Barings
Participation Investors
Report for the
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
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Adviser
Barings LLC
300 S Tryon St., Suite 2500
Charlotte, NC 28202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Counsel to the Trust
Ropes & Gray LLP
Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 

Transfer Agent & Registrar
SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, Inc., formerly known as DST System, Inc. ("SS&C GIDS")
P.O. Box 219086
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9086
1-800-647-7374
Internet Website
https://www.barings.com/mpv
 
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Barings Participation Investors
c/o Barings LLC
300 S Tryon St., Suite 2500
Charlotte, NC 28202                                           
1-866-399-1516
 
 
Investment Objective and Policy
Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) is a closed-end management investment company, first offered to the public in 1988, whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “MPV”. The Trust’s share price can be found in the financial section of most newspapers under either the New York Stock Exchange listings or Closed-End Fund Listings.
The Trust’s investment objective is to maintain a portfolio of securities providing a current yield and, when available, an opportunity for capital gains. The Trust’s principal investments are privately placed, below-investment grade, long-term debt obligations including bank loans and mezzanine debt instruments. Such private placement securities may, in some cases, be accompanied by equity features such as common stock, preferred stock, warrants, conversion rights, or other equity features. The Trust typically purchases these investments, which are not publicly tradable, directly from their issuers in private placement transactions. These investments are typically made to small or middle market companies. In addition, the Trust may invest, subject to certain limitations, in marketable debt securities (including high yield and/or investment grade securities) and marketable common stocks. Below-investment grade or high yield securities have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the capacity of the issuer to pay interest and repay principal.
The Trust distributes substantially all of its net income to shareholders each year. Accordingly, the Trust pays dividends to shareholders four times per year. The Trust pays dividends to its shareholders in cash, unless the shareholder elects to participate in the Dividend Reinvestment and Share Purchase Plan.
Form N-PORT
The Trust files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on part F of Form N-PORT. This information is available (i) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov; and (ii) at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC (which information on their operation may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330). A complete schedule of portfolio holdings as of each quarter-end is available upon request by calling, toll-free, 866-399-1516.

Proxy Voting Policies & Procedures; Proxy Voting Record
The Trustees of the Trust have delegated proxy voting responsibilities relating to the voting of securities held by the Trust to Barings LLC (“Barings”). A description of Barings’ proxy voting policies and procedures is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling, toll-free 866-399-1516; (2) on the Trust’s website at https://www.barings.com/mpv; and (3) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Trust voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) on the Trust’s website at https://www.barings.com/mpv; and (2) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Legal Matters
The Trust has entered into contractual arrangements with an investment adviser, transfer agent and custodian (collectively “service providers”) who each provide services to the Trust. Shareholders are not parties to, or intended beneficiaries of, these contractual arrangements, and these contractual arrangements are not intended to create any shareholder right to enforce them against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them against the service providers, either directly or on behalf of the Trust.
Under the Trust’s Bylaws, any claims asserted against or on behalf of the Trust, including claims against Trustees and officers must be brought in courts located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Trust’s registration statement and this shareholder report are not contracts between the Trust and its shareholders and do not give rise to any contractual rights or obligations or any shareholder rights other than any rights conferred explicitly by federal or state securities laws that may not be waived.
 







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Barings Participation Investors
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS
October 31, 2023
We are pleased to present the September 30, 2023 Quarterly Report of Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”).

PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The Board of Trustees declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share, payable on November 17, 2023, to shareholders of record on November 6, 2023. This represents an increase of $0.02 per share or 6.3% over the previous dividend of $0.32 per share and the fifth consecutive quarterly increase. The Trust earned $0.41 per share of net investment income, net of taxes, for the third quarter of 2023, compared to $0.35 per share in the previous quarter. The increase in net investment income was predominantly related to $0.05 per share of non-recurring income (repayment of past due income) received in the third quarter, while core earnings increased $0.01 per share due to higher base rates.
September 30, 2023(1)(2)
June 30, 2023(1)(2)
% Change
Quarterly Dividend per share
0.34(3)
0.326.3 %
Net Investment Income(4)
$4,343,755 $3,762,195 15.5 %
Net Assets$166,232,385 $164,786,110 0.9 %
Net Assets per share(5)
$15.68 $15.54 0.9 %
Share Price$13.43 $12.91 4.0 %
Dividend Yield at Share Price10.1 %9.9 %2.0 %
(Discount) / Premium (14.3)%(16.9)%
(1) Past performance is no guarantee of future results
(2) Figures are unaudited
(3) Payable on November 17, 2023
(4) Figures are shown net of excise tax
(5) Based on shares outstanding at the end of the period of 10,601,700

Quarterly total returns at September 30, 2023 and June 30, 2023 were 3.0% and 2.4%, respectively. Longer term, the Trust returned 10.9%, 12.0%, 9.4%, 9.6%, and 10.9% for the 1, 3, 5, 10, and 25-year periods, respectively, based on the change in the Trust’s net assets assuming the reinvestment of all dividends
The Trust’s average quarter-end discount for the 1, 3, 5 and 10-year periods was 16.5%, 13.5%, 5.3% and 1.8%, respectively
U.S. fixed income markets, as approximated by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index and the Credit Suisse Leveraged Loan Index, returned 0.5% and 3.4% for the quarter, respectively

PORTFOLIO BENEFITS

We believe the Trust benefits from being part of the larger Barings North American Private Finance (“NAPF”) platform, which as of June 30, 2023, employed more than 60 professionals and had commitments of over $25 billion to private credit.
The NAPF platform has provided two primary benefits to the Trust: Direct deal origination and credit underwriting. NAPF has served as the Lead or Co-Lead on over 80% of its originated transactions and has a senior loan loss rate of 0.04% since inception. The benefit of being the Lead or Co-Lead lender is the ability to lead negotiations on terms and have influence over the credit agreement.
The Trust has continued to benefit from NAPF’s strong origination relationships with private equity sponsors. Every private placement investment in the portfolio was directly originated by Barings via a sponsor (without a financial intermediary), where one hundred percent of the economics are passed through to investors.
The Trust has consistently generated a stable dividend yield for investors, which to date has been paid exclusively from investment income and capital gains – no return of capital, all while employing a limited amount of leverage 0.11x.
The Trust continues to invest in what we believe are high-quality companies in defensive sectors and remains well diversified with 33 different industries across 179 assets, where over 65% of those investments are first lien senior secured loans that we believe provide strong risk adjusted returns. The Trust continues to invest in senior subordinated debt when we believe the risk adjusted return is appropriate. Approximately 13% of the market value of the Trust was equity, generating ~$9.8 million ($0.93 per share) in unrealized appreciation as of September 30, 2023.
1


(Continued)
PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY

Consistent with the stated investment objective of the Trust, we continued to search for relative value across the capital structure of potential investments that provide current yield with an opportunity for capital gains. The Trust closed seven new private placement investments and add-on investments to 24 existing portfolio companies during the third quarter of 2023. The total amount invested by the Trust in these transactions was $8.2 million.
PORTFOLIO LIQUIDITY

The Trust maintained a liquidity position comprised of a combination of its available cash balance and short-term investments of $4.9 million or 2.6% of total assets, in addition to a low leverage profile at 0.11x as of September 30, 2023. Given the migration of the portfolio towards more senior secured investments, the Trust arranged for a $15.0 million committed revolving credit facility with MassMutual (See Note 4). This facility, coupled with the current cash balance provides nearly $13.0 million of liquidity to support our current portfolio companies as well as invest in new portfolio companies.

The Trust’s recently announced dividend of $0.34 per share is the fifth consecutive quarterly dividend increase. With more than 65% of the Trust in first lien floating rate loans, the Trust's net investment income has increased as interest rates have risen. We believe the increase in interest rates coupled with the overall strong credit quality of the Trusts supports the increase in the quarterly dividend. In determining the quarterly dividend, the Board of Trustees seeks to ensure that the Trust will be able to pay sustainable dividends over the long term.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of Barings Participation Investors.

Sincerely,
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Christina Emery
President























2


Portfolio Composition as of 09/30/23*
 
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* Based on market value of total investments
Cautionary Notice: Certain statements contained in this report may be “forward looking” statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made and which reflect management’s current estimates, projections, expectations or beliefs, and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and may not be relied upon as investment advice or an indication of the Trust’s trading intent. References to specific securities are not recommendations of such securities, and may not be representative of the Trust’s current or future investments. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
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Average Annual Returns September 30, 2023
1 Year5 Year10 Year
Barings Participation Investors13.87 %4.41 %6.48 %
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index9.06 %3.36 %4.43 %
Data for Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) represents returns based on the change in the Trust’s market price assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions from the Trust or the sale of shares.

4


In July 2017, the head of the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), announced that the FCA will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. In March 2021, the FCA confirmed that all LIBOR settings will either cease to be provided by any administrator or no longer be representative: (a) immediately after December 31, 2021, in the case of sterling, euro, Swiss franc, and Japanese yen, and the one week and two month U.S. dollar settings; and (b) immediately after June 30, 2023, in the case of the remaining U.S. dollar settings. In addition, as a result of supervisory guidance from U.S. regulators, some U.S. regulated entities will cease to enter into new LIBOR contracts after January 1, 2022. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates will become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, although the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and comprised of large U.S. financial institutions, has recommended the use of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, SOFR. There are many uncertainties regarding a transition from LIBOR to SOFR or any other alternative benchmark rate that may be established, including, but not limited to, the timing of any such transition, the need to amend all contracts with LIBOR as the referenced rate and, given the inherent differences between LIBOR and SOFR or any other alternative benchmark rate, how any transition may impact the cost and performance of impacted securities, variable rate debt and derivative financial instruments. In addition, SOFR or another alternative benchmark rate may fail to gain market acceptance, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for securities, variable rate debt and derivative financial instruments linked to such rates. The effects of a transition from LIBOR to SOFR or any other alternative benchmark rate on our cost of capital and net investment income cannot yet be determined definitively. All of our loan agreements with our portfolio companies include fallback language in the event that LIBOR becomes unavailable. This language generally either includes a clearly defined alternative reference rate after LIBOR’s discontinuation or provides that the administrative agent may identify a replacement reference rate, typically with the consent of (or prior consultation with) the borrower. In certain cases, the administrative agent will be required to obtain the consent of either a majority of the lenders under the facility, or the consent of each lender, prior to identifying a replacement reference rate. In addition, any further changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of LIBOR may result in a sudden or prolonged increase or decrease in reported LIBOR, which could have an adverse impact on the market value for or value of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
 

 
Assets:
Investments
(See Consolidated Schedule of Investments)
Corporate restricted securities - private placement investments at fair value$171,575,898
(Cost - $ 164,606,842)
Corporate restricted securities - rule 144A securities at fair value6,150,167
(Cost - $ 6,445,554)
Corporate public securities at fair value2,711,327
(Cost - $ 3,085,501)
Total investments (Cost - $ 174,137,897)
180,437,392
Cash4,895,951
Foreign currencies (Cost - $ 6,830)
6,387
Dividend and interest receivable2,874,285
Receivable for investments sold150,165
Deferred financing fees35,518
Other assets267,572
Total assets188,667,270
Liabilities:
Note payable15,000,000
Credit facility6,500,000
Deferred tax liability372,848
Investment advisory fee payable374,023
Interest payable45,380
Accrued expenses142,634
Total liabilities22,434,885
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 7)
Total net assets$166,232,385
Net Assets:
Common shares, par value $0.01 per share
$106,017
Additional paid-in capital144,612,192
Total distributable earnings21,514,176
Total net assets$166,232,385
Common shares issued and outstanding (14,787,750 authorized)
10,601,700
Net asset value per share$15.68
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS      Barings Participation Investors
For the six months ended September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
 
Investment Income:
Interest$14,916,277
Dividends37,350
Other161,534
Total investment income15,115,161
Expenses:
Investment advisory fees1,113,253
Interest and other financing fees910,999
Professional fees335,337
Trustees’ fees and expenses207,000
Reports to shareholders126,000
Custodian fees18,000
Other65,938
Total expenses2,776,527
Investment income - net12,338,634
Income tax, including excise tax benefit(8,631)
Net investment income after taxes12,347,265
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency:
Net realized loss on investments before taxes(550,244)
Income tax benefit19,125
Net realized gain on investments after taxes(531,119)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments before taxes1,843,155
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of foreign currency translation before taxes14
Net decrease in deferred income tax expense10,515
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency transactions after taxes1,853,684
Net gain on investments and foreign currency1,322,565
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations$13,669,830
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Barings Participation Investors
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
 
Net increase in cash & foreign currencies:
Cash flows from operating activities:
Purchases of portfolio securities$(17,337,729)
Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities18,356,983
Interest, dividends and other income received12,859,599
Interest expenses paid(912,567)
Operating expenses paid(1,743,215)
Income taxes paid(297,244)
Net cash provided by operating activities10,925,827
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments under credit facility(2,000,000)
Cash dividends paid from net investment income(8,905,428)
Net cash used for financing activities(10,905,428)
Net increase in cash & foreign currencies20,399
Cash & foreign currencies - beginning of period4,881,925
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents14
Cash & foreign currencies - end of period$4,902,338
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations$13,669,830
  Increase in investments(2,089,782)
  Increase in interest receivable(425,103)
  Decrease in receivable for investments sold28,891
  Increase in other assets(43,225)
  Decrease in deferred tax liability(10,515)
  Increase in investment advisory fee payable16,445
  Decrease in interest payable(1,568)
  Increase in accrued expenses105,868
  Decrease in tax payable(325,000)
Total adjustments to net assets from operations(2,743,989)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(14)
Net cash provided by operating activities$10,925,827
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS Barings Participation Investors
 
