts are imperfect correlation between changes in fair values of the underlying assets and the prices of futures contracts, and the possibility of an illiquid market. Counterparty risk involving futures is mitigated because a regulated clearinghouse is the counterparty.

 

 

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SWAP AGREEMENTS—The Fund may invest in swap agreements, including credit default and total return swap agreements, in connection with its hedging strategy to manage market risks.

A total return swap is a bilateral financial contract agreement where one party (the payer) agrees to pay the other (the receiver) the total return on a specified asset or index in exchange for a fixed or floating rate of return. A total return swap allows the receiver or payer to derive the economic benefit of owning or having short exposure to an asset without owning or shorting the underlying asset directly. The receiver is entitled to the amount, if any, by which the notional amount of the total return swap would have increased in value had it been invested in the particular instruments, plus an amount equal to any dividends or interest that would have been received on those instruments. In return, the payer is entitled to an amount equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest (e.g., a LIBOR based rate) on the notional amount of the swap plus the amount, if any, by which the notional amount would have decreased in value had it been invested in such instruments, less any dividends or interest. The amounts to which each party is entitled are normally netted against each other at periodic settlement dates, resulting in a single amount that is either due to or from each party.

A credit default swap gives one party (the buyer) the right to recoup the economic value of a decline in the value of debt securities of the reference issuer if a credit event (a downgrade, bankruptcy or default) occurs. This value is obtained by delivering a debt security of the reference issuer to the party in return for a previously agreed upon payment from the other party (frequently, the par value of the debt security) or receive a net amount equal to the par value of the defaulted reference entity less its recovery value. The Fund is usually a net buyer of credit default swap.

The Fund as a buyer of a credit default swap would have the right to deliver a referenced debt obligation and receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of such debt obligation from the counterparty in the event of a default or other credit event by the reference issuer with respect to its debt obligations. In return, the Fund would pay the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the agreement provided that no event of default or other credit event has occurred. If no default or other credit event occurs, the counterparty would keep the stream of payments and would have no further obligations to the Fund.

In addition to being exposed to the credit risk of the underlying reference entity, swap agreements are subject to counterparty risk, market risk and interest rate risk. Swap agreements utilized by the Fund may not perform as expected. Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to perform under the agreement. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the market value and premium amounts recorded. The Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap agreement in evaluating potential credit risk, and will not enter into any swap agreement unless the Advisor

believes the counterparty to the transaction is creditworthy. Additionally, risks may arise from the unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying reference assets. The Fund may use various techniques to minimize credit risk including early termination or reset and payment. Collateral, in the form of cash, is held in broker segregated accounts for swap agreements.

The following is a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments held directly by the Fund as of May 31, 2018, and where such derivatives are recorded:

 

     Liabilities  
     Written
Options, at
Fair Value
 

Equity Risk Exposure:

  

Written Call Options

   $ 58,395  

The following is a summary of the effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the period ended May 31, 2018:

 

     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
on Derivatives
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation
on Derivatives
 

Equity Risk Exposure:

     

Written Call Options

   $ 343,778      $ 40,720  

As described above, the Fund utilized derivative instruments to achieve its investment objective during the period ended May 31, 2018. The Fund may enter into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreements with its derivative contract counterparties whereby the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. There were no derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements or other similar agreements as of May 31, 2018.

The following is a summary of the average monthly notional value of written options during the period ended May 31, 2018:

 

     Average Monthly
Notional Value
     Notional Value
Outstanding at
May 31, 2018
 

Written Call Options

   $ 15,107,415      $ 10,289,472  

(k) DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS

The Fund intends to continue to comply with the requirements under Subchapter M of the Code in order to continue to qualify as a RIC. If so

 

 

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May 31, 2018

 

qualified, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax to the extent it distributes substantially all of its net investment income and net capital gains to its shareholders.

The Fund generally makes quarterly distributions to shareholders. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed annually. Distributions from net realized gains may include short-term capital gains. All net short term capital gains are included in ordinary income for tax purposes. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Fund may also pay, at the end of the calendar year, a special distribution to comply with requirements under the Code.

