UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORMN-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number811-05497
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10018
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Robert I. Frenkel, Esq.
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
100 First Stamford Place
Stamford, CT 06902
(Name and address of agent for service)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (888)777-0102
Date of fiscal year end: October 31
Date of reporting period: October 31, 2019
ITEM 1. | REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS. |
TheAnnual Report to Stockholders is filed herewith.
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Annual Report | | October 31, 2019 |
WESTERN ASSET
MUNICIPAL HIGH INCOME FUND INC. (MHF)
Beginning in April 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fund intends to no longer mail paper copies of the Fund’s shareholder reports like this one, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports from the Fund or from your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank). Instead, the reports will be made available on a website, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
If you invest through a financial intermediary and you already elected to receive shareholder reports electronically(“e-delivery”), you will not be affected by this change and you need not take any action. If you have not already electede-delivery, you may elect to receive shareholder reports and other communications from the Fund electronically by contacting your financial intermediary.
You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. That election will apply to all Legg Mason Funds held in your account at that financial intermediary. If you are a direct shareholder with the Fund, you can call the Fund at1-888-888-0151, or write to the Fund by regular mail at P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233 or by overnight delivery to Computershare, 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 to let the Fund know you wish to continue receiving paper copies of your shareholder reports. That election will apply to all Legg Mason Funds held in your account held directly with the fund complex.
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INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE |
Fund objective
The Fund seeks high current income exempt from federal income taxes.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in intermediate- and long-term municipal debt securities issued by state and local governments. However, the Fund may invest in municipal obligations of any maturity.
Letter from the chairman
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide the annual report of Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. for the twelve-month reporting period ended October 31, 2019. Please read on for a detailed look at prevailing economic and market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period and to learn how those conditions have affected Fund performance.
As always, we remain committed to providing you with excellent service and a full spectrum of investment choices. We also remain committed to supplementing the support you receive from your financial advisor. One way we accomplish this is through our website, www.lmcef.com. Here you can gain immediate access to market and investment information, including:
• | | Fund prices and performance, |
• | | Market insights and commentaries from our portfolio managers, and |
• | | A host of educational resources. |
We look forward to helping you meet your financial goals.
Sincerely,
Jane Trust, CFA
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
November 29, 2019
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II | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
Fund overview
Q. What is the Fund’s investment strategy?
A.The Fund seeks high current income exempt from federal income taxes. The Fund invests primarily in intermediate- and long term municipal debt securities issued by state and local governments including U.S. territories and possessions, politicalsub-divisions, agencies and public authorities (“municipal obligations”). However, the Fund may invest in municipal obligations of any maturity. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”). Investment grade securities are those rated in the Baa/BBB categories or above by at least one National Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”) that provides such a rating or unrated securities that the subadviser determined to be of comparable credit quality. The Fund may invest innon-publicly traded municipal securities,zero-coupon municipal obligations andnon-appropriation or other municipal lease obligations. The Fund may hold securities or use investment techniques that provide for payments based or “derived” from the performance of an underlying asset, index or other economic benchmark.
At Western Asset Management Company, LLC, the Fund’s subadviser, we utilize a fixed-income team approach, with decisions derived from interaction among various investment management sector specialists. The sector teams are comprised of Western Asset’s senior portfolio management personnel, research analysts and anin-house economist. Under this team approach, management of client fixed-income portfolios will reflect a consensus of interdisciplinary views within the Western Asset organization. The individuals responsible for development of investment strategy,day-to-day portfolio management, oversight and coordination of the Fund are S. Kenneth Leech, Robert E. Amodeo and David T. Fare.
Q. What were the overall market conditions during the Fund’s reporting period?
A.Fixed income markets generally posted strong results over the twelve-month reporting period ended October 31, 2019. Spread sectors(non-Treasuries) experienced periods of volatility as they were impacted by a number of factors, including moderating global growth, monetary policy tightening and then a “dovish pivot” by the Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”)i, the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, uncertainties surrounding Brexit and numerous other geopolitical issues.
Both short- and long-term U.S. Treasury yields declined during the reporting period. The yield for thetwo-year Treasury note began the reporting period at 2.87% and ended the period at 1.52%. The low for the reporting period was 1.39% on October 3, 2019 and the high of 2.98% occurred on November 8, 2018. The yield for theten-year Treasury began the reporting period at 3.15% and ended the period at 1.69%. The low for the reporting period was 1.47% on August 28, September 3 and September 4, 2019, and the peak of 3.24% took place on November 8, 2018.
The municipal bond market produced strong absolute returns but underperformed its taxable bond counterpart during the twelve-month reporting period. Over that time, the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Indexii and the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 1 |
Fund overview (cont’d)
Indexiii returned 9.42% and 11.51%, respectively. Both the taxable andtax-free bond markets were supported by declining interest rates. Thetax-free market also benefited from generally solid investor demand.
Q. How did we respond to these changing market conditions?
A.There were several adjustments made to the Fund’s portfolio during the reporting period. We extended the Fund’s durationiv, although we remained shorter than that of the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, the Fund’s benchmark. We increased the Fund’s allocations to the State and Local General Obligation Bonds, as well as added to a position in the Leasing sector. In contrast, we reduced the Fund’s exposure to Pre-Refundedv Securities, as well as its allocations to the Transportation, and Water & Sewer sectors.
The Fund employed the use of U.S. Treasury futures during the reporting period to tactically manage duration. This strategy detracted from performance.
Performance review
For the twelve months ended October 31, 2019, Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. returned 9.12% based on its net asset value (“NAV”)vi and 15.20% based on its New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) market price per share. The Fund’s unmanaged benchmark, the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, returned 9.42% for the same period. The Lipper High Yield Municipal DebtClosed-End Funds Category Averagevii returned 12.36% over the same time frame. Please note that Lipper performance returns are based on each fund’s NAV.
Certain investors may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and state and local taxes will apply. Capital gains, if any, are fully taxable. Please consult your personal tax or legal adviser.
During the twelve-month period, the Fund made distributions to shareholders totaling $0.31 per share.* The performance table shows the Fund’s twelve-month total return based on its NAV and market price as of October 31, 2019.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
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Performance Snapshotas of October 31, 2019 | |
Price Per Share | | 12-Month Total Return** | |
$8.04 (NAV) | | | 9.12 | %† |
$7.64 (Market Price) | | | 15.20 | %‡ |
All figures represent past performance and are not a guarantee of future results.
** Total returns are based on changes in NAV or market price, respectively. Returns reflect the deduction of all Fund expenses, including management fees, operating expenses, and other Fund expenses. Returns do not reflect the
* | For the tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, please refer to page 31 of this report. |
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2 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
deduction of brokerage commissions or taxes that investors may pay on distributions or the sale of shares.
† Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions at NAV.
‡ Total return assumes the reinvestment of all distributions in additional shares in accordance with the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
Q. What were the leading contributors to performance?
A.The largest contributor to the Fund’s relative performance during the reporting period was its positioning in a number of sectors. In particular, security selection in Leasing, Water & Sewer and State General Obligation bonds were additive for results. An overweight to the Industrial Revenue sector was also beneficial.
The Fund’s quality biases were also rewarded. Having a large overweight to municipal securities rated BBB, as well as an allocation to securities rated below investment-grade, benefited results. Underweights to securities rated AA and AAA were also additive for returns as lower rated municipal bonds outperformed their higher rated counterparts over the twelve-month reporting period.
Q. What were the leading detractors from performance?
A.The largest detractor from the Fund’s relative performance was its duration positioning during the reporting. Having a duration that was shorter than the benchmark was a headwind for returns, as rates moved lower across the yield curveviii during the period.
Elsewhere, security selection in the Industrial Revenue and Special Tax Obligation sectors detracted from results.
Looking for additional information?
The Fund is traded under the symbol “MHF” and its closing market price is available in most newspapers under the NYSE listings. The daily NAV is availableon-line under the symbol “XMHFX” on most financial websites.Barron’sand theWall Street Journal’sMonday edition both carryclosed-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.lmcef.com (click on the name of the Fund).
In a continuing effort to provide information concerning the Fund, shareholders may call1-888-777-0102 (toll free), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, for the Fund’s current NAV, market price and other information.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 3 |
Fund overview (cont’d)
Thank you for your investment in Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. As always, we appreciate that you have chosen us to manage your assets and we remain focused on achieving the Fund’s investment goals.
Sincerely,
Western Asset Management
Company, LLC
November 18, 2019
RISKS: The Fund is a diversifiedclosed-end management investment company designed primarily as a long-term investment and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund is not intended to be a complete investment program and, due to the uncertainty inherent in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The Fund’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Similar to stocks, the Fund’s share price will fluctuate with market conditions and, at the time of sale, may be worth more or less than the original investment. Shares ofclosed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Diversification does not assure against market loss. The Fund’s investments are subject to a number of risks, such as credit risk, inflation risk and interest rate risk. High-yield bonds, known as “junk bonds,” involve greater credit and liquidity risks than investment grade bonds. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall, reducing the value of the Fund’s holdings. Municipal securities purchased by the Fund may be adversely affected by changes in the financial condition of municipal issuers and insurers, regulatory and political developments, uncertainties and public perceptions, and other factors. The Fund may invest in securities of other investment companies. To the extent it does, Fund stock holders will indirectly pay a portion of the operating costs of such companies, in addition to the expenses that the Fund bears directly in connection with its own operation. Investing in securities issued by other investment companies, including exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) that invest primarily in municipal securities, involves risks similar to those of investing directly in the securities in which those investment companies invest. 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.
The mention of sector breakdowns is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. The information provided regarding such sectors is not a sufficient basis upon which to make an investment decision. Investors seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies discussed should consult their financial professional. Portfolio holdings are subject to change at any time and may not be representative of the portfolio managers’ current or future investments. The Fund’s portfolio composition is subject to change at any time.
All investments are subject to risk including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All index performance reflects no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes. Please note that an investor cannot invest directly in an index.
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4 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
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.
i | The Federal Reserve Board (the “Fed”) is responsible for the formulation of U.S. policies designed to promote economic growth, full employment, stable prices, and a sustainable pattern of international trade and payments. |
ii | The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a market value weighted index of investment grade municipal bonds with maturities of one year or more. |
iii | The Bloomberg Barclays 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. |
iv | Duration is the measure of the price sensitivity of a fixed-income security to an interest rate change of 100 basis points. Calculation is based on the weighted average of the present values for all cash flows. |
v | Apre-refunded bond is a bond in which the original security has been replaced by an escrow, usually consisting of treasuries or agencies, which has been structured to pay principal and interest and any call premium, either to a call date (in the case of apre-refunded bond), or to maturity (in the case of an escrowed to maturity bond). |
vi | Net asset value (“NAV”) is calculated by subtracting total liabilities, including liabilities associated with financial leverage (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 the Fund’s market price as determined by supply of and demand for the Fund’s shares. |
vii | Lipper, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reuters, provides independent insight on global collective investments. Returns are based on the twelve-month period ended October 31, 2019, including the reinvestment of all distributions, including returns of capital, if any, calculated among the 12 funds in the Fund’s Lipper category. |
viii | The yield curve is the graphical depiction of the relationship between the yield on bonds of the same credit quality but different maturities. |
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 5 |
Fund at a glance† (unaudited)
Investment breakdown(%) as a percent of total investments
† | The bar graph above represents the composition of the Fund’s investments as of October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018. The Fund is actively managed. As a result, the composition of the Fund’s investments is subject to change at any time. |
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6 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Schedule of investments
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Municipal Bonds — 99.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alabama — 6.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jefferson County, AL, Sewer Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Convertible CAB, Subordinated Lien, Warrants, Step bond (0.000% until 10/1/23; 7.900%) | | | 0.000 | % | | | 10/1/50 | | | $ | 3,020,000 | | | $ | 2,905,300 | |
Senior Lien, Warrants, Series A, AGM | | | 5.500 | % | | | 10/1/53 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 459,420 | |
Subordinated Lien, Warrants, Series D | | | 6.000 | % | | | 10/1/42 | | | | 1,120,000 | | | | 1,328,208 | |
Subordinated Lien, Warrants, Series D | | | 6.500 | % | | | 10/1/53 | | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,601,470 | |
Lower Alabama Gas District, Natural Gas Revenue, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 9/1/46 | | | | 1,700,000 | | | | 2,404,548 | |
Total Alabama | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 10,698,946 | |
Arizona — 4.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arizona State Lottery Revenue, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/29 | | | | 190,000 | | | | 248,140 | |
Chandler, AZ, IDA Revenue, Intel Corp. Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/3/24 | | | | 1,170,000 | | | | 1,342,493 | (a)(b)(c) |
La Paz County, AZ, IDA Revenue, Charter School Solutions, Harmony Public School Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 2/15/36 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,121,150 | (d) |
Navajo Nation, AZ, Revenue, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.500 | % | | | 12/1/30 | | | | 190,000 | | | | 216,309 | (d) |
Phoenix, AZ, IDA Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basis School Inc., Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/35 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,082,750 | (d) |
Great Hearts Academies, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/41 | | | | 1,200,000 | | | | 1,323,036 | |
Salt Verde, AZ, Financial Corp., Natural Gas Revenue, Series 2007 | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/37 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 2,019,390 | |
Total Arizona | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7,353,268 | |
California — 10.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alameda, CA, Corridor Transportation Authority Revenue, Second Subordinated Lien, Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/34 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 588,400 | |
Anaheim, CA, Public Financing Authority Lease Revenue, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 5/1/46 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,277,080 | |
California State MFA Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Lien, Linux Apartment Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/31/43 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 585,440 | (a) |
Senior Lien, Linux Apartment Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/31/47 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 233,194 | (a) |
California State PCFA Water Furnishing Revenue, San Diego County Water Authority Desalination Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/39 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 845,614 | (d) |
California State Public Works Board Lease Revenue, Various Capital Projects, Series A | | | 5.125 | % | | | 10/1/31 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,611,105 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 7 |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
California — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
California Statewide CDA Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provident Group-Pomona Properties LLC, Series A | | | 5.600 | % | | | 1/15/36 | | | $ | 500,000 | | | $ | 541,075 | (d) |
Provident Group-Pomona Properties LLC, Series A | | | 5.750 | % | | | 1/15/45 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 388,354 | (d) |
Golden State, CA, Tobacco Securitization Corp. Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tobacco Settlement Funded, SeriesA-1, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/47 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 308,520 | |
Tobacco Settlement Funded, SeriesA-2, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/47 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 411,360 | |
Inland Valley, CA, Development Agency, Successor Agency Tax Allocation Revenue, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 9/1/44 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 561,695 | |
Morongo Band of Mission Indians, CA, Revenue, Tribal Economic Development, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/42 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 112,861 | (d) |
