UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number

811-4889

 

H&Q Healthcare Investors

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

30 Rowes Wharf, Fourth Floor, Boston, MA 

 

02110-3328

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip code)

 

30 Rowes Wharf, Fourth Floor, Boston, MA 02110-3328

(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, 2006 to March 31, 2007

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. Section 3507.




ITEM 1.  REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.




H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

Semiannual Report

March 31, 2007

(Unaudited)




To our Shareholders:

On March 31, 2007, the net asset value ("NAV") per share of the Fund was $17.84. During the six-month period ended March 31, 2007, total return at net asset value of your Fund was 7.46%. During the most recent quarter ended March 31, 2007, total return at net asset value of your Fund was 4.06%. The total investment return at market was 6.57% during the six-month period ended March 31, 2007 and was 5.98% during the quarter ended March 31, 2007. Comparisons to relevant indices are listed below:

Investment Returns   Quarter
Ended
3/31/07
  Six Months
Ended
3/31/07
 
Investment Return at market     +5.98 %     +6.57 %  
Net Asset Value     +4.06 %     +7.46 %  
NASDAQ Biotech Index (NBI)     -2.69 %     +3.01 %  
S&P 500 Index     +0.64 %     +7.38 %  

 

During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, the investment return at NAV and market of the Fund outperformed both the NBI and broader S&P 500 Index. During the six month period ended March 31, 2007, the investment return at NAV similarly outperformed both the NBI and broader S&P 500 Index. This out-performance reflected factors affecting the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. The performance of individual stocks was also a significant factor in the portfolio's overall performance.

We believe a number of factors occurred during the six-month period that benefited the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. For example, the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) sub-sector rose, apparently on diminished pricing concerns emanating from previously anticipated new competitors and from concerns about implementation of new Medicare pricing methodologies. This sub-sector also appeared to benefit from anticipated acquisition driven multiple expansion (e.g., resulting from the expected acquisition of Caremark Rx, Inc. by CVS Corporation). The PBM sub-sector also seems to have benefited from the commercial production of generic versions of a number previously branded drugs. The Fund benefited from this trend through its ownership of Medco Health Solutions, Inc., HealthExtras, Inc. and National Medical Health Card Systems, Inc. Other factors that may have positively affected the healthcare sector included the rebound in the share prices of orthopedic sub-sector stocks after apparent reduction in pricing concerns that had previously hurt this group. Additionally, a continuation of a recent acquisition trend in which smaller companies have been purchased by larger companies has also been a positive. The Fund benefited from this


1



trend through its ownership of Stryker Corporation. The acquisition of Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. by Merck & Co. is an example of this trend. The Fund did not own Sirna at the time of its acquisition, but did benefit from other M&A activity as described below.

As is often the case, events which have the potential to be negative drivers also occurred during the six month period ended March 31, 2007. For example, concerns about the safety of Amgen, Inc.'s leading anti-anemia drug had a significant negative impact on the share price of that company. While these concerns have since diminished due to the availability of new clarifying data, the stock of Amgen (by far the largest component of the NBI) decreased approximately 20% during the six month period. Due to Amgen's large size, the decrease in its share price resulted in a notable negative impact on the performance of the NBI during the period under review. The Fund however, was significantly underweighted in Amgen (relative to its weighing in the NBI) during this period.

In addition, clinical trial failures and other M&A activity also negatively impacted both the healthcare sector and the NBI as well as the NAV of the Fund. For example, both Nuvelo, Inc. and Telik, Inc. experienced clinical trial failures during the period. The Fund did not own these stocks at the time of these failures. On the positive side, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, a Fund holding, had very interesting positive clinical results in trials of a drug to treat schizophrenia.

During the six months ended March 31, 2007, the Fund benefited from M&A and IPO activity. Conor Medsystems, Inc. originally a venture holding was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Adeza Biomedical Corporation was acquired by Cytyc Corporation. Cougar Biotechnologies, Inc. completed a reverse merger to become a public company. More generally, the Fund benefited from its ownership of Cytc Corporation, Akorn, Inc. and Align Technology, Inc.. Among others, the Fund lost value from its ownership of Medwave, Inc., and DOV Pharmaceutical, Inc.

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2007, within the public portfolio the Fund established positions in several companies, including Alkermes, Inc., Allergan, Inc., Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. and WellPoint, Inc. During the same six-month period, the Fund exited its positions in several companies, including Forest Laboratories, Inc., Nektar Therapeutics, Pfizer, Inc., Theravance, Inc., and United Therapeutics Corp. The Fund also exited its position in Myogen, Inc. when it was acquired by Gilead Sciences, Inc.

During the six-month period ended March 31, 2007, within the venture portfolio the Fund established a position in Magellan Biosciences, Inc. and


2



Xoft, Inc. and made follow-on investments in CardioNet, Inc. and Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc. Also, Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. exited the Fund's venture portfolio when its registration statement was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the company's shares became publicly traded.

