Form: NPORT-P

Monthly Portfolio Investments Report on Form N-PORT (Public)

May 30, 2025


Barings
Participation Investors
Report for the
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
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Adviser
Barings LLC
300 S Tryon St., Suite 2500
Charlotte, NC 28202
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
New York, NY 10154
Counsel to the Trust
Ropes & Gray LLP
Boston, Massachusetts 02199
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
 

Transfer Agent & Registrar
SS&C Global Investor & Distribution Solutions, 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), marketable common stocks and special situations investments. The Trust's special situations investments generally consist of investments in corporate debt instruments and equity instruments of issuers that are stressed or distressed. 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
April 30, 2025
We are pleased to present the March 31, 2025 Quarterly Report of Barings Participation Investors (the “Trust”).

PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE

The Board of Trustees declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, payable on June 13, 2025, to shareholders of record on May 30. 2025. The Trust earned $0.31 per share of net investment income, net of taxes, for the first quarter of 2025, compared to $0.48 per share in the previous quarter. The decrease in net investment income was predominantly related to non-recurring dividend income related to an equity investment in the portfolio from the fourth quarter coupled with decreasing base rates in the quarter.
September 30, 2024(1)(2)
June 30, 2024(1)(2)
% Change
Quarterly Dividend per share
0.37(3)
0.37 —  %
Net Investment Income(4)
$ 3,351,768  $ 5,077,390  (34.0) %
Net Assets $ 167,580,570  $ 165,121,426  1.5  %
Net Assets per share(5)
$ 15.65  $ 15.46  1.2  %
Share Price $ 17.63  $ 17.09  3.2  %
Dividend Yield at Share Price 8.4  % 7.9  % 6.3  %
(Discount) / Premium 12.65  % 10.54  %
(1) Past performance is no guarantee of future results
(2) Figures are unaudited
(3) Payable on June 13, 2025
(4) Figures are shown net of excise tax
(5) Based on shares outstanding at the end of the period of 10,680,267 and 10,704,909 as of 3/31/2025 and as of 12/31/2024, respectively.

Quarterly total returns at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were 1.23% and 3.19%, respectively. Longer term, the Trust returned 8.8%, 9.0%, 11.3%, 9.0%, and 10.8% 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 8.71%, (6.00)%, (7.25)% and (0.52)%, respectively.
U.S. fixed income markets, as approximated by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index and the S&P UBS Leveraged Loan Index, returned 1.0% and 0.6% 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 March 31, 2025, has over 30 years of experience 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 0.03% 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 0.13x.
The Trust continues to invest in what we believe are high-quality companies in defensive sectors and remains well diversified with 27 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 ~$12 million ($1.12 per share) in unrealized appreciation as of March 31, 2025.
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(Continued)
TARIFFS AND RATE CUTS

Two of the biggest questions in 2025 involve the Fed and tariffs. In 2024, the Fed initiated 3 rate cuts. This was fewer cuts than the market expected heading into 2024. With CPI and PPI numbers often surprising to the upside, the Fed was limited in its ability to bring rates down further. Further complicating the Fed’s dual mandate of maintaining low inflation and full employment is the current unprecedented repositioning of international trade relations. The tariffs and retaliatory tariffs have created a dynamic environment where the impact to businesses will vary, with certain sectors and business models faring worse than others. As part of our continued diligence on tariff-related impact to the Trust’s portfolio, we recently executed a bottom-up analysis of the entire portfolio to assess both the degree of exposure to tariffs from the U.S. administration as well as the potential impact of a trade-induced economic slowdown.

As of March 31, 2025, only 10% (by issuer) of the Trust’s portfolio is facing significant tariff exposure and proactive measures like price increases are being implemented. The private equity sponsors and management teams of these issuers are working diligently to mitigate the impact of the tariffs. Additionally, over 70% of the Trust’s issuers expect minimal cost increases (less than 5%) due to tariffs. By maintaining a diverse portfolio across various issuers and industries, the Trust is well-prepared to handle potential tariff impacts.
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. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Trust made nine new private investments totaling $4.5 million and 30 add-on investments in existing portfolio companies totaling $2.2 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Trust had 5 private investment loans repaid at par totaling $1.8 million and realized four equity investments that generated realized losses of $1.1 million.
PORTFOLIO LIQUIDITY

The Trust maintained a liquidity position comprised of a combination of its available cash balance and short-term investments of $3.2 million or 1.7% of total assets, contributing to a low leverage profile at 0.13x as of March 31, 2025. The available credit facility balance coupled with the current cash balance provides liquidity to support our current portfolio companies as well as invest in new portfolio companies. As always, the Trust continues to benefit from strong relationships with our carefully chosen financial sponsor partners. These relationships provide clear benefits to the portfolio companies including potential access to additional capital if needed and strategic thinking to compliment a company’s management team. High-quality and timely information about portfolio companies, which is only available in a private market setting, allows us to work constructively with financial sponsors and maximize the portfolio companies’ long-term health and value.

The Trust’s recently announced dividend of $0.37 remains consistent with the prior quarter. With more than 65% of the Trust in first lien floating rate loans, the Trust's net investment income has decreased slightly given falling interest rates. While recurring investment income remains stable, it may not be sufficient to fully fund the current dividend rate in the future. The level of recurring investment income expected to be generated by the Trust in 2025, combined with the availability of earnings carry forwards and other non-recurring income, is currently expected to be sufficient to maintain the current dividend rate over the next several quarters. We believe the strong credit quality and diverse portfolio construction positions the Trust to continue to maximize shareholder value 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
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Portfolio Composition as of 03/31/25*
 
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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 March 31, 2025
1 Year 5 Year 10 Year
Barings Participation Investors 20.62  % 17.53  % 12.13  %
Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index 7.69  % 7.29  % 5.01  %
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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
 

 
Assets:
Investments
(See Consolidated Schedule of Investments)
Corporate restricted securities - private placement investments at fair value $ 168,076,552
(Cost - $ 158,186,761)
Corporate restricted securities - rule 144A securities at fair value 10,053,483
(Cost - $ 10,487,788)
Corporate public securities at fair value 9,482,154
(Cost - $ 9,719,846)
Total investments (Cost - $ 178,394,395)
187,612,189
Cash 3,231,128
Foreign currencies (Cost - $ 6,830)
6,000
Dividend and interest receivable 1,781,940
Receivable for investments sold 831,336
Other assets 206,392
Total assets 193,668,985
Liabilities:
Note payable 15,000,000
Credit facility (net of deferred financing fees of $131,976) 8,368,024
Payable for investments purchased 1,676,734
Deferred tax liability 191,093
Investment advisory fee payable 377,056
Interest payable 124,614
Accrued expenses 350,894
Total liabilities 26,088,415
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 7)
Total net assets $ 167,580,570
Net Assets:
Common shares, par value $0.01 per share
$ 107,049
Additional paid-in capital 144,878,363
Total distributable earnings 22,595,158
Total net assets $ 167,580,570
Common shares issued and outstanding (14,787,750 authorized)
10,704,909
Net asset value per share $ 15.65
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Barings Participation Investors
For the three months ended March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
 
Investment Income:
Interest $ 4,298,132
Dividends 31,291
Other 76,524
Total investment income 4,405,947
Expenses:
Interest and other financing fees 421,172
Investment advisory fees 377,056
Professional fees 103,340
Trustees’ fees and expenses 81,600
Reports to shareholders 42,000
Custodian fees 6,000
Other 23,012
Total expenses 1,054,180
Investment income - net 3,351,767
Income tax, including excise tax benefit
Net investment income after taxes 3,351,767
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign currency:
Net realized loss on investments before taxes (2,058,283)
Income tax expense (4,773)
Net realized loss on investments after taxes (2,063,056)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments before taxes 822,367
Net decrease in unrealized depreciation of foreign currency translation before taxes (4)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense) (52,245)
Net increase in unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency transactions after taxes 770,118
Net loss on investments and foreign currency (1,292,938)
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 2,058,829
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Barings Participation Investors
For the three months ended March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
 
Net increase in cash & foreign currencies:
Cash flows from operating activities:
Purchases of portfolio securities $ (9,157,816)
Proceeds from disposition of portfolio securities 6,666,561
Interest, dividends and other income received 4,662,645
Interest expenses paid (428,603)
Operating expenses paid (463,633)
Income taxes paid (429,773)
Net cash provided by operating activities 849,381
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid from net investment income (5,019,725)
  Receipts for shares issued on reinvestment of dividends 400,315 
Financing fees paid 8,779
Net cash used for financing activities (4,610,631)
Net decrease in cash & foreign currencies (3,761,250)
Cash & foreign currencies - beginning of period 6,998,382
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (4)
Cash & foreign currencies - end of period $ 3,237,128
Reconciliation of net increase in net assets to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations $ 2,058,829
  Increase in investments (4,812,855)
  Decrease in interest receivable 879,088
  Decrease in receivable for investments sold 1,620,273
  Decrease in payment-in-kind non-cash income received 692,073
  Decrease in amortization 503,821
  Increase in other assets (97,999)
  Increase in deferred tax liability 52,245
  Increase in payable for investments purchased 216,958
  Increase in investment advisory fee payable 5,533
  Decrease in interest payable (7,431)
  Increase in accrued expenses 163,842
  Decrease in tax payable (425,000)
Total adjustments to net assets from operations (1,209,452)
Effects of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 4
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 849,381
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS Barings Participation Investors
 
For the three months ended
03/31/2025
(Unaudited)
For the
year ended
12/31/2024
Increase in net assets:
Operations:
Investment income - net $ 3,351,767 $ 16,500,252
  Net realized loss on investments and foreign currency after taxes (2,063,056) (860,920)
  Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currency after taxes 770,118 1,607,801
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations 2,058,829 17,247,133
  Increase from common shares issued on reinvestment of dividends
   Common shares issued 400,315 1,233,130
Dividends to shareholders from:
Net investment income (16,725,552)
Total increase / (decrease) in net assets 2,459,144 1,754,711
Net assets, beginning of period/year 165,121,426 163,366,715
Net assets, end of period/year $ 167,580,570 $ 165,121,426
 

 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8

CONSOLIDATED SELECTED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Barings Participation Investors

Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding:
 