For the nine months ended
09/30/2023
(Unaudited)
For the
year ended
12/31/2022
Increase in net assets:
Operations:
Investment income - net$12,347,265$10,307,792
Net realized gain / (loss) on investments and foreign currency after taxes(531,119)(437,446)
Net change in unrealized appreciation / (depreciation) of investments and foreign currency after taxes1,853,684(2,909,784)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations13,669,8306,960,562
Dividends to shareholders from:
Net investment income(6,361,020)(8,775,068)
  Net realized gains (342,394)
Total increase / (decrease) in net assets7,308,810(2,156,900)
Net assets, beginning of period/year158,923,575161,080,475
Net assets, end of period/year$166,232,385$158,923,575
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9

CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Barings Participation Investors

Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding:
 
For the nine months ended
09/30/2023
(Unaudited)
For the years ended December 31,
20222021202020192018
Net asset value: Beginning of period/year$14.99$15.19$13.60$13.80$13.18$13.91
Net investment income (a)1.170.970.861.001.001.03
Net realized and unrealized gain / (loss) on investments0.12(0.31)1.53(0.40)0.69(0.68)
Total from investment operations1.290.662.390.601.690.35
Dividends from net investment income to common shareholders(0.60)(0.83)(0.80)(0.80)(1.08)(1.08)
Dividends from realized gain on investments to common shareholders(0.03)
Increase from dividends reinvested0.00 (b)0.01(0.00) (b)
Total dividends(0.60)(0.86)(0.80)(0.80)(1.07)(1.08)
Net asset value: End of period/year$15.68$14.99$15.19$13.60$13.80$13.18
Per share market value: End of period/year$13.43$12.32$14.80$11.88$16.13$15.05
Total investment return
Net asset value (c)8.70%4.42%17.84%4.66%13.21%2.53%
Market value (c)14.21%(10.57%)32.09%(21.11%)14.72%15.02%
Net assets (in millions): End of period/year$166.23$158.92$161.08$144.18$146.08$138.75
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d)2.26% (e)2.35%2.66%1.47%2.26%2.76%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets1.53% (e)1.46%1.46%1.38%1.45%1.56%
Ratio of interest expense to average net assets0.75% (e)0.63%0.41%0.43%0.42%0.42%
Ratio of income tax expense to average net assets(0.02)% (e)0.26%0.79%(0.34)%0.39%0.78%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets10.10% (e)6.39%5.99%7.52%7.30%7.47%
Portfolio turnover10% 12%43%34%22%48%
(a)    Calculated using average shares.
(b)    Rounds to less than $0.01 per share.
(c)    Net asset value return represents portfolio returns based on change in the Trust’s net asset value assuming the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions which differs from the total investment return based on the Trust’s market value due to the difference distributions which differs from the total investment return based on the Trust’s market value due to the difference between the Trust’s net asset value and the market value of its shares outstanding; past performance is no guarantee of future results.
(d)    Total expenses include income tax expense.
(e)    Annualized.

For the nine months ended
09/30/2023
(Unaudited)
For the years ended December 31,
Senior borrowings:20222021202020192018
Total principal amount (in millions)$22$24$21$15$15$15
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness$8,732$7,763$8,670$10,612$10,739$10,250
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 10

Consolidated Schedule of Investments Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
1WorldSync, Inc.
A product information sharing platform that connects manufacturers/suppliers and key retailers via the Global Data Synchronization Network.
10.41% Term Loan due 06/24/2025 (SOFR + 4.750%)$2,390,645 *$2,375,207 $2,348,809 
* 07/01/19 and 12/09/20.
Accurus Aerospace
A supplier of highly engineered metallic parts, kits and assemblies, and processing services.
11.27% First Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$487,031 04/05/22467,822 445,550 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 8,752 uts. 10/14/218,752 7,671 
476,574 453,221 
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
A designer and manufacturer of large, custom gearing products for a number of critical customer applications.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 1,945 uts. *207,911 — 
* 12/07/12, 07/11/13 and 06/30/15.
Advantage Software
A provider of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software built for advertising and marketing agencies.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B) (F) 766 uts. 10/01/2124,353 64,875 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B) (F) 197 uts. 10/01/216,320 16,733 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) (F) 766 uts. 10/01/21784 — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) (F) 197 uts. 10/01/21202 — 
31,659 81,608 
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.
A provider of domestic and international third-party logistics services.
12.91% Second Lien Term Loan due 03/31/2029 (SOFR + 7.500%)$1,669,355 04/06/211,643,465 1,629,290 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 56 uts. 04/06/2155,645 85,825 
1,699,110 1,715,115 
Americo Chemical Products
A provider of customized specialty chemical solutions and services for pretreatment of metal surfaces and related applications.
10.83% First Lien Term Loan due 04/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$614,970 04/28/23480,649 481,719 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 22,480 uts. 04/28/2322,480 21,581 
503,129 503,300 
AMS Holding LLC
A leading multi-channel direct marketer of high-value collectible coins and proprietary-branded jewelry and watches.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A
Preferred (B) (F)
 114 uts. 10/04/12113,636 138,567 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 11

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Amtech Software
A provider of enterprise resource planning software and technology solutions for packaging manufacturers.
11.37% First Lien Term Loan due 11/02/2027 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)$990,455 11/02/21$731,501 $736,086 
Applied Aerospace Structures Corp.
A leading provider of specialized large-scale composite and metal-bonded structures for platforms in the aircraft, space, and land/sea end markets.
11.91% Term Loan due 11/22/2028 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G) $192,290.00 12/01/22161,519 161,981 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 8 uts. 12/01/228,000 7,366 
169,519 169,347 
ASC Communications, LLC (Becker's Healthcare)
An operator of trade shows and controlled circulation publications targeting the healthcare market.
10.16% Term Loan due 07/15/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G)$417,836 07/15/22390,076 391,154 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 535 uts. 07/15/2211,221 14,505 
401,297 405,659 
ASC Holdings, Inc.
A manufacturer of capital equipment used by corrugated box manufacturers.
13.00% (1.00% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 12/31/2024$906,742 11/19/15906,663 828,762 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 111,100 uts. 11/18/15111,100 29,997 
1,017,763 858,759 
Audio Precision
A provider of high-end audio test and measurement sensing instrumentation software and accessories.
10.65% Term Loan due 7/27/2024 (SOFR + 5.000%)$1,719,000 10/30/181,712,789 1,711,997 
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC (d.b.a Hoosier)
A distributor of aftermarket over-the-road semi-trailer parts and accessories sold to customers across North America.
Preferred Stock (B) 210 shs. 08/17/15209,390 209,600 
Common Stock (B) 210 shs. 08/17/15210 282,134 
209,600 491,734 
BBB Industries LLC - DBA (GC EOS Buyer Inc.)
A supplier of remanufactured and new parts to the North American automotive aftermarket.
14.31% Second Lien Term Loan due 07/25/2030 (SOFR + 9.000%)$454,545 07/25/22439,042 455,000 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 45 uts. 07/25/2245,000 49,293 
484,042 504,293 
Best Lawyers (Azalea Investment Holdings, LLC)
A global digital media company that provides ranking and marketing services to the legal community.
10.68% First Lien Term Loan due 11/19/2027 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G)$1,372,519 11/30/211,094,755 1,103,094 
12.00% HoldCo PIK Note due 05/19/2028$359,635 11/30/21355,484 347,407 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 44,231 uts. 11/30/2144,231 52,254 
1,494,470 1,502,755 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 12

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Blue Wave Products, Inc.
A distributor of pool supplies.
Common Stock (B) 51,064 shs. 10/12/12$51,064 $81,702 
Warrant, exercisable until 2022, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 20,216 shs. 10/12/1220,216 32,143 
71,280 113,845 
Bridger Aerospace
A provider of comprehensive solutions to combat wildfires in the United States including fire suppression, air attack and unmanned aircraft systems.
Series C Convertible Preferred Equity (7.00% PIK)  183 shs. 08/12/22187,683 192,963 
BrightSign
A provider of digital signage hardware and software solutions, serving a variety of end markets, including retail, restaurants, government, sports, and entertainment.
11.15% Term Loan due 10/14/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$1,405,238 10/14/211,351,028 1,307,104 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 111,835 uts. 10/14/21111,835 93,942 
1,462,863 1,401,046 
Brown Machine LLC
A designer and manufacturer of thermoforming equipment used in the production of plastic packaging containers within the food and beverage industry.
11.17% Term Loan due 10/04/2024 (SOFR + 5.750%)$808,993 10/03/18807,047 792,813 
Cadence, Inc.
A full-service contract manufacturer (“CMO”) and supplier of advanced products, technologies, and services to medical device, life science, and industrial companies.
10.52% First Lien Term Loan due 04/30/2025 (SOFR + 5.000%)$865,800 05/14/18860,084 828,570 
CAi Software
A vendor of mission-critical, production-oriented software to niche manufacturing and distribution sectors.
11.90% Term Loan due 12/10/2028 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G)$2,466,036 12/13/212,193,657 2,065,065 
Cash Flow Management
A software provider that integrates core banking systems with branch technology and creates modern retail banking experiences for financial institutions.
11.65% Term Loan due 12/27/2027 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)$971,001 12/28/21882,647 880,705 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 24,016 uts. 25,331 38,301 
907,978 919,006 
CJS Global
A janitorial services provider focused on high end restaurants in NYC, Florida, and Texas.
11.19% Term Loan due 03/10/2029 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$845,454 03/20/23579,933 582,129 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B) 303,180 uts. 03/20/23147,469 205,765 
727,402 787,894 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 13

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.
A manufacturer of full suite boiler room solutions.
11.17% Term Loan due 07/14/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$586,283 07/18/22$507,718 $514,741 
11.00% HoldCo PIK Note due 07/14/2029$102,606 07/18/22100,937 101,221 
608,655 615,962 
CloudWave
A provider of managed cloud hosting and IT services for hospitals.
11.39% Term Loan due 01/04/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%)$1,627,621 01/29/211,607,296 1,623,552 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 55,645 uts. 01/29/2155,645 103,789 
1,662,941 1,727,341 
Cogency Global
A provider of statutory representation and compliance services for corporate and professional services clients.
11.06% Term Loan due 12/28/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$926,042 02/14/22829,900 820,238 
11.26% Term Loan due 02/14/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$768,917 09/13/23749,816 749,695 
Preferred Stock (B)  33 shs. 02/14/2236,108 58,206 
1,615,824 1,628,139 
Command Alkon
A vertical-market software and technology provider to the heavy building materials industry delivering purpose-built, mission critical products that serve as the core operating & production systems for ready-mix concrete producers, asphalt producers, and aggregate suppliers.
12.07% Term Loan due 04/17/2027 (SOFR + 6.750%)$2,022,223 *1,990,885 1,999,024 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B)  6,629 uts. 04/23/20— 44,312 
* 04/23/20, 10/30/20 and 11/18/20.    1,990,885 2,043,336 
Compass Precision
A manufacturer of custom metal precision components.
11.00% (1.00% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 10/16/2025$1,309,313 04/15/221,294,186 1,268,725 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 158,995 uts. 10/14/21431,250 482,060 
1,725,436 1,750,785 
Comply365
A provider of proprietary enterprise SaaS and mobile solutions for content management and document distribution in highly regulated industries, including Aviation and Rail.
10.34% Term Loan due 04/19/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$688,365 04/15/22625,178 628,542 
Concept Machine Tool Sales, LLC
A full-service distributor of high-end machine tools and metrology equipment, exclusively representing a variety of global manufacturers in the Upper Midwest.
10.27% Term Loan due 01/31/2025 (SOFR + 5.000%)$582,076 01/30/20578,995 525,033 
10.68% Term Loan due 01/31/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) 77,397 09/14/2375,871 75,849 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 1,237 uts. *49,559 5,412 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 443 uts. 09/14/2317,748 17,748 
* 01/30/20 and 03/05/21722,173 624,042 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 14

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
CTS Engines
A provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services within the aerospace & defense market.
10.64% Term Loan due 12/22/2026 (SOFR + 5.250%)$1,364,317 12/22/20$1,349,640 $1,354,767 
DataServ
A managed IT services provider serving Ohio’s state, local, and education (“SLED”) market (79% of FY21 Revenue), as well as small and medium-sized businesses (“SMB”, 8%) and enterprise clients (13%).
11.36% First Lien Term Loan due 09/30/2028 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)  238,454 11/02/22185,873 186,641 
Preferred Stock (B)  9,615 shs. 11/02/229,615 9,615 
195,488 196,256 
Decks Direct
An eCommerce direct-to-consumer seller of specialty residential decking products in the United States.
11.67% Term Loan due 12/28/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G)$1,514,355 12/29/211,079,992 1,062,192 
11.57% Term Loan due 12/28/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%) 119,891 07/31/23117,043 116,894 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 2,209 uts. 12/29/2194,091 70,203 
1,291,126 1,249,289 
Del Real LLC
A manufacturer and distributor of fully-prepared fresh refrigerated Hispanic entrees as well as side dishes that are typically sold on a heat-and-serve basis at retail grocers.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 368,799 uts. *368,928 309,791 
* 10/07/16, 07/25/18, 03/13/19 and 06/17/19.
DistroKid (IVP XII DKCo-Invest,LP)
A subscription-based music distribution platform that allows artists to easily distribute, promote, and monetize their music across digital service providers, such as Spotify and Apple Music.
11.04% Term Loan due 09/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%)$1,618,564 10/01/211,596,983 1,607,743 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 73,333 uts. 10/01/2173,404 75,667 
1,670,387 1,683,410 
Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
A designer and manufacturer of precision measurement and control products for use with solids, liquids and gases.
11.15% Term Loan due 07/01/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$1,708,679 07/20/211,539,549 1,542,420 
Echo Logistics
A provider of tech-enabled freight brokerage across various modes including Truckload, Less-than-Truckload, Parcel, and Intermodal, as well as managed (contracted) transportation services.
13.42% Second Lien Term Loan due 11/05/2029 (SOFR + 7.250%)$1,679,204 11/22/211,656,634 1,642,261 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 46 uts. 11/22/2145,796 49,683 
1,702,430 1,691,944 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 15