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

Daniel R. Omstead
President


3



H&Q HEALTCARE INVESTORS

LARGEST HOLDINGS BY ISSUER

As of March 31, 2007

    % of Net Assets  
Gilead Sciences, Inc.     4.4 %  
Teva Pharmacutical Industries, Ltd.     3.2 %  
Celgene Corporation     3.0 %  
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     2.8 %  
Genzyme Corporation     2.6 %  
Concentric Medical, Inc.     2.5 %  
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.     2.4 %  
WellPoint, Inc.     2.3 %  
MedImmune, Inc.     2.2 %  
Align Technology, Inc.     2.0 %  

 

H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

PORTFOLIO

As of March 31, 2007


4




H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

        CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
AND WARRANTS - 15.4% of Net Assets
       
SHARES   Convertible Preferred (Restricted)(d) - 15.4%   VALUE  
    Drug Discovery Technologies - 1.1%  
  2,380,953     Agilix Corporation Series B (a) (b)   $ 141,810    
  375,000     Ceres, Inc. Series C (a)     2,250,000    
  32,193     Ceres, Inc. Series C-1 (a)     193,158    
  280,105     Ceres, Inc. Series D (a)     1,680,630    
  1,398,732     Galileo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Series F-1 (a)     140    
  300,000     Zyomyx, Inc. Series A New (a)     30,000    
  300     Zyomyx, Inc. Series B New (a)     30    
    Emerging Biopharmaceuticals - 3.7%  
  1,117,381     Agensys, Inc. Series C (a)     3,300,300    
  1,818,182     Raven biotechnologies, Inc. Series B (a)     1,509,091    
  2,809,157     Raven biotechnologies, Inc. Series C (a)     2,331,600    
  4,083,022     Raven biotechnologies, Inc. Series D (a)     1,200,000    
  2,123,077     TargeGen, Inc. Series C (a)     2,760,000    
  47,407     Therion Biologics Corporation Series A (a)     48    
  240,000     Therion Biologics Corporation Series B (a)     240    
  407,712     Therion Biologics Corporation Series C (a)     408    
  33,332     Therion Biologics Corporation Series C-2 (a)     33    
  36,092     Therion Biologics Corporation Sinking Fund (a)     36    
  24,999     Therion Biologics Corporation warrants
(expiration 8/18/08) (a)
    0    
  4,001,078     Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc. Series B (a)     4,001,078    
    Healthcare Services - 4.8%  
  928     CardioNet, Inc. Mandatorily Cvt. Pfd. (a) (b)     928,000    
  1,577,144     CardioNet, Inc. Series C (a) (b)     5,520,004    
  52,882     CardioNet, Inc. warrants (expiration 5/01/11) (a) (b)     0    
  2,085     CardioNet, Inc. warrants (expiration 8/28/11) (a) (b)     0    
  484,829     CytoLogix Corporation Series A (a) (b)     399,984    
  227,130     CytoLogix Corporation Series B (a) (b)     187,382    
  160,000     I-trax, Inc. Series A (a)     7,307,397    
  5,384,615     PHT Corporation Series D (a) (b)     4,200,000    
  1,204,495     PHT Corporation Series E (a) (b)     939,506    
    Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 5.8%  
  4,852,940     Concentric Medical, Inc. Series B (a) (b) (c)     6,794,116    
  1,744,186     Concentric Medical, Inc. Series C (a) (b)     2,441,861    
  683,000     Concentric Medical, Inc. Series D (a) (b)     956,200    
  222,222     EPR, Inc. Series A (a)     2,222    
  3,669,024     Labcyte, Inc. Series C (a)     1,920,000    
  2,950,000     Magellan Biosciences, Inc. Series A (a)     2,950,000    
  160,000     Masimo Corporation Series D (a)     2,112,000    
  1,632,653     OmniSonics Medical Technologies, Inc. Series B (a)     1,365,061    
  1,547,988     OmniSonics Medical Technologies, Inc. Series C (a)     1,294,273    

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
5



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(continued)

SHARES   Convertible Preferred (Restricted) - continued   VALUE  
  65,217     TherOx, Inc. Series H (a)   $ 251,803    
  149,469     TherOx, Inc. Series I (a)     577,100    
  4,220     TherOx warrants (expiration 1/26/10) (a)     0    
  8,141     TherOx warrants (expiration 6/09/09) (a)     0    
  921,875     Xoft, Inc. Series D (a)     2,950,000    
        TOTAL CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
AND WARRANTS
(Cost $70,895,287)
  $ 62,495,511    
    COMMON STOCKS AND WARRANTS - 77.5%  
    Biopharmaceuticals - 25.0%  
  56,000     Adams Respiratory Therapeutics, Inc. (a)     1,883,280    
  662,018     Akorn, Inc. (a)     4,468,621    
  202,223     Akorn, Inc. warrants (expiration 3/07/11) (a) (d)     273,001    
  110,743     Amgen, Inc. (a)     6,188,319    
  129,180     Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     4,826,165    
  84,500     Biogen Idec, Inc. (a)     3,750,110    
  343,086     Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     7,571,908    
  81,130     Genentech, Inc. (a)     6,662,396    
  172,318     Genzyme Corporation (a)     10,342,526    
  235,425     Gilead Sciences, Inc. (a)     18,010,011    
  504,475     Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     3,682,668    
  386,400     Illumina, Inc. warrants (expiration 4/29/07) (a) (d)     0    
  396,979     Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     2,262,780    
  162,200     MannKind Corporation (a)     2,319,460    
  125,700     Medarex, Inc. (a)     1,626,558    
  247,040     MedImmune, Inc. (a)     8,989,786    
  183,000     MGI Pharma, Inc. (a)     4,112,010    
  278,013     PDL BioPharma, Inc. (a)     6,032,882    
  139,900     Schering-Plough Corporation     3,568,849    
  100,000     Wyeth     5,003,000    
      101,574,330    
    Biotechnology - 0.4%  
  119,378     Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     1,547,139    
    Drug Delivery - 1.4%  
  384,750     Alkermes, Inc. (a)     5,940,540    
    Drug Discovery Technologies - 6.8%  
  264,733     Aspreva Pharmaceuticals Corporation (a)     5,707,644    
  243,433     Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     1,156,307    
  229,170     Celgene Corporation (a)     12,022,258    
  254,242     Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. (a) (d)     3,889,903    
  75,650     Shire PLC (e)     4,682,735    
  300,000     Zyomyx, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (d)     3,000    
      27,461,847    