For the three months ended
03/31/2025
(Unaudited)
For the years ended December 31,
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
Net asset value: Beginning of period/year $ 15.46 $ 15.41 $ 14.99 $ 15.19 $ 13.60 $ 13.80
Net investment income (a) 0.31 1.55 1.50 0.97 0.86 1.00
Net realized and unrealized gain / (loss) on investments (0.12) 0.07 0.21 (0.31) 1.53 (0.40)
Total from investment operations 0.19 1.62 1.71 0.66 2.39 0.60
Dividends from net investment income to common shareholders (1.57) (1.29) (0.83) (0.80) (0.80)
Dividends from realized gain on investments to common shareholders (0.03)
Increase from dividends reinvested 0.00 (b) 0.00 (b)
Total dividends (1.57) (1.29) (0.86) (0.80) (0.80)
Net asset value: End of period/year $ 15.65 $ 15.46 $ 15.41 $ 14.99 $ 15.19 $ 13.60
Per share market value: End of period/year $ 17.63 $ 17.09 $ 15.60 $ 12.32 $ 14.80 $ 11.88
Total investment return
Net asset value (c) 1.23% 10.76% 12.46% 4.42% 17.84% 4.66%
Market value (c) 3.16% 20.83% 38.51% (10.57%) 32.09% (21.11%)
Net assets (in millions): End of period/year $ 167.58 $ 165.12 $ 163.37 $ 158.92 $ 161.08 $ 144.18
Ratio of total expenses to average net assets (d) 2.57% (e) 2.89% 2.66% 2.35% 2.66% 1.47%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets 1.54% (e) 1.56% 1.56% 1.46% 1.46% 1.38%
Ratio of interest expense to average net assets 1.02% (e) 0.91% 0.76% 0.63% 0.41% 0.43%
Ratio of income tax expense to average net assets 0.01% (e) 0.42% 0.34% 0.26% 0.79% (0.34)%
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets 8.15% (e) 9.86% 9.69% 6.39% 5.99% 7.52%
Portfolio turnover 4% 32% 12% 12% 43% 34%
(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 three months ended
03/31/2025
(Unaudited)
For the years ended December 31,
Senior borrowings: 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
Total principal amount (in millions) $ 24 $ 24 $ 22 $ 24 $ 21 $ 15
Asset coverage per $1,000 of indebtedness $ 8,131 $ 8,026 $ 8,511 $ 7,763 $ 8,670 $ 10,612
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 9

Consolidated Schedule of Investments Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
1WorldSync, Inc.
A product information sharing platform that connects manufacturers/suppliers and key retailers via the Global Data Synchronization Network.
9.20% Term Loan due 06/24/2025 (SOFR + 4.750%) $ 2,353,468  * $ 2,351,162  $ 2,353,468 
* 07/01/19 and 12/09/20.
Accelevation
A vertically integrated designer, producer and installer of customized data center facility solutions and services, predominately in the U.S market. The Company’s revenue streams consist of design and installation of customized electrical, power solutions, air flow containment, and layout of critical infrastructure systems at data centers.
9.32% Term Loan due 01/02/2031 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 281,678  1/2/2025 168,953  168,781 
Accurus Aerospace
A supplier of highly engineered metallic parts, kits and assemblies, and processing services.
10.19% First Lien Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 480,560  04/05/22 481,621  475,618 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  8,752 uts. 10/14/21 8,752  — 
490,373  475,618 
Adacore Inc
AdaCore is a provider of a software development toolkit that helps software developers to write code for embedded systems using a number of programming languages, including Ada, C/C++, Rust, and SPARK.
9.55% First Lien Term Loan due 03/13/2030 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G) $ 1,165,417  03/13/24 763,955  787,984 
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. 10/01/21 24,353  50,987 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B) (F)  197 uts. 10/01/21 6,320  13,151 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) (F)  766 uts. 10/01/21 784  — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) (F)  197 uts. 10/01/21 201  — 
31,658  64,138 
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.
A provider of domestic and international third-party logistics services.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  56 uts. 04/06/21 55,645  93,611 
Americo Chemical Products
A provider of customized specialty chemical solutions and services for pretreatment of metal surfaces and related applications.
9.32% First Lien Term Loan due 04/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 512,815  04/28/23 384,071  383,543 
9.32% First Lien Term Loan due 04/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 271,617  04/28/23 267,827  266,728 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  22,480 uts. 04/28/23 22,480  30,573 
674,378  680,844 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 10

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
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. 10/04/12 $ 113,636  $ 3,741 
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.
9.05% Term Loan due 11/22/2028 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 896,900  12/01/22 589,919  589,512 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  8 uts. 12/01/22 8,000  16,522 
597,919  606,034 
ASC Communications, LLC (Becker's Healthcare)
An operator of trade shows and controlled circulation publications targeting the healthcare market.
9.17% Term Loan due 07/15/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 300,458  07/15/22 275,582  277,794 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  535 uts. 07/15/22 11,221  19,455 
286,803  297,249 
Audio Precision
A provider of high-end audio test and measurement sensing instrumentation software and accessories.
11.42% Term Loan due 10/31/2025 (SOFR + 7.000%) $ 1,689,615  10/30/18 1,686,804  1,537,550 
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. 08/17/15 209,390  209,390 
Common Stock (B)  210 shs. 08/17/15 210  260,497 
209,600  469,888 
BBB Industries LLC - DBA (GC EOS Buyer Inc.)
A supplier of remanufactured and new parts to the North American automotive aftermarket.
13.39% Second Lien Term Loan due 07/25/2030 (SOFR + 9.000%) $ 454,545  07/25/22 442,455  421,818 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  45 uts. 07/25/22 45,000  44,546 
487,455  466,364 
Becklar
A provider of event monitoring and emergency response solutions for critical use cases including commercial and residential fire and security, video surveillance, remote guarding, personal health & safety, and workforce safety.
9.30% Senior Term Loan due 12/06/2030 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 1,007,817  12/5/2024 771,136  771,949 
Best Lawyers (Azalea Investment Holdings, LLC)
A global digital media company that provides ranking and marketing services to the legal community.
9.68% First Lien Term Loan due 11/19/2027 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G) $ 1,208,456  11/30/21 1,087,146  1,097,880 
12.00% HoldCo PIK Note due 05/19/2028 $ 429,628  11/30/21 426,822  429,628 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  44,231 uts. 11/30/21 44,231  69,442 
1,558,199  1,596,950 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 11

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
BKF Engineers
A provider of civil engineering, land surveying, and land planning services for government agencies, institutions, devlopers, design professionals, contractors, school district and corporations throughout the west coast.
9.32% Senior Term Loan due 07/19/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 619,384  08/23/24 $ 443,989  $ 443,883 
Common Stock (B)  56,012 shs. 08/23/24 56,012  59,373 
500,001  503,256 
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) (B)  183 shs. 08/12/22 209,371  186,210 
BrightSign
A provider of digital signage hardware and software solutions, serving a variety of end markets, including retail, restaurants, government, sports, and entertainment.
9.92% Term Loan due 10/14/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,385,832  10/14/21 1,355,358  1,361,229 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  111,835 uts. 10/14/21 111,836  126,374 
1,467,194  1,487,603 
Brown Machine LLC
A designer and manufacturer of thermoforming equipment used in the production of plastic packaging containers within the food and beverage industry.
10.45% Term Loan due 10/04/2025 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 784,104  10/03/18 783,311  719,024 
Cadence, Inc.
A full-service contract manufacturer (“CMO”) and supplier of advanced products, technologies, and services to medical device, life science, and industrial companies.
9.44% First Lien Term Loan due 04/30/2025 (SOFR+ 5.000%) $ 849,901  05/14/18 847,483  827,804 
9.55% Incremental Term Loan due 05/26/2026 (SOFR + 5.250%) $ 362,480  45201 10/02/23 358,571  353,780 
1,206,054  1,181,584 
CAi Software
A vendor of mission-critical, production-oriented software to niche manufacturing and distribution sectors.
9.56% Term Loan due 12/10/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 2,432,072  12/13/21 2,288,483  2,314,199 
Caldwell & Gregory LLC
A commercial laundry leasing company for multi-unit housing and universities.
9.05% Term Loan due 09/30/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 1,718,413  09/30/24 1,310,977  1,313,120 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 12

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
California Custom Fruits & Flavors
Develops and manufactures value-added, custom-formulated processed fruit and flavor bases for various customers across the Private Label, Branded, Direct Grocery, and Food-Service channels.
9.28% First Lien Term Loan due 02/11/2030 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 438,950  02/26/24 $ 303,224  $ 304,826 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  12 uts. 02/26/24 12,000 12,280
315,224  317,106 
Cascade Services
A residential services platform that provides HVAC repair and replacement work for single-family homes in southern geographies.
10.29% First Lien Term Loan due 09/30/2029 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G) $ 992,076  10/04/23 844,402  813,428 
Cash Flow Management
A software provider that integrates core banking systems with branch technology and creates modern retail banking experiences for financial institutions.
9.29% First Lien Term Loan due 12/27/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 959,796  12/28/21 906,250  904,654 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  12,008 uts. 07/22/22 12,665  13,449 
918,915  918,103 
CJS Global
A janitorial services provider focused on high end restaurants in NYC, Florida, and Texas.
10.99% Senior Term Loan due 10/31/2027 (SOFR + 6.500%) $ 1,275,954  11/18/24 1,253,610  1,255,539 
10.82% Term Loan due 03/10/2029 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G) $ 957,034  03/20/23 696,176  699,297 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)  303,180 uts. 3/20/2023 147,469  253,484 
2,097,255  2,208,319 
Cloudbreak
A language translation and interpretation services provider to approximately 970 hospitals and outpatient clinics across the U.S.
9.60% Term Loan due 03/15/2030 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,656,678  03/15/24 1,511,883  1,537,630 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B) (F)  49 uts. 03/15/24 49,170  53,411 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) (F) (I)  49 uts. 03/15/24 —  54,996 
1,561,053  1,646,037 
CloudWave
A provider of managed cloud hosting and IT services for hospitals.
9.45% Term Loan due 01/04/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 1,610,927  01/29/21 1,591,587  1,602,580 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  55,645 uts. 01/29/21 55,645  147,460 
1,647,232  1,750,040 
Coduet Royalty Holdings, LLC
A special purpose vehicle whose primary assets are comprised of royalty rights on two pharmaceuticals developed by Coherus Biosciences.
SPV Common Equity (B) (F)  290,344 shs. 05/08/24 290,344  534,233 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 13

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Cogency Global
A provider of statutory representation and compliance services for corporate and professional services clients.
8.80% Term Loan due 12/28/2027 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G) $ 819,023  02/14/22 $ 756,079  $ 755,731 
8.80% Incremental Term Loan due 02/14/2028 (SOFR + 4.500%) $ 653,100  09/13/23 642,494  646,569 
8.79% Incremental Term Loan due 02/14/2028 (SOFR + 4.500%) $ 104,271  12/30/22 102,519  103,229 
Preferred Stock (B)  33 shs. 02/14/22 36,108  95,440 
1,537,200  1,600,969 
Coherus Biosciences
A commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research, development, and commercialization of innovative cancer treatments and its biosimilars.
12.30% First Lien Term Loan due 05/08/2029 (SOFR + 8.000%) $ 299,324  05/07/24 291,957  292,739 
Coker
A provider of consulting advisory services to healthcare organizations with the goal of enabling client transformation.
9.05% Senior Term Loan due 03/20/2030 (SOFR + 4.750%)
(G)
$ 1,392,501  4/23/2020 231,757  231,619 
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.
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B (B) (I)  6,629 uts. 04/23/20 —  30,028 
Compass Precision
A manufacturer of custom metal precision components.
11.00% (1.00% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 10/16/2025 $ 1,332,399  04/15/22 1,328,384  1,321,073 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  158,995 uts. 10/14/21 431,250  887,194 
1,759,634  2,208,267 
Comply365
A provider of proprietary enterprise SaaS and mobile solutions for content management and document distribution in highly regulated industries, including Aviation and Rail.
9.44% First Lien Term Loan due 04/19/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 678,830  04/15/22 619,069  610,469 
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.
9.72% Term Loan due 01/31/2027 (SOFR + 5.250%) $ 574,883  01/30/20 574,516  411,616 
9.70% Incremental Term Loan due 01/31/2027 (SOFR + 5.250%) $ 76,448  09/14/23 75,622  54,737 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  1,237 uts. * 49,559  — 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  443 uts. 09/14/23 17,748  — 
* 01/30/20 and 03/05/21 717,445  466,353 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 14