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
EFC International
A St. Louis-based global distributor (40% of revenue ex-US) of branded, highly engineered fasteners and specialty components.
11.00% (2.5% PIK) Term Loan due 02/28/2030$969,698 03/01/23$943,267 $946,237 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 205 uts. 03/01/23288,462 330,206 
1,231,729 1,276,443 
EFI Productivity Software
A provider of ERP software solutions purpose-built for the print and packaging industry.
11.16% Term Loan due 12/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$983,778 12/30/21915,091 920,821 
Electric Power Systems International, Inc.
A provider of electrical testing services for apparatus equipment and protection & controls infrastructure.
11.29% Term Loan due 04/19/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%)$1,179,264 04/19/211,163,934 1,145,065 
Elite Sportswear Holding, LLC
A designer and manufacturer of gymnastics, competitive cheerleading and swimwear apparel in the U.S. and internationally.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 1,218,266 uts. 10/14/16159,722 48,731 
Ellkay
A provider of data interoperability solutions for labs, hospitals and healthcare providers.
11.77% Term Loan due 09/14/2027 (SOFR + 6.250%)$693,288 09/14/21684,112 646,838 
English Color & Supply LLC
A distributor of aftermarket automotive paint and related products to collision repair shops, auto dealerships and fleet customers through a network of stores in the Southern U.S.
12.00% (1.00% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 12/29/2025$1,371,977 06/30/171,370,292 1,371,977 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 397,695 uts. 06/30/17397,695 952,480 
1,767,987 2,324,457 
ENTACT Environmental Services, Inc.
A provider of environmental remediation and geotechnical services for blue-chip companies with regulatory-driven liability enforcement needs.
10.99% Term Loan due 12/15/2025 (SOFR + 5.500%)$1,124,597 02/09/211,117,128 1,102,105 
eShipping
An asset-life third party logistics Company that serves a broad variety of end markets and offers service across all major transportation modes.
10.32% Term Loan due 11/05/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$1,344,365 11/05/211,000,737 1,019,096 
E.S.P. Associates, P.A.
A professional services firm providing engineering, surveying and planning services to infrastructure projects.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 273 uts. *295,518 333,370 
* 06/29/18 and 12/29/20.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 16

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
F G I Equity LLC
A manufacturer of a broad range of filters and related products that are used in commercial, light industrial, healthcare, gas turbine, nuclear, laboratory, clean room, hotel, educational system, and food processing settings.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B-1 (B) 49,342 uts. 12/15/10$42,343 $666,854 
Five Star Holding, LLC
A fully integrated platform of specialty packaging brands that manufactures flexible packaging solutions.
12.75% Second Lien Term Loan due 04/27/2030 (SOFR + 7.250%)$476,190 05/04/22468,347 471,429 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B) (F) 34 uts. 10/14/2133,631 38,160 
501,978 509,589 
Follett School Solutions
A provider of software for K-12 school libraries.
11.24% First Lien Term Loan due 07/09/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) $1,679,909 08/31/211,656,310 1,669,642 
LP Units (B) (F) 881 uts. 08/30/218,805 10,940 
LP Interest (B) (F) 200 shs. 08/30/212,003 2,488 
1,667,118 1,683,070 
Fortis Payments, LLC
A payment service provider operating in the payments industry.
10.65% First Lien Term Loan due 05/31/2026 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G) $496,438 10/31/22446,303 452,453 
FragilePAK
A provider of third-party logistics services focused on the full delivery life-cycle for big and bulky products.
11.44% Term Loan due 05/24/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%)$1,053,867 05/21/211,036,229 1,049,652 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 108 uts. 05/21/21107,813 100,176 
1,144,042 1,149,828 
GD Dental Services LLC
A provider of convenient "onestop" general, specialty, and cosmetic dental services with 21 offices located throughout South and Central Florida.
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B) 76 uts. 10/05/1275,920 109,821 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B) 767 uts. 10/05/12767 — 
76,687 109,821 
gloProfessional Holdings, Inc.
A marketer and distributor of premium mineral-based cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and professional hair care products to the professional spa and physician's office channels.
Preferred Stock (B) 650 shs. 03/29/19649,606 868,842 
Common Stock (B) 1,181 shs. 03/27/13118,110 486 
767,716 869,328 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 17

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
GraphPad Software, Inc.
A provider of data analysis, statistics and graphing software solution for scientific research applications, with a focus on the life sciences and academic end-markets.
11.65% Term Loan due 12/15/2023 (SOFR + 6.000%)$2,353,566 *$2,335,609 $2,326,500 
11.15% Term Loan due 04/27/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%)$82,623 04/27/2181,640 81,177 
Preferred Stock (B) (F)3,737 shs.04/27/21103,147 82,256 
* 12/19/17 and 04/16/19.2,520,396 2,489,933 
Handi Quilter Holding Company (Premier Needle Arts)
A designer and manufacturer of long-arm quilting machines and related components for the consumer quilting market.
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B) 372 uts. *371,644 137,061 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common Class A (B) 3,716 uts. 12/19/14— — 
*12/19/14 and 04/29/16.371,644 137,061 
Heartland Veterinary Partners
A veterinary support organization that provides a comprehensive set of general veterinary services as well as ancillary services such as boarding and grooming.
11.00% Opco PIK Note due 11/09/2028 (G)$2,103,201 11/17/212,072,777 1,842,404 
HemaSource, Inc.
A technology-enabled distributor of consumable medical products to plasma collection centers.
11.42% Term Loan due 08/31/2029 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)  1,051,586 08/31/23823,295 822,923 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B) 11,337 uts. *11,337 11,337 
834,632 834,260 
HHI Group, LLC
A developer, marketer, and distributor of hobby-grade radio control products.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 102 uts. 01/17/14101,563 183,600 
Home Care Assistance, LLC
A provider of private pay non-medical home care assistance services.
10.47% Term Loan due 03/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%)$836,552 03/26/21826,808 766,281 
HOP Entertainment LLC
A provider of post production equipment and services to producers of television shows and motion pictures.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class F (B) (F) 47 uts. 10/14/11— — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class G (B) (F) 114 uts. 10/14/11— — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class H (B) (F) 47 uts. 10/14/11— — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class I (B) (F) 47 uts. 10/14/11— — 
— — 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 18

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
HTI Technology & Industries Inc.
A designer and manufacturer of powered motion solutions to industrial customers.
14.02% Term Loan due 07/07/2025 (SOFR + 8.500%) (G) $899,050 07/27/22$718,444 $728,595 
14.02% Term Loan due 07/27/2025 (SOFR + 8.500%) $97,552 02/15/2395,373 97,552 
813,817 826,147 
Illumifin
A leading provider of third-party administrator (“TPA”) services and software for life and annuity insurance providers.
12.58% Term Loan due 02/04/2028 (SOFR + 1.000% Cash, 5.000% PIK) $390,247 04/05/22384,549 304,783 
IM Analytics Holdings, LLC (d.b.a. Noise @ Vibration)
A provider of test and measurement equipment used for vibration, noise, and shock testing.
12.10% Term Loan due 11/22/2023 (SOFR + 6.500%)$435,455 11/21/19435,291 428,924 
Warrant, exercisable until 2026, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 8,885 shs. 11/25/19— — 
435,291 428,924 
JF Petroleum Group
A provider of repair, maintenance, installation and projection management services to the US fueling infrastructure industry.
10.97% Term Loan due 04/20/2026 (SOFR + 5.500%)$671,057 05/04/21660,628 658,978 
Jones Fish
A provider of lake management services, fish stocking and pond aeration sales and services.
11.05% First Lien Term Loan due 12/20/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$1,559,551 02/28/221,071,285 1,058,058 
11.33% Term Loan due 02/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.850%)$274,262.00 03/16/23266,786 267,405 
10.88% Incremental Term Loan due 02/28/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%)$143,646.00 04/28/23140,372 140,055 
11.07% Incremental Term Loan due 02/28/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%)$35,053.00 09/29/2334,177 34,176 
Common Stock (B) (F) 401 shs. 02/28/2241,971 87,021 
1,554,591 1,586,715 
Kano Laboratories LLC
A producer of industrial strength penetrating oils and lubricants.
10.48% Term Loan due 09/30/2026 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$1,230,084 11/18/20822,358 825,880 
10.48% First Lien Term Loan due 10/31/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$440,368 11/08/21259,890 262,659 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class (B) 20 uts. 11/19/2019,757 22,023 
1,102,005 1,110,562 
Kings III
A provider of emergency phones and monitoring services.
10.92% First Lien Term Loan due 07/07/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$497,229 08/31/22399,334 401,162 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 19

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
LeadsOnline
A nationwide provider of data, technology and intelligence tools used by law enforcement agencies, investigators, and businesses.
11.40% Term Loan due 12/23/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$1,699,030 02/07/22$1,453,093 $1,432,042 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 7,044 uts. 02/07/227,295 15,875 
1,460,388 1,447,917 
LYNX Franchising
A global franchisor of B2B services including commercial janitorial services, shared office space solutions, and textile and electronics restoration services.
11.90% Incremental Term Loan due 12/18/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%)$2,449,828 *2,422,385 2,430,093 
* 12/22/20 and 09/09/21
Magnolia Wash Holdings (Express Wash Acquisition Company, LLC)
An express car wash consolidator primarily in the Southeastern US.
12.01% Term Loan due 07/08/2028 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G)$533,710 07/14/22515,952 517,526 
Marshall Excelsior Co.
A designer, manufacturer and supplier of mission critical, highly engineered flow control products used in the transportation, storage and consumption of liquified petroleum gas, liquified anhydrous ammonia, refined industrial and cryogenic gases.
10.81% Term Loan due 02/18/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$626,313 02/24/22591,533 584,234 
Master Cutlery LLC
A designer and marketer of a wide assortment of knives and swords.
13.00% Senior Subordinated Note due 07/20/2023 (D)$868,102 04/17/15867,581 — 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 5 uts. 04/17/15678,329 — 
1,545,910 — 
Media Recovery, Inc.
A global manufacturer and developer of shock, temperature, vibration, and other condition indicators and monitors for in-transit and storage applications.
11.65% First Lien Term Loan due 11/22/2025 (SOFR + 6.000%)$479,930 11/25/19476,430 470,811 
MES Partners, Inc.
An industrial service business offering an array of cleaning and environmental services to the Gulf Coast region of the U.S.
Preferred Stock Series A (B) 30,926 shs. 07/25/1912,412 — 
Preferred Stock Series C (B) 1,275 shs. 09/22/20457,365 406,419 
Common Stock Class B (B) 259,252 shs. *244,163 — 
Warrant, exercisable until 2030, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 351,890 shs. 09/22/20— — 
* 09/30/14 and 02/28/18.713,940 406,419 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 20

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
MNS Engineers, Inc.
A consulting firm that provides civil engineering, construction management and land surveying services.
10.93% First Lien Term Loan due 07/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%)$1,179,000 08/09/211,163,858 1,175,463 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 100,000 uts. 08/09/21100,000 93,484 
1,263,858 1,268,947 
Mobile Pro Systems
A manufacturer of creative mobile surveillance systems for real-time monitoring in nearly any environment.
10.00% Second Lien Term Loan due 06/23/2027$595,844 06/27/22588,095 588,925 
Common Stock (B) (F) 4,118 shs. 02/28/22411,765 502,539 
999,860 1,091,464 
Music Reports, Inc.
An administrator of comprehensive offering of rights and royalties solutions for music and cue sheet copyrights to music and entertainment customers.
11.53% Incremental Term Loan due 08/21/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$783,584 11/05/21774,136 777,852 
11.53% Term Loan due 08/21/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$548,682 08/25/20542,049 544,668 
1,316,185 1,322,520 
Narda-MITEQ (JFL-Narda Partners, LLC)
A manufacturer of radio frequency and microwave components and assemblies.
10.40% First Lien Term Loan due 11/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%)$548,807 12/06/21542,121 544,823 
10.40% Incremental Term Loan due 12/06/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$1,068,313 12/28/21847,486 852,877 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A Preferred (B) 790 uts. 12/06/2179,043 90,481 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B Common (B) 88 uts. 12/06/218,783 21,126 
1,477,433 1,509,307 
Navia Benefit Solutions, Inc.
A third-party administrator of employee-directed healthcare benefits.
10.57% Term Loan due 02/01/2026 (SOFR + 5.250%)$1,152,845 02/10/211,141,528 1,138,573 
7.57% Incremental Term Loan due 02/01/2027 (SOFR + 2.250%)$517,524 11/14/22507,486 508,371 
1,649,014 1,646,944 
Net at Work
An SMB-focused IT service provider specializing in software sales, implementation, managed services and hosting services.
11.16% Term Loan due 09/13/2029 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$1,698,864 09/13/231,003,332 1,002,983 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class (B) (F) 32,603 uts. 09/13/2332,603 32,603 
1,035,935 1,035,586 
Newforma
A leader in Project Information Management software for the construction industry.
11.90% Term Loan due 04/02/2029 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G)$748,401 03/31/23661,538 663,397 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 81,722 shs. 08/15/2384,194 84,174 
745,732 747,571 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 21

