OMB APPROVAL

 

 

OMB Number:

3235-0570

 

 

Expires:

January 31, 2017

 

UNITED STATES

Estimated average burden hours per response. . . . . . . . . . . . ..20.6

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

 

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number

811-06565

 

Tekla Life Sciences Investors

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

100 Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston, MA

 

02110

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

 

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

617-772-8500

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

September 30

 

 

Date of reporting period:

October 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015

 

 



 

ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.

 

See Semiannual Report as of March 31, 2015.

 



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

Semiannual Report

March 31, 2015

(Unaudited)



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

The Fund has implemented a managed distribution policy (the Policy) that provides for quarterly distributions at a rate set by the Board of Trustees. Under the current Policy, the Fund intends to make quarterly distributions at a rate of 2% of the Fund's net assets to shareholders of record. The Fund intends to use net realized capital gains when making quarterly distributions, if available, but the Policy would result in a return of capital to shareholders, if the amount of the distribution exceeds the Fund's net investment income and realized capital gains. With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and a press release that will provide detailed information regarding the amount and estimated composition of the distribution. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of distributions pursuant to the Policy or from the terms of the Policy. The Policy has been established by the Trustees and may be changed or terminated by them without shareholder approval. The Trustees regularly review the Policy and the frequency and rate of distributions considering the purpose and effect of the Policy, the financial market environment, and the Fund's income, capital gains and capital available to pay distributions. The suspension or termination of the Policy could have the effect of creating a trading discount (if the Fund's stock is trading at or below net asset value) or widening an existing trading discount. At this time there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the Trustees to terminate the Policy.




To our Shareholders:

On March 31, 2015, the net asset value (NAV) per share of the Fund was $27.18. During the six month period ended March 31, 2015, total return at NAV of the Fund was 20.55%, with distributions reinvested. The total investment return at market with distributions reinvested was 29.31% during the same period. Comparisons to relevant indices are listed below.

Investment Returns   Six Months
Ended 3/31/15
 

At Market

   

29.31

%

 

At Net Asset Value

   

20.55

%

 

NASDAQ Biotech Index

   

25.94

%

 

S&P 500 Index

   

5.92

%

 

Investment Highlights

After several years of solid performance, our view of the healthcare and biotech sectors remains largely unchanged. That is, population demographics will continue to drive demand for products and services. In addition, good fundamentals, generally encouraging data, notable approval rates and M&A activity should continue to drive favorable sentiment. And after an impressive three year run, while valuations are notably higher than they were previously, solid revenue and earnings growth rates in our sector relative to other sectors should attract investors.

As we have noted previously, population demographics in the U.S. and abroad continue to create demand for healthcare. The population in much of the developed world is getting older. As they age, people develop chronic and rare diseases which require treatment. In the U.S., Obamacare is increasing the number of individuals covered by health insurance, thus increasing their access to healthcare services. In many emerging markets, the middle class is growing and demanding new healthcare services. Overall, these trends have led and should continue to lead to an increase in healthcare spending as a percentage of GDP. There are certainly trends that will pressure pricing, but in general we and most others seem to think that demand for healthcare services will continue to grow, probably at a rate that exceeds that of GDP.


1



We continue to see the development of new and differentiated products, particularly in the biotech sector. In the last couple of years, there has been an impressive spate of new IPOs and follow-on financings that has created a new generation of companies developing the next generation of healthcare and biotech products. Just in the six month period ending March 31, 2015, BioCentury reports that there were 45 IPOs which raised a total of approximately $4B. Even more impressive, a total of 128 follow-on financings raised approximately $14B for the sponsoring companies. This created an impressive group of well financed companies which appears poised to develop many differentiated, high-value products. As an example, it looks to us that after a number of years of effort, the burgeoning field of immuno-oncology is in the process of demonstrating a real move forward in the treatment of both hematologic and solid tumor cancers. For some time, the industry has been developing products that are more effective at targeting a cancer within the body. By getting the product to the actual site of the tumor, the goal has been to increase clinical effectiveness and to decrease side effects. In the last decade a number of these kinds of products have been developed. The opportunity at the moment is to develop treatments that recruit the body's natural immune system to be more able to attack one's cancer. In theory, this approach should be even more effective than products developed in the last decade. The first two products in the general area were sponsored by large pharmaceutical companies and approved by the FDA in the last six months. Clinical data demonstrated by these products in a variety of clinical trials have been impressive. The ultimate goal is to combine this new approach with existing drugs to effect even better results for patients. Initial results in these so-called "combination" trials have often been impressive. There are a number of other approaches being developed, but immune-oncology is emblematic of the current generation of therapeutic advances.

Generally, positive clinical data and high product approval rates are an important part of developing investor interest in the healthcare sector. In a diverse population of companies developing a wide range of products and technologies, there are always some successes and some failures. But it is helpful when highly anticipated results come out positively. There were myriad trial results reported in the last six months but arguably Biogen Inc.'s Alzheimer's Disease trial was the most anticipated clinical trial result of recent months. We would say that trial met or exceeded market expectations. As for regulatory approvals, FDA approved approximately 40 new medicines in 2014. This is among the most approvals of recent years. Moreover, it is likely that new initiatives, like the FDA's Breakthrough Therapy program, introduced several years ago to facilitate development and review of


2



novel treatments, is having an effect on overall approval rates. Additional programs and legislative initiatives are being developed.

Beyond product development fundamentals, there is little question that M&A activity is having a positive impact on sector sentiment. A number of acquisitions have been announced of late but the proposed acquisition of Pharmacyclics, Inc., makers of Imbruvica, for a price estimated to be over $21B by AbbVie Inc. was a particularly notable transaction.

In summary, we are favorable on the fundamentals of the healthcare and biotech sectors. However, we also want to express a note of caution. After several years of outperformance, valuations in the healthcare and biotech sectors, while reasonable relative to other sectors on a growth adjusted (P/E divided by G) basis, they are high on a trailing twelve month Price/Earnings basis:

Sector   Price/
Earnings
  Estimated Earnings
Growth1
 

PEG

 

Information Technology

   

20.02

     

11.07

     

1.59

   

Healthcare

   

24.78

     

9.67

     

1.9

   

Consumer Discretionary

   

19.58

     

8.67

     

2.10

   

Telecommunications

   

17.75

     

7.13

     

2.38

   

Industrials

   

18.70

     

7.08

     

2.41

   

Consumer Staples

   

21.72

     

6.81

     

3.01

   

Financials

   

14.37

     

3.08

     

4.50

   

Utilities2

   

17.77

     

-0.84

   

High

 

Energy2

   

19.91

     

-3.36

   

High

 

Materials2

   

20.35

     

-89.37

   

High

 

1 Source: Bloomberg May 5, 2015

2 PEG values high due to negative earnings estimates; PEG would be incalculably high

However, on a growth adjusted (PEG), healthcare sector valuations are among the most attractive. This is of course due to the fact that estimated healthcare earnings growth rates are among the highest of the illustrated sectors. It is our belief that expected earnings growth is a key metric in stock price appreciation. As a consequence we think valuations in the sector are reasonable and may well attract continued investor interest.

Portfolio Highlights

During the report period, considering both market return and Fund weighting, investments in Incyte Corporation, Celgene Corporation, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc., BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biogen, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and bluebird bio, Inc. were among those that provided beneficial contributions to return. Investments in


3



Gilead Sciences, Inc., Epizyme, Inc. and BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. were among those that had a negative contribution to return.

Investment Changes

During the six month period ended March 31, 2015, within the public portfolio, the Fund established positions in several companies including Accelerate Diagnositcs, Inc., Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cellectis S.A., Flex Pharma, Inc., Galapagos NV, Receptos, Inc., Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., Xencor, Inc. and Zafgen, Inc. During the same six month period, the Fund exited its position in several companies including, Celladon Corporation, Clovis Oncology, Inc., Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MEI Pharma, Inc., NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., PTC Therapeutics, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. and Zyomyx Inc.

During the same six month period, within the venture portfolio, the Fund made follow-on investments in CardioKinetix, Inc., IlluminOss Medical, Inc., Insightra Medical, Inc. Neurovance, Inc., Palyon Medical Corporation and Veniti, Inc.

As always, if you have questions, please feel free to call us at (617) 772-8500.

