UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number | 811-21343 | ||||||
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Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. | |||||||
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) | |||||||
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55 Water Street, New York, NY |
| 10041 | |||||
(Address of principal executive offices) |
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Robert I. Frenkel, Esq. Legg Mason & Co., LLC 300 First Stamford Place, 4th Floor Stamford, CT 06902 | |||||||
(Name and address of agent for service) | |||||||
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | (800) 451-2010 |
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Date of fiscal year end: | October 31 |
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Date of reporting period: | April 30, 2008 |
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ITEM 1. | REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
The Semi-Annual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
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SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT / APRIL 30, 2008 |
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Western Asset |
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Managed by WESTERN ASSET |
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INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED · NO BANK GUARANTEE · MAY LOSE VALUE |
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Fund objective
The Fund’s primary investment objective is total return. High current income is a secondary investment objective.
What’s inside
Letter from the chairman |
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Fund at a glance |
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Schedule of investments |
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Statement of assets and liabilities |
| 8 |
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Statement of operations |
| 9 |
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Statements of changes in net assets |
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Financial highlights |
| 11 |
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Notes to financial statements |
| 12 |
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Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements |
| 19 |
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Additional shareholder information |
| 24 |
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Dividend reinvestment |
| 25 |
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is the Fund’s investment manager. Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) and Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset Limited”) are the Fund’s subadvisers. LMPFA, Western Asset and Western Asset Limited are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc.
Letter from the chairman
Dear Shareholder,
The U.S. economy was lackluster at best during the six-month reporting period ended April 30, 2008. Third quarter 2007 U.S. gross domestic product (“GDP”)i growth was 4.9%, its strongest showing in four years. However, continued weakness in the housing market, an ongoing credit crunch and soaring oil and food prices then took their toll on the economy. During the fourth quarter of 2007, GDP growth was 0.6%. The U.S. Commerce Department then reported that its preliminary estimate for first quarter 2008 GDP growth was a modest 0.9%. While it was once debated whether or not the U.S. would fall into a recession, it is now looking more likely that the U.S could experience a mild recession. Even areas of the economy that had once been fairly resilient have begun to falter, including the job market. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that payroll employment declined in each of the first four months of 2008–the longest consecutive monthly decline since early 2003.
Ongoing issues related to the housing and subprime mortgage markets and an abrupt tightening in the credit markets prompted the Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”)ii to take aggressive and, in some cases, unprecedented actions during the reporting period. At its meeting in September 2007, the Fed reduced the federal funds rateiii from 5.25% to 4.75%. This marked the first reduction in the federal funds rate since June 2003. The Fed reduced the federal funds rate an additional 25 basis points in October 2007. Then, over the course of the reporting period, the Fed lowered rates on five more occasions, bringing the federal funds rate to 2.00% as of April 30, 2008. In its statement accompanying the April rate cut, the Fed stated: “Recent information indicates that economic activity remains weak. Household and business spending has been subdued and labor markets have softened further. Financial markets remain under considerable stress, and tight credit conditions and the deepening housing contraction are likely to weigh on economic growth over the next few quarters.”
In addition to lowering short-term interest rates, the Fed took several actions to improve liquidity in the credit markets. In March 2008, the Fed established a new lending program allowing certain brokerage firms, known
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
| I |
Letter from the chairman continued
as primary dealers, to also borrow from its discount window. The Fed also increased the maximum term for discount window loans from 30 to 90 days. Then, in mid-March, the Fed played a major role in facilitating the purchase of Bear Stearns by JPMorgan Chase.
During the six-month reporting period, both short- and long-term Treasury yields experienced periods of volatility. This was due, in part, to mixed economic and inflation data, the fallout from the subprime mortgage market crisis and shifting expectations regarding the Fed’s monetary policy. Within the bond market, investors were initially focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed market. These concerns broadened, however, to include a wide range of financial institutions and markets. As a result, other fixed-income instruments also experienced increased price volatility. This turmoil triggered several “flights to quality,” causing Treasury yields to move sharply lower (and their prices higher), while riskier segments of the market saw their yields move higher (and their prices lower).
Overall, during the six months ended April 30, 2008, two-year Treasury yields fell from 3.94% to 2.29%. Over the same time frame, 10-year Treasury yields fell from 4.48% to 3.77%. Short-term yields fell sharply in concert with the Fed’s rate cuts while longer-term yields fell less dramatically due to inflationary concerns, resulting in a steepening of the U.S. yield curveiv during the reporting period. Looking at the six-month period as a whole, the overall bond market, as measured by the Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Indexv, returned 4.08%.
Increased investor risk aversion in November 2007 and again in the first quarter of 2008 caused the high-yield bond market to produce weak results over the six-month period ended April 30, 2008. During that period, the Citigroup High Yield Market Indexvi returned -0.62%. While high-yield bond prices rallied in April 2008, several flights to quality dragged down the sector, although default rates continued to be low.
Despite increased investor risk aversion, emerging markets debt generated positive results, as the JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (“EMBI Global”)vii returned 1.90% over the six months ended April 30, 2008. Overall solid demand, an expanding global economy, increased domestic spending and the Fed’s numerous rate cuts supported the emerging market debt asset class.
II |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
Performance review
For the six months ended April 30, 2008, Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. returned 0.53% based on its net asset value (“NAV”)viii and 5.78% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the EMBI Global, returned 1.90% over the same time frame. The Lipper Emerging Markets Debt Closed-End Funds Category Averageix returned -0.57% for the same period. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each fund’s NAV.
During this six-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $0.84 per share, which may have included a return of capital. The performance table shows the Fund’s six-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of April 30, 2008. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT as of April 30, 2008 (unaudited)
PRICE PER SHARE |
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| 6-MONTH |
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$20.29 (NAV) |
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| 0.53% |
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$18.29 (Market Price) |
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| 5.78% |
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| All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results. |
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* | Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan. |
Information about your fund
Important information with regard to recent regulatory developments that may affect the Fund is contained in the Notes to Financial Statements included in this report.
Looking for additional information?
The Fund is traded under the symbol “ESD” and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is available on-line under the symbol “XESDX” on most financial websites. Barron’s and The Wall Street Journal’s Monday edition both carry closed-end fund tables that provide additional information. In addition, the Fund issues a quarterly press release that can be found on most major financial websites, as well as www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors.
In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call 1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Fund’s current NAV, market price and other information.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
| III |
Letter from the chairman continued
As always, thank you for your confidence in our stewardship of your assets. We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.
Sincerely,
R. Jay Gerken, CFA
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
May 30, 2008
The information provided is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Views expressed may differ from those of the firm as a whole.
RISKS: Like any investment, there is a risk of loss; you may not be able to sell the shares of the Fund for the same amount that you purchased them. Investing in foreign securities is subject to certain risks not associated with domestic investing, such as currency fluctuations, and changes in political and economic conditions. These risks are magnified in emerging or developing markets. High-yield bonds involve greater credit and liquidity risks than investment grade bonds. The Fund may use derivatives, such as options and futures, which can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on Fund performance. Leverage may magnify gains and increase losses in the Fund’s portfolio.