M-S-R Energy Authority, CA, Natural Gas Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series B | | | 6.500 | % | | | 11/1/39 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,567,410 | |
Series C | | | 7.000 | % | | | 11/1/34 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 3,061,760 | |
Series C | | | 6.500 | % | | | 11/1/39 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 3,134,820 | |
Redding, CA, Redevelopment Agency, Tax Allocation, Shastec Redevelopment Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 9/1/29 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 601,578 | |
River Islands, CA, Public Financing Authority, Special Tax Revenue, Community Facilities DistrictNo. 2003-1, Refunding | | | 5.500 | % | | | 9/1/45 | | | | 620,000 | | | | 673,760 | |
Stockton, CA, PFA Revenue, Bond Anticipation Notes | | | 1.400 | % | | | 6/1/22 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 149,805 | |
Tobacco Securitization Authority of Southern California Revenue, Asset Backed Refunding, San Diego County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corporation, Class 1, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/48 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 238,564 | (e) |
Total California | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 17,892,395 | |
Colorado — 3.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aristation Metropolitan District, CO, GO, Convertible Unlimited & Special Revenue, Refunding and Improvements | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/38 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 539,030 | |
Colorado State Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Commonspirit Health Project,Series A-2 | | | 4.000 | % | | | 8/1/49 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 535,010 | |
Colorado State High Performance Transportation Enterprise Revenue,C-470 Express Lanes | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/31/51 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 164,224 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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8 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Colorado — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
North Range, CO, Metropolitan District #2, GO, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.625 | % | | | 12/1/37 | | | $ | 500,000 | | | $ | 527,960 | |
Public Authority for Colorado Energy, Natural Gas Purchase Revenue, Series 2008 | | | 6.125 | % | | | 11/15/23 | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,394,400 | |
Solaris, CO, Metropolitan District #3, GO, Subordinate Limited Tax, Series B | | | 7.000 | % | | | 12/15/46 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 513,500 | |
Total Colorado | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 6,674,124 | |
Connecticut — 0.7% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Connecticut State Special Tax Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/37 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 602,300 | |
Connecticut State, GO, Series A | | | 4.000 | % | | | 4/15/37 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 679,242 | |
Total Connecticut | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,281,542 | |
Delaware — 1.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delaware State EDA Revenue, Indian River Power LLC | | | 5.375 | % | | | 10/1/45 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,060,500 | |
District of Columbia — 1.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
District of Columbia Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Friendship Public Charter School Inc. | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/42 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,129,400 | |
Ingleside Rock Creek Project, Series A | | | 4.125 | % | | | 7/1/27 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 105,101 | |
KIPP Charter School | | | 6.000 | % | | | 7/1/33 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 234,412 | (f) |
KIPP Charter School | | | 6.000 | % | | | 7/1/43 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 293,015 | (f) |
Total District of Columbia | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,761,928 | |
Florida — 3.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Broward County, FL, Port Facilities Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Bonds, Series B | | | 4.000 | % | | | 9/1/44 | | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,368,275 | (a) |
Senior Bonds, Series B | | | 4.000 | % | | | 9/1/49 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 542,695 | (a) |
Florida State Development Finance Corp., Educational Facilities Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Renaissance Charter School Inc. Projects, Series A | | | 6.000 | % | | | 6/15/35 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 276,628 | (d) |
Renaissance Charter School Inc. Projects, Series A | | | 6.125 | % | | | 6/15/46 | | | | 215,000 | | | | 235,416 | (d) |
Florida StateMid-Bay Bridge Authority Revenue, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/28 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 581,375 | |
Martin County, FL, IDA, Revenue, Indiantown Cogeneration LP Project, Refunding | | | 4.200 | % | | | 12/15/25 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,519,695 | (a)(d) |
Palm Beach County, FL, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Sinai Residences Boca Raton Project | | | 7.500 | % | | | 6/1/49 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 449,016 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 9 |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Florida — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Reunion, FL, East Community Development District, Special Assessment Bond: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 1 | | | 6.600 | % | | | 5/1/33 | | | $ | 280,000 | | | $ | 302,537 | |
SeriesA-2 | | | 7.375 | % | | | 5/1/33 | | | | 285,000 | | | | 3 | *(g) |
Santa Rosa, FL, Bay Bridge Authority Revenue | | | 6.250 | % | | | 7/1/28 | | | | 704,641 | | | | 563,712 | *(g) |
Total Florida | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,839,352 | |
Georgia — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fulton County, GA, Development Authority Revenue, Georgia Institute of Technology | | | 4.000 | % | | | 6/15/49 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 559,330 | (h) |
Main Street Natural Gas Inc., GA, Gas Project Revenue, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 5/15/43 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 176,996 | |
Total Georgia | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 736,326 | |
Illinois — 11.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Dedicated Capital Improvement, Special Tax Revenue | | | 5.000 | % | | | 4/1/42 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 568,925 | |
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, GO, Series C, AGM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/32 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 300,078 | |
Chicago, IL, GO: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2005D, Refunding | | | 5.500 | % | | | 1/1/34 | | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,412,875 | |
Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/44 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 563,320 | |
Series A, Refunding | | | 6.000 | % | | | 1/1/38 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 356,220 | |
Series C, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/25 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 559,490 | |
Chicago, IL, Motor Fuel Tax Revenue, Refunding, AGM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/32 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,103,670 | |
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Lien, Series G | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/42 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 580,405 | (a) |
Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/31 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,716,540 | (a) |
Chicago, IL, Transit Authority, Sales Tax Receipts Revenue, Second Lien | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/51 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,123,670 | |
Chicago, IL, Wastewater Transmission Revenue, Second Lien, Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/38 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 573,625 | |
Chicago, IL, Waterworks Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Second Lien, Series 2017, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/29 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 600,200 | |
Second Lien, Series2017-2, Refunding, AGM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/32 | | | | 1,260,000 | | | | 1,505,587 | |
Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, Franciscan Communities Inc., Series A | | | 5.250 | % | | | 5/15/47 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,062,420 | |
Illinois State Sports Facilities Authority Revenue, State Tax Supported, Series 2019, Refunding, BAM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/15/30 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 304,952 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
10 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Illinois — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Illinois State University, Auxiliary Facilities System Revenue, Series A, Refunding, AGM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 4/1/28 | | | $ | 100,000 | | | $ | 121,175 | |
Illinois State, GO: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2016, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 2/1/26 | | | | 650,000 | | | | 738,816 | |
Series 2016, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 2/1/29 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 341,454 | |
Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/29 | | | | 1,100,000 | | | | 1,276,385 | |
Series C | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/29 | | | | 1,250,000 | | | | 1,418,250 | |
Series D | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/26 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,137,040 | |
Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, IL, Dedicated State Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
McCormick Place Expansion Project, Series A, | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/15/57 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 387,572 | |
McCormick Place Expansion Project, Series A, CAB | | | 0.000 | % | | | 12/15/52 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 199,052 | |
McCormick Place Expansion Project, SeriesB-2, Refunding, State Appropriations | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/15/50 | | | | 155,000 | | | | 156,705 | |
Regional Transportation Authority, IL, GO, Series A, Refunding, NATL | | | 6.000 | % | | | 7/1/29 | | | | 930,000 | | | | 1,208,879 | |
Total Illinois | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 19,317,305 | |
Indiana — 1.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Indiana State Finance Authority Revenue, Private Activity Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/48 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,172,060 | (a) |
Valparaiso, IN, Exempt Facilities Revenue, Pratt Paper LLC Project | | | 7.000 | % | | | 1/1/44 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 584,740 | (a) |
Total Indiana | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,756,800 | |
Kentucky — 3.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kentucky State PEA, Gas Supply Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series A | | | 4.000 | % | | | 4/1/24 | | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,526,686 | (b)(c) |
Series B | | | 4.000 | % | | | 1/1/25 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,659,900 | (b)(c) |
Owen County, KY Waterworks System Revenue, Kentucky American Water Co. Project, Series A | | | 6.250 | % | | | 6/1/39 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,007,160 | |
Total Kentucky | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,193,746 | |
Louisiana — 0.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Louisiana State PFA, Lease Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provident Group, Flagship Properties | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/42 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 817,495 | |
Provident Group, Flagship Properties, Series A | | | 4.000 | % | | | 7/1/49 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 537,830 | |
St. John Parish the Baptist, LA, State Revenue, Marathon Oil Corp. Project, Refunding | | | 2.200 | % | | | 7/1/26 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 250,862 | (b)(c) |
Total Louisiana | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,606,187 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 11 |
Schedule of investments(cont’d)
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Maryland — 2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Maryland State EDC Revenue, Seagirt Marine Terminal Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/44 | | | $ | 400,000 | | | $ | 478,556 | (a) |
Maryland State Health & Higher EFA Revenue, Mercy Medical Center | | | 6.250 | % | | | 7/1/31 | | | | 3,000,000 | | | | 3,217,770 | |
Total Maryland | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,696,326 | |
Massachusetts — 3.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Massachusetts State DFA Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Newbridge Charles Inc., Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/47 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 275,282 | (d) |
Tufts Medical Center Inc., Series I, Prerefunded | | | 6.875 | % | | | 1/1/41 | | | | 600,000 | | | | 639,186 | (f) |
Tufts Medical Center Inc., Series I, Unrefunded | | | 6.875 | % | | | 1/1/41 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 425,880 | (f) |
UMass Boston Student Housing Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/41 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 227,556 | |
Wellforce Issue, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/36 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 604,905 | |
Wellforce Issue, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/44 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 296,505 | |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute | | | 4.000 | % | | | 9/1/44 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 556,820 | |
Massachusetts State, GO, Consolidated Loan, Series C | | | 5.000 | % | | | 5/1/49 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,468,640 | |
Total Massachusetts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 5,494,774 | |
Michigan — 1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Detroit, MI, Downtown Development Authority Revenue, Catalyst Development, Series A, Refunding, AGM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/43 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 278,070 | |
Great Lakes, MI, Water Authority Water Supply System Revenue, Senior Lien, Series C, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/35 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 238,002 | |
Michigan State Finance Authority Limited Obligation Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Higher Education, Thomas M Cooley Law School Project, Refunding | | | 6.000 | % | | | 7/1/24 | | | | 310,000 | | | | 320,608 | (d) |
Higher Education, Thomas M Cooley Law School Project, Refunding | | | 6.750 | % | | | 7/1/44 | | | | 230,000 | | | | 241,749 | (d) |
Michigan State Finance Authority Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Henry Ford Health System, Series A | | | 4.000 | % | | | 11/15/50 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 438,192 | |
Senior Lien, Great Lakes Water Authority & Sewer, SeriesC-1, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/44 | | | | 270,000 | | | | 289,888 | |
Senior Lien, Great Lakes Water Authority & Sewer, SeriesC-6, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/33 | | | | 260,000 | | | | 295,464 | |
Michigan State Strategic Fund Limited Obligation Revenue,I-75 Improvement Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/31/43 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 297,355 | (a) |
Total Michigan | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,399,328 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
12 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Missouri — 2.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kansas City, MO, IDA, Airport System Revenue, Kansas City International Airport Terminal Modernization Project, Series B | | | 5.000 | % | | | 3/1/46 | | | $ | 650,000 | | | $ | 771,686 | (a) |
Kansas City, MO, IDA, Senior Living Facilities Revenue, Kingswood Project | | | 6.000 | % | | | 11/15/51 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 176,644 | (d) |
Missouri State HEFA Revenue, Senior Living Facilities: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lutheran Senior Services | | | 6.000 | % | | | 2/1/41 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 525,140 | |
Lutheran Senior Services | | | 5.000 | % | | | 2/1/44 | | | | 750,000 | | | | 816,555 | |
St. Louis County, MO, IDA, Senior Living Facilities Revenue, Friendship Village of Sunset Hills, Series A | | | 5.875 | % | | | 9/1/43 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,225,360 | |
Total Missouri | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 4,515,385 | |
Nebraska — 2.1% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Central Plains Energy Project, NE, Gas Project Revenue, Project #3, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 9/1/42 | | | | 3,340,000 | | | | 3,627,240 | |
Nevada — 0.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Charter School Lease Revenue, Somerset Academy, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/15/35 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 328,713 | (d) |
Charter School Lease Revenue, Somerset Academy, Series A | | | 5.125 | % | | | 12/15/45 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 542,350 | (d) |
Total Nevada | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 871,063 | |
New Jersey — 6.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gloucester County, NJ, PCFA Revenue, Keystone Urban Renewal, Logan Generating, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/24 | | | | 450,000 | | | | 489,415 | (a) |
New Jersey State EDA Revenue, Private Activity- The Goethals Bridge Replacement Project | | | 5.375 | % | | | 1/1/43 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,680,600 | (a) |
New Jersey State EDA, Special Facilities Revenue, Port Newark Container Terminal LLC Project, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/37 | | | | 125,000 | | | | 145,233 | (a) |
New Jersey State Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, Hackensack Meridian Health, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/38 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 120,116 | |
New Jersey State Higher Education State, Student Assistance Authority Revenue, Subordinated, Series 1B | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/44 | | | | 640,000 | | | | 692,806 | (a) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 13 |
Schedule of investments(cont’d)
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
New Jersey — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transportation Program, Series AA | | | 5.250 | % | | | 6/15/32 | | | $ | 4,720,000 | | | $ | 5,420,448 | |
Transportation Program, Series AA | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/15/46 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,137,920 | |
Salem County, NJ, PCFA Revenue, Chambers Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/23 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,153,100 | (a) |
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., NJ, Revenue, Senior, Series A, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/46 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 170,949 | |
Total New Jersey | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 12,010,587 | |
New Mexico — 0.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Santa Fe, NM, Retirement Facilities Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EL Castillo Retirement Residences Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 5/15/49 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 275,200 | (e) |
EL Castillo Retirement Residences Project, Series B | | | 2.625 | % | | | 5/15/25 | | | | 400,000 | | | | 400,508 | (e) |
Total New Mexico | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 675,708 | |
New York — 1.9% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New York State Liberty Development Corp., Liberty Revenue, 3 World Trade Center Project, Class 1, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/44 | | | | 1,205,000 | | | | 1,329,766 | (d) |
New York State Liberty Development Corp., Second Priority Liberty Revenue, Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Project, Class 3, Refunding | | | 2.800 | % | | | 9/15/69 | | | | 750,000 | | | | 765,405 | |
New York State Transportation Development Corp., Special Facilities Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Delta Air Lines Inc., LaGuardia Airport Terminal C and D Redevelopment Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/36 | | | | 750,000 | | | | 890,475 | (a) |
LaGuardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/46 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 331,797 | (a) |
Total New York | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,317,443 | |
North Carolina — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
North Carolina State Turnpike Authority, Monroe Expressway Toll Revenue, Series A, Refunding, State Appropriations | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/47 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 568,645 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
14 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Ohio — 0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Revenue, American Electric Company Project, Series B, Refunding | | | 2.500 | % | | | 10/1/29 | | | $ | 350,000 | | | $ | 356,206 | (a)(b)(c) |