Daniel R. Omstead, PhD
President


4



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

LARGEST HOLDINGS BY ISSUER
(Excludes Short-Term Investments)

As of March 31, 2015
(Unaudited)

Issuer – Sector  

% of Net Assets

 
Celgene Corporation
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

9.6

%

 
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

8.3

%

 
Biogen Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

5.6

%

 
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

4.7

%

 
Incyte Corporation
Drug Discovery Technologies
   

4.5

%

 
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

4.2

%

 
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
Generic Pharmaceuticals
   

3.4

%

 
Amgen Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

3.3

%

 
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

3.1

%

 
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.
Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals
   

3.1

%

 

SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION (% of Net Assets)

As of March 31, 2015
(Unaudited)


5




TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

   

CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED AND WARRANTS

 

SHARES

 

(Restricted) (a) (b) - 5.5% of Net Assets

 

VALUE

 
   

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals - 0.6%

 
 

2,568,939

   

EBI Life Sciences, Inc. Series A (c)

 

$

13,102

   
 

2,862,324

   

Euthymics Biosciences, Inc. Series A (c)

   

1,099,991

   
 

53,948

   

Neurovance, Inc. Series A (c)

   

199,867

   
 

497,639

   

Neurovance, Inc. Series A-1 (c)

   

1,843,653

   
     

3,156,613

   
   

Healthcare Services - 1.5%

 
 

3,589,744

   

PHT Corporation Series D (c)

   

6,102,565

   
 

802,996

   

PHT Corporation Series E (c)

   

1,461,453

   
 

99,455

   

PHT Corporation Series F (c)

   

282,452

   
     

7,846,470

   
   

Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 3.4%

 
 

2,338,198

   

AlterG, Inc. Series C

   

958,661

   
 

79,330

   

CardioKinetix, Inc. Series C

   

1,116,094

   
 

142,574

   

CardioKinetix, Inc. Series D

   

542,779

   
 

439,333

   

CardioKinetix, Inc. Series E

   

1,250,781

   
 

403,207

   

CardioKinetix, Inc. Series F

   

1,377,516

   
 

N/A (d)

    CardioKinetix, Inc. warrants
(expiration 12/11/19)
   

0

   
 

N/A (d)

    CardioKinetix, Inc. warrants
(expiration 6/03/20)
   

0

   
 

8,822

    CardioKinetix, Inc. warrants
(expiration 8/15/24)
   

0

   
 

2,161,090

   

Dynex Technologies, Inc. Series A

   

1,080,545

   
 

98,824

    Dynex Technologies, Inc. warrants
(expiration 4/01/19)
   

0

   
 

7,877

    Dynex Technologies, Inc. warrants
(expiration 5/06/19)
   

0

   
 

3,210,450

   

IlluminOss Medical, Inc. Series C-1

   

1,230,887

   
 

5,126,388

   

Insightra Medical, Inc. Series C (c)

   

2,170,000

   
 

2,446,016

   

Labcyte, Inc. Series C

   

1,743,765

   
 

107,178

   

Labcyte, Inc. Series D

   

88,915

   
 

2,161,090

   

Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. Series A

   

1,480,995

   
 

98,824

    Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. warrants
(expiration 4/01/19)
   

0

   
 

7,877

    Magellan Diagnostics, Inc. warrants
(expiration 5/06/19)
   

0

   
 

9,606,373

   

Palyon Medical Corporation Series A (c)

   

2,046

   
 

18,832,814

   

Palyon Medical Corporation Series B (c)

   

1,318

   
 

N/A (d)

    Palyon Medical Corporation warrants
(expiration 4/26/19) (c)
   

0

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
6



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(continued)

SHARES

 

Medical Devices and Diagnostics - continued

 

VALUE

 
 

43,478

   

TherOx, Inc. Series H

 

$

435

   
 

99,646

   

TherOx, Inc. Series I

   

997

   
 

3,280,000

   

Tibion Corporation Series B

   

0

   
 

N/A (d)

    Tibion Corporation warrants
(expiration 7/12/17)
   

0

   
 

N/A (d)

    Tibion Corporation warrants
(expiration 10/30/17)
   

0

   
 

N/A (d)

    Tibion Corporation warrants
(expiration 11/28/17)
   

0

   
 

2,606,033

   

Veniti, Inc. Series A (c)

   

2,633,396

   
 

1,307,169

   

Veniti, Inc. Series B (c)

   

1,386,253

   
 

716,720

   

Veniti, Inc. Series C (c)

   

819,999

   
     

17,885,382

   
        TOTAL CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED
AND WARRANTS
(Cost $31,410,447)
   

28,888,465

   
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
  CONVERTIBLE AND NON-CONVERTIBLE
NOTES - 2.1%
Convertible Notes - 2.1
 
 
   

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals - 0.6%

 

$

1,485,000

    Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 4.5%,
due 7/15/20
   

2,929,163

   
   

Drug Discovery Technologies - 0.0%

 
 

700,000

   

deCode Genetics, Inc. 3.5%, due 4/15/11 (a) (b)

   

0

   
   

Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 0.1%

 
 

775,000

    Insightra Medical, Inc., 8.00% due 11/1/15
(Restricted) (a) (c)
   

775,000

   
  37,399     Palyon Medical Corporation Promissory Note,
8.00% due 5/15/15 (Restricted) (a) (c)
   

37

   
 

26,005

    Palyon Medical Corporation Promissory Note,
8.00%, due 6/15/15 (Restricted) (a) (c)
   

26

   
 

30,339

    Palyon Medical Corporation Promissory Note,
8.00%, due 7/15/15 (Restricted) (a) (c)
   

30

   
  36,281     Palyon Medical Corporation Promissory Note,
8.00%, due 8/15/15 (Restricted) (a) (c)
   

36

   
     

775,129

   
   

Pharmaceuticals - 1.4%

 
 

1,500,000

    Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2.75%,
due 12/15/18 (g)
   

1,371,562

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
7



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(continued)

PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
 

Pharmaceuticals - continued

 
VALUE
 

$

2,000,000

    Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 7.50%,
due 5/1/19 (g)
 

$

4,826,250

   
 

1,350,000

    TetraLogic Pharmaceuticals Corporation,
8.00%, due 6/15/19 (g)
   

1,191,375

   
     

7,389,187

   
       

TOTAL CONVERTIBLE NOTES

   

11,093,479

   
   

Non-Convertible Notes (Restricted) (a) (b) - 0.0%

 
   

Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 0.0%

 
 

238,286

    Tibion Corporation Non-Cvt.
Promissory Note, 0.00%, due 12/31/18
   

0

   
 

28,211

    Tibion Corporation Non-Cvt.
Promissory Note, 0.00%, due 12/31/18
   

0

   
       

TOTAL NON-CONVERTIBLE NOTES

   

0

   
        TOTAL CONVERTIBLE AND
NON-CONVERTIBLE NOTES
(Cost $8,017,024)
   

11,093,479

   

SHARES

 

COMMON STOCKS AND WARRANTS - 86.4%

     
   

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals - 59.3%

 
 

139,592

   

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (b)

   

4,645,622

   
 

127,799

   

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

22,147,567

   
 

133,553

   

Alkermes plc (b)

   

8,142,726

   
 

75,895

   

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

7,924,956

   
 

107,115

   

Amgen Inc.