All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
i Gross domestic product (“GDP”) is the market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period of time.
ii The Federal Reserve Board (“Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments.
iii The federal funds rate is the rate charged by one depository institution on an overnight sale of immediately available funds (balances at the Federal Reserve) to another depository institution; the rate may vary from depository institution to depository institution and from day to day.
iv The yield curve is the graphical depiction of the relationship between the yield on bonds of the same credit quality but different maturities.
v The Lehman Brothers U.S. Aggregate Index is a broad-based bond index comprised of government, corporate, mortgage- and asset-backed issues, rated investment grade or higher, and having at least one year to maturity.
vi The Citigroup High Yield Market Index is a broad-based unmanaged index of high-yield securities.
vii The JPMorgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global (“EMBI Global”) tracks total returns for U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments issued by emerging market sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady bonds, loans, Eurobonds, and local market instruments. Countries covered are Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Croatia, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela.
viii NAV is calculated by subtracting total liabilities and outstanding preferred stock (if any) from the closing value of all securities held by the Fund (plus all other assets) and dividing the result (total net assets) by the total number of the common shares outstanding. The NAV fluctuates with changes in the market prices of securities in which the Fund has invested. However, the price at which an investor may buy or sell shares of the Fund is at the Fund’s market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Fund’s shares.
ix Lipper, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reuters, provides independent insight on global collective investments. Returns are based on the six-month period ended April 30, 2008, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 12 funds in the Fund’s Lipper category.
IV |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
Fund at a glance (unaudited)
INVESTMENT BREAKDOWN (%) As a percent of total investments — April 30, 2008
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report | 1 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited)
April 30, 2008
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC.
FACE |
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| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
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SOVEREIGN BONDS — 47.0% |
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| Argentina — 3.8% |
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| Republic of Argentina: |
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2,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 9.250% due 10/21/02(a)(b) |
| $ | 902,857 |
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5,000,000 |
| DEM |
| 10.250% due 2/6/03(a) |
| 1,253,547 |
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1,425,000 |
| EUR |
| 9.000% due 6/20/03(a) |
| 665,468 |
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1,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 9.500% due 3/4/04(a) |
| 482,562 |
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5,000,000 |
| DEM |
| 7.000% due 3/18/04(a) |
| 1,201,813 |
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2,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 8.500% due 7/1/04(a) |
| 926,207 |
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2,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 10.000% due 1/7/05(a) |
| 983,803 |
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3,200,000 |
| ARS |
| 8.125% due 4/21/08(a) |
| 1,519,291 |
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1,200,000 |
| EUR |
| 9.000% due 7/6/10(a) |
| 527,704 |
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1,551,371 |
| ARS |
| 5.830% due 12/31/33(b) |
| 412,581 |
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| Bonds: |
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3,963,574 |
| ARS |
| 2.000% due 1/3/10(b) |
| 2,770,491 |
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3,497,000 |
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| Series VII, 7.000% due 9/12/13 |
| 2,735,334 |
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| GDP Linked Securities: |
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4,825,000 |
| EUR |
| 1.262% due 12/15/35(b) |
| 694,753 |
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4,205,000 |
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| 1.318% due 12/15/35(b) |
| 487,780 |
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82,017,123 |
| ARS |
| 1.383% due 12/15/35(b) |
| 2,357,358 |
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| Medium-Term Notes: |
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525,000 |
| EUR |
| 8.750% due 2/4/03(a) |
| 253,345 |
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5,000,000,000 |
| ITL |
| 7.000% due 3/18/04(a) |
| 1,215,977 |
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2,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 7.000% due 3/18/04(a) |
| 941,773 |
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1,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 9.250% due 7/20/04(a) |
| 463,882 |
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2,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 8.125% due 10/4/04(a) |
| 914,532 |
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1,000,000 |
| EUR |
| 8.000% due 2/26/08(a) |
| 479,448 |
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| Total Argentina |
| 22,190,506 |
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| Brazil — 11.6% |
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| Brazil Nota do Tesouro Nacional: |
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1,000 |
| BRL |
| 10.000% due 1/1/10 |
| 557 |
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77,231,000 |
| BRL |
| 10.000% due 7/1/10(d) |
| 42,416,805 |
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11,849,000 |
| BRL |
| 10.000% due 1/1/12 |
| 6,231,434 |
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9,333,000 |
| BRL |
| 6.000% due 5/15/17 |
| 8,583,341 |
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8,771,000 |
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| Federative Republic of Brazil, 7.125% due 1/20/37 |
| 10,042,795 |
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| Total Brazil |
| 67,274,932 |
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| Colombia — 2.9% |
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| Republic of Colombia: |
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2,465,000 |
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| 7.375% due 1/27/17 |
| 2,776,823 |
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12,609,000 |
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| 7.375% due 9/18/37(d) |
| 14,027,512 |
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| Total Colombia |
| 16,804,335 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
2 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC.
FACE |
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| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
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| Ecuador — 1.4% |
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7,877,000 |
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| Republic of Ecuador, 10.000% due 8/15/30(e) |
| $ | 7,985,309 |
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| Egypt — 0.7% |
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19,840,000 |
| EGP |
| Arab Republic of Egypt, 8.750% due 7/18/12(e) |
| 3,731,546 |
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| Gabon — 0.6% |
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2,980,000 |
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| Gabonese Republic, 8.200% due 12/12/17(e) |
| 3,143,900 |
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| Indonesia — 2.1% |
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| Republic of Indonesia: |
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45,120,000,000 |
| IDR |
| 10.250% due 7/15/22 |
| 3,966,367 |
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35,693,000,000 |
| IDR |
| 11.000% due 9/15/25 |
| 3,247,951 |
| |
28,628,000,000 |
| IDR |
| 10.250% due 7/15/27 |
| 2,427,395 |
| |
34,122,000,000 |
| IDR |
| 9.750% due 5/15/37 |
| 2,684,275 |
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| Total Indonesia |
| 12,325,988 |
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| Mexico — 4.2% |
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| United Mexican States, Medium-Term Notes: |
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3,774,000 |
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| 5.625% due 1/15/17 |
| 3,967,418 |
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10,400,000 |
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| 8.000% due 9/24/22 |
| 13,182,000 |
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7,210,000 |
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| 6.050% due 1/11/40 |
| 7,210,000 |
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| Total Mexico |
| 24,359,418 |
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| Panama — 4.2% |
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| Republic of Panama: |
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2,848,000 |
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| 7.250% due 3/15/15 |
| 3,161,280 |
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6,090,000 |
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| 9.375% due 4/1/29 |
| 8,251,950 |
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12,426,000 |
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| 6.700% due 1/26/36 |
| 12,969,637 |
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| Total Panama |
| 24,382,867 |
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| Peru — 1.5% |
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| Republic of Peru: |
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4,402,000 |
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| 8.750% due 11/21/33 |
| 5,854,660 |
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2,846,000 |
|
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| Bonds, 6.550% due 3/14/37 |
| 3,002,530 |
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| Total Peru |
| 8,857,190 |
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| Russia — 0.5% |
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| Russian Federation: |
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105,000 |
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| 11.000% due 7/24/18(e) |
| 151,987 |
| |
1,595,000 |
|
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| 12.750% due 6/24/28(e) |
| 2,888,321 |
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| Total Russia |
| 3,040,308 |
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| Turkey — 8.3% |
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| Republic of Turkey: |
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8,375,000 |
| TRY |
| 14.000% due 1/19/11 |
| 5,910,130 |
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See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 3 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited) continued
April 30, 2008
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC.
