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: |
811-08076 |
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Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
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Address of principal executive offices: |
1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor |
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Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
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Name and address of agent for service: |
Ms. Andrea Melia |
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Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. |
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1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor |
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Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
866-839-5205 |
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Date of fiscal year end: |
October 31 |
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Date of reporting period: |
April 30, 2013 |
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
*Diversification does not necessarily ensure return or protect against a loss.
Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Funds investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investors shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the funds portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks may be enhanced in emerging market countries.
Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) is the marketing name in the U.S. for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd, Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd and Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Ltd, each of which is wholly owned by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service trademark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited)
Dear Shareholder,
We present this Semi-Annual Report which covers the activities of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the Fund) for the six-month period ended April 30, 2013. The Funds principal investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve this investment objective investing primarily in equity securities of emerging markets smaller companies.
Change to Name and Investment Policies
On March 14, 2013 Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc., announced that its shareholders had voted in the affirmative along with the Board of Directors to change certain investment policies of the Fund. As a result of these policy changes, effective March 15, 2013, the Funds new investment policies are as follows: a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Funds net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, will be invested in equity securities of emerging market smaller company issuers. An emerging market country is any country determined by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, the Funds investment adviser (the Adviser), to have an emerging market economy, considering factors such as the countrys credit rating, its political and economic stability and the development of its financial and capital markets. Emerging market countries for purposes of this policy can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. Smaller companies for the purposes of this policy can be companies that, at the time of purchase, have a market capitalization of less than $5 billion. The Fund may, at the full discretion of the Adviser, focus its investments in securities of companies from each of the infrastructure, telecommunications and technology sectors of emerging market countries. The portion of the Funds portfolio invested in securities of companies from each of such sectors will vary from time to time, based on the Advisers view of current market conditions.
The Fund will not concentrate its investments in any industry or group of industries. The Fund invests in common stock, but may also invest in other types of equity securities, including preferred stock, convertible securities, depositary receipts and rights and warrants to buy common stock. As a fundamental investment restriction, the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, except that this limitation will not be applicable to the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
The approved changes did not alter the Funds investment objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation. To reflect the new
investment policies, the Funds name changed to Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. The Fund continues to trade on the NYSE MKT under its ticker symbol (ETF).
Total Return Performance
For the six months ended April 30, 2013, the total return to shareholders of the Fund based on the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund, net of fees, was 5.4%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions versus a return of 13.5% for the Funds new benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index.
Share Price and NAV
For the six months ended April 30, 2013, based on market price, the Funds total return was 4.9%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds share price increased 4.4% over the six months, from $20.65 on October 31, 2012 to $21.55 on April 30, 2013. The Funds share price on April 30, 2013 represented a discount of 10.4% to the NAV per share of $24.05 on that date, compared with a discount of 10.0% to the NAV per share of $22.95 on October 31, 2012.
Open Market Repurchase Program
The Funds policy is generally to buy back Fund shares on the open market when the Fund trades at certain discounts to NAV. During the six months ended April 30, 2013 and fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds Form N-Q filings are available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Fund makes the information on Form N-Q available to shareholders on the Funds website or upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-866-839-5205.
Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve months ended June 30 is available by August 30 of the relevant year: (i) upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-866-839-5205; and (ii) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Investor Relations Information
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide information to our shareholders, I invite you to visit the Fund on the web at
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited) (continued)
www.aberdeenetf.com. From this page, you can view monthly fact sheets, portfolio manager commentary, distribution and performance information, updated daily fact sheets courtesy of Morningstar®, conduct portfolio charting and other timely data.
Please take a look at Aberdeens award-winning Closed-End Fund Talk Channel, where you can watch fund manager web casts and view our latest short films. For replays of recent broadcasts or to register for upcoming events, please visit Aberdeens Closed-End Fund Talk Channel at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usClosed/aberdeentv.
Please ensure that you are enrolled in our email services, which feature timely news from Aberdeen portfolio managers located around the world. Enroll today at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/email and be among the first to receive the latest closed-end fund news, announcements of upcoming fund manager web casts, films and other information. Please note that Aberdeen does not share our shareholder information with any other organizations.
Please contact Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. by:
· calling toll free at 1-866-839-5205 in the United States, or
· emailing InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com
· visiting www.aberdeenetf.com
Yours sincerely,
Christian Pittard
President
Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (unaudited)
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., the Funds transfer agent, sponsors and administers a Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the Plan), which is available to shareholders.
The Plan allows registered shareholders and first time investors to buy and sell shares and automatically reinvest dividends and capital gains through the transfer agent. This is a cost-effective way to invest in the Fund.
Please note that for both purchases and reinvestment purposes, shares will be purchased in the open market at the current share price and cannot be issued directly by the Fund.
For more information about the Plan and a brochure that includes the terms and conditions of the Plan, please call Computershare at 1-800-647-0584 or visit www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen.
Report of the Investment Advisor (unaudited)
Fund Restructuring
Following shareholder approval in March 2013, the Fund, formerly known as the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc., was restructured. Its new mandate, focused on global emerging markets smaller companies, became effective March 15, 2013. The Funds principal investment objective remains long-term capital appreciation. As a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Funds net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, will be invested in equity securities of emerging market smaller company issuers. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in any industry or group of industries. The Fund may also invest without limit in what the adviser deems to be frontier markets, which are investible markets with lower total market capitalizations and less liquidity than more developed emerging markets.
Market Review
Shares of smaller companies in emerging stock markets rallied and generally outperformed their larger counterparts over the sixmonth period ended April 30, 2013. Smaller Company stocks initially moved higher in line with their larger-company counterparts, buoyed by a glut of liquidity resulting from major central banks collective easing in a bid to bolster the global economy. Investor hopes of a resolution to the U.S. budget impasse also supported markets. Market performance subsequently diverged. Shares of larger companies faltered in the second half of the reporting period amid heightened global risk aversion and receding hopes of a strong cyclical recovery in emerging markets. However, smaller company stocks, especially those focused on their domestic economies, remained resilient. Their relatively lower exposure to the external environment, such as developments in the West, underpinned the gains.