Each shareholder will automatically be a participant under the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “DRIP”) and have all income distributions and capital gains distributions automatically reinvested in Shares, unless a shareholder otherwise elects to receive distributions in cash. Generally, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, shareholders receiving Shares under the DRIP will be treated as having received a distribution equal to the amount of cash they would have received had the shareholder not participated in the DRIP.

The character of distributions made during the period from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes.

The amount of distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP. These “book/tax” differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature (e.g., return of capital and differing treatment on partnership investments), such amounts are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences (e.g., wash sales, differing treatment on partnership investments, late year ordinary loss deferrals and capital loss carryforwards) do not require a reclassification. Distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized gains for financial reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as distributions in excess of net investment income or net realized gains. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized gains for tax purposes, they are reported as return of capital.

(l) CFTC REGULATION

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) adopted rules to harmonize conflicting United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and CFTC disclosure, reporting and recordkeeping requirements for registered investment companies that do not meet an exemption from the definition of commodity pool. The harmonization rules provide that the CFTC will accept the SEC’s disclosure, reporting, and recordkeeping regime as substituted compliance for substantially all of the otherwise applicable CFTC regulations as long as such investment companies meet the applicable SEC requirements.

With respect to the Fund, the Advisor has claimed an exemption from the definition of the term “commodity pool operator” under CFTC Regulation 4.5 of the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”). As such, the Fund is not currently subject to registration or regulation as a commodity pool under the CEA.

(m) RETURN OF CAPITAL ESTIMATES

Distributions received from the Fund’s investments in MLPs generally are composed of income, capital gains and return of capital. The Fund records investment income and return of capital based on estimates made at the time such distributions are received. Such estimates are based on historical information available from each MLP and other industry sources. These estimates may subsequently be revised based on information received from MLPs after their tax reporting periods are concluded.

For the period ended May 31, 2018, the Fund estimated that approximately 100% of the MLP distributions received would be treated as a return of capital. The Fund recorded as return of capital the amount of $7,578,518 of dividends and distributions received from its investments. Net realized gain was increased by $5,898,501 and change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation was increased by $1,680,017 in the accompanying Statement of Operations, attributable to the recording of such dividends and distributions as a reduction in the cost basis of investments.

(3) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Fund defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions.

The valuation techniques employed by the Fund, as described below, maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs in determining fair value. The inputs used to determine the fair value of the Fund’s investments are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

 

    Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

 

    Level 2—investments with other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)

 

    Level 3—investments with significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) that are developed based on the best information available
 

 

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May 31, 2018

 

Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an assigned level within the disclosure hierarchy. The Fund discloses transfers between levels based on valuations at the end of the reporting period. The inputs or methodology used for valuing investments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those investments.

Other assets and securities, which are generally not exchange-traded, or for which market quotations are not readily available, or are deemed unreliable are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Advisor Valuation Committee. Fair value pricing may be used for significant events such as securities for which trading has been suspended, prices have become stale or for which there is no currently available price at the close of the NYSE. When observable prices are not available, the Advisor Valuation Committee may use one or more valuation techniques such as the market approach, the income approach, or internal pricing models for which sufficient and reliable data is available. The market approach generally consists of using comparable market data and transactions. The income approach generally consists of estimating future cash flows from an investment to determine the net present value. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

Depending on the source and relative significance of valuation inputs, these investments may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Fund establishes valuation processes and procedures to ensure that the valuation techniques for investments that are categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are fair, consistent, and appropriate. The Advisor is responsible for developing the Fund’s written valuation processes and procedures, conducting periodic reviews of the valuation policies, and evaluating the overall fairness and consistent application of the valuation policies. The Board Valuation Committee has authorized the Advisor to oversee the implementation of the Board approved valuation procedures by the Administrator. The Advisor Valuation Committee is comprised of various Fund personnel, which include members from the Fund’s portfolio management and operations groups. The Advisor Valuation Committee meets monthly or as needed, to determine the valuations of the Fund’s Level 3 investments. Fund valuations are required to be supported by market data, industry accepted third-party valuation models, or other methods the Advisor Valuation Committee deems to be appropriate, including the use of internal proprietary valuation models.