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
CTS Engines
A provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services within the aerospace & defense market.
10.15% Term Loan due 12/22/2026 (SOFR + 5.750%) $ 1,386,607  12/22/20 $ 1,378,588  $ 1,264,846 
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%).
10.03% First Lien Term Loan due 09/30/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 235,147  11/02/22 184,004 187,070
Preferred Stock (B)  9,615 shs. 11/02/22 9,615 11,731
193,619  198,801 
Decks Direct
An eCommerce direct-to-consumer seller of specialty residential decking products in the United States.
10.96% Term Loan due 12/28/2026 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G) $ 1,410,710  12/29/21 1,262,560  1,038,431 
10.96% Incremental Term Loan due 12/28/2026 (SOFR + 6.500%) $ 110,831  07/31/23 109,417  92,433 
10.95% Incremental Term Loan due 12/28/2026 (SOFR + 6.500%) $ 272,244  12/21/23 268,711  227,052 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  2,774 uts. 12/29/21 131,169  — 
1,771,857  1,357,916 
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.
9.19% Senior Term Loan due 09/30/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) $ 2,065,271  10/01/21 2,051,996  2,065,271 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  73,333 uts. 10/01/21 73,404  90,199 
2,125,400  2,155,470 
Diversified Packaging
A provider of pre-press products and services to the packaging industry, serving customers in the upper Midwest U.S. The Company operates under two divisions: plate manufacturing and material distribution.
11.00% (1.50% PIK) Second Lien Term Loan due 6/27/2029 $ 808,536  06/27/24 794,822 792,365
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  2,769 uts.  2,769 uts. 06/27/24 276,900 380,821
1,071,722  1,173,186 
Door & Window Guard Systems
A provider of modular, high-grade steel guards (or “panels”) used to cover door and window openings on vacant residential, commercial, and government buildings.
8.80% Term Loan due 03/03/2032 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G) $ 525,203  03/28/25 399,302  399,293 
Common Stock (B)  20 uts. 03/28/25 20,320  20,320 
419,622  419,613 
Dwyer Instruments, Inc.
A designer and manufacturer of precision measurement and control products for use with solids, liquids and gases.
9.05% Term Loan due 07/01/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) $ 1,683,480  07/20/21 1,664,347  1,664,120 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 15

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
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.
11.42% Second Lien Term Loan due 11/05/2029 (SOFR + 7.000%) $ 1,679,204  11/22/21 $ 1,662,143  $ 1,679,204 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  46 uts. 11/22/21 45,796  32,350 
1,707,939  1,711,554 
EFC International
A St. Louis-based global distributor (40% of revenue ex-US) of branded, highly engineered fasteners and specialty components.
11.00% (2.50% PIK) Term Loan due 02/28/2030 $ 1,013,625  03/01/23 993,378  1,004,300 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  205 uts. 03/01/23 288,462  396,491 
1,281,840  1,400,791 
EFI Productivity Software
A provider of ERP software solutions purpose-built for the print and packaging industry.
10.06% Term Loan due 12/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,015,107  12/30/21 887,292  882,446 
9.80% Incremental Term Loan due 12/30/2027 (SOFR + +5.500%) (G) $ 697,774  05/23/24 382,424  383,152 
1,269,716  1,265,598 
Electric Equipment and Engineering
Engineers and manufactures alternating current and direct current electrical power distribution products.
10.50% Senior Term Loan due 12/02/2030 $ 867,913  12/02/24 851,667  852,464 
Common Stock (B)  515,625 shs. 12/02/24 515,625  536,250 
1,367,292  1,388,714 
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. 10/14/16 159,722  255,836 
Ellkay
A provider of data interoperability solutions for labs, hospitals and healthcare providers.
10.02% Term Loan due 09/14/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 693,218  09/14/21 687,625  633,601 
Energy Acquisition Company, Inc.
ECI designs, manufactures, assembles, and integrates electrical wire harnesses, control boxes, and other components for specialty industrial and home appliance end markets.
10.81% First Lien Term Loan due 05/10/2029 (SOFR + 6.500%) $ 744,668  05/01/24 693,959  693,008 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 16

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
ENTACT Environmental Services, Inc.
A provider of environmental remediation and geotechnical services for blue-chip companies with regulatory-driven liability enforcement needs.
10.05% Term Loan due 12/15/2025 (SOFR + 5.750%) $ 857,677  02/09/21 $ 855,044  $ 855,104 
10.05% Incremental Term Loan due 12/15/2025 (SOFR + 5.750%)  147,415 09/01/23 146,505  146,973 
1,001,549  1,002,077 
eShipping
An asset-life third party logistics Company that serves a broad variety of end markets and offers service across all major transportation modes.
9.32% Term Loan due 11/05/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,139,912  11/05/21 959,111  968,975 
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  686,067 
* 06/29/18 and 12/29/20.
Expert Institute Group
A healthcare-focused outsourced B2B legal services provider that connects plaintiff attorney law firms with high-quality expert witnesses, offers medical record review from in-house medical professionals, provides background checks on allied and opposing witnesses, and utilizes AI-enabled diligence solutions to enable more efficient case outcomes.
8.80% Senior Lien Term Loan due 03/04/2032 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G)  392,017 03/04/25 150,603  150,560 
Five Star Holding, LLC
A fully integrated platform of specialty packaging brands that manufactures flexible packaging solutions.
11.56% Second Lien Term Loan due 04/27/2030 (SOFR + 7.250%) $ 476,190  05/04/22 470,138  461,429 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B) (F)  34 uts. 10/14/21 33,631  19,605 
503,769  481,034 
Follett School Solutions
A provider of software for K-12 school libraries.
9.32% First Lien Term Loan due 07/09/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 1,654,196  08/31/21 1,638,048  1,654,196 
LP Units (B) (F)  881 uts. 08/30/21 8,805  12,776 
LP Interest (B) (F)  200 shs. 08/30/21 2,003  2,906 
1,648,856  1,669,878 
FragilePAK
A provider of third-party logistics services focused on the full delivery life-cycle for big and bulky products.
10.20% Term Loan due 05/24/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) $ 1,037,695  05/21/21 1,027,478  1,037,695 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  108 uts. 05/21/21 107,813  78,149 
1,135,291  1,115,844 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 17

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Gojo Industries
A manufacturer of hand hygiene and skin health products.
13.82% First Lien Term Loan due 10/20/2028 (SOFR + 9.500%)  643,330 10/24/23 $ 630,088  $ 629,563 
Golden Ceramic Dental Lab
A full service dental lab offering removable, crown and bridge, implants, orthodontics and sleep appliances in-house.
10.30% Senior Term Loan due 08/07/2027 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G) $ 1,300,743  08/21/24 909,703  909,560 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  419,595 uts. 08/21/24 419,595  541,277 
1,329,298  1,450,837 
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.
Preferred Stock (B) (F) 3,737 shs. * 103,147  172,510 
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  32,962 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common Class A (B) (I)  3,716 uts. 12/19/14 —  — 
*12/19/14 and 04/29/16. 371,644  32,962 
HaystackID
A provider of eDiscovery, advisory, and review services that help 500+ corporations (58% of revenue) and law firms (42%) manage complex, data intensive investigations and litigation.
9.04% Senior Term Loan due 01/31/2028 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 1,018,427  1/31/2025 578,718  578,160 
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 $ 2,481,435  11/17/21 2,459,101  2,295,328 
HemaSource, Inc.
A technology-enabled distributor of consumable medical products to plasma collection centers.
9.07% Term Loan due 08/31/2029 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 971,901  08/31/23 751,648  769,528 
Limited Liability Company Unit Common (B)  11,337 uts. 08/31/23 11,337  14,398 
762,985  783,926 
Home Care Assistance, LLC
A provider of private pay non-medical home care assistance services.
9.53% Term Loan due 03/31/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 825,191  03/26/21 819,707  728,644 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 18

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
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) (I)  47 uts. 10/14/11 $ —  $ — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class G (B) (F) (I)  114 uts. 10/14/11 —  — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class H (B) (F) (I)  47 uts. 10/14/11 —  — 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class I (B) (F) (I)  47 uts. 10/14/11 —  — 
—  — 
HTI Technology & Industries Inc.
A designer and manufacturer of powered motion solutions to industrial customers.
13.01% Incremental Term Loan due 07/07/2025 (SOFR + 8.500%) (G) $ 875,724  07/27/22 703,583  648,348 
13.01% Term Loan due 07/27/2025 (SOFR + 8.500%) $ 94,249  02/15/23 93,878  88,122 
797,461  736,470 
Ice House America
A manufacturer and operator of automated ice and water vending units with an installed base of 4,200+ units in service (including Company-owned fleet of 165 units) primarily located in the Southeastern United States.
9.80% Term Loan due 12/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,168,627  01/12/24 960,590  961,279 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  579 uts. 01/12/24 57,892  56,184 
1,018,482  1,017,463 
Illumifin
A leading provider of third-party administrator (“TPA”) services and software for life and annuity insurance providers.
10.55% Incremental Term Loan due 02/04/2028 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 423,272  04/05/22 419,551  391,527 
ISTO Biologics
In the orthobioligic space, providing solutions in autologous therapies and bone grafts for spine, orthopedics and sports medicine.
9.05% Senior Term Loan due 12/31/2028 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 633,942  10/18/23 561,768  573,010 
JF Petroleum Group
A provider of repair, maintenance, installation and projection management services to the US fueling infrastructure industry.
9.90% Term Loan due 04/20/2026 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 659,170  05/04/21 654,860  659,170 
Jones Fish
A provider of lake management services, fish stocking and pond aeration sales and services.
9.84% First Lien Term Loan due 12/20/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,559,551  02/28/22 1,363,098  1,379,807 
9.80% First Lien Term Loan due 02/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 274,262  03/16/23 268,859  274,262 
10.03% Incremental Lien Term Loan due 02/28/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 178,699  04/28/23 175,961  178,699 
Common Stock (B) (F)  401 shs. 02/28/22 41,971  165,800 
1,849,889  1,998,568 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 19