   

17,122,333

   
 

60,000

   

Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

1,390,200

   
 

250,000

   

BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (b)

   

2,625,000

   
 

69,082

   

Biogen Inc. (b)

   

29,169,184

   
 

128,432

   

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (b)

   

16,005,196

   
 

54,527

   

bluebird bio, Inc. (b)

   

6,585,226

   
 

436,322

   

Celgene Corporation (b)

   

50,299,200

   
 

4,940

    Celladon Corporation warrants
(Restricted, expiration 10/10/18) (a) (b)
   

69,358

   
 

40,000

   

Cellectis S.A. (b)

   

1,383,600

   
 

1,892

    Ceres, Inc. warrants
(Restricted, expiration 9/05/15) (a) (b)
   

0

   
 

200,000

   

Epizyme, Inc. (b)

   

3,756,000

   
 

69,780

   

Flex Pharma, Inc. (b)

   

1,367,688

   
 

46,000

   

Galapagos NV (b) (f)

   

1,090,346

   
 

443,120

   

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (b)

   

43,483,366

   
 

207,030

   

Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

2,894,279

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
8



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(continued)

SHARES

 

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals - continued

 

VALUE

 
 

176,966

   

Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc. (b)

 

$

5,416,929

   
 

55,717

   

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (b)

   

2,794,208

   
 

12,743

   

MacroGenics, Inc. (b)

   

399,748

   
 

567,787

   

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

6,745,309

   
 

353,475

   

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

5,372,820

   
 

209,316

   

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (b)

   

8,311,938

   
 

113,100

   

OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

243,165

   
 

37,500

    OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. warrants
(Restricted, expiration 10/22/15) (a) (b)
   

0

   
 

40,236

   

Receptos, Inc. (b)

   

6,634,514

   
 

54,522

   

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

24,615,592

   
 

15,000

   

Sage Therapeutics, Inc. (b)

   

753,450

   
 

142,597

   

Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (b)

   

1,648,421

   
 

56,000

   

Synageva BioPharma Corp (b)

   

5,461,680

   
 

544,628

   

Verastem, Inc. (b)

   

5,538,867

   
 

138,157

   

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

16,298,381

   
 

20,000

   

Xencor, Inc. (b)

   

306,400

   
 

13,307

   

Zafgen, Inc. (b)

   

527,090

   
     

311,170,359

   
   

Drug Delivery - 1.2%

 
 

260,583

   

Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (b)

   

3,791,483

   
 

103,333

    Heron Therapeutics, Inc. warrants
(Restricted, expiration 7/01/16) (a) (b)
   

879,367

   
 

571,540

   

IntelliPharmaceutics International Inc. (b) (c)

   

1,594,597

   
 

319,800

    IntelliPharmaceutics International Inc. warrants
(Restricted, expiration 2/01/16) (a) (b) (c)
   

182,286

   
     

6,447,733

   
   

Drug Discovery Technologies - 4.5%

 
 

259,915

   

Incyte Corporation (b)

   

23,823,809

   
   

Generic Pharmaceuticals - 12.1%

 
 

46,815

   

Actavis plc (b)

   

13,933,080

   
 

255,050

   

Akorn, Inc. (b)

   

12,117,425

   
 

99,469

   

Impax Laboratories, Inc. (b)

   

4,662,112

   
 

147,916

   

Mylan NV (b)

   

8,778,815

   
 

18,854

   

Perrigo Company plc (f)

   

3,121,280

   
 

122,850

   

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

2,856,263

   
 

287,318

   

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (e)

   

17,899,911

   
     

63,368,886

   
   

Healthcare Services - 0.1%

 
 

148,148

   

InnovaCare Health, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (b) (g)

   

629,629

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
9



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(continued)

SHARES

 

Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 3.3%

 

VALUE

 
 

144,625

   

Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc. (b)

 

$

3,254,062

   
 

226,902

   

Accuray, Inc. (b)

   

2,110,189

   
 

130,000

   

Cercacor Laboratories, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (b)

   

108,257

   
 

17,668

   

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (b)

   

2,729,353

   
 

47,854

   

Illumina, Inc. (b)

   

8,883,616

   
 

139

   

Songbird Hearing, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (b)

   

93

   
     

17,085,570

   
   

Pharmaceuticals - 5.9%

 
 

58,000

   

Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

5,469,400

   
 

104,773

   

Endo International PLC (b)

   

9,398,138

   
 

232,784

   

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (b)

   

3,724,544

   
 

35,148

   

Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (b)

   

6,073,223

   
 

444,450

   

TherapeuticsMD, Inc. (b)

   

2,688,922

   
 

2,850,811

   

Zogenix, Inc. (b)

   

3,905,611

   
     

31,259,838

   
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
AND WARRANTS
(Cost $231,792,783)
   

453,785,824

   
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS BEFORE
MILESTONE INTERESTS - 94.0%
(Cost $271,220,254)
   

493,767,768

   

INTEREST

 

MILESTONE INTEREST (Restricted) (a) (b) - 0.0%

     
   

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals - 0.0%

 
 

1

   

Targegen Milestone Interest

   

0

   
        TOTAL MILESTONE INTEREST
(Cost $2,962,363)
   

0

   
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 94.0%
(Cost $274,182,617)
   

493,767,768

   
        OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS
OF LIABILITIES - 6.0%
   

31,307,284

   
       

NET ASSETS - 100%

 

$

525,075,052

   

(a)  Security fair valued. See Investment Valuation and Fair Value Measurments.

(b)  Non-income producing security.

(c)  Affiliated issuers in which the Fund holds 5% or more of the voting securities (total market value of $20,568,107).

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
10



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(continued)

(d)  Number of warrants to be determined at a future date.

(e)  American Depository Receipt

(f)  Foreign security.

(g)  Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
11




TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

ASSETS:

 
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value
(cost $250,812,372)
 

$

473,199,661

   
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value
(cost $20,407,882)
   

20,568,107

   

Milestone interest, at value (cost $2,962,363)

   

0

   

Total Investments

   

493,767,768

   

Cash

   

35,747,022

   

Dividends and interest receivable

   

142,454

   

Receivable for investments sold

   

2,812,301

   

Prepaid expenses

   

41,428

   

Other assets (see Note 1)

   

115,527

   

Total assets

   

532,626,500

   

LIABILITIES:

 

Payable for investments purchased

   

6,858,230

   

Accrued advisory fee

   

414,811

   

Accrued shareholder reporting fees

   

38,209

   

Accrued trustee fees

   

9,830

   

Accrued other

   

230,368

   

Total liabilities

   

7,551,448

   

Commitments and Contingencies (see Notes 1 and 5)

     

NET ASSETS

 

$

525,075,052

   

SOURCES OF NET ASSETS:

 
Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per
share, unlimited number of shares authorized,
amount paid in on 19,321,063 shares issued and
outstanding
 

$

271,399,624

   

Accumulated net investment loss

   

(5,236,932

)

 
Accumulated net realized gain on investments,
milestone interest and foreign currencies
   

39,327,209

   
Net unrealized gain on investments and
milestone interest
   

219,585,151

   
Total net assets (equivalent to $27.18 per share
based on 19,321,063 shares outstanding)
 

$

525,075,052

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
12



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME:

 

Dividend income (net of foreign tax of $20,365)

 

$

269,699

   

Interest and other income

   

218,101

   

Total investment income

   

487,800

   

EXPENSES:

 

Advisory fees

   

2,506,496

   

Legal fees

   

126,532

   

Trustees' fees and expenses

   

91,311

   

Administration and auditing fees

   

90,529

   

Custodian fees

   

44,674

   

Shareholder reporting

   

43,902

   

Transfer agent fees

   

27,819

   

Other (see Note 2)

   

73,046

   

Total expenses

   

3,004,309

   

Less: Management fee waiver (see Note 2)

   

(133,509

)

 

Net expenses

   

2,870,800

   

Net investment loss

   

(2,383,000

)

 

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):

 

Net realized gain (loss) on:

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

   

42,539,053

   

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

1,033

   

Foreign currency transactions

   

7,512

   

Net realized gain

   

42,547,598

   

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

 

Investments in unaffiliated issuers

   

51,834,007

   

Investments in affiliated issuers

   

(943,752

)

 

Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

   

50,890,255

   

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

   

93,437,853

   
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations
 

$

91,054,853

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
13



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    Six months ended
March 31, 2015
(Unaudited)
  Year ended
September 30,
2014
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN
NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS:
 

Net investment loss

 

($

2,383,000

)

 

($

3,765,777

)

 

Net realized gain

   

42,547,598

     

29,303,846

   

Change in net unrealized appreciation

   

50,890,255

     

63,729,188

   
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations
   

91,054,853

     

89,267,257

   
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
FROM:
 

Net realized capital gains

   

(18,514,317

)

   

(27,402,925

)

 

Total distributions

   

(18,514,317

)

   

(27,402,925

)

 

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

 
Reinvestment of distributions
(315,157 and 626,859 shares,
respectively)
   

8,447,300

     

13,439,253

   
Net Proceeds of shares issued in
connection with the Fund's rights
offering (0 and 3,384,155 shares,
respectively)
   