As discussed in previous reports, most of the Funds venture capital holdings are technology oriented venture capital funds. Over the six-month period ended April 30 2013, global equity markets performed well with indices growing more than 10%. Technology markets were more volatile however with the Dow Jones US Technology Index declining sharply in November but recovering in
2013 to finish 4.6% above its October 2012 value. Three venture capital holdings increased in value over the six-month period, while the remaining eight decreased in value. Concord Fund Liquidating Main Trust and Neurone Ventures II, L.P. saw the greatest increase in value, by 14.1% and 10.5%, respectively. The largest decrease in valuation was for JP Morgan Latin America Capital Partners, which fell 40% over the period. The valuation of the venture capital holdings within the portfolio decreased 0.5% over the 6 month period.
Venture capital holdings distributed $642,045 during the most recent six-month period, an increase over the previous six-month distribution proceeds of $341,827. The largest distributions in the period came from SVE Star Ventures IX ($228,533), Concord Ventures II Fund ($120,668) and TVG Asian Communications Fund II ($108,084). No capital calls were issued during the six-month period ended April 30, 2013. It is unlikely that the General Partner will implement capital calls for new investments.
Outlook
In our view, the recent run of soft economic data has put growth risks back into focus even though liquidity conditions have remained supportive for financial markets. The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global forecast for 2013 and we feel that there are few grounds to anticipate an improvement in growth momentum. We believe that Eurozone economies, in particular, face prolonged stagnation. Unemployment is at a record high, business and consumer confidence levels are declining and, in our opinion, continued fiscal austerity will likely continue to hamper economic activity. In the U.S., we feel it is still too early to tell if the modest economic growth and strength in the labor market are sustainable, as the impact of the large spending cuts begins to kick in. Although developing economies are still expected to grow at a faster pace than their developed counterparts, we feel that they are not immune to weakening external demand. Given the uncertainties, we believe that stock markets will remain unsettled, but our holdings sound fundamentals leave the Fund well positioned for the future, in our view.
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
Portfolio Summary (unaudited)
April 30, 2013
The following chart summarizes the composition of the Funds portfolio, in industry classification standard sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. An industry classification standard sector can include more than one industry group. As of April 30, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group. The sectors, as classified by S&Ps Global Industry Classification Standard Sectors, are comprised of several industry groups.
As of April 30, 2013, the Fund held 96.7% of its net assets in equities, and 3.3% in cash and other assets in excess of liabilities.
The following chart summarizes the composition of the Funds portfolio, in Geographic classification, expressed as a percentage of net assets.
Top 10 Holdings, by Issuer (unaudited)
April 30, 2013
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Holding |
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Sector |
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Country |
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Percent of Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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1. |
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Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de C.V. |
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Transportation Infrastructure |
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Mexico |
|
3.2% |
2. |
|
Aeon Co. M Bhd |
|
Multiline Retail |
|
Malaysia |
|
2.7% |
3. |
|
Safaricom Limited |
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Wireless Telecommunication Services |
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Kenya |
|
2.6% |
4. |
|
Spar Group Limited |
|
Food & Staples Retailing |
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South Africa |
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2.5% |
5. |
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Eurocash S.A. |
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Food & Staples Retailing |
|
Poland |
|
2.3% |
6. |
|
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios S.A. |
|
Real Estate Management & Development |
|
Brazil |
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2.2% |
7. |
|
Clicks Group Limited |
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Food & Staples Retailing |
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South Africa |
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2.1% |
8. |
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OKey Group S.A. |
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Food & Staples Retailing |
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Luxembourg |
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2.1% |
9. |
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Odontoprev S.A. |
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Health Care Providers & Services |
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Brazil |
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2.1% |
10. |
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Parque Arauco S.A. |
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Real Estate Management & Development |
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Chile |
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2.0% |
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Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
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Average Annual Returns (unaudited)
April 30, 2013
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1 Year |
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3 Years |
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5 Years |
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10 Years |
Net Asset Value (NAV) |
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11.47% |
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10.40% |
|
0.23% |
|
14.77% |
Market Value |
|
13.07% |
|
10.84% |
|
0.54% |
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15.42% |
MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index(1) |
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13.92% |
|
4.07% |
|
3.82% |
|
17.91% |
MSCI EM Infrastructure Index(1) |
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2.43% |
|
7.32% |
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(0.12)% |
|
17.12% |
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited has entered into a written contract with the Fund to waive fees, without which performance would be lower, see Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements. This contract aligns with the term of the advisory agreement and may not be terminated prior to the next annual consideration of the advisory agreement. Returns represent past performance. Total investment return at net asset value is based on changes in the net asset value of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Funds transfer agent. Total investment return at market value is based on changes in the market price at which the shares traded on the NYSE MKT during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the Funds dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Funds transfer agent. Because the Funds shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on both market price and NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The performance information provided does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions received from the Fund. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Funds yield, return, market price and NAV will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 866-839-5205.
The annualized gross expense ratio is 1.46%. The annualized net expense ratio after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements is 1.41%
(1) Effective April 1, 2013, the Funds performance benchmark against which the Fund measures its performance changed from the MSCI EM Infrastructure Index to MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index. Fund management believes the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index more accurately reflects the new investment strategy of the Fund.