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Kings III
A provider of emergency phones and monitoring services.
9.81% First Lien Term Loan due 07/07/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 491,035  08/31/22 $ 427,187  $ 432,778 
9.81% Incremental Lien Term Loan due 08/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 499,909  02/16/24 477,084  480,438 
904,271  913,216 
LeadsOnline
A nationwide provider of data, technology and intelligence tools used by law enforcement agencies, investigators, and businesses.
9.05% Term Loan due 12/23/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 1,676,356  02/07/22 1,438,178  1,450,167 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  7,050 uts. 02/07/22 7,302  18,119 
1,445,480  1,468,286 
LYNX Franchising
A global franchisor of B2B services including commercial janitorial services, shared office space solutions, and textile and electronics restoration services.
10.70% Incremental Term Loan due 12/18/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%) $ 2,407,886  * 2,393,484  2,383,807 
* 12/22/20 and 09/09/21
Madison Indoor Air Solutions
A manufacturer and distributor of heating, dehumidification and other air quality solutions.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  726,845 uts. 02/20/19 2,298,574  12,545,349 
Magnolia Wash Holdings (Express Wash Acquisition Company, LLC)
An express car wash consolidator primarily in the Southeastern US.
11.07% Term Loan due 07/08/2028 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G) $ 532,339  07/14/22 517,265  512,447 
Media Recovery, Inc.
A global manufacturer and developer of shock, temperature, vibration, and other condition indicators and monitors for in-transit and storage applications.
8.80% Term Loan due 09/30/2027 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G) $ 1,264,780  09/30/24 981,536  983,114 
Mission Microwave
A leading provider of high-performance solid-state power amplifiers and block upconverters to support ground-based, maritime, airborne, and space-based satellite communication applications.
9.80% Senior Lien Term Loan due 12/31/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 722,157  03/01/24 639,015  607,518 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  307 uts. 03/01/24 30,700  13,833 
669,715  621,351 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 20

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
MNS Engineers, Inc.
A consulting firm that provides civil engineering, construction management and land surveying services.
9.42% First Lien Term Loan due 07/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 858,000  08/09/21 $ 851,300  $ 858,000 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  100,000 uts. 08/09/21 100,000  141,000 
951,300  999,000 
Mobile Pro Systems
A manufacturer of creative mobile surveillance systems for real-time monitoring in nearly any environment.
11.00% Second Lien Term Loan due 06/23/2027 $ 606,811  06/27/22 602,825  606,810 
Common Stock (B) (F)  4,118 shs. 02/28/22 411,765  701,195 
1,014,590  1,308,005 
Momentum Group
A leading value-added distributor of design-focused textiles and wallcoverings to hospitality, workplace, healthcare, and other commercial end markets (no residential exposure).
9.83% Term Loan due 03/28/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 483,273  03/28/25 424,411  424,398 
MSI Express
A contract manufacturer and packager of shelf-stable food and beverages for major consumer packaged goods.
9.05% Senior Term Loan due 03/24/2031 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 558,065  03/24/25 357,014  356,987 
Music Reports, Inc.
An administrator of comprehensive offering of rights and royalties solutions for music and cue sheet copyrights to music and entertainment customers.
10.70% Incremental Term Loan due 08/21/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%) $ 783,584  11/05/21 779,044  747,539 
10.70% Term Loan due 08/21/2026 (SOFR + 6.250%) $ 548,682  08/25/20 545,481  523,443 
1,324,525  1,270,982 
Narda-MITEQ (JFL-Narda Partners, LLC)
A manufacturer of radio frequency and microwave components and assemblies.
9.17% First Lien Term Loan due 11/30/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) $ 495,212  12/06/21 491,340  495,211 
9.17% Incremental Term Loan due 12/06/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 1,052,369  12/28/21 836,385  844,688 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A Preferred (B)  790 uts. 12/06/21 79,043  101,562 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class B Common (B)  88 uts. 12/06/21 8,783  116,694 
1,415,551  1,558,155 
Navia Benefit Solutions, Inc.
A third-party administrator of employee-directed healthcare benefits.
8.82% Term Loan due 02/01/2026 (SOFR + 4.500%) $ 1,135,126  02/10/21 1,128,952  1,135,126 
8.92% Incremental Term Loan due 02/01/2027 (SOFR + 4.500%) $ 504,562  11/14/22 499,089  504,562 
1,628,041  1,639,688 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 21

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Net at Work
An SMB-focused IT service provider specializing in software sales, implementation, managed services and hosting services.
9.80% Term Loan due 09/13/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,683,117  09/13/23 $ 1,011,570  $ 1,042,776 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class (B) (F)  32,603 uts. 09/13/23 32,603  37,493 
1,044,173  1,080,269 
Newforma
A leader in Project Information Management software for the construction industry.
10.80% Term Loan due 04/02/2029 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G) $ 737,210  03/31/23 639,604  654,343 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  81,722 shs. 08/15/23 84,194  57,205 
723,798  711,548 
Northstar Recycling
A managed service provider for waste and recycling services, primarily targeting food and beverage end markets.
8.94% Senior Term Loan due 12/16/2029 (SOFR + 4.645%) (G) $ 1,473,479  12/13/24 994,248  1,011,664 
Ocelot Holdco
An electric power services provider that focuses on construction and maintenance services, installing electrical distribution systems and substation infrastructure.
10.00% Takeback Term Loan due 10/20/2027 $ 217,651  10/24/23 217,650 217,651
Preferred Stock (B)  15 shs. 10/24/23 124,856 185,218
Common Stock (B) (I)  12 shs. 10/24/23 0 58,044
342,506  460,913 
Office Ally (OA TOPCO, LP)
A provider of medical claims clearinghouse software to office-based physician providers and healthcare insurance payers.
8.82% Term Loan due 12/10/2028 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G) $ 957,674  * 814,370  824,550 
8.82% Incremental Term Loan due 12/20/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 722,766  06/06/24 719,010  722,766 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  21,092 uts. 12/20/21 21,092  82,681 
* 12/20/21 and 04/29/22 1,554,472  1,629,997 
Omega Holdings
A distributor of aftermarket automotive air conditioning products.
9.46% Term Loan due 03/31/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 604,687  03/31/22 484,294  490,945 
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.
Common Stock Class A (B)  380,545 shs. * 380,545  506,125 
* 01/29/16 and 02/17/17.
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 22

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Parkview Dental Partners
A dental service organization focused in the southwest Florida market.
12.57% Term Loan due 10/12/2029 (SOFR + 8.300%) (G) $ 933,333  10/20/23 $ $ 597,688  $ 600,633 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  30,371 uts. 10/20/23 303,705  244,964 
901,393  845,597 
Pearl Holding Group
A managing general agent that originates, underwrites, and administers non-standard auto insurance policies for carriers in Florida.
10.56% First Lien Term Loan due 12/16/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 1,857,860  12/20/21 1,844,448  1,842,812 
Warrant-Class A, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B)  924 shs. 12/22/21 —  43,428 
Warrant-Class B, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B)  312 shs. 12/22/21 —  14,664 
Warrant-Class D, to purchase common stock at $.01 per share (B)  89 shs. 12/22/21 —  4,183 
1,844,448  1,905,087 
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.
10.32% Term Loan due 11/17/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 1,415,586  11/14/17 1,409,180  1,415,587 
10.32% Term Loan due 08/31/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 285,908  09/29/20 283,513  285,908 
1,692,693  1,701,495 
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.
9.17% First Lien Term Loan due 12/03/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 754,844  12/03/21 639,853  646,578 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  1,471 uts. 12/03/21 147,110  296,338 
786,963  942,916 
Polytex Holdings LLC
A manufacturer of water based inks and related products serving primarily the wall covering market.
2.50% (2.500% PIK) Senior Subordinated Note due 12/31/2027 (D) $ 2,361,611  12/03/21 1,064,183  1,032,024 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  185,072 uts. 07/31/14 172,898  — 
* 09/28/17 and 02/15/18. 1,237,081  1,032,024 
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.
10.45% First Lien Term Loan due 12/02/2025 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G) $ 1,270,549.00  11/15/21 1,266,325  1,198,127 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 23

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
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.
10.57% Term Loan due 06/30/2029 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G) $ 816,572  07/18/23 $ 694,343  $ 690,991 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  32 shs. 07/18/23 32,000  22,536  690991
726,343  713,527 
ProcessBarron (Process Equipment, Inc. / PB Holdings, LLC)
Specializes in the design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and repair of parts and equipment for blue chip industrial customers in the Southern US.
9.72% Term Loan due 03/06/2026 (SOFR + 5.250%) $ 675,075  03/06/19  675,075  654,822
ProfitOptics
A software development and consulting company that delivers solutions via its proprietary software development platform, Catalyst.
10.17% Term Loan due 02/15/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 836,774  03/15/22 731,789  740,000 
8.00% Senior Subordinated Note due 02/15/2029 $ 32,258  03/15/22 32,258  30,581 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  96,774 uts. 03/15/22 64,516  126,774 
828,563  897,355 
Project Halo
A two-sided platform that provides a cloud-based compliance reporting software to fire departments, water municipalities, and state building departments, which is used by authorities having jurisdictions to ensure commercial properties within its jurisdiction maintain compliance with fire codes and annual / semi-annual inspection requirements for fire alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, etc.
9.30% Senior Term Loan due 02/06/2032 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,000,000  02/06/25  569,065  568,801
Pro Vision
A leading mobile video technology solutions provider, including vehicle video recording systems, body-worn cameras, data management and cloud based storage solutions for commercial, transit, and public safety organizations.
8.82% Senior Term Loan due 09/19/2029 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G) $ 910,014  09/23/24 738,412 739,355
Common Stock (B)  218 shs. 09/23/24 21,824 21,515
760,236  760,870 
Randy's Worldwide
A designer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts serving the repair/replacement, off-road and racing/performance segments.
9.30% First Lien Term Loan due 10/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 192,069  11/01/22 158,959  161,600 
Limited Liability Company Unit Class A (B)  54 uts. 11/01/22 5,400  6,791 
164,359  168,391 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 24

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
RapidAir
An asset‐light manufacturer of branded compressed air products, including fittings, accessories, aluminum piping, filtration, and other adjacent products/services.
9.03% Senior Term Loan due 10/15/2030 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 547,705  10/15/24 $ 294,144  $ 294,774 
Common Stock (B)  30 shs. 10/15/24 30,000  30,188 
324,144  324,962 
Recovery Point Systems, Inc.
A provider of IT infrastructure, colocation and cloud based resiliency services.
10.44% Term Loan due 07/31/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 1,295,471  08/12/20 1,289,582  1,295,471 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  21,532 uts. 03/05/21 21,532  9,474 
1,311,114  1,304,945 
Renovation Brands (Renovation Parent Holdings, LLC)
A portfolio of seven proprietary brands that sell various home improvement products primarily through the e-Commerce channel.
9.94% Senior Term Loan due 08/16/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 939,320  11/15/21 929,052  872,629 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  40,479 uts. 09/29/17 40,479  19,025 
969,531  891,654 
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.
10.49% First Lien Term Loan due 12/30/2028 (SOFR + 6.250%) (G) $ 653,410  12/30/22 577,014  585,386 
Rock Labor
A provider of live entertainment event labor in the United States.
9.82% Term Loan due 09/14/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 399,863  09/14/23 333,092  336,797 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  12,266 uts. 09/14/23 65,676  63,047 
398,768  399,844 
Rock-it Cargo
A provider of specialized international logistics solutions to the music touring, performing arts, live events, fine art and specialty industries.
9.42% Term Loan due 07/31/2026 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 2,392,914  07/30/18 2,383,286  2,385,734 
ROI Solutions
Call center outsourcing and end user engagement services provider.
9.28% Senior Term Loan due 09/13/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,435,629  10/03/24 1,030,735  1,032,398 
RPX Corp
A provider of subscription services that help member companies mitigate the risk of patent disputes and reduce the cost of patent litigation.
9.56% Term Loan due 08/02/2030 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G) $ 2,488,760  08/02/24 2,203,511  2,207,600 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 25