 

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



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(continued)

SHARES   Emerging Biopharmaceuticals - 4.1%   VALUE  
  392,148     ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)   $ 5,890,063    
  104,041     ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     467,144    
  187,318     Barrier Therapeutics, Inc. (a)     1,292,494    
  155,180     DOV Pharmaceutical, Inc. (a)     57,417    
  500,450     Exelixis, Inc. (a)     4,974,473    
  454,078     NitroMed, Inc. (a)     1,416,723    
  101,000     Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     2,391,680    
  226,760     Therion Biologics Corporation (Restricted) (a) (d)     227    
      16,490,221    
    Generic Pharmaceuticals - 6.7%  
  152,700     Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (a)     7,077,645    
  534,494     Impax Laboratories, Inc. (a)     5,462,529    
  47,000     Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation     1,448,540    
  350,369     Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (e)     13,114,311    
      27,103,025    
    Healthcare Services - 15.6%  
  56,600     Allergan, Inc.     6,272,412    
  82,500     Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc. (a)     2,211,825    
  222,222     Aveta, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (d)     3,555,552    
  45,719     Dako A/S (Restricted) (d) (f)     868,204    
  204,300     Eclipsys Corporation (a)     3,936,861    
  352,084     Emageon, Inc. (a)     3,872,924    
  116,500     HealthExtras, Inc. (a)     3,352,870    
  134,000     Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (a)     9,719,020    
  62,545     National Medical Health Card Systems, Inc. (a)     967,571    
  71,300     PAREXEL International Corporation (a)     2,564,661    
  158,000     Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.     5,323,020    
  306,208     Syntiro Healthcare Services (Restricted) (a) (d)     306    
  212,750     UnitedHealth Group, Inc.     11,269,368    
  115,050     WellPoint, Inc. (a)     9,330,555    
      63,245,149    
    Medical Devices and Diagnostics - 17.5%  
  508,900     Align Technology, Inc. (a)     8,071,154    
  347,000     American Medical Systems Holdings, Inc. (a)     7,345,990    
  106,840     Cytyc Corporation (a)     3,654,996    
  135,300     DJO, Inc. (a)     5,127,870    
  130,450     eResearch Technology, Inc. (a)     1,025,337    
  75,395     IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (a)     6,606,864    
  135,457     Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (a)     5,930,307    
  76,200     Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (a)     5,534,406    
  160,000     Masimo Corporation (Restricted) (a) (d)     1,600    
  60,000     Medtronic, Inc.     2,943,600    
  830,292     Medwave, Inc. (a) (b)     224,179    

 

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



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(continued)

SHARES   Medical Devices and Diagnostics - continued   VALUE  
  207,573     Medwave, Inc. warrants
(expiration 8/21/11) (a) (b)
  $ 22,833    
  173,950     PerkinElmer, Inc.     4,213,069    
  79,000     Quest Diagnostics, Inc.     3,939,730    
  208,529     Songbird Hearing, Inc. (Restricted) (a) (d)     2,085    
  59,000     Stryker Corporation     3,912,880    
  141,350     Symmetry Medical, Inc. (a)     2,308,246    
  129,800     Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (a)     6,068,150    
  414,542     VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc. (a)     4,153,711    
      71,087,007    
        TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
AND WARRANTS
(Cost $279,327,366)
  $ 314,449,258    
PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT
  SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 6.5%  
 
$ 5,200,000     American Express Corporation; 5.22%
due 04/03/07
    5,198,492    
  2,900,000     General Electric Capital Corporation; 5.22%
due 04/05/07
    2,898,318    
  10,750,000     General Electric Capital Corporation; 5.22%
due 04/11/07
    10,734,411    
  7,400,000     UBS Americas, Inc.; 5.25% due 04/09/07     7,391,368    
        TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
(Cost $26,222,589)
  $ 26,222,589    
        TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 99.4%
(Cost $376,445,242)
  $ 403,167,358    
        OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF
LIABILITIES - 0.6%
  $ 2,369,475    
        NET ASSETS - 100%   $ 405,536,833    

 

(a)  Non-income producing security.

(b)  Affiliated issuers in which the Fund holds 5% or more of the voting securities (Total Market Value of $22,755,875).

(c)  Includes 321,000 non-voting shares.

(d)  Security fair valued by the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees.

(e)  American Depository Receipt.

(f)  Foreign Security.