Ohio State Private Activity Revenue, Portsmouth Bypass Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/30/53 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 774,249 | (a) |
Total Ohio | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,130,455 | |
Oklahoma — 0.3% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Payne County, OK, EDA Revenue, Epworth Living at The Ranch, Series A | | | 6.250 | % | | | 11/1/31 | | | | 143,075 | | | | 1,188 | *(g) |
Tulsa County, OK, Industrial Authority, Senior Living Community Revenue, Montereau Inc. Project, Refunding | | | 5.250 | % | | | 11/15/37 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 573,280 | |
Total Oklahoma | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 574,468 | |
Oregon — 0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Clackamas County, OR, Hospital Facility Authority Revenue, Senior Living, Willamette View Project, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/37 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 576,115 | |
Yamhill County, OR, Hospital Authority Revenue, Friendsview Retirement Community, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/51 | | | | 725,000 | | | | 800,045 | |
Total Oregon | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,376,160 | |
Pennsylvania — 6.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allegheny County, PA, HDA Revenue, University Pittsburgh Medical Center, Series A, Refunding | | | 4.000 | % | | | 7/15/38 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 390,821 | |
Commonwealth Financing Authority, PA, Tobacco Master Settlement Payment Revenue, Series 2018 | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/33 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 244,740 | |
Cumberland County, PA, Municipal Authority Revenue, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/28 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 392,956 | |
Erie County, PA, Convention Center Authority Guaranteed Hotel Revenue, County Guaranty, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/15/36 | | | | 750,000 | | | | 863,963 | |
Lancaster, PA, IDA Revenue, Willow Valley Communities Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/49 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 575,750 | |
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority, Retirement Community Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acts Retirement-Life-Communities, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/28 | | | | 1,400,000 | | | | 1,510,068 | |
Acts Retirement-Life-Communities, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/29 | | | | 1,350,000 | | | | 1,454,314 | |
Pennsylvania State Economic Development Financing Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Management Inc. Project | | | 2.150 | % | | | 7/1/24 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 251,940 | (a)(b)(c) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 15 |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Pennsylvania — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Revenue, Subordinated, Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 6/1/39 | | | $ | 3,170,000 | | | $ | 3,679,482 | |
Philadelphia, PA, Authority for IDR: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
City Service Agreement Revenue, Rebuild Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 5/1/38 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 605,635 | |
Discovery Charter School Project | | | 6.250 | % | | | 4/1/37 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 514,900 | |
Lease Revenue, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/30 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 323,895 | |
Performing Arts Charter School Project | | | 6.000 | % | | | 6/15/23 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 366,440 | (d) |
Total Pennsylvania | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 11,174,904 | |
Texas — 15.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Arlington, TX, Higher Education Finance Corp., Education Revenue, Uplift Education, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/46 | | | | 200,000 | | | | 222,926 | |
Arlington, TX, Special Tax Revenue, Subordinated Lien, Series C, BAM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 2/15/41 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 562,910 | |
Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue, Subordinated Lien, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 1/1/42 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,164,860 | |
City of Austin, TX, Airport System Revenue, Series B | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/37 | | | | 500,000 | | | | 619,420 | (a) |
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, International Airport Revenue, Joint Improvement, Series D | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/42 | | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,243,160 | (a) |
Grand Parkway Transportation Corp., TX, System Toll Revenue, Convertible CAB, Series B, Step bond (0.000% until 10/1/28; 5.500%) | | | 0.000 | % | | | 10/1/35 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,618,680 | |
Gulf Coast, TX, IDA, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Citgo Petroleum Corp. Project | | | 4.875 | % | | | 5/1/25 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,021,010 | (a) |
Love Field, TX, Airport Modernization Corp., General Airport Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series 2017 | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/33 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 23,705 | (a) |
Series 2017 | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/36 | | | | 20,000 | | | | 23,551 | (a) |
Love Field, TX, Airport Modernization Corp., Special Facilities Revenue, Southwest Airlines Co. Project | | | 5.250 | % | | | 11/1/40 | | | | 5,000,000 | | | | 5,174,150 | |
New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., TX, Senior Living Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cardinal Bay Inc., Village on the Park Carriage Inn Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/46 | | | | 100,000 | | | | 110,146 | |
Cardinal Bay Inc., Village on the Park Carriage Inn Project, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/51 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 164,280 | |
Cardinal Bay Inc., Village on the Park Carriage Inn Project, Series B | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/46 | | | | 150,000 | | | | 154,265 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
16 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Texas — continued | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
New Hope, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., TX, Retirement Facility Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
MRC Crestview | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/36 | | | $ | 550,000 | | | $ | 599,923 | |
Westminster Manor Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/1/40 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,112,630 | |
New Hope, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., TX, Student Housing Revenue, Collegiate Housing Stephenville II LLC, Tartleton State University Project | | | 5.000 | % | | | 4/1/39 | | | | 1,165,000 | | | | 1,251,431 | |
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Retirement Facility Revenue, Buckner Retirement Services Inc. Project, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 11/15/37 | | | | 700,000 | | | | 811,832 | |
Texas Midwest Public Facility Corp., Revenue, Secure Treatment Facility Project | | | 9.000 | % | | | 10/1/30 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 1,100,000 | *(g) |
Texas Private Activity Bond Surface Transportation Corp. Revenue, Senior Lien, Blueridge Transportation Group LLC | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/31/40 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,121,910 | (a) |
Texas State Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. I, Gas Supply Revenue, Senior Lien, Series D | | | 6.250 | % | | | 12/15/26 | | | | 930,000 | | | | 1,085,096 | |
Texas State Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. III, Gas Supply Revenue, Series 2012 | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/15/28 | | | | 1,500,000 | | | | 1,636,920 | |
Texas State Water Development Board Revenue, State Water Implementation Fund, Series A | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/15/43 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,218,010 | |
Willacy County, TX, Jail, Public Facilities Corp. Project Revenue | | | 7.500 | % | | | 11/1/25 | | | | 360,000 | | | | 337,450 | |
Total Texas | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 26,378,265 | |
U.S. Virgin Islands — 1.4% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Revenue, Subordinated, Matching Fund Loan, Diageo Project, Series A | | | 6.750 | % | | | 10/1/37 | | | | 2,400,000 | | | | 2,404,608 | |
Utah — 0.8% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Utah State Charter School Finance Authority, Charter School Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Summit Academy Inc., Series A, Refunding, UT CSCE | | | 5.000 | % | | | 4/15/39 | | | | 350,000 | | | | 427,714 | |
Syracuse Arts Academy Project, UT CSCE | | | 5.000 | % | | | 4/15/42 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 285,623 | |
Utah State Infrastructure Agency, Telecommunication Revenue, Series A | | | 5.250 | % | | | 10/15/33 | | | | 550,000 | | | | 643,126 | |
Total Utah | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1,356,463 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 17 |
Schedule of investments (cont’d)
October 31, 2019
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security | | Rate | | | Maturity Date | | | Face Amount | | | Value | |
Virginia — 2.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Virginia State Port Authority, Port Facilities Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/41 | | | $ | 250,000 | | | $ | 291,030 | (a) |
Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/45 | | | | 300,000 | | | | 347,505 | (a) |
Virginia State Small Business Financing Authority Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Lien, Elizabeth River Crossing OpCo LLC Project | | | 5.250 | % | | | 1/1/32 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,089,410 | (a) |
Senior Lien, Elizabeth River Crossing OpCo LLC Project | | | 5.500 | % | | | 1/1/42 | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | 2,177,580 | (a) |
Total Virginia | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 3,905,525 | |
Washington — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Washington State Health Care Facilities Authority Revenue, Commonspirit Health, Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 8/1/26 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 295,363 | (b)(c) |
West Virginia — 0.2% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
West Virginia University Revenue, West Virginia Projects, Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 10/1/29 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 322,350 | (b)(c) |
Wisconsin — 1.5% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Public Finance Authority, WI, Limited Obligation Pilot Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Dream @ Meadowlands Project, Series 2017 | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/27 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 281,983 | (d) |
American Dream @ Meadowlands Project, Series 2017 | | | 7.000 | % | | | 12/1/50 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 299,402 | (d) |
Public Finance Authority, WI, Revenue: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Celanese Project, Series B, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 12/1/25 | | | | 550,000 | | | | 632,054 | (a) |
Church Home of Hartford Inc. Project, Refunding | | | 5.000 | % | | | 9/1/38 | | | | 250,000 | | | | 268,573 | (d) |
Public Finance Authority, WI, Student Housing Revenue, CHF Wilmington LLC, University of North Carolina at Wilmington Project, AGM | | | 5.000 | % | | | 7/1/53 | | | | 1,000,000 | | | | 1,163,130 | |
Total Wisconsin | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 2,645,142 | |
Total Investments — 99.4% (Cost — $159,044,996) | | | | | | | | | | | | 172,912,621 | |
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities — 0.6% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 968,463 | |
Total Net Assets — 100.0% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ | 173,881,084 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
18 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
* | Non-income producing security. |
(a) | Income from this issue is considered a preference item for purposes of calculating the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”). |
(b) | Maturity date shown represents the mandatory tender date. |
(c) | Variable rate security. Interest rate disclosed is as of the most recent information available. Certain variable rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description above. |
(d) | 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. |
(e) | Securities traded on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. |
(f) | Pre-Refunded bonds are generally escrowed with U.S. government obligations and/or U.S. government agency securities. |
(g) | The coupon payment on these securities is currently in default as of October 31, 2019. |
(h) | All or a portion of this security is held at the broker as collateral for futures contracts. |
| | |
Abbreviations used in this schedule: |
| |
AGM | | — Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation — Insured Bonds |
| |
BAM | | — Build America Mutual — Insured Bonds |
| |
CAB | | — Capital Appreciation Bonds |
| |
CDA | | — Communities Development Authority |
| |
CSCE | | — Charter School Credit Enhancement |
| |
DFA | | — Development Finance Agency |
| |
EDA | | — Economic Development Authority |
| |
EDC | | — Economic Development Corporation |
| |
EFA | | — Educational Facilities Authority |
| |
GO | | — General Obligation |
| |
HDA | | — Housing Development Authority |
| |
HEFA | | — Health & Educational Facilities Authority |
| |
IDA | | — Industrial Development Authority |
| |
IDR | | — Industrial Development Revenue |
| |
MFA | | — Municipal Finance Authority |
| |
NATL | | — National Public Finance Guarantee Corporation — Insured Bonds |
| |
PCFA | | — Pollution Control Financing Authority |
| |
PEA | | — Public Energy Authority |
| |
PFA | | — Public Facilities Authority |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 19 |
Statement of assets and liabilities
October 31, 2019
| | | | |
| |
Assets: | | | | |
Investments, at value (Cost — $159,044,996) | | $ | 172,912,621 | |
Interest receivable | | | 2,630,788 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 6,714 | |
Total Assets | | | 175,550,123 | |
| |
Liabilities: | | | | |
Payable for securities purchased | | | 909,304 | |
Distributions payable | | | 551,640 | |
Investment management fee payable | | | 81,258 | |
Payable to broker — variation margin on futures contracts | | | 52,490 | |
Due to custodian | | | 33,854 | |
Directors’ fees payable | | | 3,042 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 37,451 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 1,669,039 | |
Total Net Assets | | $ | 173,881,084 | |
| |
Net Assets: | | | | |
Par value ($0.01 par value; 21,632,934 shares issued and outstanding; 500,000,000 shares authorized) | | $ | 216,329 | |
Paid-in capital in excess of par value | | | 163,455,699 | |
Total distributable earnings (loss) | | | 10,209,056 | |
Total Net Assets | | | $173,881,084 | |
| |
Shares Outstanding | | | 21,632,934 | |
| |
Net Asset Value | | | $8.04 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
20 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Statement of operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2019
| | | | |
| |
Investment Income: | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 7,747,570 | |
| |
Expenses: | | | | |
Investment management fee (Note 2) | | | 936,974 | |
Audit and tax fees | | | 52,916 | |
Directors’ fees | | | 42,998 | |
Transfer agent fees | | | 39,997 | |
Fund accounting fees | | | 27,572 | |
Shareholder reports | | | 15,409 | |
Legal fees | | | 14,471 | |
Stock exchange listing fees | | | 12,501 | |
Custody fees | | | 4,464 | |
Insurance | | | 3,162 | |
Interest expense | | | 339 | |
Miscellaneous expenses | | | 12,422 | |
Total Expenses | | | 1,163,225 | |
Net Investment Income | | | 6,584,345 | |
| |
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Futures Contracts (Notes 1, 3 and 4): | | | | |
Net Realized Gain (Loss) From: | | | | |
Investment transactions | | | 677,538 | |
Futures contracts | | | (380,359) | |
Net Realized Gain | | | 297,179 | |
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) From Investments | | | 7,849,775 | |
Net Gain on Investments and Futures Contracts | | | 8,146,954 | |
Increase in Net Assets From Operations | | $ | 14,731,299 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 21 |
Statements of changes in net assets
| | | | | | | | |
For the Years Ended October 31, | | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
| | |
Operations: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 6,584,345 | | | $ | 6,928,153 | |
Net realized gain (loss) | | | 297,179 | | | | (1,591,334) | |
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 7,849,775 | | | | (4,407,863) | |
Increase in Net Assets From Operations | | | 14,731,299 | | | | 928,956 | |
| | |
Distributions to Shareholders From (Note 1): | | | | | | | | |
Total distributable earnings(a) | | | (6,619,677) | | | | (6,619,678) | |
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders | | | (6,619,677) | | | | (6,619,678) | |
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets | | | 8,111,622 | | | | (5,690,722) | |
| | |
Net Assets: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | | 165,769,462 | | | | 171,460,184 | |
End of year(b) | | $ | 173,881,084 | | | $ | 165,769,462 | |
(a) | Distributions from net investment income and from realized gains are no longer required to be separately disclosed (Note 8). For the year ended October 31, 2018, distributions from net investment income were $6,619,678. |
(b) | Parenthetical disclosure of undistributed net investment income is no longer required (Note 8). For the year ended October 31, 2018, end of year net assets included undistributed net investment income of $277,456. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
22 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Financial highlights
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
For a share of capital stock outstanding throughout each year ended October 31: | |
| | 20191 | | | 20181 | | | 20171 | | | 20161 | | | 20151 | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year | | | $7.66 | | | | $7.93 | | | | $8.09 | | | | $7.97 | | | | $8.11 | |
| | | | | |
Income (loss) from operations: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | 0.30 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 0.32 | | | | 0.31 | | | | 0.36 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | 0.39 | | | | (0.28) | | | | (0.17) | | | | 0.14 | | | | (0.15) | |
Total income from operations | | | 0.69 | | | | 0.04 | | | | 0.15 | | | | 0.45 | | | | 0.21 | |
| | | | | |
Less distributions from: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.33) | | | | (0.35) | |
Total distributions | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.31) | | | | (0.33) | | | | (0.35) | |
| | | | | |
Net asset value, end of year | | | $8.04 | | | | $7.66 | | | | $7.93 | | | | $8.09 | | | | $7.97 | |
| | | | | |
Market price, end of year | | | $7.64 | | | | $6.91 | | | | $7.49 | | | | $7.53 | | | | $7.47 | |
Total return, based on NAV2,3 | | | 9.12 | % | | | 0.45 | % | | | 1.92 | % | | | 5.71 | % | | | 2.62 | % |
Total return, based on Market Price4 | | | 15.20 | % | | | (3.76) | % | | | 3.67 | % | | | 5.09 | % | | | 4.73 | % |
| | | | | |
Net assets, end of year (millions) | | | $174 | | | | $166 | | | | $171 | | | | $175 | | | | $172 | |
| | | | | |
Ratios to average net assets: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gross expenses | | | 0.68 | % | | | 0.68 | % | | | 0.69 | % | | | 0.71 | % | | | 0.69 | % |
Net expenses | | | 0.68 | | | | 0.68 | | | | 0.69 | | | | 0.71 | | | | 0.69 | |
Net investment income | | | 3.86 | | | | 4.09 | | | | 4.06 | | | | 3.87 | | | | 4.52 | |
| | | | | |
Portfolio turnover rate | | | 16 | % | | | 13 | % | | | 11 | % | | | 17 | % | | | 7 | % |
1 | Per share amounts have been calculated using the average shares method. |
2 | Performance figures may reflect compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. In the absence of compensating balance arrangements, fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements, the total return would have been lower. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
3 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested at NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
4 | The total return calculation assumes that distributions are reinvested in accordance with the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 23 |
Notes to financial statements
1. Organization and significant accounting policies
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland and is registered as a diversified,closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund seeks high current income exempt from federal income taxes. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in intermediate and long-term municipal debt securities issued by state and local governments. However, the Fund may invest in municipal obligations of any maturity. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in municipal obligations rated below investment grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”). Investment grade securities are those rated in the Baa/BBB categories or above by at least one National Recognized Statistical Rating Organization that provides such a rating or unrated securities that the subadviser determined to be of comparable credit quality. For credit ratings purposes,pre-refunded bonds are deemed to be unrated. The subadviser determines the credit quality ofpre-refunded bonds based on the quality of the escrowed collateral and such other factors as the subadviser deems appropriate.