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Northstar Recycling
A managed service provider for waste and recycling services, primarily targeting food and beverage end markets.
10.05% Term Loan due 09/30/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%)$736,200 10/01/21$726,382 $730,351 
Office Ally (OA TOPCO, LP)
A provider of medical claims clearinghouse software to office-based physician providers and healthcare insurance payers.
10.82% Term Loan due 12/10/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$972,550 12/20/21824,939 829,177 
10.82% Term Loan due 12/20/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%)$112,237 04/29/22110,468 111,054 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 21,092 uts. 12/20/2121,092 29,740 
956,499 969,971 
Omega Holdings
A distributor of aftermarket automotive air conditioning products.
10.31% Term Loan due 03/31/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$641,017 03/31/22454,144 422,418 
Omni Logistics, LLC
A specialty freight forwarding business specifically targeting the semiconductor, media, technology and healthcare end markets.
10.40% Term Loan due 12/30/2026 (SOFR + 5.000%)$1,710,778 12/30/201,682,997 1,701,369 
Options Technology Ltd
A provider of vertically focused financial technology managed services and IT infrastructure products for the financial services industry.
10.40% Term Loan due 12/18/2025 (SOFR + 4.750%)$1,558,793 12/23/191,547,172 1,547,564 
PANOS Brands LLC
A marketer and distributor of branded consumer foods in the specialty, natural, better-for-you, “free from” healthy and gluten-free categories.
12.00% (1.00% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 12/29/2025 (D)$1,902,180 02/17/171,604,412 1,886,962 
Common Stock Class A (B) 380,545 shs. *380,545 397,670 
* 01/29/16 and 02/17/17.1,984,957 2,284,632 
PB Holdings LLC
A designer, manufacturer and installer of maintenance and repair parts and equipment for industrial customers.
10.97% Term Loan due 02/28/2024 (SOFR + 5.250%)$698,506 03/06/19695,180 672,662 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 22

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Pearl Holding Group
A managing general agent that originates, underwrites, and administers non-standard auto insurance policies for carriers in Florida.
14.75% First Lien Term Loan due 12/16/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$1,816,767 12/20/21$1,803,797 $1,801,737 
Warrant-Class A, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 924 uts. 12/22/21— 18,554 
Warrant-Class B, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 312 uts. 12/22/21— 6,265 
Warrant-Class CC, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 32 uts. 12/22/21— — 
Warrant-Class D, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B) 89 uts. 12/22/21— 1,787 
1,803,797 1,828,343 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation
A provider of end-to-end document, driver and logistics management solutions, which enable its customers (carriers, brokers, and drivers) to operate more efficiently, reduce manual overhead, enhance compliance, and shorten cash conversion cycles.
11.40% Term Loan due 11/17/2024 (SOFR + 6.000%)$1,450,331 11/14/171,444,463 1,433,478 
11.40% Term Loan due 08/31/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$292,692 09/29/20287,641 289,291 
1,732,104 1,722,769 
Polara (VSC Polara LLC)
A manufacturer of pedestrian traffic management and safety systems, including accessible pedestrian signals, “push to walk” buttons, and related “traffic” control units.
10.15% First Lien Term Loan due 12/03/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G)$935,970 12/03/21814,684 817,079 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 1,471 uts. 12/03/21147,110 238,885 
961,794 1,055,964 
Polytex Holdings LLC
A manufacturer of water based inks and related products serving primarily the wall covering market.
13.90% (7.90% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 12/31/2024 (D)$2,275,044 07/31/141,064,183 434,533 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 148,096 uts. 07/31/14148,096 — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class F (B) 36,976 uts. *24,802 — 
* 09/28/17 and 02/15/18.1,237,081 434,533 
Portfolio Group
A provider of professional finance and insurance products to automobile dealerships, delivering a suite of offerings that supplement earnings derived from vehicle transactions.
11.40% First Lien Term Loan due 12/02/2025 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)$1,448,741.00 11/15/211,277,846 1,245,683 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 23

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
PPC Event Services
A special event equipment rental business.
Preferred Stock Series P-1 (B) 71 shs. 07/21/20$— $90,551 
Common Stock (B) 170,927 shs. 07/21/20— 146,143 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 3,450 uts. 11/20/14172,500 2,950 
Limited Liability Company Unit Series A-1 (B) 339 uts. 03/16/1642,419 290 
214,919 239,934 
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc.
A designer and assembler of highly engineered, mission critical instruments and sensors that provide compositional analyses to measure contaminants and impurities within gases and liquids.
11.63% Term Loan due 06/30/2029 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G)$824,115 07/18/23583,724 585,696 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 32 shs. 07/18/2332,000 29,129 
615,724 614,825 
ProfitOptics
A software development and consulting company that delivers solutions via its proprietary software development platform, Catalyst.
11.47% Term Loan due 02/15/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$849,194 03/15/22720,472 723,723 
8.00% Senior Subordinated Note due 02/15/2029$32,258 03/15/2232,258 28,677 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 96,774 uts. 03/15/2264,516 72,965 
817,246 825,365 
Randy's Worldwide
A designer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts serving the repair/replacement, off-road and racing/performance segments.
11.89% First Lien Term Loan due 10/31/2028 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G)$194,154 11/01/22131,828 132,715 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B) 54 uts. 11/01/225,400 5,728 
137,228 138,443 
Recovery Point Systems, Inc.
A provider of IT infrastructure, colocation and cloud based resiliency services.
11.42% Term Loan due 07/31/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$1,315,819 08/12/201,303,255 1,315,819 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 21,532 uts. 03/05/2121,532 14,381 
1,324,787 1,330,200 
RedSail Technologies
A provider of pharmacy management software solutions for independent pharmacies and long-term care facilities.
10.15% Term Loan due 10/27/2026 (SOFR + 4.750%)$1,564,110 12/09/201,540,679  1,560,982
ReelCraft Industries, Inc.
A designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty reels for diversified industrial, mobile equipment OEM, auto aftermarket, government/military and other end markets.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) 293,617 uts. 11/13/17184,689 848,553 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 24

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Renovation Brands (Renovation Parent Holdings, LLC)
A portfolio of seven proprietary brands that sell various home improvement products primarily through the e-Commerce channel.
10.99% Term Loan due 08/16/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%)$953,884 11/15/21$937,815 $834,648 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 39,474 uts. 09/29/1739,474 13,026 
977,289 847,674 
Resonetics, LLC
A provider of laser micro-machining manufacturing services for medical device and diagnostic companies.
12.66% Second Lien Term Loan due 04/28/2029 (SOFR + 7.000%)$1,725,000 04/28/211,700,961 1,671,525 
12.66% Incremental Second Lien Term Loan due 04/28/2029 (SOFR + 7.000%)$552,000 11/15/21543,739 534,888 
2,244,700 2,206,413 
REVSpring, Inc.
A provider of accounts receivable management and revenue cycle management services to customers in the healthcare, financial and utility industries.
13.90% Second Lien Term Loan due 10/11/2026 (SOFR + 8.250%)$1,725,000 01/00/001,705,412 1,725,000 
RoadOne IntermodaLogistics
A provider of intermodal logistics and solutions including drayage (moving containers at port/rail locations), dedicated trucking services, warehousing, storage, and transloading (unloading, storing, and repackaging freight), among other services.
11.11% First Lien Term Loan due 12/30/2028 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G)$745,935 12/30/22535,859 551,636 
Rock Labor
A provider of live entertainment event labor in the United States.
13.08% Term Loan due 09/14/2029 (SOFR + 7.750%) (G)$405,071 09/14/23335,146 335,051 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 12,266 uts. 09/14/2365,676 65,623 
400,822 400,674 
Rock-it Cargo
A provider of specialized international logistics solutions to the music touring, performing arts, live events, fine art and specialty industries.
10.12% Term Loan due 06/22/2024 (SOFR + 5.000%)$2,434,945 07/30/182,426,777 2,387,768 
* 07/30/18 and 09/30/20.
ROI Solutions
Call center outsourcing and end user engagement services provider.
10.44% Term Loan due 07/31/2024 (SOFR + 5.000%) $500,164 07/31/18498,772 500,164 
RPX Corp
A provider of subscription services that help member companies mitigate the risk of patent disputes and reduce the cost of patent litigation.
10.82% Term Loan due 10/23/2025 (SOFR + 5.500%) $2,216,470 *2,194,215 2,199,939 
* 10/22/20 and 09/28/21.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 25

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Ruffalo Noel Levitz
A provider of enrollment management, student retention and career services, and fundraising management for colleges and universities.
8.40% Term Loan due 05/29/2024 (SOFR + 3.000%) $1,222,373 01/08/19$1,217,304 $1,173,478 
Safety Products Holdings, Inc.
A manufacturer of highly engineered safety cutting tools.
11.57% Term Loan due 12/15/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$1,652,452 12/15/201,632,572 1,594,616 
Common Stock (B) 30 shs. 12/16/2029,900 34,978 
1,662,472 1,629,594 
Sandvine Corporation
A provider of active network intelligence solutions.
13.41% Second Lien Term Loan due 11/02/2026 (SOFR + 8.000%)$1,725,000 11/01/181,708,352 1,587,000 
Sara Lee Frozen Foods
A provider of frozen bakery products, desserts and sweet baked goods.
10.02% First Lien Term Loan due 07/31/2024 (SOFR + 4.500%)$1,464,290 07/27/181,455,683 1,373,504 
SBP Holdings
A specialty product distribution platform which provides mission-critical products, services, and technical expertise across industrial rubber and fluid power segments.
12.15% First Lien Term Loan due 01/31/2028 (SOFR + 6.750%) (G)$746,918 03/27/23630,813 632,604 
Scaled Agile, Inc.
A provider of training and certifications for IT professionals focused on software development.
10.99% Term Loan due 12/15/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$1,706,762 12/16/211,221,255 1,212,323 
SEKO Worldwide, LLC
A third-party logistics provider of ground, ocean, air and home delivery forwarding services.
10.18% Term Loan due 12/30/2026 (SOFR + 4.750%)$1,682,313 12/30/201,659,074 1,662,749 
Smart Bear
A provider of web-based tools for software development, testing and monitoring.
12.97% Second Lien Term Loan due 11/10/2028 (SOFR + 7.500%)$1,725,000 03/02/211,692,536 1,695,675 
Smartling, Inc.
A provider in SaaS-based translation management systems and related translation services.
11.07% Term Loan due 10/26/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$1,699,125.00 11/03/211,574,461 1,585,289 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 26

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
smartShift Technologies
A provider of technology-enabled services for the SAP ERP ecosystem.
11.66% First Lien Term Loan due 09/30/2029 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G)$1,498,122 09/01/23$943,469 $942,627 
Common Stock (B) 29 shs. 09/01/2329,000 29,000 
972,469 971,627 
Specified Air Solutions (dba Madison Indoor Air Solutions)
A manufacturer and distributor of heating, dehumidification and other air quality solutions.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 726,845 uts. 02/20/192,298,574 10,971,730 
Springbrook Software
A provider of vertical-market enterprise resource planning software and payments platforms focused on the local government end-market.
11.15% Term Loan due 12/20/2026 (SOFR + 5.750%)$1,305,071 12/23/191,294,541 1,287,984 
11.90% Incremental Term Loan due 12/23/2026 (SOFR + 6.500%)$404,364 12/28/22397,815 404,364 
1,692,356 1,692,348 
Stackline
An e-commerce data company that tracks products sold through online retailers.
7.75% Holdco PIK Note due 07/30/2028$2,064,205 07/29/212,040,985 2,012,600 
Common Stock (B) 1,340 shs. 07/30/2142,078 58,069 
2,083,063 2,070,669 
Standard Elevator Systems
A scaled manufacturer of elevator components combining four elevator companies, Standard Elevator Systems, EMI Porta, Texacone, and ZZIPCO.
11.45% First Lien Term Loan due 12/02/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$1,707,96312/02/211,192,448 1,064,184 
Stratus Unlimited
A nationwide provider of brand implementation services, including exterior and interior signage, refresh and remodel, and facility maintenance and repair.
10.97% Term Loan due 06/08/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G)$933,902 07/02/21863,448 870,912 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 75 uts. 06/30/2174,666 82,936 
938,114 953,848 
Sunvair Aerospace Group Inc.
An aerospace maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider servicing landing gears on narrow body aircraft.
12.75% (1.00% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 07/31/2025$2,051,754 *2,043,307 2,050,546 
Preferred Stock Series A (B) 28 shs. 12/21/2071,176 88,188 
Common Stock (B) 68 shs. **104,986 339,958 
* 07/31/15 and 12/21/20.2,219,469 2,478,692 
** 07/31/15 and 11/08/17.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 27