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Ruffalo Noel Levitz
A provider of enrollment management, student retention and career services, and fundraising management for colleges and universities.
10.93% Term Loan due 12/31/2026 (SOFR + 4.000% PIK) (D) $ 1,280,817  01/08/19 $ 1,276,845  $ 567,402 
Safety Products Holdings, Inc.
A manufacturer of highly engineered safety cutting tools.
9.31% Term Loan due 12/15/2026 (SOFR+ 5.000%) $ 1,984,198  12/15/20 1,973,828  1,984,199 
Common Stock (B)  30 shs. 12/16/20 29,900  41,456 
* 12/15/20 and 07/24/24. 2,003,728  2,025,655 
Sandvine Corporation
A provider of active network intelligence solutions.
Class A Units (B) (I)  688 shs. 06/28/24 0 0
Class B Units (B) (I)  2,395 shs. 06/28/24 0 0
Class C Units (B) (I)  31,364 shs. 06/28/24 0 0
—  — 
Sara Lee Frozen Foods
A provider of frozen bakery products, desserts and sweet baked goods.
9.19% First Lien Term Loan due 07/30/2025 (SOFR + 4.750%) $ 1,441,291  07/27/18 1,432,905 1,426,878
SBP Holdings
A specialty product distribution platform which provides mission-critical products, services, and technical expertise across industrial rubber and fluid power segments.
9.32% Term Loan due 01/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,241,224  03/27/23 663,901  679,353 
Scaled Agile, Inc.
A provider of training and certifications for IT professionals focused on software development.
9.90% Term Loan due 12/15/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,459,204  12/16/21 1,443,744  1,263,671 
SEKO Worldwide, LLC
A third-party logistics provider of ground, ocean, air and home delivery forwarding services.
9.32% Senior Term Loan due 11/27/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) $ 524,181  11/27/24 521,579  524,182 
Common Stock (B)  184 shs. 808,118  549,017 
1,329,697  1,073,199 
Smartling, Inc.
A provider in SaaS-based translation management systems and related translation services.
8.97% Term Loan due 10/26/2027 (SOFR + 4.500%) (G) $ 1,674,772  11/03/21 1,558,863  1,573,302 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 26

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
smartShift Technologies
A provider of technology-enabled services for the SAP ERP ecosystem.
9.29% First Lien Term Loan due 09/30/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,481,670  09/01/23 $ 1,286,382  $ 1,313,656 
Common Stock (B)  29 shs. 09/01/23 29,000  54,770 
1,315,382  1,368,426 
Spatco
A provider of mission-critical services to maintain, test, inspect, certify, and install fueling station infrastructure.
9.29% Senior Term Loan due 07/23/2030 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,681,278  07/23/24 1,195,886  1,199,753 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  47,305 uts. 07/23/24 47,305  47,305 
1,243,191  1,247,058 
Stackline
An e-commerce data company that tracks products sold through online retailers.
11.99% Term Loan due 07/30/2028 (SOFR + 7.750%) $ 2,504,234  07/29/21 2,488,228  2,504,233 
Common Stock (B)  1,340 shs. 07/30/21 42,078  70,216 
2,530,306  2,574,449 
Standard Elevator Systems
A scaled manufacturer of elevator components combining four elevator companies, Standard Elevator Systems, EMI Porta, Texacone, and ZZIPCO.
10.20% First Lien Term Loan due 12/02/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 1,227,943  12/02/21 1,097,141 1,033,166
10.20% Incremental Lien Term Loan due 12/02/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) $ 478,954  04/02/24 471,979  449,738 
1,569,120  1,482,904 
Stratus Unlimited
A nationwide provider of brand implementation services, including exterior and interior signage, refresh and remodel, and facility maintenance and repair.
9.89% Term Loan due 06/08/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 920,492  07/02/21 855,117  851,406 
9.64% Incremental Term Loan due 06/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G) $ 718,772  06/07/24 363,020  356,690 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  75 uts. 06/30/21 74,666  68,083 
1,292,803  1,276,179 
SVI International, Inc.
A supplier of aftermarket repair parts and accessories for automotive lifts, automotive shop equipment, and other specialty equipment (hospital bed lifts, boat lifts, etc.).
11.04% Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 6.750%) (G) $ 1,104,208  03/04/24 863,313  881,436 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F) 311,881 uts. 03/04/24 311,881  424,158 
1,175,194  1,305,594 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 27

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Tank Holding
A manufacturer of proprietary rotational molded polyethylene and steel storage tanks and containers.
10.17% Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 554,486  03/31/22 $ 525,941  $ 526,347 
10.42% Incremental Term Loan due 03/31/2028 (SOFR + 6.000%) (G) $ 156,040  05/22/23 153,148  154,261 
679,089  680,608 
Tapco
A leading manufacturer, distributor, service provider and software provider of intelligent transportations safety systems in North America.
9.31% Term Loan due 11/15/2030 (SOFR + 5.000%) (F) (G) $ 1,709,529  11/15/24 931,286  932,930 
Common Stock (B) (F)  17 shs. 11/15/24 17,000  17,624 
948,286  950,554 
Team Air (Swifty Holdings LLC)
A leading HVAC wholesale distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
14.00% Subordinated Note due 05/02/2030 $ 1,035,000  05/25/23 1,021,971  1,016,267 
14.00% Senior Subordinated Note due 08/31/2027 $ 201,250  08/30/24 197,856  197,607 
14.00% Senior Subordinated Note due 12/16/2029 $ 61,333  12/19/24 60,208  60,223 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  891,204 uts. 05/25/23 901,630  989,237 
2,181,665  2,263,334 
Tencarva Machinery Company
A distributor of mission critical, engineered equipment, replacement parts and services in the industrial and municipal end-markets.
9.20% Senior Term Loan due 12/20/2027 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 1,947,709  12/20/21 1,610,688  1,597,059 
9.20% Senior Term Loan due 12/04/2029 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 543,333  01/02/25 215,561  214,891 
1,826,249  1,811,950 
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 $ 993,846  04/29/22 984,781  917,320 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  84,038 uts. 10/14/21 823,577  273,965 
1,808,358  1,191,285 
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.
12.18% Holdco PIK Note due 10/21/2028 (SOFR + 7.750%) $ 1,307,773  10/28/21 1,296,052  1,307,773 
8.55% Term Loan due 12/15/2027 (SOFR + 4.250%) (G) $ 445,088  12/21/21 335,316  339,107 
1,631,368  1,646,880 
The Hilb Group, LLC
An insurance brokerage platform that offers insurance and benefits programs to middle-market companies throughout the Eastern seaboard.
9.07% Term Loan due 10/31/2031 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 783,660  10/31/24 570,885  571,516 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 28

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
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.
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  25,641 uts. 04/01/22 $ 25,641  $ 82,564 
Tipco Technologies
A fluid solution supplier for industrial, hydraulic and high-purity applications.
9.55% Senior Term Loan due 09/03/2027 (SOFR + 5.250%) (G) $ 582,646  09/03/24 546,408  546,421 
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.
11.93% Term Loan due 02/19/2026 (SOFR + 7.500%) $ 1,677,970  02/25/21 1,668,734  1,543,733 
9.90% Incremental Term Loan due 03/31/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 57,163  10/19/23 56,173  52,590 
1,724,907  1,596,323 
Trintech, Inc.
An international provider of core, cloud-based financial close software.
9.82% Term Loan due 07/25/2029 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,704,978  07/25/23 1,580,192  1,596,508 
Turnberry Solutions, Inc.
A provider of technology consulting services.
10.42% Term Loan due 07/30/2026 (SOFR + 6.000%) $ 1,571,966  07/29/21 1,563,194  1,571,966 
UHY LLP
A top 30 US CPA firm providing tax, audit and consulting advisory services primarily to middle market customers.
9.06% Senior Term Loan due 11/21/2031 (SOFR + 4.750%) (G) $ 1,965,021  11/22/24 900,061  918,711 
U.S. Legal Support, Inc.
A provider of court reporting, record retrieval and other legal supplemental services.
10.20% Term Loan due 06/01/2026 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 2,014,226  11/29/18 2,007,963  1,994,083 
10.20% Senior Loan due 10/11/2027 (SOFR + 5.750%) $ 472,665  10/10/24 468,684  467,938 
2,476,647  2,462,021 
USA Industries
A manufacturer and supplier of piping isolation & testing products, tube plugs, flow measurement orifice plates, and heat exchanger tools which are sold or rented to customers.
12.75% Term Loan due 06/30/2029 $ 630,578  03/14/24 623,083  624,524 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  27,916 uts. 03/14/24 51,923  117,246 
675,006  741,770 
VB Spine
A top-5 producer of spinal implants and devices used in fusion and non-fusion spinal surgeries.
Secured Term Loan due 03/25/2030 $ 1,564,266  03/31/25 1,501,695  1,501,695 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 29

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
VitalSource
A provider of digital fulfillment software for the higher education sector.
8.97% Term Loan due 06/01/2028 (SOFR + 4.500%) $ 1,582,679  06/01/21 $ 1,568,356  $ 1,566,852 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  1,891 uts. 06/01/21 18,909  35,568 
1,587,265  1,602,420 
VP Holding Company
A provider of school transportation services for special-needs and homeless children in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
10.67% Term Loan due 12/31/2025 (SOFR + 6.250%) $ 2,126,428  05/17/18 2,123,737  2,101,762 
Warner Pacific Insurance Services
A wholesale insurance broker focused on employee benefits.
9.40% Term Loan due 12/27/2027 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 1,637,617  08/01/23 838,158  839,094 
9.39% Term Loan due 12/13/2029 (SOFR + 5.000%) (G) $ 85,663  12/23/24 84,858  84,712 
923,016  923,806 
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. 08/03/15 370,241  44,429 
Whitcraft Holdings, Inc.
A leading supplier of highly engineered components for commercial and military aircraft engines.
10.81% First Lien Term Loan due 02/15/2029 (SOFR + 6.500%) (G) $ 953,991  02/15/23 887,257  911,908 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B)  4,206 uts. 02/15/23 42,058  64,727 
929,315  976,635 
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.
9.97% Term Loan due 11/30/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 1,015,725  12/01/21 967,087  961,114 
9.96% Term Loan due 03/05/2030 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 453,726  03/05/25 306,357  305,096 
9.97% Incremental Term Loan due 12/01/2027 (SOFR + 5.500%) $ 90,677  04/09/24 89,349  89,316 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  146 uts. 09/29/17 145,803  136,392 
Limited Liability Company Unit Preferred (B) (F)  32 uts. 04/05/24 32,394  39,306 
Preferred Stock (B) (F) 10 uts. 03/05/25 13,452  13,444 
1,554,442  1,544,668 
World 50, Inc.
A provider of exclusive peer-to-peer networks for C-suite executives at leading corporations.
9.99% First Lien Term Loan due 03/22/2030 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 1,708,589  03/22/24 1,596,319  1,624,642 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 30