     

66,494,456

   

Total capital share transactions

   

8,447,300

     

79,933,709

   

Net increase in net assets

   

80,987,836

     

141,798,041

   

NET ASSETS:

 

Beginning of period

   

444,087,216

     

302,289,175

   

End of period

 

$

525,075,052

   

$

444,087,216

   
Accumulated net investment
loss included in net assets at
end of period
 

($

5,236,932

)

 

($

2,853,932

) (a)

 

(a)  Reflects reclassifications to the Fund's capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution under income tax regulations.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
14



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

Purchases of portfolio securities

 

($

86,707,324

)

 

Net maturities of short-term investments

   

4,132,000

   

Sales of portfolio securities

   

130,369,231

   

Interest income received

   

193,820

   

Dividend income received

   

277,726

   

Other operating receipts (expenses paid)

   

(2,453,755

)

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

   

45,811,698

   

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

Cash distributions paid

   

(10,067,017

)

 

Net cash used for financing activities

   

(10,067,017

)

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH

   

35,744,681

   

CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD

   

2,341

   

CASH AT END OF PERIOD

 

$

35,747,022

   
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS TO NET CASH
PROVIDED FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 

Net increase in net assets resulting from operations

 

$

91,054,853

   

Purchases of portfolio securities

   

(86,707,324

)

 

Net maturities of short-term investments

   

4,132,000

   

Sales of portfolio securities

   

130,369,231

   
Net realized gain on investments and foreign
currencies
   

(42,547,598

)

 
Increase in net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) on investments
   

(50,890,255

)

 

Increase in dividends and interest receivable

   

(16,254

)

 

Increase in accrued expenses

   

79,284

   

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets

   

337,761

   

Net cash provided from operating activities

 

$

45,811,698

   

Noncash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvested distributions to shareholders of $8,447,300.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
15




TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    Six months
ended
March 31, 2015
 

Years ended September 30,

 
   

(Unaudited)

 

2014

 

2013

 

2012

 

2011

 

2010

 
OPERATING PERFORMANCE FOR A SHARE
OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
Net asset value per share,
Beginning of period
 

$

23.37

   

$

20.16

   

$

15.74

   

$

11.70

   

$

11.51

   

$

11.32

   

Net investment loss (1)

   

(0.12

)

   

(0.23

)

   

(0.22

)

   

(0.09

)(2)

   

(0.19

)(3)

   

(0.09

)(4)

 
Net realized and
unrealized gain
   

4.90

     

5.71

     

5.94

     

5.54

     

1.26

     

0.53

   
Total increase (decrease)
from investment
operations
   

4.78

     

5.48

     

5.72

     

5.45

     

1.07

     

0.44

   

Distributions to shareholders from:

 

Net realized capital gains

   

(0.97

)

   

(1.70

)

   

(1.30

)

   

(1.49

)

   

(1.01

)

   

(0.29

)

 

Total distributions

   

(0.97

)

   

(1.70

)

   

(1.30

)

   

(1.49

)

   

(1.01

)

   

(0.29

)

 
Increase resulting from
shares repurchased
   

     

     

     

0.08

     

0.13

     

0.04

   

Change due to rights offering

   

     

(0.57

)(5)

   

     

     

     

   
Net asset value per share,
end of period
 

$

27.18

   

$

23.37

   

$

20.16

   

$

15.74

   

$

11.70

   

$

11.51

   
Per share market value,
end of period
 

$

27.57

   

$

22.10

   

$

19.25

   

$

15.39

   

$

10.46

   

$

9.59

   
Total investment return
at market value
   

29.31

%*

   

24.20

%

   

34.96

%

   

64.66

%

   

19.15

%

   

7.05

%

 
Total investment return at
net asset value
   

20.55

%*

   

25.40

%

   

38.19

%

   

50.56

%

   

11.05

%

   

4.76

%

 

RATIOS

 

Expenses to average net assets

   

1.24

%**

   

1.34

%

   

1.47

%

   

1.72

%

   

1.77

%

   

1.52

%

 
Expenses to average net assets
with waiver
   

1.18

%**

   

1.32

%

   

     

     

     

   
Net investment loss to average
net assets
   

(0.98

%)**

   

(1.07

%)

   

(1.26

%)

   

(0.64

%)(2)

   

(1.54

%)(3)

   

(0.79

%)(4)

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

 
Net assets at end of period
(in millions)
 

$

525

   

$

444

   

$

302

   

$

227

   

$

171

   

$

251

   

Portfolio turnover rate

   

17.97

%*

   

30.62

%

   

42.23

%

   

77.70

%

   

93.57

%

   

57.45

%

 

*  Not Annualized.

**  Annualized.

(1)  Computed using average shares outstanding.

(2)  Includes special dividends from three issuers in the aggregate amount of $0.13 per share. Excluding the special dividends, the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets would have been (1.58%).

(3)  Includes a special dividend from an issuer in the amount of $0.02 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets would have been (1.66%).

(4)  Includes a special dividend from an issuer in the amount of $0.06 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets would have been (1.28%).

(5)  See Note 1. The rights offering shares were issued at a subscription price of $19.750 which was less than the fund NAV of $22.78 on June 27, 2014 thus creating a dilution effect on the NAV.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
16




TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

(1)  Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Tekla Life Sciences Investors (the Fund) is a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is long-term capital appreciation through investment in companies in the life sciences industry (including biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, managed healthcare and medical equipment, hospitals, healthcare information technology and services, devices and supplies), agriculture and environmental management. The Fund invests primarily in securities of public and private companies that are believed by the Fund's Investment Adviser, Tekla Capital Management LLC (the Adviser), to have significant potential for above-average growth. Effective October 15, 2014, the name of the Fund changed from H&Q Life Sciences Investors to Tekla Life Sciences Investors.

The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of certain estimates by management in determining the Fund's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates and such differences could be material. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund, which are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Events or transactions occurring after March 31, 2015, through the date that the financial statements were issued, have been evaluated in the preparation of these financial statements.

Investment Valuation

Shares of publicly traded companies listed on national securities exchanges or trading in the over-the-counter market are typically valued at the last sale price, as of the close of trading, generally 4 p.m., Eastern time. The Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Trustees") have established and approved fair valuation policies and procedures with respect to securities for which quoted prices may not be available or which do not reflect fair value. Shares of publicly traded companies for which market quotations are not readily available, such as stocks for which trading has been halted or for which there are no current day sales, or whose quoted price may otherwise not reflect fair value, are valued in good faith by the Adviser using a fair value process pursuant to policies and procedures approved by the Trustees described below. Restricted securities of companies that are publicly traded are typically valued based on the closing market quote on the valuation date adjusted for the impact of the restriction as determined in good faith by the Adviser also using fair valuation policies and procedures approved by the Trustees described below. Non-exchange traded warrants of publicly traded companies are typically valued using the Black-Scholes model, which incorporates both observable and unobservable inputs. Short-term investments with a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Convertible preferred shares, warrants or convertible note interests in private companies, milestone interests, other restricted securities, as well as shares of publicly traded companies for which market quotations are not available or which do not reflect fair value, are typically valued in good faith, based upon the recommendations made by the Adviser pursuant to fair valuation policies and procedures approved by the Trustees. The Adviser has a Valuation Sub-Committee comprised of senior management which reports to the Valuation Committee of the Board at least quarterly. Each fair value determination is based on a consideration of relevant factors, including both observable and unobservable inputs. Observable and unobservable inputs the Adviser considers may include (i) the existence of any contractual restrictions on the disposition of securities; (ii) information obtained from the company, which may include an analysis of the company's financial statements, the company's products or intended


17



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

markets or the company's technologies; (iii) the price of the same or similar security negotiated at arm's length in an issuer's completed subsequent round of financing; (iv) the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; or (v) a probability and time value adjusted analysis of contractual term. Where available and appropriate, multiple valuation methodologies are applied to confirm fair value. Significant unobservable inputs identified by the Adviser are often used in the fair value determination. A significant change in any of these inputs may result in a significant change in the fair value measurement. Due to the uncertainty inherent in the valuation process, such estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and differences could be material. Additionally, changes in the market environment and other events that may occur over the life of the investments may cause the gains or losses ultimately realized on these investments to be different from the valuations used at the date of these financial statements.