 

 

The following is a summary categorization of the Fund’s investments based upon the three levels defined above as of May 31, 2018. The breakdown by category of equity securities is disclosed in the Schedule of Investments.

 

     Level 1     Level 2      Level 3      Investments
Valued at
NAV as a
Practical
Expedient*
     Total  
     Investment
Securities
     Other
Financial
Instruments^
    Investment
Securities
     Investment
Securities
     Investment
Securities
     Investment
Securities
     Other
Financial
Instruments^
 

Master Limited Partnerships and Related Companies

 

Gathering & Processing

   $ 36,298,299      $ —       $ —        $ —        $ 23,902,496      $ 60,200,795      $ —    

Other

     200,952,444        —         —          —          —          200,952,444        —    

Written Options

     —          (58,395     —          —          —          —          (58,395
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 237,250,743      $ (58,395   $ —        $ —        $ 23,902,496      $ 261,153,239      $ (58,395
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

^ Other financial instruments include any derivative instruments not reflected in the Schedule of Investments as investment securities, such as written call options. These investments are generally presented in the Schedule of Investments at the unrealized gain or loss on the investment.

* In accordance with ASC Subtopic 820-10, certain investments that are measured at fair value using the NAV (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliations of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity.

 

There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3 for the period ended May 31, 2018.

(4) CREDIT FACILITY

The Fund maintains a line of credit agreement (the “Agreement”) with Bank of Nova Scotia (“BNS”) which provides a $160,000,000

committed lending facility. Borrowings under the Agreement are secured by investments, as detailed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. The Agreement provides for a commitment fee of 0.10% per annum on undrawn amounts above a certain threshold plus interest accruing on outstanding borrowed amounts at the one month LIBOR plus 0.95% per annum. The average principal balance and weighted average interest rate for the period ended May 31, 2018, was

 

 

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Notes to Financial Statements, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

approximately $71,352,955 and 2.67%, respectively. At May 31, 2018, the principal balance outstanding was $64,589,219 at an interest rate of 2.95%.

(5) FEDERAL INCOME TAXES

The Fund intends to continue to comply with the requirements of the Code applicable to RICs and to distribute all of its taxable income to

shareholders. Also, in order to avoid the payment of any federal excise taxes, the Fund will distribute substantially all of its net investment income and net realized gains on a calendar year basis.

 

 

The tax character of dividends paid to shareholders during the tax year ended in 2017 was as follows:

 

Ordinary
Income

 

Net Long Term
Capital Gains

 

Total Taxable
Distributions

 

Tax Return of
Capital

 

Total
Distributions
Paid

$—     $—     $—     $17,297,109   $17,297,109

 

The following information is provided on a tax basis as of May 31, 2018:

 

Cost of investments and written options

   $ 214,834,612  
  

 

 

 

Gross unrealized appreciation

     67,532,452  

Gross unrealized depreciation

     (21,163,322
  

 

 

 

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     46,369,130  

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) are primarily due to differences in the timing of recognition of gains and losses on partnership investments and wash sales for tax and book purposes.

As a result of the liquidation of the C-Corp Subsidiary, the Fund is entitled to the remaining net capital loss carryforwards (“CLCFs”) from the C-Corp Subsidiary. At November 30, 2017, the Fund has available for tax purposes unused CLCFs from the C-Corp Subsidiary as follows:

 

Expiring

  

Short-Term

 

11/30/2018

   $ 9,864,542  
  

 

 

 
   $ 9,864,542  
  

 

 

 

As of the end of the tax year ended November 30, 2017, the Fund also has available for tax purposes unused CLCFs as follows:

 

Short-Term     Long-Term  
$ 121,629,155     $ 63,208,585  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CLCFs as of November 30, 2017 have been updated to reflect actual income sources reported by the Fund’s underlying partnerships held after their tax reporting periods concluded. Under current tax law, capital losses and specified ordinary losses realized after October 31st and non-specified ordinary losses incurred after December 31st (ordinary losses collectively known as “qualified late year ordinary loss”) may be

deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year.