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Principal Amount,
Shares, Units or
Ownership  Percentage
Acquisition
Date
Cost Fair Value
Private Placement Investments - 100.30%: (C)
Worldwide Electric Corporation
Develops, produces, and distributes electric motors, gear reducers, motor controls, generators, and frequency converters.
10.35% Term Loan due 10/03/2029 (SOFR + 5.750%) (G) $ 984,425  10/03/22 $ 841,505  $ 841,220 
Ziyad
An end-to-end importer, brand manager, value-added processor, and distributor of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods.
9.95% First Lien Term Loan due 02/09/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 981,295  02/08/22 897,798 894,883
9.95% Incremental Term Loan due 02/09/2028 (SOFR + 5.500%) (G) $ 676,693  08/31/23 666,899  668,234 
Limited Liability Company Unit (B) (F)  31 uts. 02/09/22 31,256  45,394 
1,595,953  1,608,511 
Total Private Placement Investments (E) $ 158,186,761  $ 168,076,552 



See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 31

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Restricted Securities - 106.30%: (A) Interest
Rate
Maturity
Date
Principal
Amount
Cost Market
Value
Rule 144A Securities - 6.00%: (H)
Bonds - 6.00%
Bausch & Lomb 9.000  01/30/2028 $ 641,000  $ 623,690  $ 640,504 
Carriage Purchaser Inc. 7.875  10/15/2029 750,000  611,163  668,764 
Consolidated Communications Holdings 6.500  10/01/2028 750,000  711,938  723,158 
County of Gallatin MT 11.500  09/01/2027 340,000  340,000  350,023 
CSC Holdings LLC 5.000  11/15/2031 625,000  543,505  295,313 
Herbalife 12.250  04/15/2029 457,000  445,581  491,358 
Inmarsat Finance PLC 9.000  09/15/2029 480,000  479,772  437,630 
Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico 6.750  10/15/2027 750,000  699,769  627,029 
LifePoint Health 11.000  10/15/2030 500,000  519,712  543,555 
Nielsen 9.290  04/15/2029 658,000  647,145  570,914 
PRA Group 8.875  01/31/2030 850,000  854,034  886,441 
Prince 9.000  02/15/2030 740,000  655,572  603,111 
Radiology Partners, Inc 9.781  02/15/2030 786,679  750,140  731,611 
Sabre Global 8.625  06/01/2027 752,887  716,802  749,183 
Staples 10.750  09/01/2029 750,000  730,114  677,580 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc. 8.875  12/15/2027 428,000  418,612  369,150 
Wilsonart 11.000  08/15/2032 750,000  740,239  688,159 
Total Bonds 10,487,788  10,053,483 
Common Stock - 0.00%
TherOX, Inc. (B) 2 shs —  — 
Touchstone Health Partnership (B) 292 shs —  — 
Total Common Stock    
Total Rule 144A Securities $ 10,487,788  $ 10,053,483 
Total Corporate Restricted Securities $ 168,674,549  $ 178,130,035 
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 32

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Corporate Public Securities - 5.65%: (A) LIBOR
Spread
Interest
Rate
Maturity
Date
Principal
Amount
Cost Market
Value
Bank Loans - 4.83%
AP Highlands 9.250 10/16/2028 $ 705,446  $ 699,198  $ 699,097 
Aretec Group Inc 3.500  7.825 8/9/2030 845,750  847,864  837,859 
Bausch Health Companies Inc 6.250  10.548 9/25/2030 917,431  894,495  880,734 
BMC Software 5.750  10.335 7/30/2032 1,000,000  987,845  960,000 
Fidelis 5.000  9.303 12/31/2031 997,500  992,827  992,812 
ICP Group 3.750  8.311 12/29/2027 750,000  643,426  617,498 
Mcafee 7.000  11.551 7/27/2028 4,966  4,966  1,610 
Precisely 4.000  8.552 4/24/2028 939,041  930,207  902,315 
Syncsort Incorporated 7.250  11.802 4/23/2029 222,222  221,346  213,240 
Team Health Holdings 5.250  9.541 3/2/2027 549,819  538,534  534,512 
Twitter 6.500  10.821 10/26/2029 500,000  499,375  496,720 
Two Kings Casino 4.750  9.067 12/16/2031 280,400  278,998  280,868 
Wilsonart 4.250  8.459 7/25/2031 720,754  710,943  684,039 
Total Bank Loans 8,250,024  8,101,304 
Bonds - 0.82%
Jetblue Airways 9.000 09/20/31 650,000  693,845  641,609 
Syneos 9.290 10/01/30 750,000  775,977  739,241 
Total Bonds 1,469,822  1,380,850 
Total Corporate Public Securities $ 9,719,846  $ 9,482,154 
Total Investments 111.95  % $ 178,394,395  $ 187,612,189 
Other Assets 3.62  6,056,796 
Liabilities (15.57) (26,088,415)
Total Net Assets 100.00  % $ 167,580,570 
(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 March 31, 2025, the value of these securities amounted to $168,076,552 or 100.30% of net assets.
(F)    Held in PI Subsidiary Trust.
(G)    A portion of these securities contain unfunded commitments. As of March 31, 2025, total unfunded commitments amounted to $17,640,159 and had unrealized depreciation of $(16,257) or (0.01)% 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.
(I)    Security received at zero cost through a restructuring of previously held debt or equity securities.

PIK - Payment-in-kind
SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 33

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Industry Classification: Fair Value/
Market Value
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE - 5.87%
Accurus Aerospace $ 475,618 
Applied Aerospace Structures Corp. 606,034 
Bridger Aerospace 186,210 
Compass Precision 2,208,267 
County of Gallatin MT 350,023 
CTS Engines 1,264,846 
Mission Microwave 621,351 
Narda-MITEQ (JFL-Narda Partners, LLC) 1,558,155 
Trident Maritime Systems 1,596,323 
Whitcraft Holdings, Inc. 976,635 
9,843,462 
AIRLINES - 1.40%
Echo Logistics 1,711,554 
Jetblue Airways 641,609 
2,353,163 
AUTOMOTIVE - 3.71%
Aurora Parts & Accessories LLC (d.b.a Hoosier) 469,888 
BBB Industries LLC - DBA (GC EOS Buyer Inc.) 466,364 
EFC International 1,400,791 
JF Petroleum Group 659,170 
Omega Holdings 490,945 
Randy's Worldwide 168,391 
Spatco 1,247,058 
SVI International, Inc. 1,305,594 
6,208,201 
BROKERAGE, ASSET MANAGERS & EXCHANGES - 1.82%
Aretec Group Inc 837,859 
The Caprock Group 1,646,880 
The Hilb Group, LLC 571,516 
3,056,255 
BUILDING MATERIALS - 1.63%
Decks Direct 1,357,916 
Wilsonart 1,372,198 
2,730,114 
CABLE & SATELLITE - 0.81%
CSC Holdings LLC 295,313 
Inmarsat Finance PLC 437,630 
Liberty Cablevision of Puerto Rico 627,029 
1,359,972 
CHEMICALS - 1.75%
Americo Chemical Products 680,844 
ICP Group 617,498 
Industry Classification: Fair Value/
Market Value
Polytex Holdings LLC $ 1,032,024 
Prince 603,111 
2,933,477 
CONSUMER CYCLICAL SERVICES - 6.92%
CJS Global 2,208,319 
Expert Institute Group 150,560 
LYNX Franchising 2,383,807 
Mobile Pro Systems 1,308,005 
ROI Solutions 1,032,398 
Staples 677,580 
Team Air (Swifty Holdings LLC) 2,263,334 
Turnberry Solutions, Inc. 1,571,966 
11,595,969 
CONSUMER INDUSTRIAL - 0.57%
Tapco 950,554 
CONSUMER PRODUCTS - 3.52%
AMS Holding LLC 3,741 
Elite Sportswear Holding, LLC 255,836 
Handi Quilter Holding Company 32,962 
Ice House America 1,017,463 
Jones Fish 1,998,568 
Magnolia Wash Holdings (Express Wash Acquisition Company, LLC) 512,447 
Renovation Brands (Renovation Parent Holdings, LLC) 891,654 
Terrybear 1,191,285 
5,903,956 
DIVERSIFIED MANUFACTURING - 4.56%
Accelevation 168,781 
HTI Technology & Industries Inc. 736,470 
MNS Engineers, Inc. 999,000 
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc. 713,527 
Safety Products Holdings, Inc. 2,025,655 
Standard Elevator Systems 1,482,904 
Tank Holding 680,608 
Worldwide Electric Corporation 841,220 
7,648,165 
ELECTRIC - 2.35%
Cascade Services $ 813,428 
Dwyer Instruments, Inc. 1,664,120 
Energy Acquisition Company, Inc. 693,008 
Pro Vision 760,870 
3,931,426 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 34

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Industry Classification: Fair Value/
Market Value
ENVIRONMENTAL - 1.20%
ENTACT Environmental Services, Inc. $ 1,002,077 
Northstar Recycling 1,011,664 
2,013,741 
FINANCE COMPANIES - 1.13%
AP Highlands 699,097 
Portfolio Group 1,198,127 
1,897,224 
FINANCIAL OTHER - 2.94%
Coduet Royalty Holdings, LLC 534,233 
Cogency Global 1,600,969 
Fidelis 992,812 
PRA Group 886,441 
UHY LLP 918,711 
4,933,166 
FOOD & BEVERAGE - 3.54%
California Custom Fruits & Flavors 317,106 
Herbalife 491,358 
PANOS Brands LLC 506,125 
Sara Lee Frozen Foods 1,426,878 
Westminster Acquisition LLC 44,429 
Woodland Foods, Inc. 1,544,668 
Ziyad 1,608,511 
5,939,075 
GAMING - 0.17%
Two Kings Casino 280,868 
HEALTHCARE - 9.76%
Cadence, Inc. 1,181,584 
Cloudbreak 1,646,037 
Ellkay 633,601 
Golden Ceramic Dental Lab 1,450,837 
Heartland Veterinary Partners 2,295,328 
HemaSource, Inc. 783,926 
Home Care Assistance, LLC 728,644 
Illumifin 391,527 
ISTO Biologics 573,010 
LifePoint Health 543,555 
Navia Benefit Solutions, Inc. 1,639,688 
Office Ally (OA TOPCO, LP) 1,629,997 
Parkview Dental Partners 845,597 
Radiology Partners, Inc 731,611 
Syneos 739,241 
Team Health Holdings 534,512 
16,348,695 
Industry Classification: Fair Value/
Market Value
HEALTH INSURANCE - 0.55%
Warner Pacific Insurance Services $ 923,806 
INDUSTRIAL OTHER - 18.75%
BKF Engineers 503,256 
Caldwell & Gregory LLC 1,313,120 
Coker 231,619 
Concept Machine Tool Sales, LLC 466,353 
Door & Window Guard Systems 419,613 
Electric Equipment and Engineering 1,388,714 
E.S.P. Associates, P.A. 686,067 
Gojo Industries 629,563 
Kings III 913,216 
Madison Indoor Air Solutions 12,545,349 
Media Recovery, Inc. 983,114 
Momentum Group 424,398 
MSI Express 356,987 
Ocelot Holdco 460,913 
Polara (VSC Polara LLC) 942,916 
ProcessBarron (Process Equipment, Inc. / PB Holdings, LLC) 654,822 
RapidAir 324,962 
SBP Holdings 679,353 
Stratus Unlimited 1,276,179 
Tencarva Machinery Company 1,811,950 
Tipco Technologies 546,421 
USA Industries 741,770 
VB Spine 1,501,695 
World 50, Inc. 1,624,642 
31,426,992 
LOCAL AUTHORITY - 0.88%
LeadsOnline 1,468,286 
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT - 3.66%
Advantage Software 64,138 
ASC Communications, LLC (Becker's Healthcare) 297,249 
BrightSign 1,487,603 
DistroKid (IVP XII DKCo-Invest, LP) 2,155,470 
Music Reports, Inc. 1,270,982 
Rock Labor 399,844 
Terrier Media Buyer, Inc. 369,150 
The Octave Music Group, Inc. (fka TouchTunes) 82,564 
6,127,000 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 35