Options on Securities

An option contract is a contract in which the writer (seller) of the option grants the buyer of the option, upon payment of a premium, the right to purchase from (call option) or sell to (put option) the writer a designated instrument at a specified price within a specified period of time. Certain options, including options on indices, will require cash settlement by the Fund if the option is exercised. The Fund enters into option contracts in order to hedge against potential adverse price movements in the value of portfolio assets, as a temporary substitute for selling selected investments to lock in the purchase price of a security or currency which it expects to purchase in the near future as a temporary substitute for purchasing selected investments, or to enhance potential gain.

The Fund's obligation under an exchange traded written option or investment in an exchange-traded purchased option is valued at the last sale price or in the absence of a sale, the mean between the closing bid and asked prices. Gain or loss is recognized when the option contract expires, is exercised or is closed.

If the Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund foregoes, in exchange for the premium, the opportunity to profit during the option period from an increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price. If the Fund writes a put option it accepts the risk of a decline in the market value of the underlying security below the exercise price. Over-the-counter options have the risk of the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts. The Fund's maximum exposure to purchased options is limited to the premium initially paid. In addition, certain risks may arise upon entering into option contracts including the risk that an illiquid secondary market will limit the Fund's ability to close out an option contract prior to the expiration date and that a change in the value of the option contract may not correlate exactly with changes in the value of the securities or currencies hedged.

All options on securities and securities indices written by the Fund are required to be covered. When the Fund writes a call option, this means that during the life of the option the Fund may own or have the contractual right to acquire the securities subject to the option or may maintain with the Fund's custodian in a segregated account appropriate liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities underlying the option. When the Fund writes a put option, this means that the Fund will maintain with the Fund's custodian in a segregated account appropriate liquid securities in an amount at least equal to the exercise


18



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

price of the option. The Fund may use option contracts to gain or hedge exposure to financial market risk.

Milestone Interest

The Fund holds a financial instrument which reflects the current value of future milestone payments the Fund may receive as a result of contractual obligations from other parties. The value of such payments are adjusted to reflect the estimated risk based on the relative uncertainty of both the timing and the achievement of individual milestones. A risk to the Fund is that the milestone will not be achieved and no payment will be received by the Fund. The milestone interest was received as part of the proceeds from the sale of one private company. Any payments received are treated as a reduction of the cost basis of the milestone interest with payments received in excess of the cost basis treated as a realized gain. The contractual obligations with respect to the TargeGen Milestone Interest provide for payments at various stages of the development of TargeGen's principal product candidate as of the date of the sale.

The following is a summary of the impact of the milestone interest on the financial statements as of and for the six months ended March 31, 2015:

Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Milestone interest, at value

 

$

0

   
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, Net unrealized gain (loss) on
investments and milestone interest
 

($

2,962,363

)

 
Statement of Operations, Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
on milestone interest
 

$

0

   

Other Assets

Other assets in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities consists of amounts due to the Fund at various times in the future in connection with the sale of investments in five private companies.

Investment Transactions and Income

Investment transactions are recorded on a trade date basis. Gains and losses from sales of investments are recorded using the "identified cost" method. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date, less any foreign taxes withheld. Upon notification from issuers, some of the dividend income received may be redesignated as a reduction of cost of the related investment if it represents a return of capital.

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (other than short-term investments) for the six months ended March 31, 2015 totaled $83,940,781 and $119,211,062, respectively.

Repurchase Agreements

In managing short-term investments the Fund may from time to time enter into transactions in repurchase agreements. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund's custodian takes possession of the underlying collateral securities from the counterparty, the market value of which is at least equal to the principal, including accrued interest, of the repurchase transaction at all times. In the event of default or bankruptcy by the other party to the agreement, realization and/or retention of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed.


19



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

Distribution Policy

Pursuant to a Securities and Exchange Commission exemptive order, the Fund may make periodic distributions that include capital gains as frequently as 12 times in any one taxable year in respect of its common shares, and the Fund has implemented a managed distribution policy (the Policy) providing for quarterly distributions at a rate set by the Board of Trustees. Under the current Policy, the Fund intends to make quarterly distributions at a rate of 2% of the Fund's net assets to shareholders of record. The Fund intends to use net realized capital gains when making quarterly distributions, if available, but the Policy would result in a return of capital to shareholders if the amount of the distribution exceeds the Fund's net investment income and realized capital gains. If taxable income and net long-term realized gains exceed the amount required to be distributed under the Policy, the Fund will at a minimum make distributions necessary to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The Policy has been established by the Trustees and may be changed by them without shareholder approval. The Trustees regularly review the Policy and the frequency and rate of distribution considering the purpose and effect of the Policy, the financial market environment, and the Fund's income, capital gains and capital available to pay distributions. The Trustees initially adopted a distribution policy in May, 1999, and since then the Fund has made quarterly distributions at a rate of 2.00% of the Fund's net assets, except for the periods from August 4, 2009, to April 5, 2010 (during which distributions were suspended) and from April 5, 2010, to November 1, 2010 (during which the Fund made distributions at a rate of l.25% of the Fund's net assets).

The Fund's policy is to declare quarterly distributions in stock. The distributions are automatically paid in newly-issued full shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Fractional shares will generally be settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts of the Fund's transfer agent who will have whole and fractional shares added to their accounts. The Fund's transfer agent delivers an election card and instructions to each registered shareholder in connection with each distribution. The number of shares issued will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the lower of net asset value or market price on the pricing date. If a shareholder elects to receive a distribution in cash, rather than in shares, the shareholder's relative ownership in the Fund will be reduced. The shares reinvested will be valued at the lower of the net asset value or market price on the pricing date. Distributions in stock will not relieve shareholders of any federal, state or local income taxes that may be payable on such distributions. Additional distributions, if any, made to satisfy requirements of the Internal Revenue Code may be paid in stock, as described above, or in cash.

Share Repurchase Program

In March 2015, the Trustees approved the renewal of the repurchase program to allow the Fund to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares in the open market for a one year period beginning July 11, 2015. Prior to this renewal, in March 2014, the Trustees approved the renewal of the share repurchase program to allow the Fund to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one year period beginning July 11, 2014. The share repurchase program is intended to enhance shareholder value and potentially reduce the discount between the market price of the Fund's shares and the Fund's net asset value.

During the six months ended March 31, 2015, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through the repurchase program.


20



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

During the year ended September 30, 2014, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through the repurchase program.

Rights Offering

On June 27, 2014, the Fund issued 3,384,276 common shares in connection with a rights offering of the Fund's shares. Shareholders of record on May 30, 2014 were issued one non-transferable right for each share held on that date. The rights entitled the shareholder to purchase one new common share for every three rights held. These shares were issued at a subscription price of $19.750. Proceeds to the Fund were $66,839,451 after deducting the rights offering costs of $344,995.

Federal Taxes

It is the Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute to its shareholders substantially all of its taxable income and its net realized capital gains, if any. Therefore, no Federal income or excise tax provision is required.

As of March 31, 2015, the Fund had no uncertain tax positions that would require financial statement recognition or disclosure. The Fund's federal tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for a period of three years.

Distributions

The Fund records all distributions to shareholders on the ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in conformity with income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences include temporary and permanent differences from losses on wash sale transactions, installment sale adjustments and ordinary loss netting to reduce short term capital gains. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution under income tax regulations.

Statement of Cash Flows

The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is the amount included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities and represents cash on hand at March 31, 2015.

Commitments and Contingencies

Under the Fund's organizational documents, its officers and Trustees may be indemnified against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into agreements with service providers that may contain indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.

(2)  Investment Advisory and Other Affiliated Fees

The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with the Adviser. Pursuant to the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee at the rate when annualized of (i) 2.50% of the average net assets for the month of its venture capital and other restricted securities up to 25% of net assets and (ii) for all other net assets, 0.98% of the average net assets up to $250 million, 0.88% of the average net assets for the next $250 million, 0.80% of the average net assets for the next $500 million and 0.70%


21



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

of the average net assets thereafter. The aggregate fee would not exceed a rate when annualized of 1.36%.