On October 31, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved amendments to the Fund’s bylaws. The amended and restated bylaws were subsequently filed on Form8-K and are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
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. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date the financial statements were issued.
(a) Investment valuation. The valuations for fixed income securities (which may include, but are not limited to, corporate, government, municipal, mortgage-backed, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities) and certain derivative instruments are typically the prices supplied by independent third party pricing services, which may use market prices or broker/dealer quotations or a variety of valuation techniques and methodologies. The independent third party pricing services use inputs that are observable such as issuer details, interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, credit risks/spreads, default rates and quoted prices for similar securities. Investments inopen-end funds are valued at the closing net asset value per share of each fund on the day of valuation. Futures contracts are valued daily at the settlement price established by the board of trade or exchange on which they are traded. If independent third party pricing services are unable to supply prices for a portfolio investment, or if the prices supplied are deemed by the manager to be unreliable, the market price may be determined by the manager using quotations from one or more broker/dealers or at the transaction price if the security has recently been purchased and no value has yet been obtained from a pricing service or pricing broker. When reliable
| | |
24 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
prices are not readily available, 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 values these securities as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Fund’s Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the valuation process and has delegated the supervision of the daily valuation process to the Legg Mason North Atlantic Fund Valuation Committee (the “Valuation Committee”). The Valuation Committee, pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, is responsible for making fair value determinations, evaluating the effectiveness of the Fund’s pricing policies, and reporting to the Board of Directors. When determining the reliability of third party pricing information for investments owned by the Fund, the Valuation Committee, among other things, conducts due diligence reviews of pricing vendors, monitors the daily change in prices and reviews transactions among market participants.
The Valuation Committee will consider pricing methodologies it deems relevant and appropriate when making fair value determinations. Examples of possible methodologies include, but are not limited to, multiple of earnings; discount from market of a similar freely traded security; discounted cash-flow analysis; book value or a multiple thereof; risk premium/yield analysis; yield to maturity; and/or fundamental investment analysis. The Valuation Committee will also consider factors it deems relevant and appropriate in light of the facts and circumstances. Examples of possible factors include, but are not limited to, the type of security; the issuer’s financial statements; the purchase price of the security; the discount from market value of unrestricted securities of the same class at the time of purchase; analysts’ research and observations from financial institutions; information regarding any transactions or offers with respect to the security; the existence of merger proposals or tender offers affecting the security; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or comparable companies; and the existence of a shelf registration for restricted securities.
For each portfolio security that has been fair valued pursuant to the policies adopted by the Board of Directors, the fair value price is compared against the last available and next available market quotations. The Valuation Committee reviews the results of such back testing monthly and fair valuation occurrences are reported to the Board of Directors quarterly.
The Fund uses valuation techniques to measure fair value that are consistent with the market approach and/or income approach, depending on the type of security and the particular circumstance. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable securities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to discount estimated future cash flows to present value.
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 25 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
GAAP establishes a disclosure hierarchy that categorizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to value assets and liabilities at measurement date. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
• | | Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical investments |
• | | Level 2 — other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
• | | Level 3 — significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
The inputs or methodologies used to value securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used in valuing the Fund’s assets carried at fair value:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ASSETS | |
Description | | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | | | Other Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) | | | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | | | Total | |
Municipal Bonds† | | | — | | | $ | 172,912,621 | | | | — | | | $ | 172,912,621 | |
† | See Schedule of Investments for additional detailed categorizations. |
(b) Futures contracts.The Fund uses futures contracts generally to gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in interest rates or gain exposure to, or hedge against, changes in certain asset classes. A futures contract represents a commitment for the future purchase or sale of an asset at a specified price on a specified date.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash or securities with a broker in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This is known as the ‘‘initial margin’’ and subsequent payments (‘‘variation margin’’) are made or received by the Fund each day, depending on the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract. For certain futures, including foreign denominated futures, variation margin is not settled daily, but is recorded as a net variation margin payable or receivable. The daily changes in contract value are recorded as unrealized gains or losses in the Statement of Operations and the Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed.
Futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, risk of loss in excess of the amounts reflected in the financial statements. In addition, there is the risk that the Fund may not be able to enter into a closing transaction because of an illiquid secondary market.
(c) Securities traded on a when-issued and delayed delivery basis.The Fund may trade securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. In when-issued and delayed delivery transactions, the securities are purchased or sold by the Fund with payment and
| | |
26 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
delivery taking place in the future in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction.
Purchasing such securities involves risk of loss if the value of the securities declines prior to settlement. These securities are subject to market fluctuations and their current value is determined in the same manner as for other securities.
(d) Credit and market risk.The Fund invests in high-yield instruments that are subject to certain credit and market risks. The yields of high-yield obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit and market risks. The Fund’s investments in securities rated below investment grade typically involve risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk related to timely and ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility and less liquid secondary market trading.
(e) Counterparty risk and credit-risk-related contingent features of derivative instruments.The Fund may invest in certain securities or engage in other transactions, where the Fund is exposed to counterparty credit risk in addition to broader market risks. The Fund may invest in securities of issuers, which may also be considered counterparties as trading partners in other transactions. This may increase the risk of loss in the event of default or bankruptcy by the counterparty or if the counterparty otherwise fails to meet its contractual obligations. The Fund’s subadviser attempts to mitigate counterparty risk by (i) periodically assessing the creditworthiness of its trading partners, (ii) monitoring and/or limiting the amount of its net exposure to each individual counterparty based on its assessment and (iii) requiring collateral from the counterparty for certain transactions. Market events and changes in overall economic conditions may impact the assessment of such counterparty risk by the subadviser. In addition, declines in the values of underlying collateral received may expose the Fund to increased risk of loss.
With exchange traded and centrally cleared derivatives, there is less counterparty risk to the Fund since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, the credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, the Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default of the clearing broker or clearinghouse.
The Fund has entered into master agreements, such as an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement, with certain of its derivative counterparties that governover-the-counter derivatives and provide for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral posting terms, netting provisions in the event of default or termination and credit related contingent features. The credit related contingent features include, but are not limited to, a percentage decrease
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 27 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
in the Fund’s net assets or NAV over a specified period of time. If these credit related contingent features were triggered, the derivatives counterparty could terminate the positions and demand payment or require additional collateral.
Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. However, absent an event of default by the counterparty or a termination of the agreement, the terms of the ISDA Master Agreements do not result in an offset of reported amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities across transactions between the Fund and the applicable counterparty. The enforceability of the right to offset may vary by jurisdiction.
Collateral requirements differ by type of derivative. Collateral or margin requirements are set by the broker or exchange clearinghouse for exchange traded derivatives while collateral terms are contract specific forover-the-counter traded derivatives. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of the Fund under derivative contracts, if any, will be reported separately in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Securities pledged as collateral, if any, for the same purpose are noted in the Schedule of Investments.
As of October 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any open OTC derivative transactions with credit related contingent features in a net liability position.
(f) Security transactions and investment income.Security transactions are accounted for on a trade date basis. Interest income (including interest income frompayment-in-kind securities), adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method. To the extent any issuer defaults or a credit event occurs that impacts the issuer, the Fund may halt any additional interest income accruals and consider the realizability of interest accrued up to the date of default or credit event.
(g) Distributions to shareholders.Distributions from net investment income of the Fund, if any, are declared quarterly and paid on a monthly basis. The Fund intends to satisfy conditions that will enable interest from municipal securities, which is exempt from federal and certain state income taxes, to retain suchtax-exempt status when distributed to the shareholders of the Fund. Distributions of net realized gains, if any, are taxable and are declared at least annually. Distributions to shareholders of the Fund are recorded on theex-dividend date and are determined in accordance with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
(h) Compensating balance arrangements.The Fund has an arrangement with its custodian bank whereby a portion of the custodian’s fees is paid indirectly by credits earned on the Fund’s cash on deposit with the bank.
| | |
28 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
(i) 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 (the “Code”), as amended, applicable to regulated investment companies. Accordingly, the Fund intends to distribute its taxable income and net realized gains, if any, to shareholders in accordance with timing requirements imposed by the Code. Therefore, no federal or state income tax provision is required in the Fund’s financial statements.
Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that as of October 31, 2019, no provision for income tax is 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.
(j) Reclassification.GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. During the current year, the Fund had no reclassifications.
2. Investment management agreement and other transactions with affiliates
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) is the Fund’s investment manager and Western Asset Management Company, LLC (“Western Asset”) is the Fund’s subadviser. LMPFA and Western Asset are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Legg Mason, Inc. (“Legg Mason”).
LMPFA provides administrative and certain oversight services to the Fund. The Fund pays an investment management fee, calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund’s average daily net assets.
LMPFA delegates to Western Asset theday-to-day portfolio management of the Fund. For its services, LMPFA pays Western Asset monthly 70% of the net management fee it receives from the Fund.
All officers and one Director of the Fund are employees of Legg Mason or its affiliates and do not receive compensation from the Fund.
The Fund is permitted to purchase or sell securities, typically short-term variable rate demand obligations, from or to certain other affiliated funds or portfolios under specified conditions outlined in procedures adopted by the Board of Directors. The procedures have been designed to provide assurance that any purchase or sale of securities by the Fund from or to another fund or portfolio that is, or could be considered, an affiliate by virtue of having a common investment manager or subadviser (or affiliated investment manager or subadviser), common Directors and/or common officers complies with Rule17a-7 under the 1940 Act. Further, as defined under the procedures, each transaction is effected at the current
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 29 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
market price. For the year ended October 31, 2019, such purchase and sale transactions (excluding accrued interest) were $21,735,000 and $16,185,000, respectively.
3. Investments
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments (excluding short-term investments) were as follows:
| | | | |
Purchases | | | $29,989,305 | |
Sales | | | 27,296,046 | |
At October 31, 2019, the aggregate cost of investments and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments for federal income tax purposes were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Cost | | | Gross Unrealized Appreciation | | | Gross Unrealized Depreciation | | | Net Unrealized Appreciation | |
Securities | | | $158,892,795 | | | | $15,405,495 | | | | $(1,385,669) | | | | $14,019,826 | |
4. Derivative instruments and hedging activities
At October 31, 2019, the Fund did not have any derivative instruments outstanding.