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




H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

ASSETS:  
Investments in non affiliated issuers, at value
(identified cost $351,861,961; see Schedule of
Investments)
  $ 380,411,483    
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value
(identified cost $24,583,281; see Schedule of
Investments)
    22,755,875    
Cash     37,863    
Dividend and interest receivable     20,770    
Receivable for investments sold     2,870,284    
Prepaid expenses     89,302    
Total assets   $ 406,185,577    
LIABILITIES:  
Accrued advisory fee   $ 400,869    
Accrued shareholder reporting fees     63,164    
Accrued legal fees     59,179    
Accrued Trustee fee     36,671    
Accrued audit fee     28,241    
Accrued other     60,620    
Total liabilities   $ 648,744    
NET ASSETS   $ 405,536,833    
SOURCES OF NET ASSETS:  
Shares of beneficial interest, par value $.01 per
share, unlimited number of shares authorized,
amount paid in on 22,733,480 shares issued and
outstanding
  $ 366,830,783    
Accumulated net investment loss     (1,645,674 )  
Accumulated net realized gain on investments     13,629,560    
Net unrealized gain on investments     26,722,164    
Total net assets (equivalent to $17.84 per
share based on 22,733,480 shares
outstanding)
  $ 405,536,833    

 

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



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

INVESTMENT INCOME:  
Dividend income (net of foreign tax
of $8,742)
  $ 591,194    
Interest income from non affiliated issuers     668,408    
Interest income from affiliated issuers     1,028    
Total investment income   $ 1,260,630    
EXPENSES:  
Advisory fees   $ 2,309,007    
Legal fees     110,440    
Trustees' fees and expenses     98,468    
Accounting, administration and
auditing fees
    73,681    
Custodian fees     58,864    
Shareholder reporting     52,329    
Transfer agent fees     29,406    
Stock exchange listing fee     10,578    
Other     163,531    
Total expenses     2,906,304    
Net investment loss   ($ 1,645,674 )  
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
ON INVESTMENTS:
 
Net realized gain on investments   $ 29,226,301    
Increase in net unrealized gain on
investments
    611,587    
Net realized and unrealized gain on
investments
  $ 29,837,888    
Net increase in net assets resulting
from operations
  $ 28,192,214    

 

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



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

    For the six
months ended
March 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
  For the
year ended
September 30,
2006
 
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN
NET ASSETS RESULTING
FROM OPERATIONS:
 
Net investment loss   ($ 1,645,674 )   ($ 2,871,440 )  
Net realized gain on investments     29,226,301       21,188,422    
Increase/decrease in net unrealized
gain on investments
    611,587       (33,329,758 )  
Net increase/decrease in net assets
resulting from operations
  $ 28,192,214     ( $15,012,776 )  
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
FROM:
 
Net realized capital gains   ($ 15,886,257 )   ($ 34,763,087 )  
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:  
Value of shares issued in
reinvestment of distributions
(483,497 and 1,022,942 shares,
respectively)
  $ 8,130,213     $ 17,758,954    
Net increase/decrease in net assets   $ 20,436,170     $ (32,016,909 )  
NET ASSETS:  
Beginning of year     385,100,663       417,117,572    
End of year   $ 405,536,833     $ 385,100,663    
Accumulated net investment loss
included in net assets at end of
period
  ($ 1,645,674 )     0    

 

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



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:  
Purchases of portfolio securities   ($ 271,992,989 )  
Net maturities of short-term investments     1,939,052    
Sales of portfolio securities     280,093,730    
Interest income received     72,317    
Dividends received     591,194    
Operating expenses paid     (2,910,178 )  
Net cash provided from operating activities     7,793,126    
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
Cash distributions paid   ($ 7,756,044 )  
Net cash used for financing activities   ($ 7,756,044 )  
NET INCREASE IN CASH   $ 37,082    
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD     781    
CASH AT END OF PERIOD   $ 37,863    
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   $ 28,192,214    
Purchases of portfolio securities     (271,992,989 )  
Net maturities of short-term investments     1,939,052    
Sales of portfolio securities     280,093,730    
Accretion of discount     (638,675 )  
Net realized gain on investments     (29,226,301 )  
Increase in net unrealized gain on investments     (611,587 )  
Decrease in interest receivable     41,556    
Increase in accrued expenses     5,055    
Increase in prepaid expenses     (8,929 )  
Net cash provided from operating activities   $ 7,793,126    

 

Noncash financing activities not included herein consist of reinvested distributions of $8,130,213.

Noncash operating activities not included herein consist of one conversion of restricted preferred stock with a total cost of $1,463,482 to common stock of the same issuer.

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




H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

(Selected data for each share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout the period indicated)