The adviser has contractually agreed to waiver a portion of management fees for a one-year period following the completion of the rights offering. During the one-year period ended June 27, 2015, the Adviser will waive its fees such that the Fund will pay a monthly fee at the rate when annualized of (i) 2.50% of the average net assets for the month of its venture capital and other restricted securities up to 25% of net assets and (ii) for all other net assets, 0.98% of the average net assets up to $250 million, 0.75% of the average net assets for the next $250 million, 0.75% of the average net assets for the next $500 million and 0.70% of the average net assets thereafter.

The Fund has entered into a Services Agreement (the Agreement) with the Adviser. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Fund reimburses the Adviser for certain services related to a portion of the payment of salary and provision of benefits to the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer. During the six months ended March 31, 2015, these payments amounted to $21,958 and are included in the other category in the Statement of Operations, together with insurance and other expenses incurred to unaffiliated entities. Expenses incurred pursuant to the Agreement as well as certain expenses paid for by the Adviser are allocated to the Fund in an equitable fashion as approved by the Trustees of the Fund.

The Fund pays compensation to Independent Trustees in the form of a retainer, attendance fees, and additional compensation to Board and Committee chairpersons. The Fund does not pay compensation directly to Trustees or officers of the Fund who are also officers of the Adviser.

(3)  Other Transactions with Affiliates

An affiliate company is a company in which the Fund holds 5% or more of the voting securities. Transactions with such companies during the six months ended March 31, 2015 were as follows:

Issuer

  Value on
September 30, 2014
 

Purchases

 

Sales

 

Income

  Value on
March 31, 2015
 

EBI Life Sciences, Inc.

 

$

13,102

               

$

13,102

   

Euthymics Biosciences, Inc.

   

1,099,991

                 

1,099,991

   

Insightra Medical, Inc.

   

2,170,000

   

$

775,000

             

2,945,000

   
IntelliPharmaceutics
International Inc.
   

1,937,349

     

   

$

11,357

         

1,776,883

   

Neurovance, Inc.

   

1,500,553

     

543,714

     

         

2,043,520

   

Palyon Medical Corporation

   

663,105

     

130,024

     

         

3,493

   

PHT Corporation

   

7,846,470

     

     

         

7,846,470

   

Veniti, Inc.

   

4,019,649

     

819,999

     

         

4,839,648

   
   

$

19,250,219

   

$

2,268,737

   

$

11,357

   

$

0

   

$

20,568,107

   


22



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

(4)  Fair Value Measurements

The Fund uses a three-tier hierarchy to prioritize the assumptions, referred to as inputs, used in valuation techniques to measure fair value. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical investments. Level 2 includes prices determined using other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 includes prices determined using significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). These inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of March 31, 2015 to value the Fund's net assets. For the six months ended March 31, 2015, there were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2. The Fund accounts for transfers between levels at the beginning of the period.

Assets at Value

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Convertible Preferred and Warrants

 

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals

         

$

3,156,613

   

$

3,156,613

   

Healthcare Services

           

7,846,470

     

7,846,470

   

Medical Devices and Diagnostics

           

17,885,382

     

17,885,382

   

Convertible Non-Convertible Notes

 

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals

     

$

2,929,163

     

     

2,929,163

   

Drug Discovery Technologies

       

     

0

     

0

   

Medical Devices and Diagnostics

       

     

775,129

     

775,129

   

Pharmaceuticals

       

7,389,187

     

     

7,389,187

   

Common Stocks and Warrants

 

Biotechnologies/Biopharmaceuticals

 

$

311,101,001

     

     

69,358

     

311,170,359

   

Drug Delivery

   

5,386,080

     

     

1,061,653

     

6,447,733

   

Drug Discovery Technologies

   

23,823,809

     

     

     

23,823,809

   

Generic Pharmaceuticals

   

63,368,886

     

     

     

63,368,886

   

Healthcare Services

   

     

     

629,629

     

629,629

   

Medical Devices and Diagnostics

   

16,977,220

     

     

108,350

     

17,085,570

   

Pharmaceuticals

   

31,259,838

     

     

     

31,259,838

   

Other Assets

   

     

     

115,527

     

115,527

   

Total

 

$

451,916,834

   

$

10,318,350

   

$

31,648,111

   

$

493,883,295

   


23



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.

Level 3 Assets

  Balance as of
September 30,
2014
  Net realized
gain (loss)
and change
in unrealized
appreciation
(depreciation)
  Cost of
purchases
and
conversions
  Proceeds
from
sales and
conversions
  Net
transfers
in
(out of)
Level 3
  Balance as of
March 31,
2015
 
Convertible Preferred
and Warrants
 
Biotechnologies/
Biopharmaceuticals
 

$

2,613,646

   

$

(2,641

)

 

$

545,608

   

 

  $    

$

3,156,613

   

Healthcare Services

   

7,846,470

     

     

             

7,846,470

   
Medical Devices and
Diagnostics
   

16,119,664

     

(661,233

)

   

2,426,951

             

17,885,382

   
Convertible and
Non-Convertible
Notes
 
Drug Discovery
Technologies
   

     

     

       

   

0

   
Medical Devices and
Diagnostics
   

251,153

     

(129,896

)

   

905,026

   

$

(251,154

)

       

775,129

   
Common Stocks
and Warrants
 
Biotechnologies/
Biopharmaceuticals
   

25,046

     

44,311

     

1

     

         

69,358

   

Drug Delivery

   

632,059

     

429,594

     

     

         

1,061,653

   
Drug Discovery
Technologies
   

11

     

(11

)

   

     

         

   

Healthcare Services

   

777,777

     

(148,379

)

   

231

     

         

629,629

   
Medical Devices
and Diagnostics
   

76,069

     

32,281

     

     

         

108,350

   

Other Assets

   

468,897

     

     

4,965

     

(358,336

)

       

115,527

   

Total

 

$

28,810,792

   

($

435,974

)

 

$

3,882,782

   

($

609,488

)

 

$

0

   

$

31,648,111

   
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from
investments still held as of March 31, 2015
 

($

435,965

)

 

The following is a quantitative disclosure about significant unobservable inputs used in the determination of the fair value of Level 3 assets.

    Fair Value at
3/31/2015
 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

  Range
(Weighted
Average)
 
Private Companies and Other
Restricted Securities
   

1,239,268

   

Public market price

 

None

 

N/A

 

  19,496,828
  Adjusted Capital asset
pricing model
  Discount Rate
 
  14%-39%
(21.57%)
 
            Price to sales multiple
 
  1.7-4.8
(2.7)
 

   

10,794,963

   

Independent valuation

 

None

 

N/A

 

  117,052
  Probability adjusted
value
  Probability of events
 
  20%-100%
(26.22%)
 
            Timing of events
 
  0-2.83
(1.97) years
 
   

$

31,648,111

               


24



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

(5)  Private Companies and Other Restricted Securities

The Fund may invest in private companies and other restricted securities if these securities would currently comprise 40% or less of net assets. The value of these securities represents 3% of the Fund's net assets at March 31, 2015.

At March 31, 2015, the Fund had commitments of $319,114 relating to additional investments in one private company.

The following table details the acquisition date, cost, carrying value per unit, and value of the Fund's private companies and other restricted securities at March 31, 2015. The Fund on its own does not have the right to demand that such securities be registered.

Security (#)

  Acquisition
Date
 

Cost

  Carrying Value
per Unit
 

Value

 

AlterG, Inc.

 

Series C Cvt. Pfd

 

4/12/13

 

$

1,427,310

   

$

0.41

   

$

958,661

   

CardioKinetix, Inc.

 

Series C Cvt. Pfd

 

5/22/08

   

1,653,315

     

14.07

     

1,116,094

   

Series D Cvt. Pfd

 

12/10/10

   

545,940

     

3.81

     

542,779

   

Series E Cvt. Pfd

 

9/14/11

   

1,253,611

     

2.85

     

1,250,781

   

Series F Cvt. Pfd

 

12/04/14

   

1,377,518

     

3.42

     

1,377,516

   

Warrants (expiration 12/11/19)

 

12/10/09, 2/11/10

   

123

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 6/03/20)

 

6/03/10, 9/01/10

   

123

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 8/15/24)

 

8/15/14

   

126

     

0.00

     

0

   

Celladon Corporation

 

Warrants (expiration 10/10/18)

 

10/10/13

   

65

     

14.04

     

69,358

   

Cercacor Laboratories, Inc. Common

 

3/31/98

   

0

     

0.83

     

108,257

   

Ceres, Inc.