FACE |
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| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
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| Turkey — 8.3% continued |
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|
| |
8,530,000 |
|
|
| 11.875% due 1/15/30 |
| $ | 13,106,878 |
|
31,399,000 |
|
|
| Notes, 6.875% due 3/17/36(d) |
| 29,104,911 |
| |
|
|
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| Total Turkey |
| 48,121,919 |
| |
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| Venezuela — 5.2% |
|
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| |
|
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| Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: |
|
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1,959,000 |
|
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| 8.500% due 10/8/14 |
| 1,843,909 |
| |
16,913,000 |
|
|
| 5.750% due 2/26/16 |
| 13,382,411 |
| |
1,674,000 |
|
|
| 7.650% due 4/21/25 |
| 1,303,627 |
| |
|
|
|
| Collective Action Securities: |
|
|
| |
10,661,000 |
|
|
| 9.375% due 1/13/34 |
| 9,648,205 |
| |
3,850,000 |
|
|
| Notes, 10.750% due 9/19/13 |
| 3,994,375 |
| |
|
|
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| Total Venezuela |
| 30,172,527 |
| |
|
|
|
| TOTAL SOVEREIGN BONDS (Cost — $265,884,972) |
| 272,390,745 |
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CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES — 42.9% |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
| Brazil — 5.5% |
|
|
| |
3,423,000 |
|
|
| Globo Communicacoes e Participacoes SA, Bonds, 7.250% due 4/26/22(e) |
| 3,474,345 |
| |
|
|
|
| GTL Trade Finance Inc.: |
|
|
| |
1,630,000 |
|
|
| 7.250% due 10/20/17(e) |
| 1,680,225 |
| |
2,910,000 |
|
|
| 7.250% due 10/20/17(e) |
| 3,002,995 |
| |
2,640,000 |
|
|
| Odebrecht Finance Ltd., 7.500% due 10/18/17(e) |
| 2,673,000 |
| |
|
|
|
| Vale Overseas Ltd., Notes: |
|
|
| |
4,219,000 |
|
|
| 8.250% due 1/17/34 |
| 4,950,997 |
| |
15,500,000 |
|
|
| 6.875% due 11/21/36(d) |
| 15,726,300 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Brazil |
| 31,507,862 |
| |
|
|
|
| Chile — 0.7% |
|
|
| |
3,678,000 |
|
|
| Enersis SA, Notes, 7.375% due 1/15/14 |
| 3,963,203 |
| |
|
|
|
| Colombia — 0.3% |
|
|
| |
1,650,000 |
|
|
| EEB International Ltd., Senior Bonds, 8.750% due 10/31/14(e) |
| 1,757,250 |
| |
|
|
|
| India — 0.2% |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| ICICI Bank Ltd., Subordinated Bonds: |
|
|
| |
820,000 |
|
|
| 6.375% due 4/30/22(b)(e) |
| 732,565 |
| |
626,000 |
|
|
| 6.375% due 4/30/22(b)(e) |
| 559,236 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total India |
| 1,291,801 |
| |
|
|
|
| Ireland — 0.5% |
|
|
| |
2,870,000 |
|
|
| Vimpel Communications, 8.375% due 4/30/13(e) |
| 2,872,236 |
| |
|
|
|
| Kazakhstan — 1.5% |
|
|
| |
3,540,000 |
|
|
| ATF Capital BV, Senior Notes, 9.250% due 2/21/14(e) |
| 3,593,100 |
| |
2,780,000 |
|
|
| HSBK Europe BV, 7.250% due 5/3/17(e) |
| 2,446,400 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
4 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC.
FACE |
|
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| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
| |
|
|
|
| Kazakhstan — 1.5% continued |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| TuranAlem Finance BV, Bonds: |
|
|
| |
2,850,000 |
|
|
| 8.250% due 1/22/37(e) |
| $ | 2,329,875 |
|
520,000 |
|
|
| 8.250% due 1/22/37(e) |
| 424,450 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Kazakhstan |
| 8,793,825 |
| |
|
|
|
| Luxembourg — 1.5% |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Evraz Group SA, Notes: |
|
|
| |
5,800,000 |
|
|
| 8.875% due 4/24/13(e) |
| 5,901,500 |
| |
2,790,000 |
|
|
| 9.500% due 4/24/18(e) |
| 2,810,925 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Luxembourg |
| 8,712,425 |
| |
|
|
|
| Mexico — 8.0% |
|
|
| |
4,190,000 |
|
|
| America Movil SAB de CV, 5.625% due 11/15/17 |
| 4,136,452 |
| |
|
|
|
| Axtel SAB de CV: |
|
|
| |
311,000 |
|
|
| 11.000% due 12/15/13 |
| 338,212 |
| |
120,000 |
|
|
| 7.625% due 2/1/17(e) |
| 122,100 |
| |
13,660,000 |
|
|
| Senior Notes, 7.625% due 2/1/17(e) |
| 13,864,900 |
| |
340,000 |
|
|
| Grupo Transportacion Ferroviaria Mexicana SA de CV, Senior Notes, 9.375% due 5/1/12 |
| 356,150 |
| |
26,211,000 |
|
|
| Pemex Project Funding Master Trust, Senior Bonds, 6.625% due 6/15/35(d) |
| 27,436,784 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Mexico |
| 46,254,598 |
| |
|
|
|
| Russia — 14.8% |
|
|
| |
17,340,000 |
|
|
| Gaz Capital SA, Notes, 8.625% due 4/28/34(e) |
| 20,331,150 |
| |
|
|
|
| Gazprom: |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Bonds: |
|
|
| |
343,825,000 |
| RUB |
| 6.790% due 10/29/09(d) |
| 14,518,011 |
| |
114,575,000 |
| RUB |
| 7.000% due 10/27/11 |
| 4,837,929 |
| |
|
|
|
| Loan Participation Notes: |
|
|
| |
1,810,000 |
|
|
| 6.212% due 11/22/16(e) |
| 1,714,975 |
| |
4,801,000 |
|
|
| Senior Notes, 6.510% due 3/7/22(e) |
| 4,478,232 |
| |
162,014,000 |
| RUB |
| Gazprom OAO, 6.950% due 8/6/09 |
| 6,870,116 |
| |
|
|
|
| LUKOIL International Finance BV: |
|
|
| |
1,090,000 |
|
|
| 6.356% due 6/7/17(e) |
| 1,015,063 |
| |
3,172,000 |
|
|
| 6.656% due 6/7/22(e) |
| 2,827,045 |
| |
|
|
|
| Russian Agricultural Bank, Loan Participation Notes: |
|
|
| |
5,840,000 |
|
|
| 7.175% due 5/16/13(e) |
| 5,993,300 |
| |
9,648,000 |
|
|
| 6.299% due 5/15/17(e) |
| 9,008,820 |
| |
|
|
|
| TNK-BP Finance SA: |
|
|
| |
5,580,000 |
|
|
| 7.500% due 7/18/16(e) |
| 5,419,575 |
| |
2,593,000 |
|
|
| 6.625% due 3/20/17(e) |
| 2,362,871 |
| |
3,010,000 |
|
|
| Senior Notes, 7.875% due 3/13/18(e) |
| 2,994,950 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 5 |
Schedule of investments (unaudited) continued
April 30, 2008
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC.