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Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)
As of April 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES96.7% |
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|
| |||
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES94.6% |
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|
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BRAZIL12.0% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES1.3% |
|
|
| |||
140,000 |
|
Valid Solucoes e Servicos de Seguranca em Meios de Pagamento e Identificacao S.A. |
|
$ |
2,603,724 |
|
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES2.1% |
|
|
| |||
815,000 |
|
Odontoprev S.A. |
|
4,065,326 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT2.8% |
|
|
| |||
97,000 |
|
Iguatemi Empresa de Shopping Centers S.A. |
|
1,159,200 |
| |
156,000 |
|
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios S.A. |
|
4,452,910 |
| |
|
|
|
|
5,612,110 |
| |
ROAD & RAIL1.7% |
|
|
| |||
189,000 |
|
Localiza Rent a Car S.A. |
|
3,354,437 |
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SOFTWARE1.3% |
|
|
| |||
137,000 |
|
Totvs S.A. |
|
2,578,743 |
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TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS1.8% |
|
|
| |||
165,000 |
|
Arezzo Industria e Comercio S.A. |
|
3,476,896 |
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TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE1.0% |
|
|
| |||
149,000 |
|
Wilson Sons Limited, BDR |
|
2,055,429 |
| |
|
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Total Brazil (cost $23,868,794) |
|
23,746,665 |
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CHILE3.2% |
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|
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IT SERVICES1.2% |
|
|
| |||
671,000 |
|
Sonda S.A. |
|
2,322,391 |
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REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT2.0% |
|
|
| |||
1,559,814 |
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Parque Arauco S.A. |
|
4,033,756 |
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|
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Total Chile (cost $6,552,687) |
|
6,356,147 |
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CHINA2.7% |
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|
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CHEMICALS1.4% |
|
|
| |||
2,823,500 |
|
Yingde Gases Group Co., Limited(a) |
|
2,722,790 |
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REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT1.3% |
|
|
| |||
2,215,000 |
|
Yanlord Land Group Limited(a)(b) |
|
2,544,396 |
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|
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Total China (cost $5,674,300) |
|
5,267,186 |
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HONG KONG7.3% |
|
|
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COMMERCIAL BANKS1.7% |
|
|
| |||
2,296,000 |
|
Dah Sing Banking Group Limited(a) |
|
3,383,421 |
| |
HOTELS, RESTURANTS & LEISURE1.1% |
|
|
| |||
664,000 |
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Cafe de Coral Holdings Limited(a) |
|
2,110,055 |
| |
MARINE1.2% |
|
|
| |||
4,215,000 |
|
Pacific Basin Shipping Limited(a) |
|
2,411,166 |
| |
SPECIALTY RETAIL1.5% |
|
|
| |||
2,958,000 |
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Giordano International Limited(a) |
|
2,972,670 |
| |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS0.8% |
|
|
| |||
1,460,000 |
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Texwinca Holdings Limited(a) |
|
1,706,818 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
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Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
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Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)
As of April 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued) |
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|
| |||
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
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TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE1.0% |
|
|
| |||
136,000 |
|
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. Limited(a) |
|
$ |
1,962,656 |
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|
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Total Hong Kong (cost $14,053,358) |
|
14,546,786 |
| |
INDIA7.3% |
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|
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CHEMICALS1.9% |
|
|
| |||
326,000 |
|
Castrol India Limited |
|
1,995,029 |
| |
85,000 |
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Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited |
|
1,885,225 |
| |
|
|
|
|
3,880,254 |
| |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS0.6% |
|
|
| |||
260,309 |
|
Madras Cements Limited(a) |
|
1,200,570 |
| |
IT SERVICES1.2% |
|
|
| |||
336,000 |
|
Mphasis Limited |
|
2,323,156 |
| |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS1.8% |
|
|
| |||
238,000 |
|
Godrej Consumer Products Limited |
|
3,648,744 |
| |
PHARMACEUTICALS0.7% |
|
|
| |||
132,000 |
|
Piramal Enterprises Ltd.(a) |
|
1,370,525 |
| |
ROAD & RAIL1.1% |
|
|
| |||
100,701 |
|
Container Corp. of India |
|
2,102,805 |
| |
|
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Total India (cost $14,230,237) |
|
14,526,054 |
| |
INDONESIA5.6% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL BANKS0.1% |
|
|
| |||
1,101,000 |
|
PT Bank Permata Tbk(a)(b) |
|
192,596 |
| |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS1.5% |
|
|
| |||
8,080,000 |
|
PT Holcim Indonesia Tbk(a) |
|
3,036,562 |
| |
FOOD PRODUCTS1.9% |
|
|
| |||
1,157,000 |
|
Petra Foods Limited(a) |
|
3,830,868 |
| |
METALS & MINING0.5% |
|
|
| |||
3,560,000 |
|
PT Vale Indonesia Tbk(a) |
|
1,047,842 |
| |
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS1.6% |
|
|
| |||
5,838,500 |
|
PT AKR Corporindo Tbk(a) |
|
3,096,422 |
| |
|
|