(6) INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS

For the period ended May 31, 2018, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were $62,818,673 and $74,938,679, respectively.

(7) SERVICE PROVIDERS

ALPS serves as administrator to the Fund. Under the administration agreement, ALPS is responsible for administrative, accounting and recordkeeping services of the Fund.

Citibank, N.A. serves as the Fund’s custodian.

Computershare, Inc. serves as the transfer agent, DRIP Plan Administrator agent and dividend paying agent for the Fund.

(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE

In consideration of the advisory and other services provided by the Advisor, under the terms of the Investment Management Agreement between the Advisor and the Fund, the Fund pays the Advisor a management fee at an annualized rate, based on the average monthly net assets (excluding any liabilities related to borrowings and taxes) of the Fund of 1.20%. The fee is accrued daily and payable monthly.

In connection with the investment in EMG Utica, the Fund pays a management fee (the “Sub-advisory fee”) to EMG MUH, LP, an affiliate of EMG Utica, calculated at 1.0% annually of the contributed capital. The fee is payable quarterly in advance.

 

 

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May 31, 2018

 

Also in connection with the investment in EMG Utica, the Fund is entitled to distributions in accordance with the terms of the limited partnership agreement. The terms of the limited partnership agreement allow for a portion of certain distributions to be paid to EMG MUH, LP as “carried interest” and represents a share of the profits.

(9) RISK CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary of certain common principal risk factors is not meant to be comprehensive of all the Fund’s risks.

(a) GENERAL MARKET RISK

An investment in the Fund’s common shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, some of which will be traded on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of the securities in which the Fund invests, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The value of the securities in which the Fund invests may affect the value of the Fund’s common shares. An investment in the Fund’s common shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of the Fund’s distributions.

(b) CONCENTRATION RISK

The Fund’s investment portfolio is concentrated in MLPs and midstream companies. The focus of the portfolio on a specific industry or industries within the midstream sector may present more risks than if the portfolio was broadly diversified over numerous sectors of the economy. A downturn in one or more industries within the midstream sector would have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate solely in MLPs and midstream companies. To the extent that the Fund invests a relatively high percentage of the Fund’s assets in the obligations of a limited number of issuers, the Fund may be more susceptible than more widely diversified investment companies to any single economic, political or regulatory occurrence.

(c) LEVERAGE RISK

Financial leverage represents the leveraging of the Fund’s investment portfolio. The use of leverage can amplify losses. Unless the income and capital appreciation, if any, on securities acquired with the proceeds from financial leverage exceed the costs of such financial leverage, the use of leverage could cause the Fund’s NAV to decline. When financial leverage is used, the NAV and market value of the Fund’s common shares will be more volatile. There is no assurance that the Fund’s use of financial leverage will be successful.

(d) DERIVATIVES RISK

The Fund may purchase and sell derivative instruments (including, but not limited to, options, futures contracts and swap agreements). The use of derivatives has risks, including high price volatility, government intervention, non-performance by the counterparty, the imperfect correlation between the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of the other party to the transaction and the illiquidity of the derivative investments. Furthermore, the ability to successfully use these techniques depends on the Advisor’s ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The use of derivatives may result in losses greater than if they had not been used, ma require the Fund to sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment or may cause the Fund to hold a security that the Fund might otherwise sell. In addition, amounts paid by the Fund as premiums and cash or other assets held in margin accounts with respect to derivative transactions are not otherwise available to the Fund for investment purposes.

(e) COUNTERPARTY RISK

The Fund will be subject to the risk of the inability of counterparties to perform with respect to transactions, whether due to a contract dispute, insolvency, liquidity or other causes, which could subject the Fund to substantial losses. This risk increases and becomes more concentrated as the number of Fund counterparties decreases. Counterparty risk also increases with the Fund’s use of certain over-the-counter derivatives, which lack some of the safeguards afforded on a regulated exchange. Counterparty defaults may have a negative impact beyond the value of the contract as it could lead to the encumbrance of Fund collateral.