FACE |
|
|
| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
| |
|
|
|
| Russia — 14.8% continued |
|
|
| |
3,414,000 |
|
|
| UBS Luxembourg SA for OJSC Vimpel Communications, Loan Participation Notes, 8.250% due 5/23/16(e) |
| $ | 3,354,084 |
|
|
|
|
| Total Russia |
| 85,726,121 |
| |
|
|
|
| Thailand — 1.7% |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| True Move Co., Ltd.: |
|
|
| |
6,930,000 |
|
|
| 10.750% due 12/16/13(e) |
| 6,202,350 |
| |
4,240,000 |
|
|
| 10.375% due 8/1/14(e) |
| 3,794,800 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Thailand |
| 9,997,150 |
| |
|
|
|
| United Kingdom — 3.0% |
|
|
| |
80,801,000 |
| RUB |
| HSBC Bank PLC, 8.900% due 12/20/10 |
| 3,471,973 |
| |
337,631,000 |
| RUB |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank, 9.500% due 2/11/11(f) |
| 13,865,558 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total United Kingdom |
| 17,337,531 |
| |
|
|
|
| United States — 2.1% |
|
|
| |
5,380,000 |
|
|
| Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Senior Notes, 8.375% due 4/1/17 |
| 5,958,350 |
| |
320,000 |
|
|
| HSBK Europe BV, 9.250% due 10/16/13(e) |
| 322,000 |
| |
5,757,609 |
|
|
| Turanlem Finance BV, 8.000% due 7/21/08(f) |
| 5,743,445 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total United States |
| 12,023,795 |
| |
|
|
|
| Venezuela — 3.1% |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Petrozuata Finance Inc.: |
|
|
| |
16,972,693 |
|
|
| 8.220% due 4/1/17(e) |
| 17,343,797 |
| |
501,032 |
|
|
| 8.220% due 4/1/17(e) |
| 518,568 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Venezuela |
| 17,862,365 |
| |
|
|
|
| TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS & NOTES (Cost — $246,733,263) |
| 248,100,162 |
| |
WARRANTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
WARRANTS — 0.1% |
|
|
| |||||
11,745 |
|
|
| Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Oil-linked payment obligations, Expires 4/15/20* (Cost — $364,095) |
| 422,820 |
| |
|
|
|
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost — $512,982,330) |
| 520,913,727 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
FACE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS — 10.0% |
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
| Sovereign Bonds — 8.7% |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Bank Negara Malaysia Islamic Notes: |
|
|
| |
6,130,000 |
| MYR |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 3.335% due 7/24/08 |
| 1,925,874 |
| |
1,340,000 |
| MYR |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 3.222% due 9/25/08 |
| 418,666 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC.
FACE |
|
|
| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
| |
|
|
|
| Sovereign Bonds — 8.7% continued |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Bank Negara Malaysia Monetary Notes: |
|
|
| |
4,499,000 |
| MYR |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 3.318% due 5/29/08 |
| $ | 1,420,569 |
|
22,796,000 |
| MYR |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 3.334% due 6/17/08 |
| 7,185,358 |
| |
19,777,000 |
| MYR |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 3.220% due 7/17/08 |
| 6,217,165 |
| |
11,675,000 |
| BRL |
| Brazil Letras Tesouro Nacional, zero coupon bond to yield 11.980% due 1/1/09 |
| 6,342,052 |
| |
|
|
|
| Egypt Treasury Bills: |
|
|
| |
122,000,000 |
| EGP |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 7.480% due 10/28/08 |
| 21,971,359 |
| |
27,275,000 |
| EGP |
| Zero coupon bond to yield 6.720% due 11/11/08 |
| 4,897,818 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total Sovereign Bonds (Cost — $49,099,107) |
| 50,378,861 |
| |
|
|
|
| U.S. Government Agency — 0.1% |
|
|
| |
425,000 |
|
|
| Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Discount Notes, 1.690% due 12/15/08 (Cost — $420,505)(c)(g) |
| 419,522 |
| |
|
|
|
| Repurchase Agreement — 1.2% |
|
|
| |
7,047,000 |
|
|
| Morgan Stanley tri-party repurchase agreement dated 4/30/08, 1.950% due 5/1/08; Proceeds at maturity — $7,047,382; (Fully collateralized by various U.S. government agency obligations 5.700% to 6.125% due 10/2/17 to 6/1/22; Market value — $7,354,150) (Cost — $7,047,000) |
| 7,047,000 |
| |
|
|
|
| TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost — $56,566,612) |
| 57,845,383 |
| |
|
|
|
| TOTAL INVESTMENTS — 100.0% (Cost — $569,548,942#) |
| $ | 578,759,110 |
|
† | Face amount denominated in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise noted. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Security is currently in default. |
(b) | Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is that which is in effect at April 30, 2008. |
(c) | Rate shown represents yield-to-maturity. |
(d) | All or a portion of this security is segregated for reverse repurchase agreements and foreign currency contracts. |
(e) | Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. This security may be resold in transactions that are exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers. This security has been deemed liquid pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Directors, unless otherwise noted. |
(f) | Security is valued in good faith at fair value by or under the direction of the Board of Directors (See Note 1). |
(g) | All or a portion of this security is held at the broker as collateral for reverse repurchase agreements. |
# | Aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is substantially the same. |
Abbreviations used in this schedule:
ARS | – | Argentine Peso | IDR | – | Indonesian Rupiah |
BRL | – | Brazilian Real | ITL | – | Italian Lira |
DEM | – | German Mark | MYR | – | Malaysian Ringgit |
EGP | – | Egyptian Pound | OJSC | – | Open Joint Stock Company |
EUR | – | Euro | RUB | – | Russian Ruble |
GDP | – | Gross Domestic Product | TRY | – | Turkish Lira |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 7 |
Statement of assets and liabilities (unaudited)
April 30, 2008
ASSETS: |
|
|
|
Investments, at value (Cost — $569,548,942) |
| $578,759,110 |
|
Foreign currency, at value (Cost — $5,552,760) |
| 5,664,869 |
|
Cash |
| 311 |
|
Dividends and interest receivable |
| 11,007,366 |
|
Prepaid expenses |
| 10,847 |
|
Total Assets |
| 595,442,503 |
|
LIABILITIES: |
|
|
|
Payable for open reverse repurchase agreement |
| 26,698,393 |
|
Investment management fee payable |
| 414,674 |
|
Interest payable |
| 43,354 |
|
Payable for open forward currency contracts |
| 28,267 |
|
Directors’ fees payable |
| 4,781 |
|
Accrued expenses |
| 71,500 |
|
Total Liabilities |
| 27,260,969 |
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS |
| 568,181,534 |
|
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
Par value ($0.001 par value; 28,009,890 shares issued and outstanding; 100,000,000 shares authorized) |
| 28,010 |
|
Paid-in capital in excess of par value |
| 533,184,329 |
|
Undistributed net investment income |
| 14,895,975 |
|
Accumulated net realized gain on investments, futures contracts, swap contracts and foreign currency transactions |
| 10,744,485 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currencies |
| 9,328,735 |
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS |
| $568,181,534 |
|
Shares Outstanding |
| 28,009,890 |
|
Net Asset Value |
| $20.29 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
Statement of operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2008
INVESTMENT INCOME: |
|
|
|
Interest |
| $ 21,961,868 |
|
Less: Foreign taxes withheld |
| (80,009 | ) |
Total Investment Income |
| 21,881,859 |
|
EXPENSES: |
|
|
|
Investment management fee (Note 2) |
| 2,541,324 |
|
Excise tax (Note 1) |
| 486,039 |
|
Interest expense (Note 3) |
| 436,127 |
|
Custody fees |
| 190,319 |
|
Shareholder reports |
| 104,439 |
|
Directors’ fees |
| 70,623 |
|
Audit and tax |
| 22,822 |
|
Legal fees |
| 17,287 |
|
Stock exchange listing fees |
| 10,968 |
|
Transfer agent fees |
| 7,779 |
|
Insurance |
| 4,319 |
|
Restructuring and reorganization fees |
| 2,567 |
|
Miscellaneous expenses |
| 5,771 |
|
Total Expenses |
| 3,900,384 |
|
NET INVESTMENT INCOME |
| 17,981,475 |
|
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FUTURES CONTRACTS, SWAP CONTRACTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS (NOTES 1 AND 3): |
|
|
|
Net Realized Gain (Loss) from: |
|
|
|
Investment transactions |
| 11,040,980 |
|
Futures contracts |
| (1,431,289 | ) |
Swap contracts |
| 55,633 |
|
Foreign currency transactions |
| 198,053 |
|
Net Realized Gain |
| 9,863,377 |
|
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation from: |
|
|
|
Investments |
| (25,126,963 | ) |
Futures contracts |
| 131,285 |
|
Foreign currencies |
| (125,221 | ) |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation |
| (25,120,899 | ) |
Net Loss on Investments, Futures Contracts, Swap Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions |
| (15,257,522 | ) |
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS |
| $ 2,723,953 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 9 |
Statements of changes in net assets
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 2008 (unaudited) |
| 2008 |
| 2007 |
| ||
OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net investment income |
| $ | 17,981,475 |
| $ | 34,794,535 |
|
Net realized gain |
| 9,863,377 |
| 21,695,188 |
| ||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
| (25,120,899 | ) | (1,718,618 | ) | ||
Increase in Net Assets from Operations |
| 2,723,953 |
| 54,771,105 |
| ||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM (NOTE 1): |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net investment income |
| (9,991,128 | ) | (30,866,066 | ) | ||