Total Indonesia (cost $11,105,777) |
|
11,204,290 |
| |
ISRAEL0.7% |
|
|
| |||
VENTURE CAPITAL0.7% |
|
|
| |||
1,674,587 |
(c) |
BPA Israel Ventures, LLC(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) |
|
355,599 |
| |
2,000,000 |
(c) |
Concord Fund I Liquidating Main Trust(a)(b)(e)(f) |
|
102,702 |
| |
2,750,000 |
(c) |
Giza GE Venture Fund III, L.P.(a)(b)(e)(f) |
|
413,050 |
| |
742,434 |
(c) |
Neurone Ventures II, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) |
|
166,275 |
| |
2,001,470 |
(c) |
SVE Star Ventures Enterprises GmbH & Co. No. IX KG(a)(b)(e)(f) |
|
251,865 |
| |
1,375,001 |
(c) |
Walden-Israel Ventures III, L.P.(a)(b)(e)(f) |
|
153,876 |
| |
|
|
|
|
1,443,367 |
| |
|
|
Total Israel (cost $6,279,117) |
|
1,443,367 |
| |
KENYA4.1% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES1.5% |
|
|
| |||
797,000 |
|
East African Breweries Limited |
|
2,900,776 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)
As of April 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES2.6% |
|
|
| |||
62,344,400 |
|
Safaricom Limited |
|
$ |
5,133,369 |
|
|
|
Total Kenya (cost $6,176,422) |
|
8,034,145 |
| |
LATIN AMERICA0.0% |
|
|
| |||
VENTURE CAPITAL0.0% |
|
|
| |||
2,320,633 |
(c) |
JP Morgan Latin America Capital Partners, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) (cost $642,363) |
|
70,037 |
| |
LEBANON0.7% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL BANKS0.7% |
|
|
| |||
147,001 |
|
BLOM Bank SAL, GDR (cost $1,292,715) |
|
1,323,009 |
| |
MALAYSIA8.8% |
|
|
| |||
AUTOMOBILES1.0% |
|
|
| |||
628,000 |
|
Oriental Holdings BHD |
|
2,018,682 |
| |
BEVERAGES2.3% |
|
|
| |||
225,000 |
|
Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd |
|
1,104,848 |
| |
225,000 |
|
Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd |
|
1,348,891 |
| |
333,000 |
|
Guinness Anchor Bhd |
|
2,020,437 |
| |
|
|
|
|
4,474,176 |
| |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS0.7% |
|
|
| |||
455,000 |
|
Lafarge Malayan Cement Bhd |
|
1,483,517 |
| |
FOOD PRODUCTS1.0% |
|
|
| |||
216,000 |
|
United Plantations BHD |
|
1,980,739 |
| |
MULTILINE RETAIL2.7% |
|
|
| |||
1,146,000 |
|
Aeon Co. M Bhd |
|
5,461,627 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT1.1% |
|
|
| |||
1,875,000 |
|
SP Setia Bhd |
|
2,113,804 |
| |
|
|
Total Malaysia (cost $16,211,816) |
|
17,532,545 |
| |
MEXICO3.2% |
|
|
| |||
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE3.2% |
|
|
| |||
210,000 |
|
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de C.V., ADR (cost $4,595,808) |
|
6,423,900 |
| |
NETHERLANDS1.5% |
|
|
| |||
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT1.5% |
|
|
| |||
90,000 |
|
ASM International NV(a) (cost $3,267,945) |
|
3,006,326 |
| |
NIGERIA1.6% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES1.6% |
|
|
| |||
1,886,000 |
|
Guinness Nigeria PLC (cost $3,172,325) |
|
3,222,792 |
| |
OMAN1.8% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL BANKS1.8% |
|
|
| |||
565,000 |
|
BankMuscat SAOG, GDR (cost $3,715,020) |
|
3,587,750 |
| |
PHILIPPINES1.7% |
|
|
| |||
HOTELS, RESTURANTS & LEISURE1.7% |
|
|
| |||
1,100,000 |
|
Jollibee Foods Corp.(a) (cost $3,321,417) |
|
3,436,164 |
| |
POLAND2.3% |
|
|
| |||
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING2.3% |
|
|
| |||
248,000 |
|
Eurocash S.A. (cost $4,335,113) |
|
4,465,782 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)
As of April 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
RUSSIA0.9% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES0.9% |
|
|
| |||
113,000 |
|
Synergy Co.(b) (cost $2,026,090) |
|
$ |
1,741,047 |
|
SOUTH AFRICA9.8% |
|
|
| |||
CHEMICALS1.9% |
|
|
| |||
1,649,000 |
|
African Oxygen Limited |
|
3,803,900 |
| |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICE1.6% |
|
|
| |||
374,000 |
|
JSE Limited |
|
3,196,724 |
| |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING4.6% |
|
|
| |||
660,000 |
|
Clicks Group Limited(a) |
|
4,209,872 |
| |
379,000 |
|
Spar Group Limited(a) |
|
5,004,780 |
| |
|
|
|
|
9,214,652 |
| |
HOTELS, RESTURANTS & LEISURE1.7% |
|
|
| |||
228,729 |
|
City Lodge Hotels Limited |
|
3,265,190 |
| |
|
|
Total South Africa (cost $19,025,887) |
|
19,480,466 |
| |
SOUTH KOREA3.5% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL BANKS1.9% |
|
|
| |||
286,000 |
|
BS Financial Group, Inc.(a) |
|
3,771,182 |
| |
MULTILINE RETAIL1.6% |
|
|
| |||
14,700 |
|
Shinsegae Co., Limited(a) |
|
3,160,652 |
| |
|
|
Total South Korea (cost $7,009,374) |
|
6,931,834 |
| |
SRI LANKA1.6% |
|
|
| |||
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES1.6% |
|
|
| |||
1,580,000 |
|
John Keells Holdings PLC(a) (cost $3,063,687) |
|
3,120,505 |
| |
THAILAND7.9% |
|
|
| |||
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS1.2% |
|
|
| |||
140,000 |
|
Siam City Cement PCL(a) |
|
2,329,771 |
| |
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS1.3% |
|
|
| |||
3,050,000 |
|
Hana Microelectronics PCL(a) |
|
2,575,725 |
| |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING2.0% |
|
|
| |||
151,300 |
|
Siam Makro PCL(a) |
|
3,895,510 |
| |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES0.9% |
|
|
| |||
651,000 |
|
Bumrungrad Hospital PCL(a) |
|
1,826,602 |
| |
MEDIA1.2% |
|
|
| |||
1,050,000 |
|
BEC World PCL(a) |
|
2,399,201 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT1.3% |
|
|
| |||
756,000 |
|
Central Pattana PCL(a) |
|
2,574,525 |
| |
|
|
Total Thailand (cost $14,330,148) |
|
15,601,334 |
| |
TURKEY3.8% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL BANKS0.9% |
|
|
| |||
1,442,000 |
|
Turk Ekonomi Bankasi AS(a)(b) |
|
1,755,612 |
| |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS1.8% |
|
|
| |||
594,425 |
|
Cimsa Cimento Sanayi VE Tica(a) |
|
3,534,188 |
| |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (concluded)
As of April 30, 2013
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
INSURANCE1.1% |
|
|
| |||
1,705,000 |
|
Aksigorta AS(a) |
|
$ |
2,152,140 |
|
|
|
Total Turkey (cost $6,669,021) |
|
7,441,940 |
| |
UNITED KINGDOM1.9% |
|
|
| |||
PHARMACEUTICALS1.9% |
|
|
| |||