(f) CURRENCY RISK

Currency risk refers to the possibility that changes in currency exchange rates will negatively affect securities denominated in, and/or receiving revenues in, foreign currencies. The liquidity and trading value of foreign currencies could be affected by global economic factors, such as inflation, interest rate levels, and trade balances among countries, as well as the actions of sovereign governments. Adverse changes in currency exchange rates (relative to the U.S. dollar) may erode or reverse any potential gains from the Fund’s investments in securities denominated in a foreign currency or may widen existing losses. The Fund’s net currency positions may expose it to risks independent of its securities positions.

(10) CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

The Fund has an unlimited number of shares of capital stock authorized, $0.01 par value per share, and 17,722,449 shares issued and

 

 

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May 31, 2018

 

outstanding at May 31, 2018. There was no capital share activity for the period ended May 31, 2018.

(11) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In November 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update “Restricted Cash” which will require entities to include the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents in the beginning and ending cash balances in the Statement of Cash Flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,

2017, and interim periods within those years. At this time, management is evaluating the impact, if any, of this guidance on the Fund’s presentation in the Statement of Cash Flows.

(12) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Fund has evaluated the need for additional disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no adjustments were required to the financial statements as of May 31, 2018.

 

 

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Supplemental Information (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

Trustees and Officers

The Fund’s operations are managed under the direction and oversight of the Board. Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term or until he or she reaches mandatory retirement as established by the Board. The Board appoints the officers of the Fund who are responsible for the Fund’s day-to-day business decisions based on policies set by the Board. The officers serve at the pleasure of the Board.

Trustee and Officer Fees

The Fund pays each Trustee who is not an “interested person” of the Advisor, as defined in the 1940 Act (the “Independent Trustees”) an annual retainer of $6,000, paid quarterly, an annual Board meeting fee of $2,000, a fee of $667 per informal Board meeting, a fee of $333 per telephonic Board meeting, an annual fee of $375 for membership on the audit committee and valuation committee, an annual fee of $500 for membership on the compliance committee, an annual fee of $2,000 for the audit committee chair and compliance committee chair, and an annual fee of $2,400 for the valuation committee chair. The Lead Independent Trustee receives an annual fee of $6,000, paid quarterly. There are currently six Independent Trustees. In the interest of retaining Independent Trustees of the highest quality, the Board intends to periodically review such compensation and may modify it as the Board deems appropriate. The Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (the “CCO”) is employed by the Advisor. The Fund has agreed to pay the Advisor approximately $88,000 per year as (i) an allocated portion of the compensation of an officer or employee of the Advisor to serve as CCO for the Fund (plus the cost of reasonable expenses related to the performance of the CCO’s duties, including travel expenses), and (ii) an allocation of the expenses of other officers or employees of the Advisor who serve in other compliance capacities for the Fund. The Board approves annually an allocation of such costs among such personnel.

The table below shows each Trustee and executive officer’s full name, address, and year of birth, the position held with the Trust, the length of time served in that position, his principal occupation during the past five years, and other directorships held by such Trustee. The address of each Trustee and officer is c/o Salient Midstream & MLP Fund, 4265 San Felipe, Suite 800, Houston, Texas 77027.

Interested Trustees*

 

Name and Year of Birth   Position(s) Held   Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee(1)
    Other Directorships
During Past 5 Years**

John A. Blaisdell*

Year of Birth: 1960

  Trustee (since inception)   Managing Director of Salient (since 2002).     19     The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2004); The Endowment PMF Funds (investment companies) (three funds) (since 2014); Salient MF Trust (investment company) (four funds) (since 2012); Forward Funds (investment company) (fourteen funds) (since 2015).

Gregory A. Reid*

Year of Birth: 1965

  Trustee, President and Chief Executive Officer (since inception)   President, MLP Complex, Salient, since 2011; Managing Partner (Houston), Telemus Capital Partners (2007 to 2010); Merrill Lynch Private Banking Group (1997 to 2007).     1     None.