Net realized gains |
| (13,537,180 | ) | (19,355,667 | ) | ||
Decrease in Net Assets from Distributions to Shareholders |
| (23,528,308 | ) | (50,221,733 | ) | ||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS |
| (20,804,355 | ) | 4,549,372 |
| ||
NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Beginning of period |
| 588,985,889 |
| 584,436,517 |
| ||
End of period* |
| $ | 568,181,534 |
| $ | 588,985,889 |
|
* Includes undistributed net investment income of: |
| $ | 14,895,975 |
| $ | 6,905,628 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
Financial highlights
FOR A SHARE OF CAPITAL STOCK OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:
|
| 20081 | 2007 | 20062 | 20052 | 20042,3 | |||||
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF PERIOD |
| $21.03 |
| $20.87 |
| $20.92 |
| $18.94 |
| $19.06 | 4 |
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
| 0.64 |
| 1.24 |
| 1.12 |
| 1.49 |
| 1.47 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
| (0.54 | ) | 0.71 |
| 1.06 |
| 2.21 |
| (0.25 | ) |
Total income from operations |
| 0.10 |
| 1.95 |
| 2.18 |
| 3.70 |
| 1.22 |
|
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
| (0.36 | ) | (1.10 | ) | (1.06 | ) | (1.72 | ) | (1.35 | ) |
Net realized gains |
| (0.48 | ) | (0.69 | ) | (1.18 | ) | — |
| — |
|
Total distributions |
| (0.84 | ) | (1.79 | ) | (2.24 | ) | (1.72 | ) | (1.35 | ) |
Increase in net asset value due to adjustment of initial offering costs |
| — |
| — |
| 0.01 |
| — |
| — |
|
Increase in net asset value due to shares issued on reinvestment of distributions |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 0.01 |
|
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF PERIOD |
| $20.29 |
| $21.03 |
| $20.87 |
| $20.92 |
| $18.94 |
|
MARKET PRICE, END OF PERIOD |
| $18.29 |
| $18.12 |
| $17.85 |
| $17.70 |
| $18.91 |
|
Total return, based on NAV5,6 |
| 0.53 | % | 9.84 | % | 11.16 | % | 20.43 | % | 7.08 | % |
Total return, based on Market Price6 |
| 5.78 | % | 12.10 | % | 14.11 | % | 2.52 | % | 2.04 | % |
NET ASSETS, END OF PERIOD (000s) |
| $568,182 |
| $588,986 |
| $584,437 |
| $586,082 |
| $525,375 |
|
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross expenses |
| 1.30 | %7,8 | 1.25 | %8 | 1.02 | % | 1.81 | % | 1.82 | %7 |
Gross expenses, excluding interest expense |
| 1.16 | 7,8 | 1.04 | 8 | 0.95 |
| 1.19 |
| 1.32 | 7 |
Net expenses |
| 1.30 | 7,8,9 | 1.25 | 8,10 | 1.02 | 10 | 1.81 |
| 1.82 | 7 |
Net expenses, excluding interest expense |
| 1.16 | 7,8,9 | 1.04 | 8,10 | 0.95 | 10 | 1.19 |
| 1.32 | 7 |
Net investment income |
| 6.02 | 7 | 6.00 |
| 5.48 |
| 7.45 |
| 8.90 | 7 |
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE |
| 18 | % | 85 | % | 72 | % | 84 | % | 94 | % |
1 | For the six months ended April 30, 2008 (unaudited). |
2 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
3 | For the period December 21, 2003 (inception date) to October 31, 2004. |
4 | Initial public offering price of $20.00 per share less offering costs and sales load totaling $0.94 per share. |
5 | Performance figures may reflect fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
6 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Total returns for periods of less than one year are not annualized. |
7 | Annualized. |
8 | Included in the expense ratios are certain non-recurring restructuring (and reorganization, if applicable) fees that were incurred by the Fund during the period. Without these fees, the gross and net expense ratios would not have changed. |
9 | Reflects fees paid indirectly. |
10 | Reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 11 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited)
1. Organization and significant accounting policies
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on April 16, 2003 and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Board of Directors authorized 100 million shares of $0.001 par value common stock. The Fund’s primary investment objective is total return. High current income is a secondary investment objective.
The following are significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund and are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
(a) Investment valuation. Debt securities are valued at the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices provided by an independent pricing service that are based on transactions in debt obligations, quotations from bond dealers, market transactions in comparable securities and various other relationships between securities. Equity securities for which market quotations are available are valued at the last reported sales price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they trade. Publicly traded foreign government debt securities are typically traded internationally in the over-the-counter market, and are valued at the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices as of the close of business of that market. When prices are not readily available, or are determined not to reflect fair value, such as when the value of a security has been significantly affected by events after the close of the exchange or market on which the security is principally traded, but before the Fund calculates its net asset value, the Fund may value these securities at fair value as determined in accordance with the procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Short-term obligations with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
(b) Repurchase agreements. When entering into repurchase agreements, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian or a third party custodian take possession of the underlying collateral securities, the market value of which, at all times, at least equals the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is marked-to-market to ensure the adequacy of the collateral. If the seller defaults, and the market value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
12 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
(c) Reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund may enter into a reverse repurchase agreement in which the Fund sells a portfolio security at a specified price with an agreement to purchase the same or substantially the same security from the same counterparty at a fixed or determinable price at a future date. When entering into reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund’s custodian delivers to the counterparty liquid assets, the market value of which, at the inception of the transaction, at least equals the repurchase price (including accrued interest). The Fund pays interest on amounts obtained pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements. Reverse repurchase agreements are considered to be borrowings, which may create leverage risk to the Fund.
(d) Financial futures contracts. The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts typically, but not necessarily, to hedge a portion of the portfolio. Upon entering into a financial futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or securities as initial margin, equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount (initial margin deposit). Additional securities are also segregated up to the current market value of the financial futures contracts. Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying financial instruments. For foreign currency denominated futures contracts, variation margins are not settled daily. The Fund recognizes an unrealized gain or loss equal to the fluctuation in the value. When the financial futures contracts are closed, a realized gain or loss is recognized equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and the Fund’s basis in the contracts.
The risks associated with entering into financial futures contracts include the possibility that a change in the value of the contract may not correlate with the changes in the value of the underlying financial instruments. In addition, investing in financial futures contracts involves the risk that the Fund could lose more than the initial margin deposit and subsequent payments required for a futures transaction. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
(e) Credit default swaps. The Fund may enter into credit default swap (“CDS”) contracts for investment purposes, to manage its credit risk or to add leverage. CDS agreements involve one party making a stream of payments to another party in exchange for the right to receive a specified return in the event of a default by a third party, typically corporate issuers or sovereign issuers of an emerging country, on a specified obligation. The Fund may use a CDS to provide a measure of protection against defaults of the issuers (i.e., to reduce risk where a Fund has exposure to the sovereign issuer) or to take an active long or short position with respect to the likelihood of a particular issuer’s default. As a seller of protection, the Fund generally receives an upfront payment or a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the swap provided that there is no credit event. If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 13 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) continued
under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will pay to the buyer of the protection an amount up to the notional value of the swap, and in certain instances take delivery of the security. As the seller, the Fund would effectively add leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, the Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. As a buyer of protection, the Fund generally receives an amount up to the notional value of the swap if a credit event occurs.