244,000 |
|
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC(a) (cost $3,734,489) |
|
3,709,508 |
| |
GLOBAL0.7% |
|
|
| |||
VENTURE CAPITAL0.7% |
|
|
| |||
7,248,829 |
(c) |
Emerging Markets Ventures l, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) |
|
353,380 |
| |
2,400,000 |
(c) |
Telesoft Partners II QP, L.P.(a)(b)(e)(f) |
|
1,087,224 |
| |
|
|
Total Global (cost $3,866,656) |
|
1,440,604 |
| |
|
|
Total Emerging Countries (cost $188,220,566) |
|
187,660,183 |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES2.1% |
|
|
| |||
LUXEMBOURG2.1% |
|
|
| |||
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING2.1% |
|
|
| |||
343,000 |
|
OKey Group S.A., GDR (cost $3,991,629) |
|
4,116,000 |
| |
UNITED STATES0.0% |
|
|
| |||
VENTURE CAPITAL0.0% |
|
|
| |||
1,952,000 |
(c) |
Technology Crossover Ventures IV, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) (cost $395,881) |
|
78,353 |
| |
|
|
Total Developed Countries (cost $4,387,510) |
|
4,194,353 |
| |
|
|
Total LONG-TERM Equity Securities96.7% (cost $192,608,076) |
|
191,854,536 |
| |
Principal |
|
|
|
|
| |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT2.9% |
|
|
| |||
GRAND CAYMAN2.9% |
|
|
| |||
$5,665 |
|
Wells Fargo, overnight deposit, 0.03%, 05/01/13 (cost $5,665,000) |
|
5,665,000 |
| |
|
|
Total Investments99.6% (cost $198,273,076) |
|
197,519,536 |
| |
|
|
Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities0.4% |
|
851,512 |
| |
|
|
Net Assets100.0% |
|
$198,371,048 |
| |
(a) Security was fair valued as of April 30, 2013. Security is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors (the Board) under procedures established by the Board.
(b) Non-income producing security.
(c) Represents contributed capital.
(d) As of April 30, 2013, the aggregate amount of open commitments for the Fund is $2,011,123.
(e) Illiquid Security.
(f) Restricted security, not readily marketable.
ADR American Depositary Receipts.
BDR Brazilian Depositary Receipts.
GDR Global Depositary Receipts.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited) |
|
|
| |||
As of April 30, 2013 |
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
Assets |
|
|
| |||
Investments, at value (Cost $198,273,076) |
|
$ |
197,519,536 |
| ||
Cash (including $32,949 of foreign currencies with a cost of $32,769) |
|
33,803 |
| |||
Investments sold receivable |
|
824,595 |
| |||
Dividends receivable |
|
399,344 |
| |||
Prepaid expenses |
|
7,116 |
| |||
Total assets |
|
198,784,394 |
| |||
Liabilities |
|
|
| |||
Investment advisory fees payable (Note 3) |
|
161,816 |
| |||
Investments purchased payable |
|
158,664 |
| |||
Directors fees payable |
|
19,250 |
| |||
Administration fees payable (Note 3) |
|
3,123 |
| |||
Investor relations fees payable (Note 3) |
|
2,290 |
| |||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
68,203 |
| |||
Total liabilities |
|
413,346 |
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
Net Assets |
|
$ |
198,371,048 |
| ||
Net Assets consist of |
|
|
| |||
Capital stock, $0.001 par value (Note 5) |
|
$ |
8,247 |
| ||
Paid-in capital |
|
144,512,166 |
| |||
Undistributed net investment income |
|
2,658,855 |
| |||
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions |
|
51,943,339 |
| |||
Net unrealized depreciation on investments and foreign currency translation |
|
(751,559 |
) | |||
Net Assets applicable to shares outstanding |
|
$ |
198,371,048 |
| ||
Net asset value per share, based on 8,246,665 shares issued and outstanding |
|
$ |
24.05 |
| ||
|
|
|
| |||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
| ||||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
Statement of Operations (unaudited) |
|
|
| |||
For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2013 |
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
Investment Income |
|
|
| |||
Income: |
|
|
| |||
Dividends and other income |
|
$ |
1,997,672 |
| ||
Less: Foreign taxes withheld |
|
(187,667 |
) | |||
Total investment income |
|
1,810,005 |
| |||
Expenses: |
|
|
| |||
Investment advisory fees (Note 3) |
|
1,030,551 |
| |||
Directors fees and expenses |
|
99,011 |
| |||
Custodians fees and expenses |
|
82,915 |
| |||
Legal fees and expenses |
|
46,670 |
| |||
Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation |
|
34,814 |
| |||
Investor relations fees and expenses (Note 3) |
|
29,771 |
| |||
Independent auditors fees and expenses |
|
24,596 |
| |||
Insurance expense |
|
21,114 |
| |||
Administration fees (Note 3) |
|
14,862 |
| |||
Transfer agents fees and expenses |
|
12,862 |
| |||
Miscellaneous |
|
16,471 |
| |||
Total expenses |
|
1,413,637 |
| |||
Less: Fee waivers (Note 3) |
|
(46,163 |
) | |||
Net expenses |
|
1,367,474 |
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
Net investment income |
|
442,531 |
| |||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency Related Transactions |
|
|
| |||
Net realized gain/(loss) on: |
|
|
| |||
Investment transactions (net of capital gains tax of $6,139)* |
|
44,948,879 |
| |||
Foreign currency transactions |
|
(293,378 |
) | |||
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency translation |
|
(34,959,382 |
) | |||
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions |
|
9,696,119 |
| |||
Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
|
$ |
10,138,650 |
| ||
|
|
|
| |||
* Includes realized gain portion of distributions from underlying venture capital investments of $155,382. |
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
| ||||
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
| |||
Statements of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited) |
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
For the |
|
For the |
| ||||
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Operations: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net investment income |
|
$ |
442,531 |
|
$ |
3,457,884 |
| ||
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions |
|
44,655,501 |
|
854,950 |
| ||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translations |
|
(34,959,382 |
) |
22,692,729 |