    For the six
months ended
March 31, 2007
  For the year ended September 30,  
    (Unaudited)   2006   2005   2004   2003   2002 (1)  
Net asset value per share:
Beginning of period
  $ 17.31     $ 19.65     $ 18.12     $ 19.63     $ 18.16     $ 27.35    
Net investment loss (2)   ($ 0.07 )   ($ 0.13 )(3)   ($ 0.21 )   ($ 0.28 )   ($ 0.23 )   ($ 0.28 )  
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments
    1.31       (0.60 )     3.18       0.57       3.87       (5.73 )  
Total increase (decrease)
from investment operations
  $ 1.24     ($ 0.73 )   $ 2.97     $ 0.29     $ 3.64     ($ 6.01 )  
Capital gain distributions
to shareholders
  ($ 0.71 )   ($ 1.61 )   ($ 1.44 )   ($ 1.80 )   ($ 2.17 )   ($ 3.18 )  
Net asset value per share:
End of period
  $ 17.84     $ 17.31     $ 19.65     $ 18.12     $ 19.63     $ 18.16    
Per share market value:
End of period
  $ 17.11     $ 16.74     $ 18.64     $ 18.11     $ 17.66     $ 14.10    
Total investment return
at market value
    6.57 %*     (1.58 %)     11.56 %     12.99 %     43.49 %     (25.24 %)  
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:  
Net assets at end of period   $ 405,536,833     $ 385,100,663     $ 417,117,572     $ 369,303,076     $ 286,754,854     $ 242,005,778    
Ratio of operating expenses
to average net assets
    1.47 %**     1.54 %     1.56 %     1.63 %     1.65 %     1.64 %  
Ratio of net investment loss
to average net assets
    (0.83 %)**     (0.73 %)(3)     (1.17 %)     (1.42 %)     (1.27 %)     (1.16 %)  
Portfolio turnover rate     72.61 %*     63.78 %     92.68 %     33.65 %     32.80 %     17.40 %  
Number of shares
outstanding at
end of period
    22,733,480       22,249,983       21,227,041       20,380,445       14,608,952       13,323,483    

 

(1) In 2002, the Fund adopted the provisions of the AICPA Audit and Accounting Guide for Investment Companies and began accreting discounts and amortizing premiums on all debt securities. The effect of this change for the year ended September 30, 2002 was a decrease in net investment loss per share of $.009, an increase in net realized and unrealized loss on investments per share of $.009, and a decrease in the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets from (1.20%) to (1.16%).

(2) Net investment loss per share has been computed using average shares outstanding.

(3) Includes a special dividend from an issuer in the amount of $0.08 per share. Excluding the special dividend, the ratio of net investment loss to average net assets would have been (1.14%).

*   Not Annualized.

**   Annualized.

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



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(Unaudited)

(1)  Significant Accounting Policies

H&Q Healthcare 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 healthcare industry. This is a broad mandate and includes all companies that the Investment Adviser determines to be healthcare related. The Fund invests primarily in securities of public and private companies that are believed to have significant potential for above-average growth. The Fund was organized on October 31, 1986 and commenced operations on April 22, 1987.

The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of certain estimates by management in determining the entity's assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund, which are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

In July 2006, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (FIN 48), was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. FIN 48 sets forth a threshold for financial statement recognition, measurement and disclosure of a tax position taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of FIN 48 will have on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights.

In September 2006, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), was issued and is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Management is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on the Fund's financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS No. 159), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provision of SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. SFAS 159 also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between entities that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that SFAS No. 159 may have on the Fund's financial statements and financial highlights.

Investment Securities & Investment Income

Investments traded on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter market that are National Market System securities are valued at the last sale price or, lacking any sales, at the mean between the last bid and asked prices. Other over-the-counter securities are valued at the most recent bid prices as obtained from one or more dealers that make markets in the securities. Exchange traded investments for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees of the Fund. The fair value of venture capital and other restricted securities is determined in good faith by the Trustees. However, because of the uncertainty of fair valuations these estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the securities existed,


14



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

and the differences could be material. Each such fair value determination is based on a consideration of relevant factors. Factors the Trustees consider may include (i) the existence of any contractual restrictions on the disposition of securities; (ii) information obtained from the issuer which may include an analysis of the company's financial statements, the company's products or intended markets or the company's technologies; and (iii) the price of a security negotiated at arm's length in an issuer's completed subsequent round of financing. See note 3. Short-term investments with maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost.

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.

The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investment securities (other than short-term investments) for the six months ended March 31, 2007 totaled $270,806,311 and $280,428,264 respectively.

At March 31, 2007, the total cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes was $376,445,242. The net unrealized gain for Federal income tax purposes on securities held by the Fund was $26,722,116 including gross unrealized gain of $70,119,384 and gross unrealized loss of $43,397,268.

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, 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 or limited.

Distribution Policy

Distributions will automatically be paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Pursuant to an SEC exemptive order, the Fund has implemented a fixed distribution policy that permits the Fund 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. This could 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. It is anticipated that net realized capital gains in excess of the total distributed under this policy would be included in the December distribution. The Fund's distribution policy has been established by the Board of Trustees. The distribution policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees without Shareholder approval.

The current distribution policy is to declare distributions in stock. Distributions will automatically be paid in newly-issued full Shares of the Trust plus cash in lieu of any fraction of a Share, unless otherwise instructed by the Shareholder. The Fund's transfer agent delivers an election card and instructions to each registered Shareholder in connection with each distribution. For shareholders other than registered shareholders with book entry accounts at the Trust's transfer agent, fractional shares will generally be settled in cash. The number of Shares issued will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the distribution by the lower of net


15



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

asset value or market value 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 Trust will be reduced. The shares 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.

Federal Income 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.

Distributions

The Fund records all distributions to shareholders from net investment income, if any, and realized gains on the ex-dividend date. Such distributions are determined in conformity with income tax regulations. Due to permanent book/tax differences in accounting for certain transactions, certain distributions may be treated as distributions from capital as opposed to distributions of net investment income or realized capital gains.

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 its custodian and does not include short-term investments at March 31, 2007.