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Syntax Systems Ltd.
A cloud management service provider.
11.17% Term Loan due 10/14/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$985,889 10/28/21$751,836 $732,255 
Tank Holding
A manufacturer of proprietary rotational molded polyethylene and steel storage tanks and containers.
11.17% Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G)$494,023 03/31/22480,964 477,439 
11.42% Incremental Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)$226,668 05/22/23152,124 155,028 
633,088 632,467 
Team Air (Swifty Holdings LLC)
A leading HVAC wholesale distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
12.00% Senior Subordinated Note due 05/02/2030$1,035,000 05/25/231,015,354 1,016,577 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 690,000 uts. 05/25/23690,000 691,343 
1,705,354 1,707,920 
Tencarva Machinery Company
A distributor of mission critical, engineered equipment, replacement parts and services in the industrial and municipal end-markets.
10.65% Term Loan due 12/20/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G)$1,949,005 12/20/21$1,627,481 $1,637,575 
Terrybear
A designer and wholesaler of cremation urns and memorial products for people and pets.
10.00% (4.00% PIK) Term Loan due 04/27/2028$936,042 04/29/22922,550 910,768 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 84,038 uts. 10/14/21823,577 485,322 
1,746,127 1,396,090 
The Caprock Group (aka TA/TCG Holdings, LLC)
A wealth manager focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals, who have $25-30 million of investable assets on average.
12.88% Holdco PIK Note due 10/21/2028$1,199,668 10/28/211,183,003 1,191,049 
9.65% Term Loan due 12/15/2027 (SOFR + 4.250%) (G)$573,100 12/21/2199,007 106,695 
1,282,010 1,297,744 
The Hilb Group, LLC
An insurance brokerage platform that offers insurance and benefits programs to middle-market companies throughout the Eastern seaboard.
11.17% Term Loan due 12/02/2026 (SOFR + 5.750%)$1,675,755 *1,656,378 1,659,075 
* 12/02/19 and 12/15/20.
The Octave Music Group, Inc. (fka TouchTunes)
A global provider of digital music and media and introduced the play-for-play digital jukebox in 1998.
12.89% Second Lien Term Loan due 03/31/2030 (SOFR + 7.500%)$474,359 04/01/22466,652 469,607 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 25,641 uts. 04/01/2225,641 45,897 
492,293 515,504 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 28

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Therma-Stor Holdings LLC
A designer and manufacturer of dehumidifiers and water damage restoration equipment for residential and commercial applications.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 19,696 uts. 11/30/17$— $13,619 
Transit Technologies LLC
A software platform for the transportation market that offers end-to-end software solutions focused on operations, fleet management and telematics services.
9.84% Term Loan due 02/10/2025 (SOFR + 4.750%)$780,310 02/13/20776,582 780,310 
Trident Maritime Systems
A leading provider of turnkey marine vessel systems and solutions for government and commercial new ship construction as well as repair, refurbishment, and retrofit markets worldwide.
11.00% Unitranche Term Loan due 02/19/2026 (SOFR + 5.500%)$1,686,143 02/25/211,669,389 1,524,273 
Trintech, Inc.
An international provider of core, cloud-based financial close software.
11.82% Term Loan due 07/25/2029 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G)$1,725,000 07/25/231,586,845 1,585,240 
Truck-Lite
A leading provider of harsh environment LED safety lighting, electronics, filtration systems, and telematics for a wide range of commercial vehicles, specialty vehicles, final mile delivery vehicles, off-road/off-highway, marine, and other adjacent harsh environment markets.
11.69% Term Loan due 12/02/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%)$1,666,284 12/13/191,651,041 1,646,844 
11.79% First Line Term Loan due 04/28/2029 (SOFR + 6.250%)$791,723 11/15/21781,725 782,486 
2,432,766 2,429,330 
Trystar, Inc.
A niche manufacturer of temporary power distribution products for the power rental, industrial, commercial utility and back-up emergency markets.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 56 uts. 09/28/1860,413 150,770 
Turnberry Solutions, Inc.
A provider of technology consulting services.
11.45% Term Loan due 07/30/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%)$1,596,401 07/29/211,578,339 1,581,265 
U.S. Legal Support, Inc.
A provider of court reporting, record retrieval and other legal supplemental services.
11.07% Term Loan due 11/12/2024 (SOFR + 5.900%)$2,046,427 *2,038,443 2,017,777 
* 11/29/18 and 03/25/19.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 29

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
UroGPO, LLC
A group purchasing organization that connects pharmaceutical companies with urology practices to facilitate the purchase of pharmaceutical drugs for discounted prices.
11.20% Term Loan due 12/15/2026 (SOFR + 5.750%)$2,283,333 12/14/20$2,258,926 $2,255,933 
VitalSource
A provider of digital fulfillment software for the higher education sector.
10.91% Term Loan due 06/01/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%)$1,642,857 06/01/211,620,948 1,641,214 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 1,891 uts. 06/01/2118,909 34,301 
1,639,857 1,675,515 
VP Holding Company
A provider of school transportation services for special-needs and homeless children in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
10.82% Term Loan due 05/22/2024 (SOFR + 5.500%)$2,173,509 05/17/182,168,869 2,084,395 
Warner Pacific Insurance Services
A wholesale insurance broker focused on employee benefits.
11.73% Term Loan due 12/27/2027 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G)$860,516 08/01/23413,700 413,048 
Westminster Acquisition LLC
A manufacturer of premium, all-natural oyster cracker products sold under the Westminster and Olde Cape Cod brands.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 370,241 uts. 08/03/15370,241 105,519 
Whitcraft Holdings, Inc.
A leading supplier of highly engineered components for commercial and military aircraft engines.
12.34% Term Loan due 02/15/2029 (SOFR + 7.000%) (G)$966,668 02/15/23806,275 807,695 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) 4,206 uts. 02/15/2342,058 42,016 
848,333 849,711 
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.
A designer and specialty distributor of wallcoverings and related building products, including textiles, paint, and writeable surfaces.
Common Stock (B) 157 shs. 01/22/1662,177 288,851 
Woodland Foods, Inc.
A provider of specialty dry ingredients such as herbs & spices, rice & grains, mushrooms & truffles, chilies, and other ingredients to customers within the industrial, foodservice, and retail end-markets.
11.32% Term Loan due 11/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.900%) (G)$1,188,024 12/01/211,082,452 1,012,228 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 146 uts. 09/29/17145,803 94,842 
1,228,255 1,107,070 
World 50, Inc.
A provider of exclusive peer-to-peer networks for C-suite executives at leading corporations.
10.35% Term Loan due 12/31/2025 (SOFR + 4.750%)$1,180,996 01/09/201,169,773 1,173,910 
10.65% Term Loan due 01/10/2026 (SOFR + 5.250%)$280,026 09/21/20276,416 277,568 
1,446,189 1,451,478 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 30

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
CostFair Value
Private Placement Investments - 101.37%: (C)
Worldwide Electric Corporation
Develops, produces, and distributes electric motors, gear reducers, motor controls, generators, and frequency converters.
11.39% Term Loan due 10/03/2029 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G)$992,795 10/03/22$712,190 $731,925 
Ziyad
An end-to-end importer, brand manager, value-added processor, and distributor of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods.
11.54% First Lien Term Loan due 02/09/2028 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G)$993,752 02/08/22813,223 805,306 
11.54% Incremental Term Loan due 02/09/2028 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G) 684,681 08/31/23289,192 288,897 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 31 uts. 02/09/2231,256 31,399 
1,133,671 1,125,602 
Total Private Placement Investments (E)$164,606,842 $171,575,898 



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 31

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 105.06%: (A)Interest
Rate
Maturity
Date
Principal
Amount
CostMarket
Value
Rule 144A Securities - 3.70%: (H)
Bonds - 3.70%
American Airlines Inc.11.750 07/15/2025$500,000 $497,954 $537,496 
AOC, LLC6.625 10/15/202970,000 62,248 58,198 
Carriage Purchaser Inc.7.875 10/15/2029750,000 580,680 568,883 
Coronado Finance Pty Ltd.10.750 05/15/2026219,000 216,574 226,671 
County of Gallatin MT11.500 09/01/2027340,000 340,000 355,314 
CSC Holdings LLC5.000 11/15/2031625,000 529,975 334,985 
CVR Energy Inc.5.750 02/15/2028500,000 469,557 452,499 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.7.500 04/01/2025388,000 366,700 387,238 
Frontier Communications8.750 05/15/2030194,000 194,000 184,198 
Neptune Energy Bondco PLC6.625 05/15/2025500,000 497,369 495,250 
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co Inc.9.750 07/15/2028505,000 487,123 498,688 
Prime Security Services, LLC6.250 01/15/2028885,000 810,838 819,659 
Scientific Games Holdings LP6.625 03/01/2030480,000 480,000 414,000 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc.8.875 12/15/2027428,000 414,641 335,004 
Verscend Holding Corp9.750 08/15/2026482,000 497,895 482,084 
Total Bonds6,445,554 6,150,167 
Common Stock - 0.00%
TherOX, Inc. (B)2 shs— — 
Touchstone Health Partnership (B)292 shs— — 
Total Common Stock  
Total Rule 144A Securities$6,445,554 $6,150,167 
Total Corporate Restricted Securities$171,052,396 $177,726,065 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 32

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Corporate Public Securities - 1.63%: (A)LIBOR
Spread
Interest
Rate
Maturity
Date
Principal
Amount
CostMarket
Value
Bank Loans - 1.20%
Alpine US Bidco LLC9.000 14.4394/28/2029$628,215 $614,988 $593,664 
Edelman Financial Services6.750 12.1816/8/2026128,178 127,953 127,697 
Front Line Power Construction LLC (G)12.500 18.13811/1/2028292,311 263,273 283,065 
Magenta Buyer LLC8.250 13.8815/3/2029503,333 499,369 231,533 
STS Operating, Inc.8.000 13.4164/25/2026500,000 505,000 470,000 
Syncsort Incorporated7.250 12.8634/23/2029222,222 221,022 198,969 
Total Bank Loans2,231,605 1,904,928 
Bonds - 0.48%
Genesis Energy, L.P.6.50010/01/25337,000 329,453 331,208 
Triumph Group, Inc.7.75008/15/25500,000 501,303 475,000 
Total Bonds830,756 806,208 
Common Stock - 0.00%
Front Line Power Construction LLC 1,250 shs 23,140 191 
Total Common Stock23,140 191 
Total Corporate Public Securities$3,085,501 $2,711,327 
Total Investments108.55 %$174,137,897 $180,437,392 
Other Assets4.95 8,229,878 
Liabilities(13.50)(22,434,885)
Total Net Assets100.00 %$166,232,385 
(A)    In each of the convertible note, warrant, convertible preferred and common stock investments, the issuer has agreed to provide certain registration rights.
(B)    Non-income producing security.
(C)    Security valued at fair value using methods determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Trustees.
(D)    Defaulted security; interest not accrued.
(E)    Illiquid securities. As of September 30, 2023, the value of these securities amounted to $171,575,898 or 103.22% of net assets.
(F)    Held in PI Subsidiary Trust.
(G)    A portion of these securities contain unfunded commitments. As of September 30, 2023, total unfunded commitments amounted to $10,753,746 and had unrealized depreciation of $(88,390) or (0.05)% of net assets. See Note 7.
(H)    Security exempt from registration under Rule 144a of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may only be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
PIK    - Payment-in-kind
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 33

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Industry Classification:Fair Value/
Market Value
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 6.69%
Accurus Aerospace$453,221 
Applied Aerospace Structures Corp.169,347 
Bridger Aerospace548,277 
Compass Precision1,750,785 
CTS Engines1,354,767 
Narda-MITEQ (JFL-Narda Partners, LLC)1,509,307 
Sunvair Aerospace Group Inc.2,478,692 
Trident Maritime Systems1,524,273 
Triumph Group, Inc.475,000 
Whitcraft Holdings, Inc.849,711 
11,113,380 
AIRLINES - 1.34%
American Airlines Inc.537,496 
Echo Logistics1,691,944 
2,229,440 
AUTOMOTIVE - 4.96%
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC (d.b.a Hoosier)491,734 
BBB Industries LLC - DBA (GC EOS Buyer Inc.)504,293 
EFC International1,276,443 
English Color & Supply LLC2,324,457 
JF Petroleum Group658,978 
Omega Holdings422,418 
Randy's Worldwide138,443 
Truck-Lite2,429,330 
8,246,096 
BROKERAGE, ASSET MANAGERS & EXCHANGES - 1.78%
The Caprock Group1,297,744 
The Hilb Group, LLC1,659,075 
2,956,819 
BUILDING MATERIALS - 1.23%
Decks Direct, LLC1,249,289 
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co Inc.498,688 
Wolf-Gordon, Inc.288,851 
2,036,828 
CABLE & SATTELLITE - 0.20%
CSC Holdings LLC334,985 
CHEMICALS - 1.23%
Americo Chemical Products503,300 
Kano Laboratories LLC1,110,562 
Polytex Holdings LLC434,533 
2,048,395 
Industry Classification:Fair Value/
Market Value
CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY - 0.00%
Front Line Power$191 
CONSUMER CYCLICAL SERVICES - 5.51%
CJS Global787,894 
LYNX Franchising2,430,093 
Mobile Pro Systems1,091,464 
PPC Event Services239,934 
Prime Security Services, LLC819,659 
ROI Solutions500,164 
Team Air (Swifty Holdings LLC)1,707,920 
Turnberry Solutions, Inc.1,581,265 
9,158,393 
CONSUMER PRODUCTS - 3.51%
AMS Holding LLC138,567 
Blue Wave Products, Inc.113,845 
Elite Sportswear Holding, LLC48,731 
gloProfessional Holdings, Inc.869,328 
Handi Quilter Holding Company137,061 
HHI Group, LLC183,600 
Jones Fish1,586,715 
Magnolia Wash Holdings (Express Wash Acquisition Company, LLC)517,526 
Master Cutlery LLC— 
Renovation Brands (Renovation Parent Holdings, LLC)847,674 
Terrybear1,396,090 
5,839,137 
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - 6.44%
Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises LLC— 
AOC, LLC58,198 
F G I Equity LLC666,854 
HTI Technology & Industries Inc 826,147 
MNS Engineers, Inc.1,268,947 
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc.614,825 
Reelcraft Industries, Inc.848,553 
Resonetics, LLC2,206,413 
Safety Products Holdings, Inc.1,629,594 
Standard Elevator Systems1,064,184 
Tank Holding632,467 
Therma-Stor Holdings LLC13,619 
Trystar, Inc.150,770 
Worldwide Electric Corporation731,925 
10,712,496 
ELECTRIC - 1.62%
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 34