The following table provides information about the effect of derivatives and hedging activities on the Fund’s Statement of Operations for the year ended October 31, 2019. The table provides additional detail about the amounts and sources of gains (losses) realized on derivatives during the period.
| | | | |
AMOUNT OF REALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON DERIVATIVES RECOGNIZED | |
| | Interest Rate Risk | |
Futures contracts | | | $(380,359) | |
During the year ended October 31, 2019, the volume of derivative activity for the Fund was as follows:
| | | | |
| | Average Market Value | |
Futures contracts (to sell)† | | | $1,936,308 | |
† | At October 31, 2019, there were no open positions held in this derivative. |
5. Distributions subsequent to October 31, 2019
The following distributions have been declared by the Fund’s Board of Directors and are payable subsequent to the period end of this report:
| | | | | | | | |
Record Date | | Payable Date | | | Amount | |
10/18/2019 | | | 11/1/2019 | | | $ | 0.0255 | |
11/22/2019 | | | 12/2/2019 | | | $ | 0.0255 | |
12/20/2019 | | | 12/31/2019 | | | $ | 0.0243 | |
1/24/2020 | | | 2/3/2020 | | | $ | 0.0243 | |
| | |
30 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
| | | | | | | | |
Record Date | | Payable Date | | | Amount | |
2/21/2020 | | | 3/2/2020 | | | $ | 0.0243 | |
6. Stock repurchase program
On November 16, 2015, the Fund announced that the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) had authorized the Fund to repurchase in the open market up to approximately 10% of the Fund’s outstanding common stock when the Fund’s shares are trading at a discount to net asset value. The Board has directed management of the Fund to repurchase shares of common stock at such times and in such amounts as management reasonably believes may enhance stockholder value. The Fund is under no obligation to purchase shares at any specific discount levels or in any specific amounts. During the year ended October 31, 2019, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.
7. Income tax information and distributions to shareholders
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2019 | | | 2018 | |
Distributions paid from: | | | | | | | | |
Tax-exempt income | | | $6,617,511 | | | | $6,611,104 | |
Ordinary income | | | 2,166 | | | | 8,574 | |
Total distributions paid | | | $6,619,677 | | | | $6,619,678 | |
As of October 31, 2019, the components of accumulated earnings (losses) on a tax basis were as follows:
| | | | |
Undistributedtax-exempt income — net | | | $ 269,667 | |
Deferred capital losses* | | | (4,028,012 | ) |
Other book/tax temporary differences(a) | | | (52,425 | ) |
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(b) | | | 14,019,826 | |
Total accumulated earnings (losses) — net | | | $10,209,056 | |
* | These capital losses have been deferred in the current year as either short-term or long-term losses. The losses will be deemed to occur on the first day of the next taxable year in the same character as they were originally deferred and will be available to offset future taxable capital gains. |
(a) | Other book/tax temporary differences are attributable to book/tax differences in the accrual of interest income on securities in default and book/tax differences in the timing of the deductibility of various expenses. |
(b) | The difference between book-basis andtax-basis unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and the difference between book and tax accretion methods for market discount on fixed income securities. |
8. Recent accounting pronouncements
The Fund has adopted the disclosure provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards UpdateNo. 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820)—Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement(“ASU2018-13”) which introduces new fair value disclosure requirements as well as eliminates and modifies certain existing fair value disclosure requirements. ASU2018-13
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 31 |
Notes to financial statements (cont’d)
would be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years; however, management has elected to early adopt ASU2018-13. The impact of the Fund’s adoption was limited to changes in the Fund’s financial statement disclosures regarding fair value, primarily those disclosures related to transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy.
In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission released its Final Rule on Disclosure Update and Simplification (the “Final Rule”) which is intended to simplify an issuer’s disclosure compliance efforts by removing redundant or outdated disclosure requirements without significantly altering the mix of information provided to investors. Effective with the current reporting period, the Fund adopted the Final Rule with the most notable impacts being that the Fund is no longer required to present the components of distributable earnings on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities or the sources of distributions to shareholders and the amount of undistributed net investment income on the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. The tax components of distributable earnings and distributions to shareholders continue to be disclosed within the Notes to Financial Statements.
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32 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report |
Report of independent registered public accounting firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of the Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. (the “Fund”) as of October 31, 2019, the related statement of operations for the year ended October 31, 2019, the statement of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended October 31, 2019, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2019 (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2019, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period ended October 31, 2019 and the financial highlights for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The financial statements of the Fund as of and for the year ended October 31, 2016 and the financial highlights for each of the periods ended on or prior to October 31, 2016 (not presented herein, other than the financial highlights) were audited by other auditors whose report dated December 19, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial highlights.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2019 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
December 20, 2019
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in Legg Mason investment company group since at least 1973. We have not been able to determine the specific year we began serving as auditor.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. 2019 Annual Report | | 33 |
Additional information(unaudited)
Information about Directors and Officers
The business and affairs of Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. (the “Fund”) are conducted by management under the supervision and subject to the direction of its Board of Directors. The business address of each Director is c/o Jane Trust, Legg Mason, 100 International Drive, 11th Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Information pertaining to the Directors and officers of the Fund is set forth below.
The Fund’s annual proxy statement includes additional information about Directors and is available, without charge, upon request by calling the Fund at1-888-777-0102.
| | |
Independent Directors† |
| |
Robert D. Agdern | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1950 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Compliance Liaison, Class III |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2015 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Member of the Advisory Committee of the Dispute Resolution Research Center at the Kellogg Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University (2002 to 2016); formerly, Deputy General Counsel responsible for western hemisphere matters for BP PLC (1999 to 2001); Associate General Counsel at Amoco Corporation responsible for corporate, chemical, and refining and marketing matters and special assignments (1993 to 1998) (Amoco merged with British Petroleum in 1998 forming BP PLC) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| |
Carol L. Colman | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1946 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit and Compensation Committees, and Chair of Pricing and Valuation Committee, Class I |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2007 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | President, Colman Consulting Company (consulting) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| | |
34 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
| | |
Independent Directors† (cont’d) |
| |
Daniel P. Cronin | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1946 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Nominating Committee, Class II |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2007 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Retired; formerly, Associate General Counsel, Pfizer Inc. (prior to and including 2004) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| |
Paolo M. Cucchi | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1941 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Compensation Committee, Class II |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2007 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Emeritus Professor of French and Italian (since 2014) and formerly, Vice President and Dean of The College of Liberal Arts (1984 to 2009) and Professor of French and Italian (2009 to 2014) at Drew University |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| |
William R. Hutchinson | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1942 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Lead Independent Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, Class III |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2007 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | President, W.R. Hutchinson & Associates Inc. (consulting) (since 2001) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | Director(Non-Executive Chairman of the Board (since December 1, 2009)), Associated Banc Corp. (banking) (since 1994) |
| | |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. | | 35 |
Additional information(unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
| | |
Independent Directors† (cont’d) | | |
| |
Eileen A. Kamerick | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1958 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, and Chair of Audit Committee, Class III |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2013 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | National Association of Corporate Directors Board Leadership Fellow and financial expert (since 2016); Adjunct Professor, The University of Chicago Law School (since 2018); Adjunct Professor, Washington University in St. Louis and University of Iowa law schools (since 2007); formerly, Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ConnectWise, Inc. (software and services company) (2015 to 2016); Chief Financial Officer, Press Ganey Associates (health care informatics company) (2012 to 2014); Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, Houlihan Lokey (international investment bank) (2010 to 2012) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | Trustee of AIG Funds and Anchor Series Trust (since 2018); Hochschild Mining plc (precious metals company) (since 2016); Director of Associated Banc-Corp (financial services company) (since 2007); Westell Technologies, Inc. (technology company) (2003 to 2016) |
| |
Nisha Kumar2 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1970 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director and Member of Nominating, Audit, Compensation and Pricing and Valuation Committees, Class II |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2019 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Greenbriar Equity Group, LP (since 2011); formerly, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Rent the Runway, Inc. (2011); Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AOL LLC, a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc. (2007 to 2009), Member of the Council of Foreign Relations |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 24 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | Director of the India Fund, Inc. (since 2016); GB Flow Investment LLC; EDAC Technologies Corp.; Nordco Holdings, LLC; and SEKO Global Logistics Network, LLC; formerly, Director of Aberdeen Income Credit Strategies Fund (2017 to 2018); Director of The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc. (2016 to 2018) |
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36 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
| | |
Interested Director and Officer | | |
| |
Jane Trust, CFA3 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1962 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Director, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Class I |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2015 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Senior Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co., LLC (“Legg Mason & Co.”) (since 2018); Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (2016 to 2018); Officer and/or Trustee/Director of 145 funds associated with Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (“LMPFA”) or its affiliates (since 2015); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMPFA (since 2015); formerly, Senior Vice President of LMPFA (2015); Director of ClearBridge, LLC (for- merly, Legg Mason Capital Management, LLC) (2007 to 2014); Managing Director of Legg Mason Investment Counsel & Trust Co. (2000 to 2007) |
Number of portfolios in fund complex overseen by Director (including the Fund) | | 136 |
Other board memberships held by Director during the past five years | | None |
| | |
Additional Officers | | |
|
Todd F. Kuehl Legg Mason 100 International Drive, 9th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
| |
Year of birth | | 1969 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Chief Compliance Officer |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2017 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2011); Chief Compliance Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006); formerly, Chief Compliance Officer of Legg Mason Private Portfolio Group (prior to 2010); formerly, Branch Chief, Division of Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (2002 to 2006) |
| |
Jenna Bailey Legg Mason 100 First Stamford Place, 5th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1978 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Identity Theft Prevention Officer |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2015 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Identity Theft Prevention Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2015); Compliance Officer of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2013); Assistant Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2011); formerly, Associate Compliance Officer of Legg Mason & Co. (2011 to 2013) |
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. | | 37 |
Additional information(unaudited) (cont’d)
Information about Directors and Officers
| | |
Additional Officers (cont’d) | | |
| |
Robert I. Frenkel Legg Mason 100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1954 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Secretary and Chief Legal Officer |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2003 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Vice President and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason, Inc. (since 2006); Managing Director and General Counsel — U.S. Mutual Funds for Legg Mason & Co. (since 2006) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (since 1994); Secretary and Chief Legal Officer of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (prior to 2006) |
| |
Thomas C. Mandia Legg Mason 100 First Stamford Place, 6th Floor, Stamford, CT 06902 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1962 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Assistant Secretary |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2006 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Managing Director and Deputy General Counsel of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (prior to 2005); Secretary of LMPFA (since 2006); Assistant Secretary of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2006) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (prior to 2006); Secretary of LM Asset Services, LLC (“LMAS”) (since 2002) and Legg Mason Fund Asset Management, Inc. (“LMFAM”) (since 2013) (formerly registered investment advisers) |
| |
Christopher Berarducci* Legg Mason 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10018 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1974 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2019 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Treasurer (since 2010) and Principal Financial Officer (since 2019) of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates; Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2015); formerly, Vice President of Legg Mason & Co. (2011 to 2015); Assistant Controller of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (prior to 2010) |
| | |
38 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
| | |
Additional Officers (cont’d) | | |
| |
Jeanne M. Kelly Legg Mason 620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, NY 10018 | | |
| |
Year of birth | | 1951 |
Position(s) held with Fund1 | | Senior Vice President |
Term of office1and length of time served | | Since 2007 |
Principal occupation(s) during the past five years | | Senior Vice President of certain mutual funds associated with Legg Mason & Co. or its affiliates (since 2007); Senior Vice President of LMPFA (since 2006); President and Chief Executive Officer of LMAS and LMFAM (since 2015); Managing Director of Legg Mason & Co. (since 2005) and Legg Mason & Co. predecessors (prior to 2005); formerly, Senior Vice President of LMFAM (2013 to 2015) |
† | Directors who are not “interested persons” of the Fund within the meaning of Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). |
* | Effective September 27, 2019, Mr. Berarducci became Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer. |
1 | The Fund’s Board of Directors is divided into three classes: Class I, Class II and Class III. The terms of office of the Class I, II and III Directors expire at the Annual Meetings of Stockholders in the year 2021, year 2022 and year 2020, respectively, or thereafter in each case when their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The Fund’s executive officers are chosen each year, to hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified. |
2 | Effective January 1, 2019, Ms. Kumar became a Director. |
3 | Ms. Trust is an “interested person” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act because Ms. Trust is an officer of LMPFA and certain of its affiliates. |
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. | | 39 |
Annual chief executive officer and principal financial officer certifications(unaudited)
The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) has submitted to the NYSE the required annual certification and the Fund also has included the Certifications of the Fund’s CEO and Principal Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the Fund’s FormN-CSR filed with the SEC for the period of this report.
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40 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
Other shareholder communications regarding accounting matters(unaudited)
The Fund’s Audit Committee has established guidelines and procedures regarding the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters (collectively, “Accounting Matters”). Persons with complaints or concerns regarding Accounting Matters may submit their complaints to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”). Persons who are uncomfortable submitting complaints to the CCO, including complaints involving the CCO, may submit complaints directly to the Fund’s Audit Committee Chair. Complaints may be submitted on an anonymous basis.
The CCO may be contacted at:
Legg Mason & Co., LLC
Compliance Department
620 Eighth Avenue, 49th Floor
New York, New York 10018
Complaints may also be submitted by telephone at1-800-742-5274. Complaints submitted through this number will be received by the CCO.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. | | 41 |
Dividend reinvestment plan(unaudited)
Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash (i.e.,opt-out), all dividends, including any capital gain dividends and return of capital distributions, on your Common Stock will be automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as agent for the stockholders (the “Plan Agent”), in additional shares of Common Stock under the Fund’s 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 Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as dividend paying agent.
If you participate in the Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock you will receive will be determined as follows:
(1) If the market price of the Common Stock (plus $0.03 per share commission) on the payment date (or, if the payment date is not a NYSE trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) is equal to or exceeds the net asset value per share of the Common Stock at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the Fund will issue new Common Stock at a price equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date or (b) 95% of the market price per share of the Common Stock on the payment date.