 

Warrants (expiration 9/05/15)

 

9/05/07

   

20

     

0.00

     

0

   

Dynex Technologies, Inc.

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

1/03/12††

   

199,963

     

0.50

     

1,080,545

   

Warrants (expiration 4/01/19)

 

1/03/12††

   

60

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 5/06/19)

 

1/03/12††

   

5

     

0.00

     

0

   

EBI Life Sciences, Inc.

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

12/29/11††

   

13,597

     

0.01

     

13,102

   

Euthymics Biosciences, Inc.

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

7/14/10 - 5/21/12

   

2,635,558

     

0.38

     

1,099,991

   

Heron Therapeutics, Inc.

 

Warrants (expiration 7/01/16)

 

6/30/11

   

555

     

8.51

     

879,367

   

IlluminOss Medical, Inc.

 

Series C-1 Cvt. Pfd

 

9/26/12 - 6/13/14

   

1,231,368

     

0.38

     

1,230,887

   

InnovaCare Health, Inc.

 

Common

 

12/21/12††

   

643,527

     

4.25

     

629,629

   

Insightra Medical, Inc.

 

Series C Cvt. Pfd

 

4/29/13

   

2,173,707

     

0.42

     

2,170,000

   

Cvt. Promissory Note

 

12/8/14

   

775,000

     

100.00

     

775,000

   

IntelliPharmaceutics International Inc.

 

Warrants (expiration 2/01/16)

 

1/31/11

   

115

     

0.57

     

182,286

   

Labcyte, Inc.

 

Series C Cvt. Pfd

 

7/18/05

   

1,283,959

     

0.71

     

1,743,765

   

Series D Cvt. Pfd

 

12/21/12

   

68,608

     

0.83

     

88,915

   


25



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2015

(continued)

Security (#)

  Acquisition
Date
 

Cost

  Carrying Value
per Unit
 

Value

 

Magellan Diagnostics, Inc.

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

11/28/06 - 10/01/09

 

$

1,010,827

   

$

0.69

   

$

1,480,995

   

Warrants (expiration 4/01/19)

 

4/03/09

   

358

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 5/06/19)

 

5/12/09

   

28

     

0.00

     

0

   

Neurovance, Inc.

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

12/29/11††

   

203,613

     

3.70

     

199,867

   

Series A-1 Cvt. Pfd

 

10/11/12 - 10/10/13

   

1,849,481

     

3.70

     

1,843,653

   

OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

 

Warrants (expiration 10/22/15)

 

10/22/10

   

0

     

0.00

     

0

   

Palyon Medical Corporation

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

4/28/09

   

2,070,040

     

0.00

   

2,046

   

Series B Cvt. Pfd

 

6/28/13

   

1,314,671

     

0.00

   

1,318

   

Cvt. Promissory Note

 

11/13/14

   

37,401

     

0.10

     

37

   

Cvt. Promissory Note

 

12/17/14

   

26,005

     

0.10

     

26

   

Cvt. Promissory Note

 

1/22/15

   

30,339

     

0.10

     

30

   

Cvt. Promissory Note

 

2/17/15

   

36,282

     

0.10

     

36

   

Warrants (expiration 4/26/19)

 

4/25/12

   

21

     

0.00

     

0

   

PHT Corporation

 

Series D Cvt. Pfd

 

7/23/01

   

2,804,181

     

1.70

     

6,102,565

   

Series E Cvt. Pfd

 

9/12/03 - 10/19/04

   

627,548

     

1.82

     

1,461,453

   

Series F Cvt. Pfd

 

7/21/08

   

81,729

     

2.84

     

282,452

   

Songbird Hearing, Inc. Common

 

12/14/00

   

2,003,239

     

0.67

     

93

   

Targegen Milestone Interest

 

7/20/10

   

2,962,363

     

0.00

     

0

   

TherOx, Inc.

 

Series H Cvt. Pfd

 

9/11/00 - 8/21/07

   

2,001,787

     

0.01

     

435

   

Series I Cvt. Pfd

 

7/08/05

   

386,639

     

0.01

     

997

   

Tibion Corporation

 

Series B Cvt. Pfd

 

2/23/11

   

905,158

     

0.00

     

0

   

Non-Cvt. Promissory Note

 

7/12/12

   

238,513

     

0.00

     

0

   

Non-Cvt. Promissory Note

 

4/12/13

   

28,212

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 7/12/17)

 

7/12/12

   

0

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 10/30/17)

 

10/30/12

   

0

     

0.00

     

0

   

Warrants (expiration 11/28/17)

 

11/28/12

   

0

     

0.00

     

0

   

Veniti, Inc.

 

Series A Cvt. Pfd

 

2/28/11

   

2,272,029

     

1.01

     

2,633,396

   

Series B Cvt. Pfd

 

5/24/13

   

1,197,448

     

1.06

     

1,386,253

   

Series C Cvt. Pfd

 

12/12/14

   

819,999

     

1.14

     

819,999

   
       

$

38,192,084

       

$

31,532,584

   

  (#)  See Schedule of Investments and corresponding footnotes for more information on each issuer.

  †  Carrying value per unit is greater than $0.00 but less than $0.01

  ††  Interest received as part of a corporate action for a previously owned security.


26




TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT APPROVAL

The Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) between the Fund and the Adviser provides that the Advisory Agreement will continue in effect so long as its continuance is approved at least annually by (i) the Trustees of the Fund or the shareholders by affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares and (ii) a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are not interested persons (the Independent Trustees), by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.

After considering the matter in meetings held on March 19 and May 18, 2015, the Board, and the Independent Trustees voting separately, determined that the terms of the Advisory Agreement are fair and reasonable and approved the continuance of the Advisory Agreement as being in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. In making its determination, the Board considered materials that were specifically prepared by the Adviser at the request of the Board and Fund counsel for purposes of the contract review process, including comparisons of (i) the Fund's performance to its benchmark, the NASDAQ Biotech Index (NBI), and to other investment companies, (ii) the Fund's expenses and expense ratios to those of a peer group of other investment companies, and (iii) the Adviser's profitability with respect to its services for the Fund to the profitability of other investment advisers. The Trustees took into account that the Adviser presently provides investment management services only to the Fund and to Tekla Healthcare Investors and Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund and does not derive any benefit from its relationship with the Fund other than receipt of advisory fees pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The Board also received and reviewed information throughout the year about the portfolio performance, the investment strategy, the portfolio management team and the fees and expenses of the Fund.

In approving the Advisory Agreement, the Board considered, among other things, the nature, extent, and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser, the investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser, the costs of services provided and profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates, and whether fee levels reflect economies of scale for the benefit of Fund shareholders and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows. The Board reviewed information about the foregoing factors and considered changes, if any, in such information since its previous approval. The Board also evaluated the financial strength of the Adviser and the capability of the personnel of the Adviser, specifically the strength and background of its investment analysts. Fund counsel provided the Board with the statutory and regulatory requirements for approval and disclosure of investment advisory agreements. The Board, including the Independent Trustees, evaluated all of the foregoing and, considering all factors together, determined in the exercise of its business judgment that the continuance of the Advisory Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders. The following provides more detail on certain factors considered by the Trustees and the Board's conclusions with respect to each such factor.

The nature, extent and quality of the services to be provided by the Adviser. On a regular basis the Board considers the roles and responsibilities of the Adviser as a whole, along with specific portfolio management, support and trading functions the Adviser provides to the Fund. The Trustees considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser to the Fund. The Trustees continue to be satisfied with the quality and value of the investment advisory services provided to the Fund by the Adviser, and, in particular, the management style and discipline followed by the Adviser and the quality of the Adviser's research, trading, portfolio management, compliance and administrative personnel. The Trustees also took into account the Adviser's significant enhancements to its infrastructure, including enhancements in number, experience and qualifications of its investment team in order to meet the future demands of the Fund (and Tekla Healthcare Investors and Tekla Healthcare Opportunities Fund) for investment management services.