Consolidated Schedule of Investments     (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
March 31, 2025
(Unaudited)
Industry Classification: Fair Value/
Market Value
PACKAGING - 1.42%
Brown Machine LLC $ 112,216 
Diversified Packaging 740,194 
Five Star Holding, LLC 997,387 
1,849,797 
PHARMACEUTICALS - 0.91%
Bausch & Lomb 640,504 
Bausch Health Companies Inc 880,734 
1,521,238 
PROPERTY & CASUALTY - 1.14%
Pearl Holding Group 1,905,087 
TECHNOLOGY - 24.18%
1WorldSync, Inc. 2,353,468 
AdaCore Inc 787,984 
Audio Precision 1,537,550 
Becklar 771,949 
Best Lawyers (Azalea Investment Holdings, LLC) 1,596,950 
BMC Software 960,000 
CAi Software 2,314,199 
Cash Flow Management 918,103 
CloudWave 1,750,040 
Coherus Biosciences 292,739 
Command Alkon 30,028 
Comply365 610,469 
DataServ 198,801 
EFI Productivity Software 1,265,598 
Follett School Solutions 1,669,878 
GraphPad Software, Inc. 172,510 
HaystackID 578,160 
Mcafee 1,610 
Net at Work 1,080,269 
Newforma 711,548 
Nielsen 570,914 
Precisely 902,315 
ProfitOptics 897,355 
Project Halo 568,801 
Recovery Point Systems, Inc. 1,304,945 
RPX Corp 2,207,600 
Ruffalo Noel Levitz 567,402 
Sabre Global 749,183 
Scaled Agile, Inc. 1,263,671 
Smartling, Inc. 1,573,302 
smartShift Technologies 1,368,426 
Stackline 2,574,449 
Industry Classification: Fair Value/
Market Value
Syncsort Incorporated $ 213,240 
Trintech, Inc. 1,596,508 
Twitter 496,720 
U.S. Legal Support, Inc. 2,462,021 
VitalSource 1,602,420 
40,521,125 
TELECOM - WIRELINE INTEGRATED & SERVICES - 0.43%
Consolidated Communications Holdings 723,158 
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - 6.38%
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc. 93,611 
Carriage Purchaser Inc. 668,764 
eShipping 968,975 
FragilePAK 1,115,844 
Pegasus Transtech Corporation 1,701,495 
RoadOne IntermodaLogistics 585,386 
Rock-it Cargo 2,385,734 
SEKO Worldwide, LLC 1,073,199 
VP Holding Company 2,101,762 
10,694,770 
Total Investments - 111.95%
  (Cost - $178,394,395)
$ 187,612,189 
























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 net asset value (“NAV”) of the Trust’s shares is determined as of the close of business on the last business day of each quarter, as of the date of any distribution, and at such other times as Barings, as the Trust’s valuation designee under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act, shall determine the fair value of the Trust’s investments, subject to the general oversight of the Board.
Barings has established a Pricing Committee which is responsible for setting the guidelines used in fair valuation 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. Barings reports to the Board each quarter regarding the valuation of each portfolio security in accordance with the procedures and guidelines referred to above, which include the relevant factors referred to below. The consolidated financial statements include private placement restricted securities valued at $168,076,552 (100.30% of net assets) as of March 31, 2025, 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
37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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 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 March 31, 2025, 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.
38

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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.
 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 Pronouncements
In June 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2022-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), which affects all entities that have investments in equity securities measured at fair value that are subject to a contractual sale restriction ("ASU 2022-03"). The amendments in ASU 2022-03 clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring the fair value. The amendments also require additional disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. The effective date for the amendments in ASU 2022-03 is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Trust has determined that this guidance has not had a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280) (“ASU 2023-07”), which applies to all entities that are required to report segment information in accordance with Topic 280, Segment Reporting. The amendments in ASU 2023-07 improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The effective dates for the amendments in ASU 2023-07 are for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The Trust adopted the aforementioned guidance and it did not have a material impact on the Fund’s consolidated financial statements. See “Segments” below for disclosure.
Segments
The Trust makes investments in securities of issuers that operate in various industries. The Trust represents a single reporting segment, where performance is measured against its single investment objective as described in Note 1. The segment generates revenues through debt investments, and on a limited basis, may acquire equity investments in portfolio companies. The accounting policies of the single segment is the same as those described in “Significant Accounting Policies.” The Trust has identified the President and Chief Financial Officer as the chief operating decision makers (“CODM”), who evaluate the performance of the single segment. The CODM uses segment net investment income before taxes and net increase in net assets resulting from operations to determine the capital allocation of the Trust, the dividend policy, and the Trust’s investment strategy, which is outlined in Note 1. As the Trust operates as a single reportable segment, the segment assets are presented on the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Assets and Liabilities as “total assets” and the net investment income before taxes, significant segment expenses and net increase in net assets resulting from operations are presented on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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 March 31, 2025.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)

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 March 31, 2025 are as follows:
 
Assets: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Restricted Securities
Corporate Bonds $ 11,085,507  $ —  $ 10,053,483  $ 1,032,024 
Bank Loans 141,689,701  —  1,501,695  140,188,006 
Common Stock - U.S. 4,191,276  —  4,191,276 
Preferred Stock 689,702  —  —  689,702 
Partnerships and LLCs 20,473,849  —  —  20,473,849 
Public Securities
Bank Loans 8,101,304  6,409,395  1,691,909 
Corporate Bonds 1,380,850  —  1,380,850  — 
Total $ 187,612,189  $   $ 19,345,423  $ 168,266,766 
See information disaggregated by security type and industry classification in the Unaudited Consolidated Schedule of Investments.

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
The following table represents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2025:
Fair Value Valuation
Technique
Unobservable
Inputs
Range Weighted*
Bank Loans $124,265,871 Income Approach Implied Spread 8.6% - 19.5% 11.2%
$1,775,587 Market Approach Earnings Multiple 6.5x - 10.5x 8.8x
Corporate Bonds $1,032,024 Market Approach Revenue Multiple 0.3x 0.3x
Equity Securities** $24,543,848 Enterprise Value Waterfall Approach Valuation Multiple 0.1x - 28.5x 11.9x
$790,659 Market Approach Revenue Multiple 0.9x - 11.5x 4.1x
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 $15,858,777 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
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
Following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
Assets:
Beginning balance at
12/31/2024
Included in
earnings
Purchases Sales Prepayments Transfers
into
Level 3*
Transfers
out of
Level 3*
Ending
balance at
03/31/2025
Restricted Securities
Corporate Bonds
$ 959,937  $ 72,087  $ —  $ —  $ —  $ —  $ —  $ 1,032,024 
Bank Loans
137,695,499  (239,865) 5,211,608  (6,433) (2,472,803) —  —  140,188,006 
Common Stock - U.S.
4,285,172  (112,457) 20,320  (1,759) —  —  —  4,191,276 
Preferred Stock
657,453  10,716  24,713  (3,180) —  —  —  689,702 
Partnerships and LLCs
20,662,269  (148,764) 65,163  (104,819) —  —  —  20,473,849 
Public Securities
Bank Loans
2,282,891  11,518  —  —  (602,500) —  —  1,691,909 
$ 166,543,221  $ (406,765) $ 5,321,804  $ (116,191) $ (3,075,303) $   $   $ 168,266,766 
* For the three months ended March 31, 2025, there were no transfers into or out of Level 3.

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 Operations Change in Unrealized Appreciation in Net Assets from assets still held
OID Amortization $ 134,395  -
Net realized loss on investments before taxes (1,063,172) -
Net change in unrealized appreciation of investments before taxes 522,012   522,012
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. The Trust recognized a total of $169,553 of amortization during three months ended March 31, 2025, as included within Interest on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 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 March 31, 2025, the fair value of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $1,599,426, or 0.9% of the total fair value of the Trust’s portfolio, and the cost of the Trust’s non-accrual assets was $2,341,028, or 1.3% 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. The Trust recognized a total of $354,838 of PIK interest for three months ended March 31, 2025, included within Interest on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 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
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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 March 31, 2025, 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 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 March 31, 2025, the PI Subsidiary Trust has incurred income tax benefit of $4,773.
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 March 31, 2025, the PI Subsidiary Trust has a deferred tax liability of $191,093.
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.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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 Floating Rate Convertible Note (the “Note”) issued by the Trust on December 13, 2023. The Note is due December 13, 2033, and accrues interest at the rate of SOFR plus 2.20% 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 three months ended March 31, 2025 the Trust incurred total interest expense on the Note of $255,000.
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 (1) the present value of the scheduled payments of principal and interest which the Trust would have paid but for the proposed redemption, discounted at a rate which is equal to the lesser of (i) the interest rate applicable interest on the premium calculation date, and (ii) 0.50% plus the Treasury Constant Yield at such time, over (2) the principal of the Note proposed to be redeemed. If the amount designated in clause (1) above is equal to or less than the amount specified in clause (2) above, then the Make Whole Premium shall be 3.00%.
Credit Facility
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. On December 13, 2023, the Trust amended the credit agreement with MassMutual to increase the aggregate commitment amount by $7,500,000 to a total aggregate commitment amount of $22,500,000, extend the maturity date to December 13, 2028, and set the interest accrual to a rate of SOFR plus 2.20% on the outstanding borrowings. Deferred financing fees in the amount of $131,976 are presented on the Consolidated Statement of Assets & Liabilities.
The average principal balance and interest rate for the period during which the credit facility was utilized for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $8,500,000 and 6.58%, respectively. As of March 31, 2025, the principal balance outstanding was $8,500,000 at an interest rate of 6.51%. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, the Trust incurred total interest expense on the Credit Facility of $139,893.
5. Purchases and Sales of Investments
 