(2) If the net asset value per share of the Common Stock exceeds the market price of the Common Stock (plus $0.03 per share commission) at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment date, the Plan Agent will receive the dividend or distribution in cash and will buy Common Stock in the open market, on the NYSE or elsewhere, for your account as soon as practicable commencing on the trading day following the payment date and terminating no later than the earlier of (a) 30 days after the dividend or distribution payment date, or (b) the payment date for the next succeeding dividend or distribution to be made to the stockholders; except when necessary to comply with applicable provisions of the federal securities laws. If during this period: (i) the market price (plus $0.03 per share commission) rises so that it equals or exceeds the net asset value per share of the Common Stock at the close of trading on the NYSE on the payment 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 Stock in the open market and the Fund shall issue the remaining Common Stock at a price per share equal to the greater of (a) the net asset value per share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the day prior to the issuance of shares for reinvestment or (b) 95% of the then current market price per share.
Common Stock in your account will be held by the Plan Agent innon-certificated form. Any proxy you receive will include all shares of Common Stock you have received under the Plan. You may withdraw from the Plan (i.e.,opt-out) by notifying the Plan Agent in writing at 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling the Plan Agent at1-888-888-0151. Such withdrawal will be effective immediately if notice is received by the Plan Agent not less than ten business days prior to any dividend or distribution record date;
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42 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
otherwise such withdrawal will be effective as soon as practicable after the Plan Agent’s investment of the most recently declared dividend or distribution on the Common Stock.
Plan participants who sell their shares will be charged a service charge (currently $5.00 per transaction) and the Plan Agent is authorized to deduct brokerage charges actually incurred from the proceeds (currently $0.05 per share commission). There is no service charge for reinvestment of your dividends or distributions in Common Stock. 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 dividends and distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional shares of Common Stock, this allows you to add to your investment through dollar cost averaging, which may lower the average cost of your Common Stock over time. Dollar cost averaging is a technique for lowering the average cost per share over time if the Fund’s net asset value declines. While dollar cost averaging has definite advantages, it cannot assure profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
Automatically reinvesting dividends and distributions does not mean that you do not have to pay income taxes due upon receiving dividends and distributions. Investors will be subject to income tax on amounts reinvested under the Plan.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan if, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change is warranted. The Plan may be terminated, amended or supplemented by the Fund upon notice in writing mailed to stockholders at least 30 days prior to the record date for the payment of any dividend or distribution by the Fund for which the termination or amendment is to be effective. Upon any termination, you will be sent cash for any fractional share of Common Stock in your account. You may elect to notify the Plan Agent in advance of such termination to have the Plan Agent sell part or all of your Common Stock on your behalf. Additional information about the Plan and your account may be obtained from the Plan Agent at 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202 or by calling the Plan Agent at1-888-888-0151.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. | | 43 |
Important tax information(unaudited)
The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid during the taxable year ended October 31, 2019:
| | | | | | |
Record date: | | Monthly | | 6/21/2019 | | Monthly |
Payable date: | | November 2018 through June 2019 | | 7/1/2019 | | August 2019 through October 2019 |
Tax-exempt interest | | 100.00% | | 99.61% | | 100.00% |
Taxable income | | — | | 0.39%* | | — |
The following information is applicable tonon-U.S. resident shareholders:
* | All of the ordinary income distributions paid monthly by the Fund represent Interest-related dividends eligible for exemption from U.S. withholding tax for nonresident aliens and foreign corporations. |
Please retain this information for your records.
| | |
44 | | Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
Western Asset
Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
Directors
Robert D. Agdern
Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
William R. Hutchinson
Eileen A. Kamerick
Nisha Kumar*
Jane Trust
Chairman
Officers
Jane Trust
President and Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Berarducci
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer**
Todd F. Kuehl
Chief Compliance Officer
Jenna Bailey
Identity Theft Prevention Officer
Robert I. Frenkel
Secretary and Chief Legal Officer
Thomas C. Mandia
Assistant Secretary
Jeanne M. Kelly
Senior Vice President
* | Effective January 1, 2019, Ms. Kumar became a Director. |
** | Effective September 27, 2019, Mr. Berarducci became Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer. |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
49th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Investment manager
Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC
Subadviser
Western Asset Management Company, LLC
Custodian
The Bank of New York Mellon
Transfer agent
Computershare Inc.
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202
Independent registered public accounting firm
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore, MD
Legal counsel
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
New York Stock Exchange Symbol
MHF
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice
Your Privacy and the Security of Your Personal Information is Very Important to the Legg Mason Funds
This Privacy and Security Notice (the “Privacy Notice”) addresses the Legg Mason Funds’ privacy and data protection practices with respect to nonpublic personal information the Funds receive. The Legg Mason Funds include any funds sold by the Funds’ distributor, Legg Mason Investor Services, LLC, as well as Legg Mason-sponsoredclosed-end funds. The provisions of this Privacy Notice apply to your information both while you are a shareholder and after you are no longer invested with the Funds.
The Type of Nonpublic Personal Information the Funds Collect About You
The Funds collect and maintain nonpublic personal information about you in connection with your shareholder account. Such information may include, but is not limited to:
• | | Personal information included on applications or other forms; |
• | | Account balances, transactions, and mutual fund holdings and positions; |
• | | Bank account information, legal documents, and identity verification documentation; |
• | | Online account access user IDs, passwords, security challenge question responses; and |
• | | Information received from consumer reporting agencies regarding credit history and creditworthiness (such as the amount of an individual’s total debt, payment history, etc.). |
How the Funds Use Nonpublic Personal Information About You
The Funds do not sell or share your nonpublic personal information with third parties or with affiliates for their marketing purposes, or with other financial institutions or affiliates for joint marketing purposes, unless you have authorized the Funds to do so. The Funds do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about you except as may be required to perform transactions or services you have authorized or as permitted or required by law. The Funds may disclose information about you to:
• | | Employees, agents, and affiliates on a “need to know” basis to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business or to comply with obligations to government regulators; |
• | | Service providers, including the Funds’ affiliates, who assist the Funds as part of the ordinary course of business (such as printing, mailing services, or processing or servicing your account with us) or otherwise perform services on the Funds’ behalf, including companies that may perform statistical analysis, market research and marketing services solely for the Funds; |
• | | Permit access to transfer, whether in the United States or countries outside of the United States to such Funds’ employees, agents and affiliates and service providers as required to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business, or to comply with obligations to government regulators; |
• | | The Funds’ representatives such as legal counsel, accountants and auditors to enable the Funds to conduct ordinary business, or to comply with obligations to government regulators; |
• | | Fiduciaries or representatives acting on your behalf, such as an IRA custodian or trustee of a grantor trust. |
|
NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Legg Mason Funds Privacy and Security Notice (cont’d)
Except as otherwise permitted by applicable law, companies acting on the Funds’ behalf, including those outside the United States, are contractually obligated to keep nonpublic personal information the Funds provide to them confidential and to use the information the Funds share only to provide the services the Funds ask them to perform.
The Funds may disclose nonpublic personal information about you when necessary to enforce their rights or protect against fraud, or as permitted or required by applicable law, such as in connection with a law enforcement or regulatory request, subpoena, or similar legal process. In the event of a corporate action or in the event a Fund service provider changes, the Funds may be required to disclose your nonpublic personal information to third parties. While it is the Funds’ practice to obtain protections for disclosed information in these types of transactions, the Funds cannot guarantee their privacy policy will remain unchanged.
Keeping You Informed of the Funds’ Privacy and Security Practices
The Funds will notify you annually of their privacy policy as required by federal law. While the Funds reserve the right to modify this policy at any time they will notify you promptly if this privacy policy changes.
The Funds’ Security Practices
The Funds maintain appropriate physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to guard your nonpublic personal information. The Funds’ internal data security policies restrict access to your nonpublic personal information to authorized employees, who may use your nonpublic personal information for Fund business purposes only.
Although the Funds strive to protect your nonpublic personal information, they cannot ensure or warrant the security of any information you provide or transmit to them, and you do so at your own risk. In the event of a breach of the confidentiality or security of your nonpublic personal information, the Funds will attempt to notify you as necessary so you can take appropriate protective steps. If you have consented to the Funds using electronic communications or electronic delivery of statements, they may notify you under such circumstances using the most current email address you have on record with them.
In order for the Funds to provide effective service to you, keeping your account information accurate is very important. If you believe that your account information is incomplete, not accurate or not current, if you have questions about the Funds’ privacy practices, or our use of your nonpublic personal information, write the Funds using the contact information on your account statements, email the Funds by clicking on the Contact Us section of the Funds’ website at www.leggmason.com, or contact the Funds at1-888-777-0102.
Revised April 2018
|
NOT PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT |
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.
620 Eighth Avenue
49th Floor
New York, NY 10018
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 stock.
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 as an exhibit to its reports on FormN-PORT. Previously, the Fund filed a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on FormN-Q. The Fund’s FormsN-PORT andN-Q are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. To obtain information on FormsN-PORT andN-Q, shareholders can call the Fund at1-888-777-0102.
Information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the prior12-month period ended June 30th of each year and a description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies related to portfolio transactions are available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling1-888-777-0102, (2) at www.lmcef.com and (3) on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in this report.
Computershare Inc.
462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600
Louisville, KY 40202
WASX010547 12/19 SR19-3770
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller.
ITEM 3. | AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT. |
The Board of Directors of the registrant has determined that Eileen A. Kamerick, a member of the Board’s Audit Committee, possesses the technical attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to FormN-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” and that she is independent for purposes of this item.
ITEM 4. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. |
(a)Audit Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the previous fiscal years ending October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019 (the “Reporting Periods”) for professional services rendered by the Registrant’s principal accountant (the “Auditor”) for the audit of the Registrant’s annual financial statements, or services that are normally provided by the Auditor in connection with the statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the Reporting Periods, were $41,341 in October 31, 2018 and $43,841 in October 31, 2019.
(b)Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor that are reasonably related to the performance of the Registrant’s financial statements were $6,427 in October 31, 2018 and $0 in October 31, 2019.
In addition, there were no Audit-Related Fees billed in the Reporting Period for assurance and related services by the Auditor to the Registrant’s investment adviser (not including anysub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. (“service affiliates”), that were reasonably related to the performance of the annual audit of the service affiliates. Accordingly, there were no such fees that requiredpre-approval by the Audit Committee for the Reporting Period.
(c) Tax Fees. The aggregate fees billed in the Reporting Periods for professional services rendered by the Auditor for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning (“Tax Services”) were $0 in October 31, 2018 and $0 in October 31, 2019. These services consisted of (i) review or preparation of U.S. federal, state, local and excise tax returns; (ii) U.S. federal, state and local tax planning, advice and assistance regarding statutory, regulatory or administrative developments, and (iii) tax advice regarding tax qualification matters and/or treatment of various financial instruments held or proposed to be acquired or held.
There were no fees billed for tax services by the Auditors to service affiliates during the Reporting Periods that requiredpre-approval by the Audit Committee.
(d)All Other Fees. The aggregate fees for other fees billed in the Reporting Periods for products and services provided by the Auditor, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item for the Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. were $0 in October 31, 2018 and $0 in October 31, 2019.
All Other Fees. There were no othernon-audit services rendered by the Auditor to Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisors, LLC (“LMPFA”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with LMPFA that provided ongoing services to Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. requiringpre-approval by the Audit Committee in the Reporting Period.
(e) Audit Committee’s pre—approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c) (7) ofRule 2-01 of RegulationS-X.
(1) The Charter for the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of each registered investment company (the “Fund”) advised by LMPFA or one of their affiliates (each, an “Adviser”) requires that the Committee shall approve (a) all audit and permissiblenon-audit services to be provided to the Fund and (b) all permissiblenon-audit services to be provided by the Fund’s independent auditors to the Adviser and any Covered Service Providers if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. The Committee may implement policies and procedures by which such services are approved other than by the full Committee.
The Committee shall not approvenon-audit services that the Committee believes may impair the independence of the auditors. As of the date of the approval of this Audit Committee Charter, permissiblenon-audit services include any professional services (including tax services), that are not prohibited services as described below, provided to the Fund by the independent auditors, other than those provided to the Fund in connection with an audit or a review of the financial statements of the Fund. Permissiblenon-audit services may not include: (i) bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the Fund; (ii) financial information systems design and implementation; (iii) appraisal or valuation services, fairness opinions orcontribution-in-kind reports; (iv) actuarial services; (v) internal audit outsourcing services; (vi) management functions or human resources; (vii) broker or dealer, investment adviser or investment banking services; (viii) legal services and expert services unrelated to the audit; and (ix) any other service the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board determines, by regulation, is impermissible.
Pre-approval by the Committee of any permissiblenon-audit services is not required so long as: (i) the aggregate amount of all such permissiblenon-audit services provided to the Fund, the Adviser and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provide ongoing services to the Fund (“Covered Service Providers”) constitutes not more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid to the independent auditors during the fiscal year in which the permissiblenon-audit services are provided to (a) the Fund, (b) the Adviser and (c) any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund during the fiscal year in which the services are provided that would have to be approved by the Committee; (ii) the permissiblenon-audit services were not recognized by the Fund at the time of the engagement to benon-audit services; and (iii) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Committee and approved by the Committee (or its delegate(s)) prior to the completion of the audit.
(2) For the Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc., the percentage of fees that were approved by the audit committee, with respect to: Audit-Related Fees were 100% and 100% for October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019; Tax Fees were 100% and 100% for October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019; and Other Fees were 100% and 100% for October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2019.
(f) N/A
(g) Non-audit fees billed by the Auditor for services rendered to Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc., LMPFA and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with LMPFA that provides ongoing services to Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. during the reporting period were $678,000 in October 31, 2018 and $322,562 in October 31, 2019.
(h) Yes. Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc.’s Audit Committee has considered whether the provision ofnon-audit services that were rendered to Service Affiliates, which were notpre-approved (not requiringpre-approval), is compatible with maintaining the Accountant’s independence. All services provided by the Auditor to the Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. or to Service Affiliates, which were required to bepre-approved, werepre-approved as required.
ITEM 5. | AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS. |
a) Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance withSection 3(a)58(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee consists of the following Board members:
Robert D. Agdern
Carol L. Colman
Daniel P. Cronin
Paolo M. Cucchi
Leslie H. Gelb*
William R. Hutchinson
Eileen A. Kamerick
Nisha Kumar **
Dr. Riordan Roett*
* | Messrs. Gelb and Roett retired as Board and Audit Committee members as of December 31, 2018. |
** | Effective January 1, 2019, Ms. Kumar became a Director and Audit Committee member. |
b) Not applicable
ITEM 7. | PROXY VOTING – Western Asset Management Company (and affiliates) |
Western Asset Management Company, LLC
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
BACKGROUND
An investment adviser is required to adopt and implement policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with fiduciary duties and SEC Rule206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). The authority to vote the proxies of our clients is established through investment management agreements or comparable documents. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities have been established for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the investment manager.