| ||||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
10,138,650 |
|
27,005,563 |
| ||||
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net investment income |
|
(1,007,825 |
) |
(2,840,316 |
) | ||||
Total increase in net assets resulting from operations |
|
9,130,825 |
|
24,165,247 |
| ||||
Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Beginning of period |
|
189,240,223 |
|
165,074,976 |
| ||||
End of period* |
|
$ |
198,371,048 |
|
$ |
189,240,223 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
* Includes undistributed net investment income of $2,658,855 and $3,224,149, respectively. |
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
| |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Financial Highlights
|
|
For the |
|
For the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, |
| |||||||||
|
|
(unaudited) |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
| |
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$22.95 |
|
$20.02 |
|
$20.86 |
|
$17.99 |
|
$15.24 |
|
$29.69 |
| |
Net investment income |
|
0.05 |
|
0.42 |
|
0.41 |
|
0.57 |
|
0.40 |
|
0.43 |
| |
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions |
|
1.17 |
|
2.85 |
|
(0.72 |
) |
2.69 |
|
2.71 |
|
(14.98 |
) | |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
1.22 |
|
3.27 |
|
(0.31 |
) |
3.26 |
|
3.11 |
|
(14.55 |
) | |
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Net investment income |
|
(0.12 |
) |
(0.34 |
) |
(0.53 |
) |
(0.39 |
) |
(0.36 |
) |
(0.01 |
) | |
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
|
(0.12 |
) |
(0.34 |
) |
(0.53 |
) |
(0.39 |
) |
(0.36 |
) |
(0.01 |
) | |
Anti-dilutive impact due to capital shares tendered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.11 |
| |
Net asset value, end of period |
|
$24.05 |
|
$22.95 |
|
$20.02 |
|
$20.86 |
|
$17.99 |
|
$15.24 |
| |
Market value, end of period |
|
$21.55 |
|
$20.65 |
|
$18.03 |
|
$19.08 |
|
$15.95 |
|
$12.66 |
| |
Total Investment Return Based on:(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Market value |
|
4.94% |
|
16.56% |
|
(2.76 |
)% |
22.35% |
|
29.52% |
|
(54.89 |
)% | |
Net asset value |
|
5.38% |
|
16.67% |
|
(1.24 |
)% |
18.60% |
|
21.35% |
|
(48.64 |
)% | |
Ratio/Supplementary Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
|
$198,371 |
|
$189,240 |
|
$165,075 |
|
$172,030 |
|
$148,328 |
|
$125,610 |
| |
Average net assets (000 omitted) |
|
$195,043 |
|
$175,613 |
|
$169,025 |
|
$157,099 |
|
$131,494 |
|
$205,301 |
| |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, net of fee waivers |
|
1.41% |
(c) |
1.43% |
|
1.50% |
|
1.53% |
|
1.43% |
|
1.37% |
| |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, excluding fee waivers |
|
1.46% |
(c) |
1.48% |
|
1.55% |
|
1.61% |
|
1.48% |
|
1.42% |
| |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
|
0.46% |
(c) |
1.97% |
|
2.00% |
|
2.97% |
|
2.51% |
|
1.75% |
| |
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
85.88 |
% |
5.14% |
|
49.48% |
|
5.36% |
|
90.65% |
|
34.07% |
| |
|
| |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||
(a) |
Based on average shares outstanding. | |||||||||||||
(b) |
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and a sale on the last day of each reporting period. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed, for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. | |||||||||||||
(c) |
Annualized. | |||||||||||||
|
| |||||||||||||
See Notes to Financial Statements. | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
April 30, 2013
1. Organization
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the Fund) (formerly, Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc.) was incorporated in Maryland on October 12, 1993, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The Fund trades on the NYSE MKT under the ticker symbol ETF.
The Funds name reflects the new investment policies which were approved by the shareholders and Board of Directors on March 14, 2013. As a result of these policy changes, effective March 15, 2013, the Funds new investment policies are as follows: a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Funds net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, will be invested in equity securities of emerging market smaller company issuers. An emerging market country is any country determined by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, the Funds investment adviser (the Adviser), to have an emerging market economy, considering factors such as the countrys credit rating, its political and economic stability and the development of its financial and capital markets. Emerging market countries for purposes of this policy can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. Smaller companies for the purposes of this policy can be companies that, at the time of purchase, have a market capitalization of less than $5 billion. The Fund may, at the full discretion of the Adviser, focus its investments in securities of companies from each of the infrastructure, telecommunications and technology sectors of emerging market countries. The portion of the Funds portfolio invested in securities of companies from each of such sectors will vary from time to time, based on the Advisers view of current market conditions. The Fund will not concentrate its investments in any industry or group of industries. The Fund invests in common stock, but may also invest in other types of equity securities, including preferred stock, convertible securities, depositary receipts and rights and warrants to buy common stock. As a fundamental investment restriction, the Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of issuers in any single industry, except that this limitation will not be applicable to the purchase of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. The approved changes have not altered the Funds investment objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The financial statements of the Fund are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The U.S. Dollar is used as both the functional and reporting currency.