27



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT APPROVAL

(continued)

The investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser. On a regular basis the Board reviews performance information for the Fund and discusses the Fund's investment strategy with the Adviser. The Trustees reviewed performance information for the Fund for the current fiscal year to date and over the past one-, two-, three-, four-, five-, six-, seven-, eight-, nine-, and ten-year periods; comparisons of the Fund's performance to its benchmark, the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (the NBI), the S&P 500 Index, the S&P 1500 Healthcare Index, and other investment companies; and information relating to the performance of the Fund's venture capital portfolio. The Trustees continue to be satisfied with the investment performance of the Fund and the Adviser. Although the NBI's performance generally exceeded the Fund's returns by net asset value and stock price over the reported periods, the returns by net asset value and by stock price of the Fund (including venture capital investments) were comparable to the performance of the NBI over the reported periods, considering that the NBI includes only public companies. In addition, the Fund's returns by NAV and by stock price generally met or exceeded the performance of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 1500 Healthcare Index for the reported periods, and the Fund's performance compares well to a peer group of 34 healthcare funds for the reported periods.

The costs of services to be provided and profits to be realized by the Adviser from its relationship with the Fund. The Trustees considered the various services provided by the Adviser to the Fund and reviewed comparative information regarding the expenses and expense ratios of the Fund and a peer group of other investment companies. The Trustees noted that the Adviser's fees are within the range of fees presented in the comparative information and noted that a portion of the Fund's investment portfolio is invested in venture and restricted securities, a portfolio management service that can warrant higher management fees than those charged by the Adviser pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The Trustees also considered financial information provided by the Adviser, including financial statements of the Adviser and a comparison of the Adviser's profitability with respect to its services for the Fund to the profitability of other investment advisers. Based on the information provided to and evaluated by the Trustees, the Trustees concluded that the fees charged by the Adviser are fair and reasonable in light of the quality and nature of the services provided by the Adviser and that the profitability of the Adviser's relationship with the Fund has not been excessive. The fees charged by the Adviser are within a reasonable range of fees as compared to fees charged by other investment advisers, and the services provided by the Adviser and the amounts paid under the Advisory Agreement are sufficiently favorable in comparison to the services rendered and fees charged by others for similar services to warrant a finding that fees to be paid by the Fund are fair.

Whether fee levels reflect economies of scale and the extent to which economies of scale would be realized as the Fund grows. The Trustees considered that the Advisory Agreement provides for breakpoints in the advisory fees so that the Fund will share the benefits of the economies of scale that would inure to the Adviser as the Fund's assets increase. Given the asset size of the Fund, and as economies of scale are still modest at current Fund asset levels, the Trustees determined that the Fund's breakpoint schedule is satisfactory and fair.


28



TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

PRIVACY NOTICE

If you are a registered shareholder of the Fund, the Fund and Tekla Capital Management LLC, the Fund's investment adviser, may receive nonpublic personal information about you from the information collected by the transfer agent from your transactions in Fund shares. Any nonpublic personal information is not disclosed to third parties, except as permitted or required by law. In connection with servicing your account and effecting transactions, the information received may be shared with the investment adviser and non-affiliates, including transfer agents, custodians or other service companies. Access to your nonpublic personal information is restricted to employees who need to know that information to provide products or services to you. To maintain the security of your nonpublic personal information, physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards are in place that comply with federal standards. The policies and practices described above apply to both current and former shareholders.

If your Fund shares are held in "street name" at a bank or brokerage, we do not have access to your personal information and you should refer to your bank's or broker's privacy policies for a statement of the treatment of your personal information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

A description of the Fund's proxy voting policies and procedures and information on how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (i) without charge, upon request by calling 1-800-451-2597; (ii) by writing to Tekla Capital Management LLC at 100 Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston, MA 02109; (iii) on the Fund's website at www.Teklacap.com; and (iv) on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

The Fund's complete Schedule of Investments for the first and third quarters of its fiscal year will be filed quarterly with the SEC on Form N-Q. This Schedule of Investments will also be available on the Fund's website at www.Teklacap.com, or the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund's Form N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

DISTRIBUTION POLICY

The Fund has a fixed distribution policy as described in the Notes to Financial Statements. For more information contact your financial adviser.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

In March 2015, the Trustees reauthorized the share repurchase program to allow the Fund to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one year period beginning July 11, 2015. In March 2014, the Trustees approved the renewal of the share repurchase program to allow the Fund to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one year period beginning July 11, 2014.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D., Jason C. Akus, M.D./M.B.A. Mark Charest, Ph.D., Christian Richard, M.B.A, M.S., Timothy Gasperoni, Ph.D., M.B.A, Amanda Birdsey-Benson, Ph.D., Alan Kwan, Ph.D., M.S., M.B.A., and William Hite are members of a team that analyzes investments on behalf of the Fund. Dr. Omstead exercises ultimate decision making authority with respect to investments.

HOUSEHOLDING

A number of banks, brokers and financial advisers have instituted "householding". Under this practice, which has been approved by the SEC, only one copy of shareholder documents may be delivered to multiple shareholders who share the same address and satisfy other conditions. Householding is intended to reduce expenses and eliminate duplicate mailings of shareholder documents. If you do not want the mailing of your shareholder documents to be combined with those of other members of your household, please contact your bank, broker or financial adviser.


29




TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: HQL
NAV Symbol: XHQLX

100 Federal Street, 19th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
(617) 772-8500
www.teklacap.com

Officers

Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D., President
Laura Woodward, CPA, Chief Compliance Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer

Trustees

Michael W. Bonney
Rakesh K. Jain, Ph.D.
Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D.
Oleg M. Pohotsky
William S. Reardon, CPA
Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D.
Lucinda H. Stebbins, CPA

Investment Adviser

Tekla Capital Management LLC

Administrator & Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Transfer Agent

Computershare, Inc.

Legal Counsel

Dechert LLP

Shareholders with questions regarding share transfers may call

1-800-426-5523

Daily net asset value may be obtained from
our website (
www.teklacap.com) or by calling

(617) 772-8500




 

Item 2. CODE OF ETHICS.

 

Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 

ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.

 

Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 

ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

 

Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 

ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.

 

Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 

ITEM 6.  INVESTMENTS.

 

The Registrant’s Schedule of Investments is included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this form.

 

ITEM 7.  DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.

 

Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 



 

ITEM 8.  PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 

ITEM 9.  PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

 

Period

 

(a) Total No.
of Shares
Purchased (1)

 

(b) Average
Price Paid per
Share

 

(c) Total No.
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

(d) Maximum No.
of Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

 

Month #1 (Oct. 1, 2014 - Oct. 31, 2014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #2 (Nov. 1, 2014 – Nov. 30, 2014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #3 (Dec. 1, 2014 – Dec. 31, 2014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #4 (Jan. 1, 2015 – Jan. 31, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #5 (Feb. 1, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Month #6 (Mar. 1, 2015 – Mar. 31, 2015)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)  On June 30, 2011, the share repurchase program was announced, allowing the Registrant to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one year period beginning July 11, 2011.  On March 28, 2014, the share repurchase program was renewed, allowing the Registrant to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares for a one year period beginning July 11, 2014. On March 19, 2015, the Trustees approved the renewal of the repurchase program to allow the Registrant to repurchase up to 12% of its outstanding shares in the open market for a one year period beginning July 11, 2015.

 

ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the Registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) of Schedule 14A, or this Item.

 

ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

(a)             In the opinion of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, based on their evaluation which took place within 90 days of this filing, the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure (i) that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to them by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; and (ii) that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

(b)               There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent second fiscal quarter that have materially affected or that are reasonably likely to materially affect the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 



 

ITEM 12. EXHIBITS

 

(a)(1)      Code of Ethics - Not applicable to this semi-annual filing.

 

(a)(2)      Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is attached hereto (Exhibit 1).

 

(a)(3)      Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is attached hereto (Exhibit 2).

 

(b)           Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto (Exhibit 3).

 


 


 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)

TEKLA LIFE SCIENCES INVESTORS

 

 

 

 

By (Signature and Title)*

/s/ Daniel R. Omstead

 

 

Daniel R. Omstead, President

 

 

 

 

Date:

6/2/15

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*

/s/ Laura Woodward

 

 

Laura Woodward, Treasurer

 

 

Date:

6/2/15

 

 


* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.