POLICY
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule 206(4)- 6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on acase-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
PROCEDURE
Responsibility and Oversight
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at accountstart-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified atstart-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| 1. | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| 2. | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority. |
| 3. | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.) |
| 4. | If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| 5. | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on acase-by-case basis taking into the account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| 6. | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
Timing
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering, and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant toSection 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin94-2. These records include:
| a. | A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures. |
| b. | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| c. | A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| d. | Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| 2. | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| 3. | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| 4. | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| 5. | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| 6. | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| 7. | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| 8. | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
Disclosure
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest.
Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| 1. | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| 2. | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| 3. | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
Voting Guidelines
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
| I. | Board Approved Proposals |
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
1. Matters relating to the Board of Directors
Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company���s nominees for directors and for board- approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
| a. | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| b. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| c. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| d. | Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
| 2. | Matters relating to Executive Compensation |
Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
| a. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
| b. | Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options. |
| c. | Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
| d. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
| 3. | Matters relating to Capitalization |
The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
| a. | Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock. |
| b. | Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits). |
| c. | Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs. |
| 4. | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions |
Western Asset votes these issues on acase-by-case basis on board-approved transactions.
| 5. | Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures |
Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
| a. | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans. |
b. Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions.
Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
| a. | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. |
| b. | Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| a. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. |
| c. | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
| III. | Voting Shares of Investment Companies |
Western Asset may utilize shares of open orclosed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| 1. | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios. |
| 2. | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
| IV. | Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers |
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held innon-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| 1. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management. |
| 2. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees. |
| 3. | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated. |
| 4. | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights. |
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary. Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager.
In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (a) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (b) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
Western Asset Management Company Limited
Proxy Voting and Corporate Actions Policy
NOTE: Below policy relating to Proxy Voting and Corporate Actions is a global policy for all Western Asset affiliates. As compliance with the Policy is monitored by Western Asset Pasadena affiliate, the Policy has been adopted from US Compliance Manual and therefore all defined terms are those defined in the US Compliance Manual rather than UK Compliance Manual.
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and SEC Rule206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”). In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect the long-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts. Unless a manager of ERISA assets has been expressly precluded from voting proxies, the Department of Labor has determined that the responsibility for these votes lies with the Investment Manager.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on acase-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, Western Asset will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
RESPONSIBILITY AND OVERSIGHT
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
CLIENT AUTHORITY
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at accountstart-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
PROXY GATHERING
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified atstart-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
PROXY VOTING
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| • | | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| • | | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority. |
| • | | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.) |
| • | | If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| • | | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on acase-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| • | | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
TIMING
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
RECORDKEEPING
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant toSection 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin94-2. These records include:
| • | | A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures. |
| • | | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| • | | A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| • | | Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| • | | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| • | | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| • | | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| • | | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| • | | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| • | | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| • | | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
DISCLOSURE
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| • | | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| • | | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| • | | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
VOTING GUIDELINES
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
BOARD APPROVAL PROPOSALS
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
Matters relating to the Board of Directors – Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
| • | | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| • | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| • | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| • | | Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
Matters relating to Executive Compensation – Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on acase-by- case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
• | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
• | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options. |
• | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
• | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
Matters relating to Capitalization – The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on board- approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock; |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits); |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs; |
| • | | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions; |
| • | | Western Asset votes these issues on acase-by-case basis on board-approved transactions; |
Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures – Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans; |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
Other Business Matters – Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws; |
| • | | Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans; |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals; |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
VOTING SHARES OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Western Asset may utilize shares of open orclosed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios; |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
VOTING SHARES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held innon-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management; |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees; |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated; |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights. |
RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary.
Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager.
In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (a) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (b) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
CORPORATE ACTIONS
Western Asset must pay strict attention to any corporate actions that are taken with respect to issuers whose securities are held in client accounts. For example, Western Asset must review any tender offers, rights offerings, etc., made in connection with securities owned by clients. Western Asset must also act in a timely manner and in the best interest of each client with respect to any such corporate actions.
Western Asset Management Company Ltd (“WAMJ”) Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
POLICY
As a fixed income only manager, the occasion to vote proxies for WAMJ is very rare. However, the Firm has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on acase-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, WAMJ will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
PROCEDURE
Responsibility and Oversight
The WAMJ Legal and Compliance Department (“Compliance Department”) is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Operations (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at accountstart-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority, WAMJ will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if WAMJ becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified atstart-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If WAMJ personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| a. | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| b. | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm WAMJ voting authority. |
| c. | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. (See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.) |
| d. | If a material conflict of interest exists, (i) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and WAMJ obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (ii) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle), WAMJ seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| e. | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on acase-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, WAMJ may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| f. | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (d) or (e) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
Timing
WAMJ personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
WAMJ maintains records of proxies. These records include:
| a. | A copy of WAMJ’s policies and procedures. |
| b. | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| c. | A copy of any document created by WAMJ that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| d. | Each written client request for proxy voting records and WAMJ’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| 2. | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| 3. | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| 4. | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| 5. | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| 6. | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| 7. | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| 8. | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in WAMJ’s offices.
Disclosure
WAMJ’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| 1. | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| 2. | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| 3. | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
Voting Guidelines
WAMJ’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid in the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part I deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part II deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part III addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part IV addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers.
| 1b. | Board Approved Proposals |
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, WAMJ generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
| 1. | Matters relating to the Board of Directors |
WAMJ votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions:
| a. | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| b. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| c. | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| d. | Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
| 2. | Matters relating to Executive Compensation |
WAMJ generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long- term performance. Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows:
| a. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, WAMJ votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
| b. | WAMJ votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing or repricing of underwater options. |
| c. | WAMJ votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
| d. | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, WAMJ votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
| 3. | Matters relating to Capitalization |
The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on board-approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where WAMJ is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors.
| a. | WAMJ votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock. |
| b. | WAMJ votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits). |
| c. | WAMJ votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs. |
| 4. | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions WAMJ votes these issues on acase-by-case basis on board-approved transactions. |
| 5. | Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures |
WAMJ votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows:
| a. | WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
WAMJ votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting.
| a. | WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. |
| b. | WAMJ votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. WAMJ votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| a. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans. |
| b. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with WAMJ’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. |
| c. | WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
| 3b. | Voting Shares of Investment Companies |
WAMJ may utilize shares of open orclosed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts I and II above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| • | | WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios. |
| • | | WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g., proposals to adopt12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
| 4b. | Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers |
In the event WAMJ is required to vote on securities held innon-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| 1. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management. |
| 2. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees. |
| 3. | WAMJ votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated. |
WAMJ votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not have preemptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders have preemptive rights.
Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. (“WAMS”)
Compliance Policies and Procedures
Proxy Voting
WAMS has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that we believe are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with our fiduciary duties and the applicable laws and regulations. In addition to SEC requirements governing advisers, our proxy voting policies reflect thelong-standing fiduciary standards and responsibilities for ERISA accounts.
While the guidelines included in the procedures are intended to provide a benchmark for voting standards, each vote is ultimately cast on acase-by-case basis, taking into consideration the Firm’s contractual obligations to our clients and all other relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote (such that these guidelines may be overridden to the extent the Firm deems appropriate).
In exercising its voting authority, WAMS will not consult or enter into agreements with officers, directors or employees of Legg Mason Inc. or any of its affiliates (other than Western Asset affiliated companies) regarding the voting of any securities owned by its clients.
Procedure
Responsibility and Oversight
The Western Asset Legal and Compliance Department is responsible for administering and overseeing the proxy voting process. The gathering of proxies is coordinated through the Corporate Actions area of Investment Support (“Corporate Actions”). Research analysts and portfolio managers are responsible for determining appropriate voting positions on each proxy utilizing any applicable guidelines contained in these procedures.
Client Authority
The Investment Management Agreement for each client is reviewed at account start-up for proxy voting instructions. If an agreement is silent on proxy voting, but contains an overall delegation of discretionary authority or if the account represents assets of an ERISA plan, Western Asset will assume responsibility for proxy voting. The Legal and Compliance Department maintains a matrix of proxy voting authority.
Proxy Gathering
Registered owners of record, client custodians, client banks and trustees (“Proxy Recipients”) that receive proxy materials on behalf of clients should forward them to Corporate Actions. Proxy Recipients for new clients (or, if Western Asset becomes aware that the applicable Proxy Recipient for an existing client has changed, the Proxy Recipient for the existing client) are notified atstart-up of appropriate routing to Corporate Actions of proxy materials received and reminded of their responsibility to forward all proxy materials on a timely basis. If Western Asset personnel other than Corporate Actions receive proxy materials, they should promptly forward the materials to Corporate Actions.
Proxy Voting
Once proxy materials are received by Corporate Actions, they are forwarded to the Legal and Compliance Department for coordination and the following actions:
| 1. | Proxies are reviewed to determine accounts impacted. |
| 2. | Impacted accounts are checked to confirm Western Asset voting authority. |
| 3. | Legal and Compliance Department staff reviews proxy issues to determine any material conflicts of interest. [See conflicts of interest section of these procedures for further information on determining material conflicts of interest.] |
| 4. | If a material conflict of interest exists, (4.1) to the extent reasonably practicable and permitted by applicable law, the client is promptly notified, the conflict is disclosed and Western Asset obtains the client’s proxy voting instructions, and (4.2) to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable or permitted by applicable law to notify the client and obtain such instructions (e.g., the client is a mutual fund or other commingled vehicle or is an ERISA plan client), Western Asset seeks voting instructions from an independent third party. |
| 5. | Legal and Compliance Department staff provides proxy material to the appropriate research analyst or portfolio manager to obtain their recommended vote. Research analysts and portfolio managers determine votes on acase-by-case basis taking into account the voting guidelines contained in these procedures. For avoidance of doubt, depending on the best interest of each individual client, Western Asset may vote the same proxy differently for different clients. The analyst’s or portfolio manager’s basis for their decision is documented and maintained by the Legal and Compliance Department. |
| 6. | Legal and Compliance Department staff votes the proxy pursuant to the instructions received in (4) or (5) and returns the voted proxy as indicated in the proxy materials. |
Timing
Western Asset personnel act in such a manner to ensure that, absent special circumstances, the proxy gathering and proxy voting steps noted above can be completed before the applicable deadline for returning proxy votes.
Recordkeeping
Western Asset maintains records of proxies voted pursuant toSection 204-2 of the Advisers Act and ERISA DOL Bulletin94-2. These records include:
| • | | A copy of Western Asset’s policies and procedures. |
| • | | Copies of proxy statements received regarding client securities. |
| • | | A copy of any document created by Western Asset that was material to making a decision how to vote proxies. |
| • | | Each written client request for proxy voting records and Western Asset’s written response to both verbal and written client requests. |
| • | | Exchange ticker symbol of the issuer’s shares to be voted; |
| • | | Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures (“CUSIP”) number for the shares to be voted; |
| • | | A brief identification of the matter voted on; |
| • | | Whether the matter was proposed by the issuer or by a shareholder of the issuer; |
| • | | Whether a vote was cast on the matter; |
| • | | A record of how the vote was cast; and |
| • | | Whether the vote was cast for or against the recommendation of the issuer’s management team. |
Records are maintained in an easily accessible place for five years, the first two in Western Asset’s offices.
Disclosure
Western Asset’s proxy policies are described in the firm’s Part 2A of Form ADV. Clients will be provided a copy of these policies and procedures upon request. In addition, upon request, clients may receive reports on how their proxies have been voted.
Conflicts of Interest
All proxies are reviewed by the Legal and Compliance Department for material conflicts of interest. Issues to be reviewed include, but are not limited to:
| • | | Whether Western (or, to the extent required to be considered by applicable law, its affiliates) manages assets for the company or an employee group of the company or otherwise has an interest in the company; |
| • | | Whether Western or an officer or director of Western or the applicable portfolio manager or analyst responsible for recommending the proxy vote (together, “Voting Persons”) is a close relative of or has a personal or business relationship with an executive, director or person who is a candidate for director of the company or is a participant in a proxy contest; and |
| • | | Whether there is any other business or personal relationship where a Voting Person has a personal interest in the outcome of the matter before shareholders. |
Voting Guidelines
Western Asset’s substantive voting decisions turn on the particular facts and circumstances of each proxy vote and are evaluated by the designated research analyst or portfolio manager. The examples outlined below are meant as guidelines to aid the decision making process.