Payments received or made at the beginning of the measurement period are reflected as such on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. These upfront payments are recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations upon termination or maturity of the swap. A liquidation payment received or made at the termination of the swap is recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations. Net periodic payments received or paid by the Fund are recorded as realized gain or loss on the Statement of Operations.
Entering into a CDS agreement involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and documentation risk in excess of the related amounts recognized on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreement may default on its obligation to perform or disagree as to the meaning of the contractual terms in the agreement, and that there will be unfavorable changes in net interest rates.
(f) Credit and market risk. The Fund invests in high yield and emerging market instruments that are subject to certain credit and market risks. The yields of high yield and emerging market debt obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit and market risks. The Fund’s investment in securities rated below investment grade typically involves risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk related to timely and ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility and less liquid secondary market trading. The consequences of political, social, economic or diplomatic changes may have disruptive effects on the market prices of investments held by the Fund. The Fund’s investment in non-dollar denominated securities may also result in foreign currency losses caused by devaluations and exchange rate fluctuations.
(g) Security transactions and investment income. Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Foreign dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or as soon as practical after the Fund determines the existence of a dividend declaration after exercising reasonable due diligence. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults on an expected interest payment, the Fund’s policy is to generally halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default.
14 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
(h) Foreign currency translation. Investment securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates at the date of valuation. Purchases and sales of investment securities and income and expense items denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar amounts based upon prevailing exchange rates on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss on investments.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales of foreign currencies, including gains and losses on forward foreign currency contracts, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses arise from changes in the fair values of assets and liabilities, other than investments in securities, at the date of valuation, resulting from changes in exchange rates.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the possibility of lower levels of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.
(i) Distributions to shareholders. Pursuant to its Managed Distribution Policy, the Fund intends to make regular monthly distributions to shareholders at a fixed rate per common share, which rate may be adjusted from time to time by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Under the Fund’s Managed Distribution Policy, if, for any monthly distribution, the value of the Fund’s net investment income and net realized capital gain are less than the amount of the distribution, the difference will be distributed from the Fund’s assets (and constitute a “return of capital”). The Board of Directors may terminate or suspend the Managed Distribution Policy at any time, including when certain events would make part of the return of capital taxable to shareholders. Any such termination or suspension could have an adverse effect on the market price for Fund’s shares.
(j) Other risks. Consistent with its objective to seek high current income, the Fund may invest in instruments whose values and interest rates are linked to foreign currencies, interest rates, indices or some other financial indicator. The value at maturity or interest rates for these instruments will increase or decrease according to the change in the indicator to which they are indexed. These securities are generally more volatile in nature, and the risk of loss of principal is greater.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 15 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) continued
(k) Federal and other taxes. It is the Fund’s policy to comply with the federal income and excise tax requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute substantially all of its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders each year. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of April 30, 2008, no provision for income tax would be required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.
Under the applicable foreign tax laws, a withholding tax may be imposed on interest, dividends and capital gains at various rates.
(l) Reclassification. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share.
2. Investment management agreement and other transactions with affiliates
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is the Fund’s investment manager. Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) and Western Asset Management Company Limited (“Western Asset Limited”) are the Fund’s subadvisers. LMPFA, Western Asset and Western Asset Limited are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”).
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. The Fund pays LMPFA an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.85% of the Fund’s average daily net assets plus any borrowings, for its services.
LMPFA delegates to the subadvisers the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund. Western Asset Limited provides certain advisory services to the Fund relating to currency transactions and investment in non-U.S. dollar denominated securities. Western Asset Limited does not receive any compensation from the Fund but it is paid by Western Asset for its services to the Fund.
Certain officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.
16 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
3. Investments
During the six months ended April 30, 2008, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:
Purchases |
| $96,010,485 |
|
Sales |
| 114,302,809 |
|
At April 30, 2008, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were substantially as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation |
| $ 27,146,047 |
|
Gross unrealized depreciation |
| (17,935,879 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation |
| $ 9,210,168 |
|
Transactions in reverse repurchase agreements for the Fund during the six months ended April 30, 2008 were as follows:
AVERAGE |
| WEIGHTED |
| MAXIMUM |
|
$28,033,143 |
| 3.077 % |
| $28,870,410 |
|
* Average is based on the number of days that the Fund had reverse repurchase agreements outstanding.
Interest rates on reverse repurchase agreements ranged from 0.600% to 4.750% during the six months ended April 30, 2008. Interest expense incurred on reverse repurchase agreements totaled $436,127.
At April 30, 2008, the Fund had the following open reverse repurchase agreements:
FACE |
| SECURITY |
| VALUE |
|
$ 15,079,680 |
| Reverse Repurchase Agreement with JPMorgan, dated 3/24/08 bearing 2.100% to be repurchased at a date and an amount to be determined, collateralized by: $14,280,000 Gaz Capital SA, Notes, 8.625% due 4/28/34; Market value (including accrued interest) $17,359,125 |
| $15,079,680 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,618,713 |
| Reverse Repurchase Agreement with Credit Suisse First Boston, dated 3/11/08 bearing 0.600% to be repurchased at a date and an amount to be determined, collateralized by: $8,530,000 Republic of Turkey, 11.875% due 1/15/30; Market value (including accrued interest) $13,404,637 |
| 11,618,713 |
|
|
| Total Reverse Repurchase Agreements |
| $26,698,393 |
|
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
| 17 |
Notes to financial statements (unaudited) continued
At April 30, 2008, the Fund had the following open forward foreign currency contracts:
FOREIGN CURRENCY |
| LOCAL |
| MARKET |
| SETTLEMENT |
| UNREALIZED |
| |
Contracts to Buy: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indian Rupee |
| $ 1,064,774 |
| $ 1,060,881 |
|
| 6/16/08 |
| $(3,893) |
|
Indian Rupee |
| 3,199,150 |
| 3,179,584 |
|
| 6/16/08 |
| (19,566) |
|
Indian Rupee |
| 1,064,346 |
| 1,059,538 |
|
| 6/16/08 |
| (4,808) |
|
Net unrealized loss on open foreign currency contracts |
|
|
|
|
|
| $(28,267) |
|
4. Distributions subsequent to April 30, 2008
On February 15, 2008, the Board of Directors of the Fund declared a distribution in the amount of $0.1400 per share payable on May 30, 2008 to shareholders of record on May 23, 2008.
5. Recent accounting pronouncements
On September 20, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management has determined that there is no material impact to the Fund’s valuation policies as a result of adopting FAS 157. The Fund will implement the disclosure requirements beginning with its January 31, 2009 Form N-Q.
* * *
In March 2008, FASB issued the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (“FAS 161”). FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. FAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about the Fund’s derivative and hedging activities, including how such activities are accounted for and their effect on the Fund’s financial position, performance and cash flows. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of FAS 161 will have on the Fund’s financial statements and related disclosures.