 

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May 31, 2018

 

Independent Trustees

 

Name and Year of Birth   Position(s) Held   Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee(1)
    Other Directorships
During Past 5 Years**

Karin B. Bonding, CFA

Year of Birth: 1939

  Trustee (since inception)   Lecturer, University of Virginia (1996 to 2015); President of Capital Markets Institute, Inc. (retired) (fee-only financial planner and investment advisor) (1996 to 2016).     19     The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2010); The Endowment PMF Funds (investment companies) (three funds) (since 2010); Brandes Investment Trust (investment companies) (four funds) (2006 to 2012); Credit Suisse Alternative Capital Funds (investment companies) (six funds) (2005 to 2010); Salient MF Trust (investment company) (four funds) (since 2012); Forward Funds (investment company) (fourteen funds) (since 2015).

Jonathan P. Carroll

Year of Birth: 1961

  Trustee (since inception)   President, Lazarus Capital LLC (Investment company) (since 2006); President, Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC (Investment holding company) (since 2006); President and CEO of Blue Dolphin Energy Company (since 2012); private investor (since 1988).     19     The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2004); The Endowment PMF Funds (investment companies) (three funds) (since 2014); LRR Energy, L.P. (LRE) (energy company) (2014 to 2015); Blue Dolphin Energy Company (BDCO) (energy company) (since 2014); Salient MF Trust (investment company) (four funds) (since 2012); Forward Funds (investment company) (fourteen funds) (since 2015).

Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.

Year of Birth: 1956

  Trustee (since inception)   Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner, Vesalius Ventures, Inc. (venture investing) (since 2002); President of The Harris Foundation (non-profit) (since 1998); clinical scientist, flight surgeon and astronaut for NASA (1986 to 1996).     19     The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2009); Barings Funds (previously Babson Funds) (eleven funds) (since 2011); Monebo Technologies Inc. (since 2009); The National Math and Science Initiative (since 2008); Communities in Schools (since 2007); American Telemedicine Association (2007 to 2014); U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. (since 2005); Houston Technology Center (2004 to 2016); The Harris Foundation, Inc. (since 1998); Salient MF Trust (investment company) (four funds) (since 2012); Forward Funds (investment company) (fourteen funds) (since 2015).

 

   25  


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Supplemental Information, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

Name and Year of Birth   Position(s) Held   Principal Occupation(s)
During the Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee(1)
    Other Directorships
During Past 5 Years**

Richard C. Johnson

Year of Birth: 1937

  Trustee (since inception)   Former Senior Partner (retired), Baker Botts LLP (law firm); Managing Partner, Baker Botts (1998 to 2002); practiced law at Baker Botts (1966 to 2002) (1972 to 2002 as a partner).     1    

The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2004); The Endowment PMF Funds (investment companies) (three funds) (since 2014); Salient MF Trust (investment company) (four funds) (2012-2017); Forward Funds (investment company) (fourteen funds) (2015-2017).

G. Edward Powell

Year of Birth: 1936

  Trustee, Lead Independent Trustee (since inception)   Principal of Mills & Stowell (private equity) (2002 to 2010); Managing Partner, PriceWaterhouse & Co. (Houston office, 1982 to 1994).     1     The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2004); The Endowment PMF Funds (investment companies) (three funds) (since 2014); Therapy Track, LLC (2009 to 2012); ESI Energy Services International, Inc. (2004 to 2013).

Scott E. Schwinger

Year of Birth: 1965

  Trustee (since inception)   President, The McNair Group (management), (since 2006); Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Houston Texans (professional football team) (1999).     19     The Salient Private Access Funds (investment companies) (four funds) (since 2004); The Endowment PMF Funds (investment companies) (three funds) (since 2014); Houston Technology Center (2013-2017); The Make-A-Wish Foundation (since 2008); Nine Energy Services (since 2017); Salient MF Trust (investment company) (four funds) (since 2012); Forward Funds (investment company) (fourteen funds) (since 2015).

 

* This person’s status as an “interested” Trustee arises from his affiliation with the Advisor.