Indemnifications

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 Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates

The Fund has entered into an Investment Advisory Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) with Hambrecht & Quist Capital Management LLC (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) 2.5% 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 the month, for all other assets, 0.98% of the average net assets up to $250 million, 0.88% of the average net assets for the next $250 million, 0.8% of the average net assets for the next $500 million and 0.7% of the average net assets thereafter. The aggregate fee may not exceed a rate when annualized of 1.375%.

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, 2007 these payments amounted to $71,820 and are included in the "other" category in the Statement of Operations together with


16



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

insurance expenses of $42,511 incurred to unaffiliated entities. Such expenses are the major components of "other" in the Statement of Operations. Expenses incurred pursuant to the Agreement as well as certain expenses paid for by the Adviser are allocated in an equitable fashion to the Fund.

Certain officers and Trustees of the Fund are also officers of the Adviser. Trustees who are not affiliates of the Adviser receive an annual fee of $20,000 plus $500 for each Committee on which they serve and $500 for each meeting attended.

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, 2007 were as follows:

Issuer   Value on
October 1,
2006
  Purchases   Sales   Income   Value on
March 31,
2007
 
Agilix Corporation   $ 141,809     $     $     $     $ 141,810    
CardioNet, Inc.     5,844,332       928,807       324,328       3,774       6,448,004    
Concentric Medical, Inc.     10,192,176                         10,192,177    
CytoLogix Corporation     755,703             168,337             587,366    
Medwave, Inc.     1,136,255                         247,012    
PHT Corporation     5,139,506                         5,139,506    
    $ 23,209,781     $ 928,807     $ 492,665     $ 3,774     $ 22,755,875    

 

(3)  Venture Capital and Other Restricted Securities

The Fund may invest in venture capital and other restricted securities if these securities would currently comprise 40% or less of net assets. The value of these securities represents 17% of the Fund's net assets at March 31, 2007.

During the year ended September 30, 2006, restricted securities from one issuer were exchanged for cash in connection with a corporate action, a portion of which has been retained by the issuer in an escrow account pending resolution of certain contingencies and whose estimated value of $418,314 at March 31, 2007 has also been determined by the Trustees. The value of the escrow account is included in the Receivable for Investments Sold in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

The following table details the acquisition date, cost, carrying value per unit, and value of the Fund's venture capital and other restricted securities at March 31, 2007, as determined by the Trustees of the Fund. The Fund on its own does not have the right to demand that such securities be registered.

Security(h)    Acquisition
Date
  Cost   Carrying Value
per Unit
  Value  
Agensys, Inc.  
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   2/14/02, 9/27/05   $ 3,307,024     $ 2.95     $ 3,300,300    
Agilix Corporation  
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   11/8/01     2,495,500       0.06       141,810    
Aveta, Inc.  
Restricted Common   12/21/05     3,000,155       16.00       3,555,552    

 


17



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

Security(h)    Acquisition
Date
  Cost   Carrying Value
per Unit
  Value  
CardioNet, Inc.  
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   5/3/01 - 3/25/03   $ 5,552,574     $ 3.50     $ 5,520,004    
Mandatorily Cvt. Pfd.   8/15/05, 8/29/06, 3/7/07     928,807       1,000.00       928,000    
Warrants (expiration 5/01/11)   5/1/06     0       0.00       0    
Warrants (expiration 8/29/11)   8/29/06     0       0.00       0    
Ceres, Inc.  
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   12/23/98     1,502,620       6.00       2,250,000    
Series C-1 Cvt. Pfd.   3/31/01     111,508       6.00       193,158    
Series D Cvt. Pfd.   3/14/01     1,668,294       6.00       1,680,630    
Concentric Medical, Inc.  
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   5/7/02, 1/24/03     3,329,210       1.40       6,794,116    
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   12/19/03     1,500,000       1.40       2,441,861    
Series D Cvt. Pfd.   9/30/05     957,768       1.40       956,200    
CytoLogix Corporation  
Series A Cvt. Pfd.   1/13/98 - 7/21/99     1,622,895       0.83       399,984    
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   1/11/01     760,284       0.83       187,382    
Dako A/S  
Restricted Common   6/14/04, 2/16/07     1,306,894       18.99       868,204    
EPR, Inc.  
Series A Cvt. Pfd.   3/9/94     1,000,409       0.01       2,222    
Galileo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  
Series F-1 Cvt. Pfd.   8/18/00     3,003,840       0.0001       140    
I-trax, Inc.  
Series A Cvt. Pfd.   3/18/04     4,003,650       45.67       7,307,397    
Labcyte, Inc.  
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   7/18/05     1,923,506       0.52       1,920,000    
Magellan Biosciences, Inc.  
Series A Cvt. Pfd.   11/28/06     2,953,810       1.00       2,950,000    
Masimo Corporation  
Series D Cvt. Pfd.   8/14/96     1,120,657       13.20       2,112,000    
Restricted Common   3/31/98     0       0.01       1,600    
OmniSonics Medical Technologies, Inc.  
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   5/24/01     2,409,023       0.84       1,365,061    
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   10/1/03     1,800,336       0.84       1,294,273    
PHT Corporation  
Series D Cvt. Pfd.   7/23/01     4,205,754       0.78       4,200,000    
Series E Cvt. Pfd.   9/12/03 - 10/14/04     941,669       0.78       939,506    
Raven biotechnologies, Inc.  
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   12/12/00     3,001,725       0.83       1,509,091    
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   11/26/02     2,331,600       0.83       2,331,600    
Series D Cvt. Pfd.   6/23/05     1,205,415       0.29       1,200,000    
Songbird Hearing, Inc.  
Restricted Common   12/14/00     3,004,861       0.01       2,085    
Syntiro Healthcare Services  
Restricted Common   2/5/97     1,200,325       0.001       306    
TargeGen, Inc.  
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   8/30/05     2,763,495       1.30       2,760,000    