(a) Security Valuation
The Fund is required to value its securities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Equity securities that are traded on an exchange are valued at the last quoted sale price on the principal exchange on which the security is traded at the Valuation Time subject to application, when appropriate, of the fair valuation factors described in the paragraph below. The Valuation Time is as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In the absence of a sale price, the security is valued at the mean of the bid/ask price quoted at the close on the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds are valued at the market price of the security at the Valuation Time. A security using any of these pricing methodologies is determined as a Level 1 investment.
Foreign equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that close prior to the Valuation Time are valued by applying fair valuation factors to the last sale price. Fair valuation factors are provided by an independent pricing service provider. When the fair value factors are utilized, the value assigned to the foreign securities may not be the same as quoted or published prices of the securities on their primary markets. These factors are based on inputs such as, depositary receipts, S&P 500 Index/S&P 500 Futures, Nikkei 225 Futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and historical opening and closing prices of each security. If the pricing service is unable to provide a valuation factor, or if the valuation factor falls below a predetermined threshold, the security is valued at the last sale price. A security that applies a fair valuation is determined as a Level 2 investment. When no fair valuation factor is applied the security is determined as a Level 1 investment.
In the event that a securitys market quotation is not readily available or is deemed unreliable, the fair value of a security is determined by the Funds Pricing Committee (which is appointed by the Board of Directors), taking into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances. A security that has been fair valued by the pricing committee may be classified as Level 2 or 3 depending on the nature of the inputs.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
April 30, 2013
The Fund also invests in venture capital private placement securities, which are deemed to be restricted securities. In the absence of readily ascertainable market values these securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of the Board, under procedures established by the Board. The Funds estimate of fair value assumes a willing buyer and a willing seller neither of whom are acting under the compulsion to buy or sell. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could differ from the prices originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values, and the difference could be material. These securities are categorized as Level 3 investments. Level 3 investments have significant unobservable inputs, as they trade infrequently. In determining the fair value of these investments, management uses the market approach which includes as the primary input the capital balance reported; however, adjustments to the reported capital balance may be made based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the attributes of the interest held, including the rights and obligations, and any restrictions or illiquidity of such interests, and the fair value of these venture capital investments.
In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Fund discloses the fair value of its investments using a three level hierarchy that classifies the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The
hierarchy assigns Level 1 measurements to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 2 measurements to valuations based upon adjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and Level 3 measurements to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entitys own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:
Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc); or
Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
A financial instruments level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of April 30, 2013 in valuing the Funds investments carried at fair value. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Refer to the Portfolio of Investments for a detailed breakout of the security types:
Investments, at value |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Balance as of |
|
Long-Term Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemicals |
|
$7,684,154 |
|
$2,722,790 |
|
$ |
|
$10,406,944 |
|
Commercial Banks |
|
4,910,759 |
|
9,102,811 |
|
|
|
14,013,570 |
|
Construction Materials |
|
1,483,517 |
|
10,101,091 |
|
|
|
11,584,608 |
|
Food & Staples Retailing |
|
8,581,782 |
|
13,110,162 |
|
|
|
21,691,944 |
|
Hotels, Resturants & Leisure |
|
3,265,190 |
|
5,546,219 |
|
|
|
8,811,409 |
|
Multiline Retail |
|
5,461,627 |
|
3,160,652 |
|
|
|
8,622,279 |
|
Real Estate Management & Development |
|
11,759,670 |
|
5,118,921 |
|
|
|
16,878,591 |
|
Venture Capital |
|
|
|
|
|
3,032,361 |
|
3,032,361 |
|
Other |
|
59,623,856 |
|
37,188,974 |
|
|
|
96,812,830 |
|
Short-Term Investments |
|
|
|
5,665,000 |
|
|
|
5,665,000 |
|
Total |
|
$102,770,555 |
|
$91,716,620 |
|
$3,032,361 |
|
$197,519,536 |
|
Amounts listed as - are $0 or round to $0.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
April 30, 2013
For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing transfers at the end of each period. As described above, certain foreign securities are fair valued utilizing an independent pricing service to reflect any significant market movements between the time the Fund values such foreign securities and the earlier closing of foreign markets. For some securities, the pricing service is unable to provide a valuation factor. The utilization of these procedures results in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. For the period ended April 30, 2013, the security issued by Cimsa Cemento Sanayi VE, in the amount of $3,534,188, transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 because there was a fair value factor applied at April 30, 2013.
For the period ended April 30, 2013, there have been no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Funds venture capital holdings are audited financial statements, interim financial statements, capital calls, and distributions. These unobservable inputs are used by taking the most recent quarterly valuation statements and adjusting the value using the unobservable inputs mentioned above. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Valuation Technique |
|
Unobservable Inputs |
|
Range |
|
Venture Capital |
|
$3,032,361 |
|
Partner Capital |
|
Capital Calls & Distributions |
|
$0 ($171,513) |
|
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:
Investments, |
|
Balance |
|
Accrued |
|
Realized |
|
Change in |
|
Capital |
|
Distributions/ |
|
Transfers |
|
Transfers |
|
Balance |
|
Venture Capital |
|
$3,842,416 |
|
$ |
|
$(3,017,973 |
) |
$2,849,963 |
|
$ |
|
$(642,045 |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$3,032,361 |
|
Total |
|
$3,842,416 |
|
$ |
|
$(3,017,973 |
) |
$2,849,963 |
|
$ |
|
$(642,045 |
) |
$ |
|
$ |
|
$3,032,361 |
|
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation relating to investments still held at April 30, 2013 is $2,849,963.
(b) Short-Term Investment:
The Fund sweeps available cash into a short-term time deposit available through Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH & Co.), the Funds custodian. The short-term time deposit is a variable rate account classified as a short-term investment.
(c) Foreign Currency Translation:
Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars on the following basis:
(I) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities at the rate of exchange at the Valuation Time; and
(II) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments in equity securities which is due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of equity securities. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment transactions balances.