** This column includes only directorships of companies required to report to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i.e., public companies) or other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act.

(1) The Fund Complex for the purposes of this table consists of 18 open-end funds in the Salient MF Trust and the Forward Funds (each, a “Trust”), with the series of each Trust being advised by either the Advisor or an affiliate of the Advisor; and one (1) public closed-end funds advised by either the Advisor or an affiliate of the Advisor.

 

   26  


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Supplemental Information, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

Officers of the Fund Who Are Not Trustees

 

Name and Year of Birth   Position(s) with the Fund   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years

Paul A. Bachtold

Year of Birth: 1973

  Chief Compliance Officer (since inception)   Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary, Forward Securities, LLC (since 2016); Chief Compliance Officer, Forward Management, LLC (since 2015); Chief Compliance Officer, The Salient Private Access Funds (four funds) (since 2010); Chief Compliance Officer, The Endowment PMF Funds (three funds) (since 2014); Chief Compliance Officer, Salient MF Trust (since 2012); Chief Compliance Officer, Forward Funds (since 2016); Chief Compliance Officer, Salient (since 2010); Consultant, Chicago Investment Group (compliance consulting) (2009 to 2010); US Compliance Manager, Barclays Global Investors (2005 to 2008).

Barbara H. Tolle

Year of Birth: 1949

  Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer (since 2017)   Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, Salient MF Trust (since 2017); Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, Forward Funds (since 2006); Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, Salient Midstream & MLP Fund (since 2017); Treasurer, The Salient Private Access Funds (four funds) (since 2017); Treasurer, The Endowment PMF Funds (three funds) (since 2017); Vice President, Director of Fund Accounting and Operations, Forward Management, LLC (since 2006); Vice President and Director, Fund Accounting and Administration, PFPC Inc. (1998 to 2006).

Kristen Bayazitoglu

Year of Birth: 1981

  Vice President (Since 2017)   Chief Operating Officer of Asset Management, Salient Partners, L.P. (since 2017); Vice President, Salient MF Trust (since 2017); Vice President, Forward Funds (since 2017); Vice President, The Salient Private Access Funds (four funds) (since 2017); Vice President, The Endowment PMF Funds (three funds) (since 2017); Vice President of Operations, Salient Partners, L.P. (March 2012—June 2017).

Steve Leonhardt

Year of Birth: 1959

  Vice President (Since 2017)   Vice President of Salient (since 2017); Vice President, Salient MF Trust (since 2017); Vice President, Forward Funds (since 2017); Vice President, The Salient Private Access Funds (four funds) (since 2017); Vice President, The Endowment PMF Funds (three funds) (since 2017); Controller of Stifel Financial Corp. (2015-2017), self-employed (2013-2015), Vice President of Charles Schwab Investment Management (2009-2013).

John E. Price

Year of Birth: 1967

  Vice President (Since 2017)   Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Salient Capital Advisors, LLC (since 2011); Partner, Salient Partners, L.P. (since 2003); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Salient Partners, L.P. (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Salient Trust Co., LTA (since 2005); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Forward Management, LLC (since 2015); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Salient Advisors, L.P. (since 2006); Vice President, Salient MF Trust (since 2017); Vice President, Forward Funds (since 2017); Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Endowment Advisers, L.P. (since 2004); Interim Principal Financial Officer, The Salient Private Access Funds (four funds) (since 2017); Interim Principal Financial Officer, The Endowment PMF Funds (three funds) (since 2017).

Jeremy L. Radcliffe

Year of Birth: 1974

  Secretary (since inception)   President, Forward Securities, LLC (since 2015); Managing Director of Salient (since 2002); Secretary, Salient MF Trust (since 2017); Secretary, Forward Funds (since 2017).

 

   27  


Table of Contents

Supplemental Information, continued (Unaudited)

May 31, 2018

 

Form N-Q Filings

The Fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Form N-Q is available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC Public Reference Room in Washington, DC and information regarding operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the 1933 Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect the Fund’s actual results are the performance of the portfolio of investments held by it, the conditions in the U.S. and international financial, petroleum and other markets, the price at which shares of the Fund will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in filings with the SEC.