 


18



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

Security(h)    Acquisition
Date
  Cost   Carrying Value
per Unit
  Value  
Therion Biologics Corporation  
Series A Cvt. Pfd.   8/20/96 - 10/16/96   $ 444,850     $ 0.001     $ 48    
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   6/22/99     901,393       0.001       240    
Series C Cvt. Pfd.   9/26/01 - 10/15/01     1,529,348       0.001       408    
Series C-2 Units   8/13/03     59,998       0.001       33    
Warrants (expiration 8/18/08)   8/18/03     0       0.000       0    
Sinking Fund Cvt. Pfd.   10/18/94 - 8/20/96     721,291       0.001       36    
Restricted Common   7/12/90 - 1/25/96     511,365       0.001       227    
TherOx, Inc.  
Series H Cvt. Pfd.   9/11/00     3,002,506       3.86       251,803    
Series I Cvt. Pfd.   7/8/05     579,407       3.86       577,100    
Warrants (expiration 1/26/10)   1/26/05     0       0.00       0    
Warrants (expiration 6/09/09)   6/9/04     0       0.00       0    
Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc.  
Series B Cvt. Pfd.   12/5/03,11/15/06     4,004,952       1.00       4,001,078    
Xoft, Inc.  
Series D   3/23/07     2,950,000       3.20       2,950,000    
Zyomyx, Inc.  
Series A New Cvt. Pfd.   1/12/04     299,700       0.10       30,000    
Series B New Cvt. Pfd.   2/19/99, 1/12/04     468       0.10       30    
New Restricted Common   2/19/99 - 7/22/04     3,602,065       0.01       3,000    
        $ 83,520,951             $ 66,926,485    

 

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

(4)  Sources of Net Assets

The changes in the sources of net assets for the period from October 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007 are as follows:

    Capital Paid
in on Shares
of Beneficial
Interest
  Accumulated
Net
Investment
Loss
  Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain on
Investments
  Net
Unrealized
Gain on
Investments
 

Total Net
Assets
 
As of October 1, 2006:   $ 358,700,570     $ 0     $ 289,516     $ 26,110,577     $ 385,100,663    
For the period from
October 1, 2006 through
March 31, 2007:
 
Net investment loss             (1,645,674 )                     (1,645,674 )  
Net realized gains                     29,226,301               29,226,301    
Distributions                     (15,886,257 )             (15,886,257 )  
Value of shares issued in
reinvestment of
dividends
    8,130,213                               8,130,213    
Increase in net unrealized
gain on investments
                            611,587       611,587    
As of March 31, 2007:   $ 366,830,783     $ (1,645,674 )   $ 13,629,560     $ 26,722,164     $ 405,536,833    

 

(5)  Changes in Investment Policies

The Board of Trustees of the Fund has eliminated the non-fundamental policy restricting the Fund from investing for control (the "Control Restriction") in order to enhance the Fund's ability to take advantage of investment opportunities and achieve its investment objective. The Board expects that the elimination of the Control Restriction will not have a significant effect


19



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

upon the Fund's investment management and practices (by itself or together with the elimination of the 10% Restriction described below). The Fund may now make investments in any company with the objective of controlling or influencing the management and policies of a company, which could potentially make the Fund less diversified and more susceptible to declines in the value of the company's stock. The Adviser expects to seek a control position in private venture capital investments only when the Adviser believes that its knowledge and experience will be of significant benefit to the portfolio company. The Adviser expects to seek control in public companies only occasionally and most often in companies with a small market capitalization. The Fund will continue to operate as a diversified investment company in compliance with the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The Board concurrently approved (i) elimination of the fundamental investment restriction that prohibits the fund from purchasing more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer (the "10% Restriction") and (ii) an amendment to the Fund's fundamental investment restriction on securities lending to increase the percentage of portfolio securities that may be out on loan from 20% to 33 1/3% of the Fund's net assets. These changes are subject to shareholder approval and will be submitted to shareholders of the Fund for consideration at the Fund's annual shareholders' meeting scheduled for June 21, 2007. A proxy statement that describes these proposals was mailed to shareholders on May 16, 2007.

The Board has also eliminated the non-fundamental investment restriction prohibiting the Fund from investment in put or call options. Following is a discussion of put and call options and the potential use of such instruments in the Fund's investment strategy:

Options on Securities

The Fund may purchase and sell (or write) put or call options on any security in which it is permitted to invest or on any security the change in value of which has a high degree of correlation with the changes in value of the Fund's portfolio securities.

Purchasing Put and Call Options. By purchasing a call option on a security, the Fund will obtain the right to buy the securities underlying the option from its counterparty at a specified exercise price prior to or at the expiration of the option. The Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the price of the security. Conversely, when the Fund purchases a put option on a security, the option gives the Fund the right to sell the securities underlying the option to its counterparty at the exercise price prior to or at the expiration of the option. The Fund would normally purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the market value of securities in its portfolio (or which the Fund intends to or has the right to acquire).