For the three months ended 03/31/2025
Cost of Investments Acquired Proceeds from Sales or Maturities
Corporate restricted securities $ 8,680,425  $ 3,193,757 
Corporate public securities 694,349  1,852,531 
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
43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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.
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 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.
Cybersecurity Risk
A cyber incident is considered to be any adverse event that threatens the confidentiality, integrity or availability of the information resources of us, Barings or our portfolio investments. These incidents may be an intentional attack or an unintentional event and could involve gaining unauthorized access to our or Barings’ information systems or those of our portfolio investments for purposes of misappropriating assets, stealing confidential information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Barings’ employees may be the target of fraudulent calls, emails and other forms of activities. The result of these incidents may include disrupted operations, misstated or unreliable financial data, liability for stolen assets or information, increased cybersecurity protection and insurance costs, litigation and damage to business relationships. The Trust’s business operations rely upon secure information technology systems for data processing, storage, and reporting. The Trust depends on the effectiveness of the information and cybersecurity policies, procedures, and capabilities maintained by its affiliates and their respective third-party service providers to protect their computer and telecommunications systems and the data that reside on or are transmitted through them.
Substantial costs may be incurred in order to prevent any cyber incidents in the future. The costs related to cyber or other security threats or disruptions may not be fully insured or indemnified by other means. As the Trust’s and our portfolio investments’ reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to the Trust’s information systems, both internal and those provided by Barings and third-party service providers, and the information systems of the Trust’s portfolio investments. Barings has implemented processes, procedures and internal controls to help mitigate cybersecurity risks and cyber intrusions, but these measures, as well as the Trust’s increased awareness of the nature and extent of a risk of a cyber incident, do not guarantee that a cyber incident will not occur and/or that the Trust’s financial results, operations or confidential information will not be negatively impacted by such an incident. In addition, cybersecurity continues to be a key priority for regulators around the world, and some jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals or the general investing public of data security breaches involving certain types of personal data, including the SEC, which, on July 26, 2023, adopted amendments requiring the prompt public disclosure of certain cybersecurity breaches. If the Trust fails to comply with the relevant laws and regulations, the Trust could suffer financial losses, a disruption of the Trust’s business, liability to investors, regulatory intervention or reputational damage.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
Defaults by Portfolio Investments
A portfolio investment’s failure to satisfy financial or operating covenants imposed by the Trust or other lenders could lead to defaults and, potentially, termination of its loans and foreclosure on its secured assets, which could trigger cross-defaults under other agreements and jeopardize a portfolio investment’s ability to meet its obligations under the debt or equity securities that the Trust holds. The Trust may incur expenses to the extent necessary to seek recovery upon default or to negotiate new terms, which may include the waiver of certain financial covenants, with a defaulting portfolio investment.
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.
Inflation Risk
Certain of the Trust’s portfolio investments are in industries that could be impacted by inflation. If such portfolio investments are unable to pass any increases in their costs of operations along to their customers, it could adversely affect their operating results and impact their ability to pay interest and principal on the Trust’s loans, particularly if interest rates rise in response to inflation. In addition, any projected future decreases in the Trust’s portfolio investments’ operating results due to inflation could adversely impact the fair value of those investments. Any decreases in the fair value of the Trust’s portfolio investments could result in future realized or unrealized losses and therefore reduce the Trust’s net assets resulting from operations.
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.



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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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.
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.
Valuation Risk
Under the 1940 Act, the Trust is required to carry our portfolio investments at market value or, if there is no readily available market value, at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees. The Board has designated Barings as valuation designee to perform the Trust’s fair value determinations relating to the value of our assets for which market quotations are not readily available.
Typically there is not a public market for the securities in which we have invested and will generally continue to invest. Barings conducts the valuation of such investments, upon which the Trust’s net asset value is primarily based, in accordance with its valuation policy, as well as established and documented processes and methodologies for determining the fair values of investments on a recurring basis in accordance with the 1940 Act and ASC Topic 820. The Trust’s current valuation policy and processes were established by Barings and have been approved by the Board. The Adviser has established a pricing committee that is, subject to the oversight of the Board, responsible for the approval, implementation and oversight of the processes and methodologies that relate to the pricing and valuation of assets held by the Trust. Barings uses independent third-party providers to price the portfolio, but in the event an acceptable price cannot be obtained from an approved external source, Barings will utilize alternative methods in accordance with internal pricing procedures established by Barings’ pricing committee.
The determination of fair value and consequently, the amount of unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the Trust’s portfolio, is to a certain degree subjective and dependent on the judgment of Barings. Certain factors that may be considered in determining the fair value of the Trust’s investments include the nature and realizable value of any collateral, the portfolio investment’s earnings and its ability to make payments on its indebtedness, the markets in which the portfolio investment does business, comparison to comparable publicly-traded companies, discounted cash flows and other relevant factors. Because such valuations, and particularly valuations of private securities and private companies, are inherently uncertain, may fluctuate over short periods of time and may be based on estimates, Barings’ determinations of fair value may differ materially from the values that would have been used if a ready market for these securities existed. Due to this uncertainty, Barings’ fair value determinations may cause our net asset value on a given date to materially understate or overstate the value that the Trust may ultimately realize upon the sale or disposition of one or more of its investments. As a result, investors purchasing the Trust’s securities based on an overstated net asset value would pay a higher price than the value of the Trust’s investments might warrant. Conversely, investors selling shares during a period in which the net asset value understates the value of our investments will receive a lower price for their shares than the value of the Trust’s investments might warrant.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
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 March 31, 2025, the Trust had the following unfunded commitments:
Delayed Draw Term Loans Unfunded Amount Unfunded Value
Accelevation $ 62,422  $ 62,384 
Adacore Inc 275,519  281,200 
Applied Aerospace Structures Corp. 23,125  23,199 
Becklar 119,306  119,402 
Caldwell & Gregory LLC 211,313  211,635 
California Custom 73,457  74,126 
Cascade Services 125,735  113,374 
Coker 1,028,594  1,028,493 
EFI Productivity Software 304,714  305,082 
Energy Acquisition 39,000  38,978 
Expert Institute 154,480  154,463 
Golden Ceramic Dental Lab 186,486  186,466 
HaystackID 346,085  345,895 
HTI Technology 102,273  95,763 
Ice House America 163,225  163,406 
Jones Fish 99,900  104,231 
Kings III 19,471  20,007 
MSI Express 83,710  83,706 
Net at Work 509,659  519,344 
Northstar Recycling 253,550  256,547 
Parkview Dental Partners 321,500  322,604 
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc. 52,932  52,498 
Project Halo 335,366  335,277 
Randy's Worldwide 18,885  19,491 
Rapidair Compressed Air Products 163,983  164,172 
ROI Solutions 201,719  201,955 
SBP Holdings 395,272  397,244 
SPATCO 250,647  251,342 
Stratus Unlimited 407,185  402,672 
SVI International, Inc. 111,386  113,214 
TAPCO 553,083  553,663 
Tencarva Machinery Company 320,292  319,836 
The Hilb Group, LLC 125,292  125,394 
Tipco Technologies 9,019  9,026 
UHY LLP 867,672  875,907 
Warner Pacific Insurance Services 780,346  781,040 
Whitcraft LLC 254,872  255,413 
Woodland Foods, Inc. 39,375  39,367 
$ 9,390,850 $ 9,407,816 
47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
 
Revolvers Unfunded Amount Unfunded Value
Accelevation $ 46,249  $ 46,217 
Accurus Aerospace International UK Buyer 3,220  3,218 
Adacore Inc 101,913  104,015 
Americo Chemical Products 120,041  119,918 
Applied Aerospace Structures Corp. 20,265  20,550 
ASC Communications, LLC 22,664  22,831 
Becklar 103,058  103,141 
Best Lawyers 110,577  111,559 
BKF Engineers 165,590  165,562 
BrightSign 24,604  25,172 
CAi Software 117,873  120,364 
Caldwell & Gregory LLC 172,500  172,715 
California Custom 55,093  55,294 
Cascade Services 3,309  1,242 
Cash Flow Management 44,776  44,652 
CJS Global 242,424  243,342 
Cloudbreak 119,048  121,505 
Cogency Global 55,101  55,066 
Coker 111,400  111,389 
Comply365 52,748  52,184 
DataServ 48,077  48,627 
Decks Direct, LLC 138,101  72,434 
Door and Window Guard Systems Inc 120,658  120,655 
EFI Productivity Software 118,246  117,925 
eShipping 170,937  172,416 
Expert Institute 83,058  83,049 
Golden Ceramic Dental Lab 186,486  186,466 
HaystackID 83,998  83,952 
HemaSource, Inc. 202,373  206,096 
HTI Technology 68,182  63,842 
Ice House America 26,126  26,172 
ISTO Biologics 60,932  62,013 
Jones Fish 79,844  81,949 
Kings III 58,257  58,921 
LeadsOnline - Weatherby Parent Holdings LLC 224,512  226,156 
Magnolia Wash Holdings 9,246  9,060 
Media Recovery, Inc. 265,857  266,211 
Mission Microwave 71,310  66,960 
Momentum Group 54,042  54,041 
MSI Express 110,392  110,384 
Narda-MITEQ 207,682  209,312 
Net at Work 130,682  133,105 
Newforma 82,868  85,076 
Northstar Recycling 208,264  210,726 
Office Ally 133,124  134,539 
Omega Holdings 113,742  115,510 
Polara 108,266  109,230 
48

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
Revolvers Unfunded Amount Unfunded Value
Process Insights Acquisition, Inc. $ 54,684  $ 54,212 
ProfitOptics 96,774  98,653 
Project Halo 83,333  83,311 
Pro-Vision 159,375  159,574 
Randy's Worldwide 10,450  10,707 
Rapidair Compressed Air Products 81,992  82,086 
RoadOne IntermodaLogistics 62,796  64,124 
Rock Labor 57,867  58,404 
ROI Solutions 180,553  180,761 
RPX Corp 252,041  252,455 
SBP Holdings 162,503  163,953 
Smartling, Inc. 101,471  102,345 
smartShift Technologies 168,014  171,106 
SPATCO 204,986  205,458 
Standard Elevator Systems 119,873  112,257 
SVI International, Inc. 111,386  113,214 
Tank Holding Corp 21,818  21,814 
TAPCO 201,121  201,315 
Tencarva Machinery Company 321,435  319,302 
The Caprock Group 105,981  106,820 
The Hilb Group, LLC 80,113  80,181 
Tipco Technologies 20,155  20,156 
Trintech Inc 88,010  89,189 
UHY LLP 178,638  180,818 
Whitcraft LLC 42,084  45,333 
Woodland Foods, Inc. 141,824  140,616 
World 50, Inc. 83,947  85,339 
Worldwide Electric Corporation 124,224  124,188 
Ziyad 74,146  73,632 
$ 8,249,309  $ 8,216,086 
Total Unfunded Commitments $ 17,640,159  $ 17,623,902 

As of March 31, 2025, unfunded commitments had unrealized depreciation of $(16,257) or (0.01)% of net assets.

49

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) Barings Participation Investors
(Unaudited)
8. Quarterly Results of Investment Operations (unaudited)
March 31, 2025
Amount Per Share
Investment income $ 4,405,947 
Net investment income (net of taxes) 3,351,767  $ 0.31 
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments (net of taxes) (1,292,938) (0.12)
9. Subsequent Events
The Trust has evaluated the possibility of subsequent events after the balance sheet date of March 31, 2025, through the date that the financial statements are issued. The Trust has determined that there are no material events that would require recognition or disclosure in this report through this date.
50


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
51




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
 
Itzbell Branca
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. Pursuant to the Trust’s Policy on the Determination of Fair Value, the net asset value of the Trust’s shares is determined by Barings, as the Trust’s valuation designee under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act. Barings considers all relevant factors that are reasonably available, through either public information or information directly available to Barings on the valuation date. 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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 Barings
 Participation Investors
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