NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund (NYSE: NHF) (“NHF” or the “Fund”) today
announced its regular monthly dividend on its common stock. A dividend
of $.050 per share will be payable on the last business day of
January to shareholders of record at the close of business January 24,
2014. As of December 31, 2013, the Trust had estimated undistributed net
investment income of approximately $8.0 million (unaudited).
The Fund is a closed-end fund managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P. (the
“Manager”), an affiliated adviser of Highland Capital Management, L.P.
The Fund invests primarily in below investment grade debt and equity and
has the ability to hedge risk. The Manager attempts to deliver
consistent returns in excess of the Credit Suisse Hedge Fund and the
HFRX Global Hedge Fund indices in a transparent, registered fund format
with consistent monthly dividends.
Fund Earnings
In 2013, the Manager has recommended, and the board has approved, three
dividend increases totaling 43%. The increases have been driven by
increased earnings on portfolio positions and lower costs, particularly
a decrease in the cost of its leverage facility. Prior to recommending
increases in the dividend to the board, the Manager carefully analyzed
each position in the Fund and its long-term earning potential as well as
the Fund’s expense run rate. We feel confident the Fund can earn an
amount that will sustain the current distribution rate. Below is a
pro-forma calculation of the Fund’s anticipated earnings over the next
twelve months based on the earnings as of December 31, 2013, and
removing any one-time income and expense items:
Income/Expense Item
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Amount ($m)
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Estimated Interest Income (including discount amortization)
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$52.8
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Estimated Dividend Income
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3.4
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Total Income
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56.2
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Expense Projection
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(16.0)
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Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
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$40.2
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Per Share Net Income
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$.0524
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Current Per Share Dividend
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$.0500
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Additionally, the Fund had an estimated undistributed net income (“UNI”)
balance as of December 31, 2013 of $8.0 million (unaudited). This means
the Fund has an accumulated excess of income earned historically versus
dividends paid that it can utilize to maintain a steady $.05 per share
monthly dividend in the event net income is lower than expected. It is
anticipated dividends in the near-term will be covered by the net
investment income earned by the Fund, meaning these dividends will not
represent a return of capital.
Shareholder Loyalty Program
In July 2012, the Manager implemented a unique and creative shareholder
loyalty program (the “Program”). The purpose of the Program is to
promote shareholder loyalty and the Program is available to all existing
shareholders. Existing shareholders that purchase additional shares of
NHF through the Program are entitled to a 2% gross-up (the “Gross-up
Shares”). The Gross-up Shares are funded by the Manager and are used to
purchase shares of NHF to be held in escrow for 12 months. If at the end
of the 12 month period the shareholder continues to hold the additional
purchased shares, the Gross-up Shares are transferred out of escrow and
to the shareholder’s brokerage account. Employees of the Manager and
affiliates are entitled to a larger gross-up than unaffiliated
shareholders. As of November 30, 2013, the Program holds shares valued
at $48.6 million representing approximately 8.5% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund.
Total Returns as of 12/31/13
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1-year
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3-year
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5-year
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Since Inception (6/29/06)
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NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund (NAV)
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61.92%
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21.04%
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20.05%
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2.66%
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NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund (Market Price)
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52.02%
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15.27%
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20.70%
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0.01%
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Total operating expenses as of the most recent fund semi-annual
report are 2.08%. Performance data represents past performance, which
does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be higher or
lower than the figures shown. Investment return and principal value will
fluctuate with market conditions, and you may have a gain or loss when
you sell your shares. For most recent month-end performance
please visit www.nexpointadvisors.com
or call 866-351-4440.
The information in this presentation contains "forward-looking
statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the
fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts.
Forward-looking statements often include words such as "anticipates,"
"estimates," "expects," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes" and
words and terms of similar substance in connection with discussions of
future operating or financial performance.
These forward-looking statements are based on our current
expectations and assumptions regarding the fund’s portfolio and
performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of
future events, circumstances and results. As with any projection
or forecast, they are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes
in circumstances. The fund’s actual results may vary materially
from those expressed or implied in its forward-looking statements.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks,
charges and expenses of the NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund carefully
before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's
prospectuses, which may be obtained by calling 1-866-351-4440 or
visiting www.nexpointadvisors.com.
Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt
securities, and the Trust’s net assets, may decline in value because of
changes in interest rates. Generally, fixed rate debt securities will
decrease in value when interest rates rise and increase in value when
interest rates decline.
Leverage Risk. The Fund uses leverage through borrowings from
notes and a credit facility, and may also use leverage through the
issuances of preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the
favorable and unfavorable effects of price movements in the investments
made by the Fund. Insofar as the Fund employs leverage in its investment
operations, the Fund will be subject to substantial risks of loss.
Credit Risk. Investments rated below investment grade are
commonly referred to as high-yield, high risk or “junk debt.” They are
regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuing
company’s continuing ability to meet principal and/ or interest payments.
Illiquidity of Investments Risk. The investments made by the
Fund may be illiquid, and consequently the Fund may not be able to sell
such investments at prices that reflect the Investment Adviser’s
assessment of their value or the amount originally paid for such
investments by the Fund.
About NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund
NexPoint Credit Strategies Fund is a closed-end fund managed by NexPoint
Advisors, L.P. The Fund’s investment objectives are to provide both
current income and capital appreciation. The Fund is invested primarily
in below investment grade debt and equity securities and has the ability
to hedge risk. The manager attempts to exceed the return of Dow Jones
Credit Suisse Hedge Fund Index in a transparent, registered fund format
with monthly dividends. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for
all investors. No assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve its
investment objectives.
Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount
to net asset value. The price of the Fund’s shares is determined by a
number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the Fund.
Therefore, the Fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at,
below or above net asset value. Past performance does not guarantee
future results.
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