Guidelines are grouped according to the types of proposals generally presented to shareholders. Part 1 deals with proposals which have been approved and are recommended by a company’s board of directors; Part 2 deals with proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in proxy statements; Part 3 addresses issues relating to voting shares of investment companies; and Part 4 addresses unique considerations pertaining to foreign issuers
Part 1 - Board Approved Proposals
The vast majority of matters presented to shareholders for a vote involve proposals made by a company itself that have been approved and recommended by its board of directors. In view of the enhanced corporate governance practices currently being implemented in public companies, Western Asset generally votes in support of decisions reached by independent boards of directors. More specific guidelines related to certain board-approved proposals are as follows:
| • | | Matters relating to the Board of Directors. Western Asset votes proxies for the election of the company’s nominees for directors and for board-approved proposals on other matters relating to the board of directors with the following exceptions: |
| • | | Votes are withheld for the entire board of directors if the board does not have a majority of independent directors or the board does not have nominating, audit and compensation committees composed solely of independent directors. |
| • | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who is considered an independent director by the company and who has received compensation from the company other than for service as a director. |
| • | | Votes are withheld for any nominee for director who attends less than 75% of board and committee meetings without valid reasons for absences. |
| • | | Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. |
| • | | Matters relating to Executive Compensation. Western Asset generally favors compensation programs that relate executive compensation to a company’s long-term performance. Votes are cast on acase-by-case basis on board-approved proposals relating to executive compensation, except as follows: |
| • | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for stock option plans that will result in a minimal annual dilution. |
| • | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans or proposals that permit replacing orre-pricing of underwater options. |
| • | | Western Asset votes against stock option plans that permit issuance of options with an exercise price below the stock’s current market price. |
| • | | Except where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors, Western Asset votes for employee stock purchase plans that limit the discount for shares purchased under the plan to no more than 15% of their market value, have an offering period of 27 months or less and result in dilution of 10% or less. |
| • | | Matters relating to Capitalization. The management of a company’s capital structure involves a number of important issues, including cash flows, financing needs and market conditions that are unique to the circumstances of each company. As a result, Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on board- approved proposals involving changes to a company’s capitalization except where Western Asset is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals relating to the authorization of additional common stock. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals to effect stock splits (excluding reverse stock splits). |
| • | | Western Asset votes for proposals authorizing share repurchase programs. |
| • | | Matters relating to Acquisitions, Mergers, Reorganizations and Other Transactions. Western Asset votes these issues on acase-by-case basis on board-approved transactions. |
| • | | Matters relating to Anti-Takeover Measures. Western Asset votes against board-approved proposals to adopt anti-takeover measures except as follows: |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to ratify or approve shareholder rights plans. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to adopt fair price provisions. |
| • | | Other Business Matters. Western Asset votes for board-approved proposals approving such routine business matters such as changing the company’s name, ratifying the appointment of auditors and procedural matters relating to the shareholder meeting. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals to amend a company’s charter or bylaws. |
| • | | Western Asset votes against authorization to transact other unidentified, substantive business at the meeting. |
Part 2 – Shareholder Proposals
SEC regulations permit shareholders to submit proposals for inclusion in a company’s proxy statement. These proposals generally seek to change some aspect of a company’s corporate governance structure or to change some aspect of its business operations. Western Asset votes in accordance with the recommendation of the company’s board of directors on all shareholder proposals, except as follows:
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals to require shareholder approval of shareholder rights plans. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that are consistent with Western Asset’s proxy voting guidelines for board-approved proposals. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals where the firm is otherwise withholding votes for the entire board of directors. |
Part 3 – Voting Shares of Investment Companies
Western Asset may utilize shares of open orclosed-end investment companies to implement its investment strategies. Shareholder votes for investment companies that fall within the categories listed in Parts 1 and 2 above are voted in accordance with those guidelines.
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to changes in the investment objectives of an investment company taking into account the original intent of the fund and the role the fund plays in the clients’ portfolios. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis all proposals that would result in increases in expenses (e.g. proposals to adopt12b-1 plans, alter investment advisory arrangements or approve fund mergers) taking into account comparable expenses for similar funds and the services to be provided. |
Part 4 – Voting Shares of Foreign Issuers
In the event Western Asset is required to vote on securities held innon-U.S. issuers – i.e. issuers that are incorporated under the laws of a foreign jurisdiction and that are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange or the NASDAQ stock market, the following guidelines are used, which are premised on the existence of a sound corporate governance and disclosure framework. These guidelines, however, may not be appropriate under some circumstances for foreign issuers and therefore apply only where applicable.
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals calling for a majority of the directors to be independent of management. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals seeking to increase the independence of board nominating, audit and compensation committees. |
| • | | Western Asset votes for shareholder proposals that implement corporate governance standards similar to those established under U.S. federal law and the listing requirements of U.S. stock exchanges, and that do not otherwise violate the laws of the jurisdiction under which the company is incorporated. |
| • | | Western Asset votes on acase-by-case basis on proposals relating to (1) the issuance of common stock in excess of 20% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders do not havepre-emptive rights, or (2) the issuance of common stock in excess of 100% of a company’s outstanding common stock where shareholders havepre-emptive rights. |
Retirement Accounts
For accounts subject to ERISA, as well as other Retirement Accounts, Western Asset is presumed to have the responsibility to vote proxies for the client. The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued a bulletin that states that investment managers have the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of Retirement Accounts unless the authority to vote proxies has been specifically reserved to another named fiduciary. Furthermore, unless Western Asset is expressly precluded from voting the proxies, the DOL has determined that the responsibility remains with the investment manager. In order to comply with the DOL’s position, Western Asset will be presumed to have the obligation to vote proxies for its Retirement Accounts unless Western Asset has obtained a specific written instruction indicating that: (1) the right to vote proxies has been reserved to a named fiduciary of the client, and (2) Western Asset is precluded from voting proxies on behalf of the client. If Western Asset does not receive such an instruction, Western Asset will be responsible for voting proxies in the best interests of the Retirement Account client and in accordance with any proxy voting guidelines provided by the client.
ITEM 8. | INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS OFCLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
(a)(1):
| | | | |
NAME AND ADDRESS | | LENGTH OF TIME SERVED | | PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S) DURING PAST 5 YEARS |
S. Kenneth Leech Western Asset 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | | Since 2014 | | Responsible for theday-to-day management with other members of the Fund’s portfolio management team; Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset from 1998 to 2008 and since 2014; Senior Advisor/Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Western Asset from 2008-2013;Co- Chief Investment Officer of Western Asset from 2013-2014. |
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David Fare Western Asset 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | | Since 2006 | | Responsible for theday-to-day management with other members of the Fund’s portfolio management team; portfolio manager at Western Asset since 2005; prior to that time, Mr. Fare was with Citigroup Asset Management or one of its affiliates since 1989. |
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Robert Amodeo Western Asset 385 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91101 | | Since 2007 | | Responsible for theday-to-day management with other members of the Fund’s portfolio management team; portfolio manager at Western Asset since 2005; prior to that time, Mr. Amodeo was a Managing Director and portfolio manager with Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc from 1992 to 2005. |
(a)(2): DATA TO BE PROVIDED BY FINANCIAL CONTROL
The following tables set forth certain additional information with respect to the fund’s investment professionals for the fund. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of October 31, 2019.
Other Accounts Managed by Investment Professionals
The table below identifies the number of accounts (other than the fund) for which the fund’s investment professionals haveday-to-day management responsibilities and the total assets in such accounts, within each of the following categories: registered investment companies, other pooled investment vehicles, and other accounts. For each category, the number of accounts and total assets in the accounts where fees are based on performance is also indicated.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Name of PM | | Type of Account | | Number of Accounts Managed | | | Total Assets Managed | | | Number of Accounts Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based | | Assets Managed for which Advisory Fee is Performance- Based |
S. Kenneth Leech‡ | | Other Registered Investment Companies | | | 96 | | | $ | 146.18 billion | | | None | | None |
| Other Pooled Vehicles | | | 232 | | | $ | 80.40 billion | | | 11 | | $2.12 billion |
| Other Accounts | | | 641 | | | $ | 229.40 billion | | | 21 | | $11.84 billion |
David T. Fare‡ | | Other Registered Investment Companies | | | 16 | | | $ | 12.45 billion | | | None | | None |
| Other Pooled Vehicles | | | 2 | | | $ | 826 million | | | None | | None |
| Other Accounts | | | 3 | | | $ | 1.06 billion | | | None | | None |
Robert Amodeo‡ | | Other Registered Investment Companies | | | 19 | | | $ | 13.18 billion | | | None | | None |
| Other Pooled Vehicles | | | 3 | | | $ | 848 million | | | None | | None |
| Other Accounts | | | 9 | | | $ | 2.40 billion | | | None | | None |
‡ | The numbers above reflect the overall number of portfolios managed by employees of Western Asset Management Company (“Western Asset”). Mr. Leech is involved in the management of all the Firm’s portfolios, but they are not solely responsible for particular portfolios. Western Asset’s investment discipline emphasizes a team approach that combines the efforts of groups of specialists working in different market sectors. They are responsible for overseeing implementation of Western Asset’s overall investment ideas and coordinating the work of the various sector teams. This structure ensures that client portfolios benefit from a consensus that draws on the expertise of all team members. |
(a)(3):Investment Professional Compensation
Conflicts of Interest
The Subadviser has adopted compliance policies and procedures to address a wide range of potential conflicts of interest that could directly impact client portfolios. For example, potential conflicts of interest may arise in connection with the management of multiple portfolios (including portfolios managed in a personal capacity). These could include potential conflicts of interest related to the knowledge and timing of a portfolio’s trades, investment opportunities and broker selection. Portfolio managers are privy to the size, timing, and possible market impact of a portfolio’s trades.
It is possible that an investment opportunity may be suitable for both a portfolio and other accounts managed by a portfolio manager, but may not be available in sufficient quantities for both the portfolio and the other accounts to participate fully. Similarly, there may be limited opportunity to sell an investment held by a portfolio and another account. A conflict may arise where the portfolio manager may have an incentive to treat an account preferentially as compared to a portfolio because the account pays a performance-based fee or the portfolio manager, the Subadviser or an affiliate has an interest in the account. The Subadviser has adopted procedures for allocation of portfolio transactions and investment opportunities across multiple client accounts on a fair and equitable basis over time. Eligible accounts that can participate in a trade generally share the same price on apro-rata allocation basis, taking into account differences based on factors such as cash availability, investment restrictions and guidelines, and portfolio composition versus strategy.
With respect to securities transactions, the Subadviser determines which broker or dealer to use to execute each order, consistent with their duty to seek best execution of the transaction. However, with respect to certain other accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles that are not registered investment companies and other accounts managed for organizations and individuals), the Subadviser may be limited by the client with respect to the selection of brokers or dealers or may be instructed to direct trades through a particular broker or dealer. In these cases, trades for a portfolio in a particular security may be placed separately from, rather than aggregated with, such other accounts. Having separate transactions with respect to a security may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the possible detriment of a portfolio or the other account(s) involved. Additionally, the management of multiple portfolios and/or other accounts may result in a portfolio manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of each portfolio and/or other account. The Subadviser’s team approach to portfolio management and block trading approach seeks to limit this potential risk.
The Subadviser also maintains a gift and entertainment policy to address the potential for a business contact to give gifts or host entertainment events that may influence the business judgment of an employee. Employees are permitted to retain gifts of only a nominal value and are required to make reimbursement for entertainment events above a certain value. All gifts (except those of a de minimis value) and entertainment events that are given or sponsored by a business contact are required to be reported in a gift and entertainment log which is reviewed on a regular basis for possible issues.
Employees of the Subadviser have access to transactions and holdings information regarding client accounts and the Subadviser’s overall trading activities. This information represents a potential conflict of interest because employees may take advantage of this information as they trade in their personal accounts. Accordingly, the Subadviser maintains a Code of Ethics that is compliant with Rule17j-1 under the 1940 Act and Rule204A-1 under the Advisers Act to address personal trading. In addition, the Code of Ethics seeks to establish broader principles of good conduct and fiduciary responsibility in all aspects of the Subadviser’s business. The Code of Ethics is administered by the Legal and Compliance Department and monitored through the Subadviser’s compliance monitoring program.
The Subadviser may also face other potential conflicts of interest with respect to managing client assets, and the description above is not a complete description of every conflict of interest that could be deemed to exist. The Subadviser also maintains a compliance monitoring program and engages independent auditors to conduct a SOC1/ISAE 3402 audit on an annual basis. These steps help to ensure that potential conflicts of interest have been addressed.
Investment Professional Compensation
With respect to the compensation of the Fund’s investment professionals, the Subadviser’s compensation system assigns each employee a total compensation range, which is derived from annual market surveys that benchmark each role with its job function and peer universe. This method is designed to reward employees with total compensation reflective of the external market value of their skills, experience and ability to produce desired results. Standard compensation includes competitive base salaries, generous employee benefits and a retirement plan.
In addition, the Subadviser’s employees are eligible for bonuses. These are structured to closely align the interests of employees with those of the Subadviser, and are determined by the professional’s job function andpre-tax performance as measured by a formal review process. All bonuses are completely discretionary. The principal factor considered is an investment professional’s investment performance versus appropriate peer groups and benchmarks (e.g., a securities index and with respect to the Fund, the benchmark set forth in the Fund’s Prospectus to which the Fund’s average annual total returns are compared or, if none, the benchmark set forth in the Fund’s annual report). Performance is reviewed on a 1, 3 and 5 year basis for compensation—with 3 and 5 years having a larger emphasis. The Subadviser may also measure an investment professional’spre-tax investment performance against other benchmarks, as it determines appropriate. Because investment professionals are generally responsible for multiple accounts (including the Fund) with similar investment strategies, they are generally compensated on the performance of the aggregate group of similar accounts, rather than a specific account. Other factors that may be considered when making bonus decisions include client service, business development, length of service to the Subadviser, management or supervisory responsibilities, contributions to developing business strategy and overall contributions to the Subadviser’s business.
Finally, in order to attract and retain top talent, all investment professionals are eligible for additional incentives in recognition of outstanding performance. These are determined based upon the factors described above and include Legg Mason stock options and long-term incentives that vest over a set period of time past the award date.
(a)(4):Investment Professional Securities Ownership
The table below identifies the dollar range of securities beneficially owned by each investment professional as of October 31, 2019.
| | |
Portfolio Manager(s) | | Dollar Range of Portfolio Securities Beneficially Owned |
S. Kenneth Leech | | A |
David T. Fare | | A |
Robert Amodeo | | A |
Dollar Range ownership is as follows:
A: none
B: $1 - $10,000
C: 10,001 - $50,000
D: $50,001 - $100,000
E: $100,001 - $500,000
F: $500,001 - $1 million
G: over $1 million
ITEM 9. | PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BYCLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS |
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. |
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. |
| (a) | The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule30a- 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 Rule30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act and15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are likely to materially affect the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting |
ITEM 12. | DISCLOSURE OF SECURITIES LENDING ACTIVITIES FORCLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES. |
Not applicable.
(a) (1) Code of Ethics attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CODE ETH
(a) (2) Certifications pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.CERT
(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 attached hereto.
Exhibit 99.906CERT
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, there unto duly authorized.
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Western Asset Municipal High Income Fund Inc. |
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By: | | /s/ Jane Trust |
| | Jane Trust |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
Date: December 30, 2019
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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By: | | /s/ Jane Trust |
| | Jane Trust |
| | Chief Executive Officer |
Date: December 30, 2019
| | |
By: | | /s/ Christopher Berarducci |
| | Christopher Berarducci |
| | Principal Financial Officer |
Date: December 30, 2019