18 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. 2008 Semi-Annual Report |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited)
Background
The Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”) requires that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (the “Fund”), including a majority of its members that are not considered to be “interested persons” under the 1940 Act (the “Independent Directors”) voting separately, approve the continuation of the investment management contract (the “Management Agreement”) with the Fund’s manager, Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (the “Manager”) and the sub-advisory agreements (the “Sub-Advisory Agreements”) with the Manager’s affiliates, Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”) and Western Asset Management London (together with Western Asset, the “Subadviser”), on an annual basis. At a meeting (the “Contract Renewal Meeting”) held in-person on November 13 and 14, 2007, the Board, including the Independent Directors, considered and approved continuation of each of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements for an additional one-year term. To assist in its consideration of the renewals of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Board received and considered a variety of information about the Manager and Subadviser, as well as the management and sub-advisory arrangements for the Fund and other funds overseen by the Board (the “Contract Renewal Information”), certain portions of which are discussed below. A presentation made by the Manager and Western Asset to the Board at the Contract Renewal Meeting in connection with its evaluations of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements encompassed the Fund and all the funds for which the Board has responsibility. In addition to the Contract Renewal Information, including information presented by management at the Contract Renewal Meeting, the Board received performance and other information throughout the year related to the respective services rendered by the Manager and the Subadviser to the Fund. The Board’s evaluation took into account the information received throughout the year and also reflected the knowledge and familiarity gained as Board members of the Fund and other funds in the same complex with respect to the services provided to the Fund by each of the Manager and Subadviser.
The discussion below covers both advisory and administrative functions being rendered by the Manager, each such function being encompassed by the Management Agreement, and the investment advisory function being rendered by the Subadviser.
Board approval of management agreement and sub-advisory agreements
In its deliberations regarding renewal of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements, the Fund’s Board, including the Independent Directors, considered the factors below.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
| 19 |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited) continued
Nature, extent and quality of the services under the management agreement and sub-advisory agreements
The Board received and considered Contract Renewal Information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Subadviser under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, respectively, during the past year. The Board also reviewed Contract Renewal Information regarding the Fund’s compliance policies and procedures established pursuant to Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act.
The Board reviewed the qualifications, backgrounds and responsibilities of the Fund’s senior personnel and the portfolio management team primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. The Board also considered, based on its knowledge of the Manager and its affiliates, the Contract Renewal Information and the Board’s discussions with the Manager and Western Asset at the Contract Renewal Meeting, the financial resources available to the parent organization of the Manager and Subadviser, Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”).
The Board considered the responsibilities of the Manager and the Subadviser under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements, respectively, including the Manager’s coordination and oversight of services provided to the Fund by the Subadviser and others. The Board also considered the brokerage policies and practices of the Manager and Subadviser, the standards applied in seeking best execution, the policies and practices of the Manager and Subadviser regarding soft dollars, the use of a broker affiliated with the Manager or the Subadviser, and the existence of quality controls applicable to brokerage allocation procedures. In addition, the Manager also reported generally to the Board on, among other things, its business plans, recent organizational changes, including Legg Mason’s plans to address the pending retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, and the compensation plan for the Fund’s portfolio managers.
The Board concluded that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of services provided (and expected to be provided) to the Fund under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements have been satisfactory under the circumstances.
Fund performance
The Board received and considered performance information and analyses (the “Lipper Performance Information”) for the Fund, as well as for a group of funds (the “Performance Universe”) selected by Lipper, Inc. (“Lipper”), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board was provided with a description of the methodology Lipper used to determine the similarity of the Fund with the funds included in the Performance Universe. The Performance Universe consisted of the Fund and all leveraged closed-end emerging markets debt funds, as classified by Lipper, regardless of asset size or primary
20 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
distribution channel. The Board noted that it had received and discussed with the Manager and Western Asset information throughout the year at periodic intervals comparing the Fund’s performance against its benchmark(s) and, at the Board’s request, its peer funds as selected by Lipper.
The Lipper Performance Information comparing the Fund’s performance to that of the Performance Universe based on net asset value per share showed, among other things, that the Fund’s performance for the 1- and 3-year periods ended June 30, 2007 ranked fourth and second, respectively, among the seven funds in the Performance Universe for those periods. The Board noted that the small number of funds in the Performance Universe, which included other funds managed by Western Asset, made meaningful comparisons difficult. The Board also considered the Fund’s performance in relation to its benchmark(s) and in absolute terms.
Based on its review, which included consideration of all of the factors noted above, the Board concluded that, under the circumstances, the Fund’s performance supported continuation of the Management Agreement and Sub-advisory Agreements for an additional period not to exceed one year.
Management fees and expense ratios
The Board reviewed and considered the management fee (the “Management Fee”) payable by the Fund to the Manager in light of the nature, extent and quality of the management and sub-advisory services provided by the Manager and the Subadviser. The Board noted that the compensation paid to the Subadviser is paid by the Manager, not the Fund, and, accordingly, that the retention of the Subadviser does not increase the fees or expenses otherwise incurred by the Fund’s shareholders.
Additionally, the Board received and considered information and analyses prepared by Lipper (the “Lipper Expense Information”) comparing the Management Fee and the Fund’s overall expenses with those of funds in an expense group (the “Expense Group”) selected and provided by Lipper for the 1-year period ended June 30, 2007. The Expense Group consisted of the Fund and three other closed-end leveraged emerging market debt funds, as classified by Lipper. The four Expense Group funds had assets ranging from $92.2 million to $990.3 million.
The Lipper Expense Information comparing the Management Fee as well as the Fund’s actual total expenses to the Fund’s Expense Group showed that, whether on the basis of common assets only or both common and leveraged assets, the Fund’s contractual Management Fee, actual Management Fee (i.e., giving effect to any voluntary fee waivers implemented by the Manager and the managers of the other funds in the Expense Group), and actual total expenses in each case ranked first among the funds in the Expense Group. The Board noted that the small number of funds in the Expense Group made meaningful comparisons
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
| 21 |
Board approval of management and subadvisory agreements (unaudited) continued
difficult and that the Expense Group included a fund significantly larger than the Fund, further distorting the comparisons.
The Board also reviewed Contract Renewal Information regarding fees charged by the Manager to other U.S. clients investing primarily in an asset class similar to that of the Fund, including, where applicable, separate accounts. The Board was advised that the fees paid by such other clients generally are lower, and may be significantly lower, than the Management Fee. The Contract Renewal Information discussed the significant differences in scope of services provided to the Fund and to these other clients, noting that the Fund is provided with administrative services, office facilities, Fund officers (including the Fund’s chief executive, chief financial and chief compliance officers), and that the Manager coordinates and oversees the provision of services to the Fund by other fund service providers. The Board considered the fee comparisons in light of the differences required to manage these different types of accounts. The Contract Renewal Information included an analysis of complex-wide management fees provided by the Manager, which, among other things, set out a proposed framework of fees based on asset classes.
Taking all of the above into consideration, the Board determined that the Management Fee and the sub-advisory fee were reasonable in light of the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund under the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements.
Manager profitability
The Board, as part of the Contract Renewal Information, received an analysis of the profitability to the Manager and its affiliates in providing services to the Fund. The Board also received profitability information with respect to the Legg Mason fund complex as a whole. In addition, the Board received Contract Renewal Information with respect to the Manager’s revenue and cost allocation methodologies used in preparing such profitability data, together with a report from an outside consultant that had reviewed the Manager’s methodologies. The profitability to the Subadviser was not considered to be a material factor in the Board’s considerations since the Subadviser’s fee is paid by the Manager, not the Fund. Although the profitability analysis presented to the Board as part of the Contract Renewal Information indicated that profitability to the Manager in providing services to the Fund had decreased by 7 per cent over the period covered by the analysis, and remained at a reasonable level given the nature, scope and quality of the services provided to the fund by the Manager. However, the Board noted that the Manager had implemented a new revenue and cost allocation methodology in 2007 which was used in preparing the profitability analysis presented at the Contract Renewal Meeting and that the methodology was subject to further review and refinement.