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Industry Classification:Fair Value/
Market Value
Dwyer Instruments, Inc.$1,542,420 
Electric Power Systems International, Inc.1,145,065 
2,687,485 
ENVIRONMENTAL - 1.45%
ENTACT Environmental Services, Inc.1,102,105 
Marshall Excelsior Co.584,234 
Northstar Recycling730,351 
2,416,690 
FINANCIAL COMPANIES - 0.75%
Portfolio Group1,245,683 
FINANCIAL OTHER - 1.33%
Cogency Global1,628,139 
Edelman Financial Services127,697 
Fortis Payments, LLC452,453 
2,208,289 
FOOD & BEVERAGE - 4.15%
Alpine US Bidco LLC593,664 
Del Real LLC309,791 
PANOS Brands LLC2,284,632 
Sara Lee Frozen Foods1,373,504 
Westminster Acquisition LLC105,519 
Woodland Foods, Inc.1,107,070 
Ziyad1,125,602 
6,899,782 
GAMING - 0.25%
Scientific Games Holdings LP414,000 
HEALTHCARE - 7.37%
Cadence, Inc.828,570 
Ellkay646,838 
GD Dental Services LLC109,821 
Heartland Veterinary Partners1,842,404 
HemaSource, Inc.834,260 
Home Care Assistance, LLC766,281 
Illumifin304,783 
Navia Benefit Solutions, Inc.1,646,944 
Office Ally (OA TOPCO, LP)969,971 
RedSail Technologies1,560,982 
TherOX, Inc.— 
Touchstone Health Partnership (B)— 
UroGPO, LLC2,255,933 
Verscend Holding Corp482,084 
12,248,871 
HEALTH INSURANCE - 0.25%
Industry Classification:Fair Value/
Market Value
Warner Pacific Insurance Services$413,048 
INDUSTRIAL OTHER - 12.63%
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.615,962 
Concept Machine Tool Sales, LLC624,042 
E.S.P. Associates, P.A.333,370 
Front Line Power Construction LLC283,065 
IM Analytics Holdings, LLC (d.b.a. Noise @ Vibration)428,924 
Kings III401,162 
Media Recovery, Inc.470,811 
PB Holdings LLC672,662 
Polara (VSC Polara LLC)1,055,964 
SBP Holdings632,604 
Specified Air Solutions10,971,730 
Stratus Unlimited953,848 
STS Operating, Inc.470,000 
Tencarva Machinery Company1,637,575 
World 50, Inc.1,451,478 
21,003,197 
LOCAL AUTHORITY - 0.87%
LeadsOnline1,447,917 
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT - 3.70%
Advantage Software81,608 
ASC Communications, LLC (Becker's Healthcare)405,659 
BrightSign1,401,046 
DistroKid (IVP XII DKCo-Invest, LP)1,683,410 
HOP Entertainment LLC— 
Rock Labor400,674 
Music Reports, Inc.1,322,520 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc.335,004 
The Octave Music Group, Inc. (fka TouchTunes)515,504 
6,145,425 
METALS & MINING - 0.37%
Coronado Finance Pty Ltd.226,671 
First Quantum Minerals Ltd.387,238 
613,909 
MIDSTREAM - 0.20%
Genesis Energy, L.P.331,208 
OIL FIELD SERVICES - 0.30%
Neptune Energy Bondco PLC495,250 
PACKAGING - 1.30%
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 35

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
September 30, 2023
(Unaudited)
Industry Classification:Fair Value/
Market Value
ASC Holdings, Inc.$858,759 
Brown Machine LLC792,813 
Five Star Holding, LLC509,589 
2,161,161 
PROPERTY & CASUALTY - 1.10%
Pearl Holding Group1,828,343 
REFINING - 0.52%
CVR Energy Inc.452,499 
MES Partners, Inc.406,419 
858,918 
TECHNOLOGY - 28.63%
1WorldSync, Inc.2,348,809 
Amtech Software736,086 
Audio Precision1,711,997 
Best Lawyers (Azalea Investment Holdings, LLC)1,502,755 
CAi Software2,065,065 
Cash Flow Management919,006 
CloudWave1,727,341 
Command Alkon2,043,336 
Comply365628,542 
DataServ196,256 
EFI Productivity Software920,821 
Follett School Solutions1,683,070 
GraphPad Software, Inc.2,489,933 
Magenta Buyer LLC231,533 
Net at Work1,035,586 
Newforma747,571 
Options Technology Ltd1,547,564 
ProfitOptics825,365 
Recovery Point Systems, Inc.1,330,200 
REVSpring, Inc.1,725,000 
RPX Corp2,199,939 
Ruffalo Noel Levitz1,173,478 
Sandvine Corporation1,587,000 
Scaled Agile, Inc.1,212,323 
Smart Bear1,695,675 
Smartling, Inc.1,585,289 
smartShift Technologies971,627 
Springbrook Software1,692,348 
Stackline2,070,669 
Syncsort Incorporated198,969 
Syntax Systems Ltd.732,255 
Transit Technologies LLC780,310 
Trintech, Inc.1,585,240 
Industry Classification:Fair Value/
Market Value
U.S. Legal Support, Inc.2,017,777 
VitalSource$1,675,515 
47,594,250 
TELECOM - WIRELINE INTEGRATED & SERVICES - 0.11%
Frontier Communications184,198 
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - 8.76%
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.1,715,115 
Carriage Purchaser Inc.568,883 
eShipping1,019,096 
FragilePAK1,149,828 
Omni Logistics, LLC1,701,369 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation1,722,769 
RoadOne IntermodaLogistics551,636 
Rock-it Cargo2,387,768 
SEKO Worldwide, LLC1,662,749 
VP Holding Company2,084,395 
14,563,608 
Total Investments - 106.76%
  (Cost - $174,137,897)
$180,437,392 


























See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 36

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)

1. History
Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) was organized as a Massachusetts business trust under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pursuant to a Declaration of Trust dated April 7, 1988.
The Trust is a diversified closed-end management investment company. Barings LLC (“Barings”), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (“MassMutual”), acts as its investment adviser. The Trust’s investment objective is to maintain a portfolio of securities providing a current yield and, when available, an opportunity for capital gains. The Trust’s principal investments are privately placed, below investment grade, long-term debt obligations including bank loans and mezzanine debt instruments. Such direct placement securities may, in some cases, be accompanied by equity features such as common stock, preferred stock, warrants, conversion rights, or other equity features. The Trust typically purchases these investments, which are not publicly tradable, directly from their issuers in private placement transactions. These investments are typically made to small or middle market companies. In addition, the Trust may invest, subject to certain limitations, in marketable debt securities (including high yield and/or investment grade securities) and marketable common stock. Below investment grade or high yield securities have predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to the capacity of the issuer to pay interest and repay capital.
On January 27, 1998, the Board of Trustees authorized the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trust (“PI Subsidiary Trust”) for the purpose of holding certain investments. The results of the PI Subsidiary Trust are consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. Footnote 2.D below discusses the Federal tax consequences of the PI Subsidiary Trust.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed consistently by the Trust in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
The Trustees have determined that the Trust is an investment company in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies, for the purpose of financial reporting.
A. Fair Value Measurements:
Under U.S. GAAP, fair value represents the price that should be received to sell an asset (exit price) in an orderly transaction between willing market participants at the measurement date.
Determination of Fair Value
The determination of the fair value of the Trust’s investments is the responsibility of the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the “Trustees”). The Trustees have designated Barings as valuation designee to determine the fair value of the investments held by the Trust for which market quotations are not readily available. Barings has established a Pricing Committee which is responsible for setting the guidelines used in determining such fair values and ensuring that those guidelines are being followed. Barings considers all relevant factors that are reasonably available, through either public information or information directly available to Barings, when determining the fair value of a security. The consolidated financial statements include private placement restricted securities valued at $171,575,898 (101.37% of net assets) as of September 30, 2023, the values of which have been estimated by Barings based on the process described above in the absence of readily ascertainable market values. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed, and the differences could be material.
Independent Valuation Process
The fair value of bank loans and equity investments that are unsyndicated or for which market quotations are not readily available, including middle-market bank loans, will be submitted to an independent provider to perform an independent valuation on those bank loans and equity investments as of the end of each quarter. Such bank loans and equity investments will be held at cost until such time as they are sent to the valuation provider for an initial valuation subject to override by the Adviser should it determine that there have been material changes in interest rates and/or the credit quality of the issuer. The independent valuation provider applies various methods (synthetic rating analysis, discounting cash flows, and re-underwriting analysis) to establish the rate of return a market participant would require (the “discount rate”) as of the valuation date, given market conditions, prevailing lending standards and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. Future expected cash flows for each investment are discounted back to present value using these discount rates in the discounted cash flow analysis. A range of value will be provided by the valuation provider and the Adviser will determine the point within that range that it will use in making valuation determinations. The Adviser will use its internal valuation model as a comparison point to validate the price range provided by the valuation provider. If the Advisers’ Pricing Committee
37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
disagrees with the price range provided, it may make a fair value determination that is outside of the range provided by the independent valuation provider, such determination to be reported to the Trustees in the Adviser’s quarterly reporting to the Board. In certain instances, the Trust may determine that it is not cost-effective, and as a result is not in the shareholders’ best interests, to request the independent valuation firm to perform the Procedures on certain investments. Such instances include, but are not limited to, situations where the fair value of the investment in the portfolio company is determined to be insignificant relative to the total investment portfolio.
Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for assets recorded at fair value:
Corporate Public Securities at Fair Value – Bank Loans, Corporate Bonds, Preferred Stocks and Common Stocks
The Trust uses external independent third-party pricing services to determine the fair values of its Corporate Public Securities. At September 30, 2023, 100% of the carrying value of these investments was from external pricing services. In the event that the primary pricing service does not provide a price, the Trust utilizes the pricing provided by a secondary pricing service.
Public debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Trust’s pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where significant market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where significant market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, option adjusted spreads, credit spreads, estimated default rates, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal underlying prepayments, collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.
The Trust’s investments in bank loans are normally valued at the bid quotation obtained from dealers in loans by an independent pricing service in accordance with the Trust’s valuation policies and procedures approved by the Trustees.
Public equity securities listed on an exchange or on the NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last quoted sales price of that day.
At least annually, Barings conducts reviews of the primary pricing vendors to validate that the inputs used in that vendors’ pricing process are deemed to be market observable as defined in the standard. While Barings is not provided access to proprietary models of the vendors, the reviews have included on-site walk-throughs of the pricing process, methodologies and control procedures for each asset class and level for which prices are provided. The reviews also include an examination of the underlying inputs and assumptions for a sample of individual securities across asset classes, credit rating levels and various durations. In addition, the pricing vendors have an established challenge process in place for all security valuations, which facilitates identification and resolution of prices that fall outside expected ranges. Barings believes that the prices received from the pricing vendors are representative of prices that would be received to sell the assets at the measurement date (exit prices) and are classified appropriately in the hierarchy.
Corporate Restricted Securities at Fair Value – Bank Loans, Corporate Bonds
The fair value of certain notes is determined using an internal model that discounts the anticipated cash flows of those notes using a specific discount rate. Changes to that discount rate are driven by changes in general interest rates, probabilities of default and credit adjustments. The discount rate used within the models to discount the future anticipated cash flows is considered a significant unobservable input. Increases/(decreases) in the discount rate would result in a (decrease)/increase to the notes’ fair value.
The fair value of certain distressed notes is based on an enterprise waterfall methodology which is discussed in the equity security valuation section below.
Corporate Restricted Securities at Fair Value – Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Partnerships & LLC’s
The fair value of equity securities is determined using an enterprise waterfall methodology. Under this methodology, the enterprise value of the company is first estimated and that value is then allocated to the company’s outstanding debt and equity securities based on the documented priority of each class of securities in the capital structure. Generally, the waterfall proceeds from senior debt, to senior and junior subordinated debt, to preferred stock, then finally common stock.
To estimate a company’s enterprise value, the company’s trailing twelve months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) is multiplied by a valuation multiple.
Both the company’s EBITDA and valuation multiple are considered significant unobservable inputs. Increases/ (decreases) to the company’s EBITDA and/or valuation multiple would result in increases/ (decreases) to the equity value.
38