Proxy Voting Policies

A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (i) without charge, upon request by calling (800) 809-0525; and (ii) on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 of any year will be made available on or around August 30 of that year (i) without charge, upon request by calling (800) 809-0525; and (ii) on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

Statement of Additional Information

The Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) includes additional information about the Fund’s Trustees and is available upon request without charge by calling (800) 809-0525 or by visiting the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov.

Certifications

The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer has submitted to the NYSE the annual CEO certification as required by Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Fund Manual.

 

   28  


Table of Contents

Privacy Policy (Unaudited)

 

The Fund recognizes the importance of securing personal financial information. It is our policy to safeguard any personal and financial information that may be entrusted to us. The following is a description of the Fund’s policy regarding disclosure of nonpublic personal information.

We collect nonpublic personal information as follows:

We collect information about our investors, including, but not limited to, the investor’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, social security number and date of birth. We collect that information from subscription agreements, other forms of correspondence that we receive from investors, from personal conversations and from affiliated entities as permitted by law.

We receive information about investor transactions with us, including, but not limited to, account number, account balance, investment amounts, withdrawal amounts and other financial information.

We are permitted by law to disclose nonpublic information we collect, as described above, to the Fund’s service providers, including the Fund’s investment advisor, sub-advisors, servicing agent, independent administrator, custodian, legal counsel, accountant and auditor. We do not disclose any nonpublic information about our current or former investors to nonaffiliated third parties, except as required or permitted by law. We restrict access to investor nonpublic personal information to those persons who require such information to provide products or services to investors. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard investors’ nonpublic personal information.

If an investor’s investment relationship with the Fund involves a financial intermediary, including, but not limited to, a broker-dealer, bank or trust company, the privacy policy of such investor’s financial intermediary would govern how any nonpublic personal information would be shared by them with nonaffiliated third parties.

 

   29  


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

4265 San Felipe

8th Floor

Houston, Texas 77027

800-809-0525

www.salientpartners.com

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

NYSE: SMM

 

05/18


Table of Contents
Item 2. Code of Ethics.

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 6. Investments.

 

  (a) The registrant’s Schedule of Investments as of the close of the reporting period is included in the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of Form N-CSR.

 

  (b) Not applicable.

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable to semi-annual report.

 

Item 9. Purchase of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

 

Period

   (a)
Total
Number

of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased
     (b)
Average
Price

Paid per
Share
(or Unit)
     (c)
Total Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
     (d)
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)

that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
 

December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017

     —          N/A        N/A        N/A  

January 1, 2018 through January 31, 2018

     —          N/A        N/A        N/A  

February 1, 2018 through February 28, 2018

     —          N/A        N/A        N/A  

March 1, 2018 through March 31, 2018

     —          N/A        N/A        N/A  

April 1, 2018 through April 30, 2018

     —          N/A        N/A        N/A  

May 1, 2018 through May 31, 2018

     —          N/A        N/A        N/A  
  

 

 

          

Total

     —             
  

 

 

          


Table of Contents
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

No material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s Board of Trustees have been implemented after the registrant’s last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is (i) accumulated and communicated to the investment company’s management, including its certifying officers, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

  (b) There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable

 

Item 13. Exhibits.

 

        (a)

 

  (1)    Not applicable.
        (a)

 

  (2)    Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act (17 CFR 30a-2(a)) are attached hereto.
        (a)

 

  (3)    Not applicable.
        (a)

 

  (4)    Not applicable.
        (b)      Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act (17 CFR 30a-2(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350) are attached hereto.


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SIGNATURES

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

Salient Midstream & MLP Fund

By:   /s/ Gregory A. Reid
  Gregory A. Reid
  Principal Executive Officer
Date:   August 3, 2018

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/ Gregory A. Reid
 

Gregory A. Reid

 

Principal Executive Officer

Date:   August 3, 2018

 

By:   /s/ Barbara H. Tolle
 

Barbara H. Tolle

 

Principal Financial Officer

Date:   August 3, 2018