In case of either put or call options that it has purchased, if the option expires without being sold or exercised, the Fund will experience a loss in the amount of the option premium plus any related commissions.

Writing Put and Call Options. When the Fund sells (writes) put and call options, it receives a premium as the writer of the option. By selling (writing) a call option, the Fund will obligate itself to sell the securities underlying the option to its counterparty at the specified exercise price prior to or at the expiration of the option if it is assigned an exercise notice. If the price of the underlying securities at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium. That amount, less the commission paid for the option, provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's portfolio securities. During the term of the option, however, a covered call writer has,


20



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

in return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity for capital appreciation above the exercise price of the option if the value of the underlying securities increases, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. Conversely, by selling (writing) a put option, the Fund obligates itself to buy the securities underlying the option from its counterparty at the exercise price prior to or at the expiration if it is assigned an exercise notice. Writing a put option constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of securities the Fund intends to purchase. If the price of the securities at the expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of securities which the Fund intends to purchase. A secured put writer, however, retains the risk of loss should the market value of the underlying security decline below the exercise price of the option, less the premium received on the sale of the option.

Closing Purchase or Sale Transactions. Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position can be terminated only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. Closing purchase transactions are ordinarily effected to realize a profit on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, to permit the sale of an underlying security or to enable another call option on the underlying security (with either a different exercise price or expiration date or both) to be written. If the Fund is not able to enter into a closing transaction or an offsetting position, it will be required to maintain the securities subject to the call, or the collateral underlying the put, even though it might not be advantageous to do so, until a closing transaction can be entered into or the option is exercised or expires.

The Fund's ability to close out its position as a writer of an option is dependent upon the existence of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid market will exist, particularly in the case of over-the-counter ("OTC") options, as OTC options will generally be closed out only by entering into a closing transaction with a dealer. In the case of OTC options, the Fund is also subject to the credit risk associated with its counterparties.

Stock Index Options

The Fund may purchase and sell (write) options on stock indices ("index options"). Index options are similar to options on securities except that, rather than taking or making delivery of securities underlying the option at a specified price upon exercise, an index option gives the holder the right to receive cash upon exercise of the option if the level of the stock index upon which the option is based is greater, in the case of a call, or less, in the case of a put, than the exercise price of the option.

The Fund will enter into transactions in index options to hedge against adverse price movements in the stock market generally or in particular market segments. If the Investment Adviser anticipates a general market decline, the Fund could purchase a stock index put option. If the expected market decline materialized, the resulting decrease in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities would be offset to the extent of the increase in the value of the put option. If the Investment Adviser anticipates a market rise, the Fund may purchase a stock index call option to enable the Fund to participate in the rise until the Fund completes anticipated purchases of securities. Purchasing and selling stock index options may also enable the Investment Adviser to achieve changes in equity positions more efficiently.

Stock index options involve risks similar to those associated with options on securities. Because exercises of stock index options are settled in cash, however, call writers such as the Fund cannot provide in advance for their potential settlement obligations by acquiring and holding the underlying securities.


21



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MARCH 31, 2007

(continued)

Coverage Requirements

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 will own or have the contractual right to acquire the securities subject to the option or will maintain with the Fund's custodian in a segregated account cash, U.S. Government Securities or other appropriate high quality liquid debt obligations or equity 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 cash, U.S. Government Securities or other appropriate high quality debt obligations or equity securities in an amount at least equal to the exercise price of the option.


22



H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

PRIVACY NOTICE

If you are a registered shareholder of the Fund, the Fund and Hambrecht & Quist 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 and 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 Hambrecht & Quist Capital management LLC at 30 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3328; (iii) on the Fund's website at www.hqcm.com; and (iv) on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at 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 Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on Form N-Q. This Schedule of Investments will also be available on the Fund's website at www.hqcm.com, or the SEC's website at 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.


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H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

New York Stock Exchange Symbol: HQH

30 Rowes Wharf, 4th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02110-3328
(617) 772-8500
www.hqcm.com

Officers

Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D., President
Carolyn P. Haley, CPA, MS, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Compliance Officer

Trustees

Lawrence S. Lewin

Robert P. Mack, M.D.

Eric Oddleifson

Daniel R. Omstead, Ph.D

Oleg M. Pohotsky

Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D.

Lucinda H. Stebbins, CPA

Henri A. Termeer

Investment Adviser

Hambrecht & Quist Capital Management, LLC

Administrator & Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company

Transfer Agent

Computershare Shareholder Services, 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.hqcm.com) or by calling

1-800-451-2597

3699-SAR




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.

No applicable to this semi-annual filing.

ITEM 6.        SCHEDULE OF 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.

None.

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 fiscal half-year that may have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control.

ITEM 12.      EXHIBITS

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

(a)(2)      Separate certifications of the Principal Executive and Financial Officers of the registrant.

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




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)

 

H&Q HEALTHCARE INVESTORS

 

 

By  (Signature and Title)*

     /s/ Daniel R. Omstead

 

 

  Daniel R. Omstead, President

 

Date:

6/7/07

 

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/ Carolyn Hale

 

 

  Carolyn Haley, Treasurer

 

Date:

6/7/07

 


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