22 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
Economies of scale
The Board received and discussed Contract Renewal Information concerning whether the Manager realizes economies of scale if the Fund’s assets grow. The Board noted that because the Fund is a closed-end Fund with no current plans to seek additional assets beyond maintaining its dividend reinvestment plan, any significant growth in its assets generally will occur through appreciation in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, rather than sales of additional shares in the Fund. The Board determined that the management fee structure was appropriate under present circumstances.
Other benefits to the manager and the subadviser
The Board considered other benefits received by the Manager, the Subadviser and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund, including the opportunity to obtain research services from brokers who effect Fund portfolio transactions.
* * * * * *
In light of all of the foregoing, the Board determined that, under the circumstances, continuation of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements would be consistent with the interests of the Fund and its shareholders and unanimously voted to continue each Agreement for a period of one additional year.
No single factor reviewed by the Board was identified by the Board as the principal factor in determining whether to approve continuation of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements, and each Board member attributed different weights to the various factors. The Independent Directors were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process. Prior to the Contract Renewal Meeting, the Board received a memorandum discussing its responsibilities in connection with the proposed continuation of the Management Agreement and Sub-Advisory Agreements from Fund counsel and the Independent Directors separately received a memorandum discussing such responsibilities from their independent counsel. Prior to voting, the Independent Directors also discussed the proposed continuation of the Management Agreement and the Sub-Advisory Agreements in private sessions with their independent legal counsel at which no representatives of the Manager were present.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
| 23 |
Additional Shareholder Information (unaudited)
Results of annual meeting of shareholders
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. was held on February 28, 2008, for the purpose of considering and voting upon the election of Directors. The following table provides information concerning the matter voted upon at the meeting:
Election of directors
Nominees |
| Votes for |
| Votes withheld |
|
Riordan Roett |
| 21,761,049 |
| 929,833 |
|
Jeswald W. Salacuse |
| 21,761,245 |
| 929,637 |
|
At April 30, 2008, in addition to Riordan Roett and Jeswald W. Salacuse, the other Directors of the Fund were as follows:
Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
Leslie H. Gelb
R. Jay Gerken
William R. Hutchinson
24 |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
Dividend reinvestment plan (unaudited)
Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash, all distributions on your Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“AST”), as agent for the Common Shareholders (the “Plan Agent”), in additional Common Shares under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”). You may elect not to participate in the Plan by contacting the Plan Agent. If you do not participate, you will receive all cash distributions paid by check mailed directly to you by AST as dividend paying agent.
If you participate in the Plan, the number of Common Shares you will receive will be determined as follows:
(1) If the market price of the Common Shares on the record date (or, if the record date is not a New York Stock Exchange trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) for determining shareholders eligible to receive the relevant distribution (the “determination date”) is equal to or exceeds 98% of the net asset value per share of the Common Shares, the Fund will issue new Common Shares at a price equal to the greater of (a) 98% of the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the Exchange on the determination date or (b) 95% of the market price per share of the Common Shares on the determination date.
(2) If 98% of the net asset value per share of the Common Shares exceeds the market price of the Common Shares on the determination date, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy Common Shares in the open market, on the Exchange or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the determination date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the distribution payment date, or (b) the record date for the next succeeding distribution to be made to the Common Shareholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price rises so that it equals or exceeds 98% of the net asset value per share of the Common Shares at the close of trading on the Exchange on the determination date before the Plan Agent has completed the open market purchases or (ii) if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full amount eligible to be reinvested in open market purchases, the Plan Agent will cease purchasing Common Shares in the open market and the Fund shall issue the remaining Common Shares at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) 98% of the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the Exchange on the determination date or (b) 95% of the then current market price per share.
The Plan Agent maintains all participants’ accounts in the Plan and gives written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information you may need for tax records. Common Shares in your account will be held by the Plan Agent in non-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all Common Shares you have received under the Plan.
You may withdraw from the Plan by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at 59 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038. Such withdrawal will be effective
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
| 25 |
Dividend reinvestment plan (unaudited) continued
immediately if notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to distribution record date; otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the Plan Agent’s investment of the most recently declared distribution on the Common Shares. The Plan may be terminated by the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to Common Shareholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund for which the termination is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent a certificate or certificates for the full Common Shares held for you under the Plan and cash for any fractional Common Shares. You may elect to notify the Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of your shares on your behalf. You will be charged $5.00 plus a $0.05 per Common Share service charge and the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred for this transaction from the proceeds.
There is no service charge for reinvestment of your distributions in Common Shares. However, all participants will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred by the Plan Agent when it makes open market purchases. Because all distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your Common Shares over time.
Automatically reinvesting distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving distributions.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. There is no direct service charge to participants in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the Plan Agent at 1-888-888-0151.
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| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
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Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc.
Directors | Investment manager |
Carol L. Colman | Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC |
Daniel P. Cronin |
|
Paolo M. Cucchi | Subadviser |
Leslie H. Gelb | Western Asset Management Company |
R. Jay Gerken, CFA | Western Asset Management Company Limited |
Chairman |
|
William R. Hutchinson | Custodian |
Riordan Roett | State Street Bank & Trust Company |
Jeswald W. Salacuse | 225 Franklin Street |
| Boston, Massachusetts 02110 |
Officers |
|
R. Jay Gerken, CFA | Transfer agent |
President and Chief Executive Officer | American Stock Transfer & Trust Company |
| 59 Maiden Lane |
Kaprel Ozsolak | New York, New York 10038 |
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |
|
| Independent registered public accounting firm |
Ted P. Becker | KPMG LLP |
Chief Compliance Officer | 345 Park Avenue |
| New York, New York 10154 |
Robert I. Frenkel |
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Secretary and Chief Legal Officer | Legal counsel |
| Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP |
Thomas C. Mandia | 425 Lexington Avenue |
Assistant Secretary | New York, New York 10017-3909 |
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Albert Laskaj | New York Stock Exchange Symbol |
Controller | ESD |
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Steve Frank |
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Controller |
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Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. |
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55 Water Street |
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New York, NY 10041 |
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Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc.
WESTERN ASSET EMERGING MARKETS DEBT FUND INC. 55 Water Street New York, New York 10041
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that, from time to time the Fund may purchase, at market prices, shares of its Common Stock in the open market.
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. To obtain information on Form N-Q from the Fund, shareholders can call 1-800-451-2010.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior 12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-451-2010, (2) on the Fund’s website at www.leggmason.com/individualinvestors and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in this report.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 59 Maiden Lane New York, New York 10038
WAS04052 6/08 SR08-589 |
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ITEM 2. | CODE OF ETHICS. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 6. | SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS. | |
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| Included herein under Item 1. | |
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ITEM 7. | DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 8. | PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS. | |
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| None. | |
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ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. | |
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| Not applicable. | |
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ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. | |
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| (a) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a- 3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)) are effective as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of the disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
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| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the registrant’s last fiscal half-year (the registrant’s second fiscal half-year in the case of an annual report) that have materially affected, |
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| or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
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ITEM 12. | EXHIBITS. | |
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| (a) (1) Not applicable. | |
| Exhibit 99.CODE ETH | |
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| (a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto. | |
| Exhibit 99.CERT | |
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| (b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto. | |
| Exhibit 99.906CERT |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc.
By: | /s/ R. Jay Gerken |
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| R. Jay Gerken | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. | |
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Date: | July 1, 2008 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ R. Jay Gerken |
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| (R. Jay Gerken) | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. | |
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Date: | July 1, 2008 | |
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By: | /s/ Kaprel Ozsolak |
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| (Kaprel Ozsolak) | |
| Chief Financial Officer | |
| Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. | |
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Date: | July 1, 2008 |