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
 Short-Term Securities
Short-term securities with more than sixty days to maturity are valued at fair value, using external independent third-party services. Short-term securities, of sufficient credit quality, having a maturity of sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
New Accounting Pronouncement
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2020-04 (“ASU 2020-04”) “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued. ASU 2020-04 is effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Trust expects that the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Trust’s financial position, result of operations or cash flows.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The Trust categorizes its investments measured at fair value in three levels, based on the inputs and assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are as follows:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical securities
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Trust’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The following table summarizes the levels in the fair value hierarchy into which the Trust’s financial instruments are categorized as of September 30, 2023.
The fair values of the Trust’s investments disaggregated into the three levels of the fair value hierarchy based upon the lowest level of significant input used in the valuation as of September 30, 2023 are as follows:
 
Assets:TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3
Restricted Securities
Corporate Bonds$12,722,947 $— $6,150,167 $6,572,780 
Bank Loans141,345,015 — — 141,345,015 
Common Stock - U.S.2,377,501 — — 2,377,501 
Preferred Stock1,914,769 — — 1,914,769 
Partnerships and LLCs19,365,833 — — 19,365,833 
Public Securities
Bank Loans1,904,928 — 1,028,199 876,729 
Corporate Bonds806,208 — 806,208 — 
Common Stock191 191 — — 
Total$180,437,392 $191 $7,984,574 $172,452,627 
See information disaggregated by security type and industry classification in the Unaudited Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

39

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table represents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2023:
Fair ValueValuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
RangeWeighted*
Bank Loans$125,039,911Income ApproachImplied Spread9.1% - 25.3%12.2%
Corporate Bonds$6,138,247Income ApproachImplied Spread12.7% - 23.0%14.5%
$434,533Market ApproachRevenue Multiple0.2x0.2x
Equity Securities**$23,371,999Enterprise Value Waterfall ApproachValuation Multiple3.5x - 39.0x11.0x
Certain of the Trust’s Level 3 equity securities investments may be valued using unadjusted inputs that have not been internally developed by the Trust, including recently purchased securities held at cost. As a result, fair value of assets of $17,467,937 have been excluded from the preceding table.
* The weighted averages disclosed in the table above were weighted by relative fair value
** Including partnerships and LLC’s
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
Assets:
Beginning balance at
12/31/2022
Included in
earnings
PurchasesSalesPrepaymentsTransfers
into
Level 3
Transfers
out of
Level 3
Ending
balance at
09/30/2023
Restricted Securities
Corporate Bonds
$8,994,817 $157,970 $713,531 $(88,217)$(3,205,321)$— $— $6,572,780 
Bank Loans
136,498,290 144,435 15,709,571 (684,103)(10,323,178)— — 141,345,015 
Common Stock - U.S.
1,873,505 502,488 33,212 (31,704)— — — 2,377,501 
Preferred Stock
1,780,582 634,024 15,219 (515,056)— — — 1,914,769 
Partnerships and LLCs
17,784,752 141,765 1,439,316 — — — 19,365,833 
Public Securities
Bank Loans
304,405 (26,632)— 7,857 (1,250)1,057,349 (465,000)876,729 
Common Stock - U.S.
31,290 (31,290)— — — — — — 
$167,267,641 $1,522,760 $17,910,849 $(1,311,223)$(13,529,749)$1,057,349 $(465,000)$172,452,627 
* For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, transfers into and out of Level 3 were the result of changes in the observability of significant inputs for certain portfolio companies.








40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
OID Amortization, Gains and Losses on Level 3 assets included in Net Increase in Net Assets resulting from Operations for the period are presented in the following accounts on the Statement of Operations:
Net Increase / (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from OperationsChange in Unrealized Appreciation in Net Assets from assets still held
OID Amortization$406,653 -
Net realized loss on investments before taxes(482,485)-
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments before taxes1,598,592  220,984
B. Accounting for Investments:
Investment Income
Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income, including the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on bonds held using the yield-to-maturity method, is recorded on the accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected. Generally, when interest and/or principal payments on a loan become past due, or if the Trust otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Trust will place the investment on non-accrual status and will cease recognizing interest income on that investment for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Trust writes off any previously accrued and uncollected interest when it is determined that interest is no longer considered collectible. As of September 30, 2023, the fair value of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $3,416,785, or 1.9% of the total fair value of the Trust’s portfolio, and the cost of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $5,191,145, or 3.0% of the total cost of the Trust’s portfolio.
Payment-in-Kind Interest
The Trust currently holds, and expects to hold in the future, some investments in its portfolio that contain Payment-in-Kind (“PIK”) interest provisions. The PIK interest, computed at the contractual rate specified in each loan agreement, is added to the principal balance of the investment, rather than being paid to the Trust in cash, and is recorded as interest income. Thus, the actual collection of PIK interest may be deferred until the time of debt principal repayment. PIK interest, which is a non-cash source of income at the time of recognition, is included in the Trust’s taxable income and therefore affects the amount the Trust is required to distribute to its stockholders to maintain its qualification as a “regulated investment company” for federal income tax purposes, even though the Trust has not yet collected the cash.
Generally, when current cash interest and/or principal payments on an investment become past due, or if the Trust otherwise does not expect the borrower to be able to service its debt and other obligations, the Trust will place the investment on PIK non-accrual status and will cease recognizing PIK interest income on that investment for financial reporting purposes until all principal and interest have been brought current through payment or due to a restructuring such that the interest income is deemed to be collectible. The Trust writes off any accrued and uncollected PIK interest when it is determined that the PIK interest is no longer collectible. As of September 30, 2023, the Trust held no PIK non-accrual assets.
Realized Gain or Loss and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation of Portfolio Investments
Realized gains and losses on investment transactions and unrealized appreciation and depreciation of investments are reported for financial statement and Federal income tax purposes on the identified cost method.
C. Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and the differences could be material.
D. Federal Income Taxes:
The Trust has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code, and intends to maintain this qualification and to distribute substantially all of its net taxable income to its shareholders. In any year when net long-term capital gains are realized by the Trust, management, after evaluating the prevailing economic conditions, will recommend that the Trustees
41

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
either designate the net realized long-term gains as undistributed and pay the Federal capital gains taxes thereon or distribute all or a portion of such net gains.
The Trust is taxed as a regulated investment company and is therefore limited as to the amount of non-qualified income that it may receive as the result of operating a trade or business, e.g. the Trust’s pro rata share of income allocable to the Trust by a partnership operating company. The Trust’s violation of this limitation could result in the loss of its status as a regulated investment company, thereby subjecting all of its net income and capital gains to corporate taxes prior to distribution to its shareholders. The Trust, from time-to-time, identifies investment opportunities in the securities of entities that could cause such trade or business income to be allocable to the Trust. The PI Subsidiary Trust (described in Footnote 1 above) was formed in order to allow investment in such securities without adversely affecting the Trust’s status as a regulated investment company.
The PI Subsidiary Trust is not taxed as a regulated investment company. Accordingly, prior to the Trust receiving any distributions from the PI Subsidiary Trust, all of the PI Subsidiary Trust’s taxable income and realized gains, including non-qualified income and realized gains, is subject to taxation at prevailing corporate tax rates. As of September 30, 2023, the PI Subsidiary Trust has incurred income tax benefit of $19,125.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of the existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. As of September 30, 2023, the PI Subsidiary Trust has a deferred tax liability of $372,848.
E. Distributions to Shareholders:
The Trust records distributions to shareholders from net investment income and net realized gains, if any, on the ex-dividend date. The Trust’s net investment income dividend is declared four times per year. The Trust’s net realized capital gain distribution, if any, is declared in December.
3. Investment Services Contract
A. Services:
Under an Investment Services Contract (the “Contract”) with the Trust, Barings agrees to use its best efforts to present to the Trust a continuing and suitable investment program consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Trust. Barings represents the Trust in any negotiations with issuers, investment banking firms, securities brokers or dealers and other institutions or investors relating to the Trust’s investments. Under the Contract, Barings also provides administration of the day-to-day operations of the Trust and provides the Trust with office space and office equipment, accounting and bookkeeping services, and necessary executive, clerical and secretarial personnel for the performance of the foregoing services.
B. Fee:
For its services under the Contract, Barings is paid a quarterly investment advisory fee equal to 0.225% of the value of the Trust’s net assets as of the last business day of each fiscal quarter, an amount approximately equivalent to 0.90% on an annual basis. A majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust or of Barings, approve the valuation of the Trust’s net assets as of such day.
4. Borrowings
Senior Secured Indebtedness
MassMutual holds the Trust’s $15,000,000 Senior Fixed Rate Convertible Note (the “Note”) issued by the Trust on December 13, 2011. The Note is due December 13, 2023 and accrues interest at 4.09% per annum. MassMutual, at its option, can convert the principal amount of the Note into common shares. The dollar amount of principal would be converted into an equivalent dollar amount of common shares based upon the average price of the common shares for ten business days prior to the notice of conversion. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 the Trust incurred total interest expense on the Note of $460,125.
The Trust may redeem the Note, in whole or in part, at the principal amount proposed to be redeemed together with the accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the redemption date plus a Make Whole Premium. The Make Whole Premium equals the excess of (i) the present value of the scheduled payments of principal and interest which the Trust would have paid but for the proposed redemption, discounted at the rate of interest of U.S. Treasury obligations whose maturity approximates that of the Note plus 0.50% over (ii) the principal of the Note proposed to be redeemed.
Credit Facility
42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
On July 22, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), MassMutual provided to the Trust, a five-year $15,000,000 committed revolving credit facility. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest, at the rate of LIBOR plus 2.25%. The Trust will also be responsible for paying a commitment fee of 0.50% on the unused amount. For purposes of calculating the commitment fee for the period from the Effective Date to the earlier to occur of (x) the date that is 270 days after the Effective Date and (y) the first date on which the aggregate outstanding borrowings is greater than $7,500,000, the unused amount shall be deemed to be in an amount equal to $7,500,000. As of September 30, 2023 the Trust had $6,500,000 of outstanding borrowings on the revolving credit facility.
5. Purchases and Sales of Investments
 
For the nine months ended 09/30/2023
Cost of Investments Acquired Proceeds from Sales or Maturities
Corporate restricted securities$17,337,729 $17,337,757 
Corporate public securities— 990,335 
6. Risks
Investment Risks
In the normal course of its business, the Trust trades various financial instruments and enters into certain investment activities with investment risks. These risks include:
Below Investment Grade (high yield/junk bond) Instruments Risk
Below investment grade securities, commonly known as “junk” or “high yield” bonds, have speculative characteristics and involve greater volatility of price and yield, greater risk of loss of principal and interest, and generally reflect a greater possibility of an adverse change in financial condition that could affect an issuer’s ability to honor its obligations. Below investment grade debt instruments are considered to be predominantly speculative investments. In some cases, these obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching investment grade standing. Below investment grade debt instruments are subject to the increased risk of an issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payment obligations. These instruments may be subject to greater price volatility due to such factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity, negative perceptions of the financial markets generally and less secondary market liquidity. The prices of below investment grade debt instruments may be affected by legislative and regulatory developments. Because below investment grade debt instruments are difficult to value and are more likely to be fair valued, particularly during erratic markets, the values realized on their sale may differ from the values at which they are carried on the books of the Trust.
The Trust may invest in bonds and loans of corporate issuers that are, at the time of purchase, rated below investment grade by at least one credit rating agency or unrated but determined by Barings to be of comparable quality. The Trust may also invest in other below investment grade debt obligations. Barings consider both credit risk and market risk in making investment decisions for the Trust. If a default occurs with respect to any below investment grade debt instruments and the Trust sells or otherwise disposes of its exposure to such instruments, it is likely that the proceeds would be less than the unpaid principal and interest. Even if such instruments are held to maturity, recovery by the Trust of its initial investment and any anticipated income or appreciation would be uncertain and may not occur. Market trading volume for high yield instruments is generally lower and the secondary market for such instruments could contract under adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer.
Borrowing and Leverage Risk
The Trust may borrow, subject to certain limitations, to fund redemptions, post collateral for hedges or to purchase loans, bonds and structured products prior to settlement of pending sale transactions. Any such borrowings, as well as transactions such as when-issued, delayed-delivery, forward commitment purchases and loans of portfolio securities, can result in leverage. The use of leverage involves special risks, and makes the net asset value of the Trust and the yield to shareholders more volatile. There can be no assurance that the Trust’s leveraging strategies would be successful. In addition, the counterparties to the Trust’s leveraging transactions will have priority of payment over the Trust’s shareholders.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that one or more debt obligations in the Trust’s portfolio will decline in price, or fail to pay dividends, interest or principal when due because the issuer of the obligation experiences an actual or perceived decline in its financial status. Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments of rated instruments. They do
43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
not, however, evaluate the market value risk of below investment grade debt instruments and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market value of the instruments. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in below investment grade and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent on Barings’s credit analysis than would be the case with investments in investment grade instruments. Barings employ their own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay dividends, sensitivity to economic conditions, operating history and current earnings trends.
One or more debt obligations in the Trust’s portfolio may decline in price, or fail to pay dividends, interest or principal when due because the issuer of the obligation experiences an actual or perceived decline in its financial status or due to changes in the specific or general market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, public health or other conditions.
Duration Risk
The Trust may invest in investments of any duration or maturity. Although stated in years, duration is not simply a measure of time. Duration measures the time-weighted expected cash flows of a security, which can determine the security’s sensitivity to changes in the general level of interest rates (or yields). Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate (or yield) changes than securities with shorter durations. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers potential changes to interest rates, and a security’s coupon payments, yield, price and par value and call features, in addition to the amount of time until the security matures. Various techniques may be used to shorten or lengthen the Trust’s duration. The duration of a security will be expected to change over time with changes in market factors and time to maturity.
Liquidity Risk
The Trust may, subject to certain limitations, invest in illiquid securities (i.e., securities that cannot be disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the disposition significantly changing the market value of the security). Illiquid securities may trade at a discount from comparable, more liquid investments, and may be subject to wide fluctuations in market value. Some securities may be subject to restrictions on resale. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value. Also, the Trust may not be able to dispose of illiquid securities at a favorable time or price when desired, and the Trust may suffer a loss if forced to sell such securities for cash needs. Below investment grade loans and other debt securities tend to be less liquid than higher-rated securities.
Loan Risk
The loans in which the Trust may invest are subject to a number of risks. Loans are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the Trust, a reduction in the value of the investment and a potential decrease in the net asset value of the Trust. There can be no assurance that the liquidation of any collateral securing a loan would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a borrower, the Trust could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a loan. Loan participations and assignments involve credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the risks of being a lender. Loans are not as easily purchased or sold as publicly traded securities and there can be no assurance that future levels of supply and demand in loan trading will provide the degree of liquidity which currently exists in the market. In addition, the terms of the loans may restrict their transferability without borrower consent.
These factors may have an adverse effect on the market price of the loan and the Trust’s ability to dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market also may make it more difficult for the Trust to obtain precise valuations of the high yield loans in its portfolio. The settlement period (the period between the execution of the trade and the delivery of cash to the purchaser) for some loan transactions may be significantly longer than the settlement period for other investments, and in some cases longer than seven days. It is possible that sale proceeds from loan transactions will not be available to meet redemption obligations, in which case the Trust may be required to utilize cash balances or, if necessary, sell its more liquid investments or investments with shorter settlement periods. Some loans may not be considered “securities” for certain purposes under the federal securities laws, and purchasers, such as the Trust, therefore may not be entitled to rely on the anti-fraud protections of the federal securities laws.
Management Risk
The Trust is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. Barings apply investment techniques and risk analyses in making investment decisions for the Trust, but there can be no guarantee that such techniques and analyses will produce the desired results.


44

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
Market Risk
The value of the Trust’s portfolio securities may decline, at times sharply and unpredictably, as a result of unfavorable market-induced changes affecting particular industries, sectors, or issuers. Stock and bond markets can decline significantly in response to issuer, market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, public health and other conditions, as well as investor perceptions of these conditions. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, war, terrorism, natural and environmental disasters and epidemics or pandemics (including the recent coronavirus pandemic), which may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Such conditions may also adversely affect the liquidity of the Trust’s securities. The Trust is subject to risks affecting issuers, such as management performance, financial leverage, industry problems, and reduced demand for goods or services.
Prepayment and Extension Risk
Prepayment and extension risk is the risk that a loan, bond or other investment might be called or otherwise converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity. This risk is primarily associated with mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities and floating rate loans. If the investment is converted, prepaid or redeemed before maturity, particularly during a time of declining interest rates or spreads, the Trust may not be able to invest the proceeds in other investments providing as high a level of income, resulting in a reduced yield to the Trust. Conversely, as interest rates rise or spreads widen, the likelihood of prepayment decreases and the maturity of the investment may extend. The Trust may be unable to capitalize on securities with higher interest rates or wider spreads because the Trust’s investments are locked in at a lower rate for a longer period of time.
7. Commitments and Contingencies
During the normal course of business, the Trust may enter into contracts and agreements that contain a variety of representations and warranties. The exposure, if any, to the Trust under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may or may not be made against the Trust and which have not yet occurred. The Trust has no history of prior claims related to such contracts and agreements.
At September 30, 2023, the Trust had the following unfunded commitments:
Delayed Draw Term Loans:
InvestmentUnfunded AmountUnfunded Value
Amtech Software $181,818 $183,501 
Best Lawyers148,173 149,517 
Dwyer Instruments, Inc.145,755 146,199 
eShipping154,332 158,333 
Fortis Payments, LLC42,000 43,603 
Front Line Power5,952 5,952 
HTI Technology & Industries Inc102,273 103,192 
Jones Fish262,895 262,877 
Kano Laboratories LLC569,601 571,830 
Kings III45,095 45,353 
Net at Work522,727 522,620 
Portfolio Group155,250 149,600 
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc.105,865 105,586 
Randy's Worldwide44,125 44,326 
RoadOne IntermodaLogistics90,985 93,754 
SBP Holdings39,419 39,622 
Scaled Agile, Inc228,587 227,118 
smartShift Technologies350,028 349,573 
Standard Elevator Systems456,979 402,844 
Stratus Unlimited58,040 60,927 
Syntax Systems Ltd193,308 189,490 
Tank Holding Corp68,239 69,114 
45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
InvestmentUnfunded AmountUnfunded Value
The Caprock Group$360,424 $365,493 
Warner Pacific Insurance Services430,258 429,932 
Worldwide Electric Corporation155,280 157,226 
Ziyad380,378 380,215 
 Total Unfunded Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments$5,297,786$5,257,797 
 
Revolvers:
InvestmentUnfunded AmountUnfunded Value
Accurus Aerospace International UK Buyer$13,721 $10,933 
Americo Chemical Products120,041 120,250 
Amtech Software 63,636 64,057 
Applied Aerospace Structures Corp.25,806 25,869 
ASC Communications, LLC22,664 22,723 
Best Lawyers110,577 111,249 
BrightSign44,734 40,539 
CAi Software235,746 223,453 
Cash Flow Management74,627 74,787 
CJS Global242,424 243,054 
Cleaver-Brooks, Inc.69,197 70,026 
Cogency Global82,652 81,780 
Comply36552,748 53,006 
DataServ48,077 48,205 
Decks Direct, LLC414,304 409,731 
EFI Productivity Software54,759 55,184 
eShipping170,937 173,271 
HemaSource, Inc.202,373 202,302 
HTI Technology & Industries Inc68,182 68,795 
Jones Fish199,610 197,886 
Kings III44,664 44,914 
LeadsOnline - Weatherby Parent Holdings LLC224,512 221,750 
Magnolia Wash Holdings9,246 9,306 
Marshall Excelsior Co.26,421 25,450 
Narda-MITEQ207,682 208,717 
Net at Work130,682 130,655 
Newforma66,294 66,569 
Office Ally133,124 133,705 
Omega Holdings176,932 168,084 
Polara108,266 108,543 
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc.114,821 114,722 
ProfitOptics116,129 116,860 
Randy's Worldwide13,263 13,349 
RoadOne IntermodaLogistics97,347 99,539 
Rock Labor57,867 57,854 
SBP Holdings53,238 53,413 
Scaled Agile, Inc231,716 230,332 
Smartling, Inc.101,471 102,117 
46

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
InvestmentUnfunded AmountUnfunded Value
smartShift Technologies$168,014 $167,957 
Standard Elevator Systems34,792 23,814 
Syntax Systems Ltd33,706 31,598 
Tank Holding Corp4,727 4,572 
Tencarva Machinery Company 297,534 299,075 
The Caprock Group105,981 107,286 
Trintech Inc88,010 87,896 
Whitcraft LLC125,749 125,933 
Woodland Foods, Inc.89,069 77,452 
Worldwide Electric Corporation111,801 114,289 
Ziyad166,087 164,708 
Total Unfunded Revolver Commitments$5,455,960 $5,407,559 
Total Unfunded Commitments$10,753,746 $10,665,356 

As of September 30, 2023, unfunded commitments had unrealized depreciation of $(88,390) or (0.05)% of net assets.

8. Quarterly Results of Investment Operations (unaudited)
March 31, 2023
AmountPer Share
Investment income$5,152,721 
Net investment income (net of taxes)4,241,315 $0.40 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments (net of taxes)595,553 0.06 
 June 30, 2023
 
Amount
Per Share
Investment income$4,684,577 
Net investment income (net of taxes)3,762,195 $0.35 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments (net of taxes)231,948 0.02 
  
 September 30, 2023
 
Amount
Per Share
Investment income$5,277,863 
Net investment income (net of taxes)4,343,755 $0.41 
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments (net of taxes)495,064 0.04 

47


This privacy notice is being provided on behalf of Barings LLC and its affiliates: Barings Securities LLC; Barings Australia Pty Ltd; Barings Japan Limited; Barings Investment Advisers (Hong Kong) Limited; Barings Funds Trust; Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund; Barings BDC, Inc.; Barings Corporate Investors and Barings Participation Investors (together, for purposes of this privacy notice, “Barings”).
When you use Barings you entrust us not only with your hard-earned assets but also with your personal and financial data. We consider your data to be private and confidential, and protecting its confidentiality is important to us. Our policies and procedures regarding your personal information are summarized below.
We may collect non-public personal information about you from:
• Applications or other forms, interviews, or by other means;
• Consumer or other reporting agencies, government agencies, employers or others;
• Your transactions with us, our affiliates, or others; and
• Our Internet website.
We may share the financial information we collect with our financial service affiliates, such as insurance companies, investment companies and securities broker-dealers. Additionally, so that we may continue to offer you products and services that best meet your investment needs and to effect transactions that you request or authorize, we may disclose the information we collect, as described above, to companies that perform administrative or marketing services on our behalf, such as transfer agents, custodian banks, service providers or printers and mailers that assist us in the distribution of investor materials or that provide operational support to Barings. These companies are required to protect this information and will use this information only for the services for which we hire them, and are not permitted to use or share this information for any other purpose. Some of these companies may perform such services in jurisdictions other than the United States. We may share some or all of the information we collect with other financial institutions with whom we jointly market products. This may be done only if it is permitted by the state in which you live. Some disclosures may be limited to your name, contact and transaction information with us or our affiliates.
Any disclosures will be only to the extent permitted by federal and state law. Certain disclosures may require us to get an “opt-in” or “opt-out” from you. If this is required, we will do so before information is shared. Otherwise, we do not share any personal information about our customers or former customers unless authorized by the customer or as permitted by law.
We restrict access to personal information about you to those employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you. We maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with legal standards to guard your personal information. As an added measure, we do not include personal or account information in non-secure e-mails that we send you via the Internet without your prior consent. We advise you not to send such information to us in non-secure e-mails.
This joint notice describes the privacy policies of Barings, the Funds and Barings Securities LLC. It applies to all Barings and the Funds accounts you presently have, or may open in the future, using your social security number or federal taxpayer identification number - whether or not you remain a shareholder of our Funds or as an advisory client of Barings. As mandated by rules issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we will be sending you this notice annually, as long as you own shares in the Funds or have an account with Barings.
Barings Securities LLC is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Investors may obtain information about SIPC including the SIPC brochure by contacting SIPC online at www.sipc.org or calling (202)-371-8300. Investors may obtain information about FINRA including the FINRA Investor Brochure by contacting FINRA online at www.finra.org or by calling (800) 289-9999.
April 2019
48




Members of the Board of
Trustees
 
Clifford M. Noreen
Chairman
 
Michael H. Brown*
 
Barbara M. Ginader*
 
Edward P. Grace III*
 
David M. Mihalick
 
Susan B. Sweeney*
 
Maleyne M. Syracuse*
 
*Member of the Audit Committee
 
Officers
Christina Emery
President
 
Christopher D. Hanscom
Chief Financial Officer
Treasurer
 
Ashlee Steinnerd
Chief Legal Officer
 
Robert Spengler, Jr.
Chief Compliance Officer
 
Andrea Nitzan
Principal Accounting Officer
 
Alexandra Pacini
Secretary
 
Sean Feeley
Vice President
 
Joseph Evanchick
Vice President 

Matthew Curtis
Tax Officer
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”) offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides a simple and automatic way for shareholders to add to their holdings in the Trust through the receipt of dividend shares issued by the Trust or through the reinvestment of cash dividends in Trust shares purchased in the open market. The dividends of each shareholder will be automatically reinvested in the Trust by SS&C GIDS, the Transfer Agent, in accordance with the Plan, unless such shareholder elects not to participate by providing written notice to the Transfer Agent. A shareholder may terminate his or her participation by notifying the Transfer Agent in writing.

Participating shareholders may also make additional contributions to the Plan from their own funds. Such contributions may be made by personal check or other means in an amount not less than $100 nor more than $5,000 per quarter. Cash contributions must be received by the Transfer Agent at least five days (but no more then 30 days) before the payment date of a dividend or distribution.

Whenever the Trust declares a dividend payable in cash or shares, the Transfer Agent, acting on behalf of each participating shareholder, will take the dividend in shares only if the net asset value is lower than the market price plus an estimated brokerage commission as of the close of business on the valuation day. The valuation day is the last day preceding the day of dividend payment.

When the dividend is to be taken in shares, the number of shares to be received is determined by dividing the cash dividend by the net asset value as of the close of business on the valuation date or, if greater than net asset value, 95% of the closing share price. If the net asset value of the shares is higher than the market value plus an estimated commission, the Transfer Agent, consistent with obtaining the best price and execution, will buy shares on the open market at current prices promptly after the dividend payment date.

The reinvestment of dividends does not, in any way, relieve participating shareholders of any federal, state or local tax. For federal income tax purposes, the amount reportable in respect of a dividend received in newly-issued shares of the Trust will be the fair market value of the shares received, which will be reportable as ordinary income and/or capital gains.

As compensation for its services, the Transfer Agent receives a fee of 5% of any dividend and cash contribution (in no event in excess of $2.50 per distribution per shareholder.)

Any questions regarding the Plan should be addressed to SS&C GIDS, Transfer Agent for Barings Participation Investors’ Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan, P.O. Box 219086, Kansas City, MO 64121-9086.











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