The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions and foreign taxes withheld on security transactions as components of realized gains for financial reporting purposes, whereas such foreign currency related transactions are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of investments, and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
Net realized foreign currency transactions represent foreign exchange gains and losses from transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts, exchange gains or losses realized between the trade date and settlement date on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
April 30, 2013
currency relative to the U.S. Dollar. Generally when the U.S. Dollar rises in value against foreign currency, the Funds investments denominated in that currency will lose value because its currency is worth fewer U.S. Dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. Dollar falls in relative value.
(d) Security Transactions and Investment Income:
Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis.
(e) Distributions:
On an annual basis, the Fund intends to distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, by way of a final distribution to be declared during the calendar quarter ending December 31. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currencies.
(f) Federal Income Taxes:
The Fund intends to qualify or continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (IRC), and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Funds U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2012 are subject to such review.
(g) Partnership Accounting Policy:
The Fund records its pro-rata share of the income/(loss) and capital gains/(losses) allocated from the underlying partnerships and adjusts
the cost of the underlying partnerships accordingly. These amounts are included in the Funds Statement of Operations.
(h) Dividend and Interest Income:
Dividend and interest income from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. In addition, the Fund may be subject to capital gains tax in certain countries in which it invests. The above taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties with some of these countries. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income is earned.
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
(a) Investment Adviser:
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (AAML or the Adviser) serves as the Funds investment adviser with respect to all investments. AAML is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. AAML receives as compensation for its advisory services from the Fund, an annual fee, calculated weekly and paid quarterly, equal to 1.25% of the first $100 million of the Funds average weekly market value or net assets (whichever is lower), 1.125% of the next $100 million and 1.00% of amounts in excess of $200 million. Effective March 6, 2013 AAML has agreed to contractually waive a portion of its advisory fee. Prior to March 6, 2013, AAML voluntarily waived an equal portion of its advisory fee. For the six month period ended April 30, 2013, AAML earned $1,030,551 for advisory services, of which AAML waived $46,163.
(b) Fund Administration:
BBH & Co. is the U.S. administrator for the Fund and certain other funds advised by AAML and its affiliates (collectively, the Funds). The Funds pay BBH & Co. a monthly administration and fund accounting service fee at an annual rate of 0.02% of the Funds aggregate assets up to $250 million, 0.015% for the next $250 million and 0.01% in excess of $500 million.
Each Fund pays its pro rata portion of the fee based on its level of assets with a monthly minimum of $2,500. For the six month period ended April 30, 2013, BBH & Co. earned $15,000 from the Fund for administrative and fund accounting services.
(c) Investor Relations:
Under the terms of an Investor Relations Services Agreement, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (AAMI), an affiliate of AAML, serves as the Funds investor relations services provided.
Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, AAMI provides, among other things, objective and timely information to shareholders based on publicly-available information; provides
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
April 30, 2013
information efficiently through the use of technology while offering shareholders immediate access to knowledgeable investor relations representatives; develops and maintains effective communications with investment professionals from a wide variety of firms; creates and maintains investor relations communication materials such as fund manager interviews, films and webcasts, published white papers, magazine and articles and other relevant materials discussing the Funds investment results, portfolio positioning and outlook; develops and maintains effective communications with large institutional shareholders; responds to specific shareholder questions; and reports activities and results to the Board and management detailing insight into general shareholder sentiment.
For the six month period ended April 30, 2013, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $32,963 for investor relations services. Investor relations fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket expenses.
(d) Directors Purchase Plan:
Fifty percent (50%) of the annual retainer of the Independent Directors is invested in Fund shares and, at the option of each Independent Director, 100% of the annual retainer can be invested in shares of the Fund. During the six month period ended April 30, 2013, 1,327 shares were purchased pursuant to the Directors compensation plan. As of April 30, 2013, the Directors as a group owned less than 1% of the Funds outstanding shares.
4. Investment Transactions
For the six month period ended April 30 2013, Fund purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term investments, were $165,547,357 and $342,846,437, respectively.
5. Capital
The authorized capital stock of the Fund is 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value. As of April 30, 2013, there were 8,246,665 common shares issued and outstanding.
6. Restricted Securities
Certain of the Funds investments are restricted with respect to resale and are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board under procedures established by the Board in the absence of readily ascertainable market values.
Security |
|
Acquisition Date(s) |
|
Cost |
|
Fair Value |
|
Percent of |
|
Distributions |
|
Open |
|
BPA Israel Ventures, LLC |
|
10/05/00 12/09/05 |
|
$1,046,446 |
|
$355,599 |
|
0.18 |
|
$211,330 |
|
$625,413 |
|
Concord Fund I Liquidating Main Trust |
|
12/08/97 09/29/00 |
|
1,194,943 |
|
102,702 |
|
0.05 |
|
1,386,405 |
|
|
|
Emerging Markets Ventures l, L.P. |
|
01/22/98 01/10/06 |
|
2,581,074 |
|
353,380 |
|
0.18 |
|
7,446,327 |
|
851,171 |
|
Giza GE Venture Fund III, L.P. |
|
01/31/00 11/23/06 |
|
1,765,654 |
|
413,050 |
|
0.21 |
|
770,820 |
|
|
|
JP Morgan Latin America Capital Partners, L.P. |
|
04/10/00 03/20/08 |
|
642,363 |
|
70,037 |
|
0.04 |
|
2,396,384 |
|
467,789 |
|
Neurone Ventures II, L.P. |
|
11/24/00 12/21/10 |
|
205,067 |
|
166,275 |
|
0.08 |
|
401,833 |
|
18,750 |
|
SVE Star Ventures Enterprises GmbH & Co. No. IX KG |
|
12/21/00 08/12/08 |
|
1,282,502 |
|
251,865 |
|
0.13 |
|
804,759 |
|
|
|
Technology Crossover Ventures IV, L.P. |
|
03/08/00 09/27/10 |
|
395,881 |
|
78,353 |
|
0.04 |
|
2,923,426 |
|
48,000 |
|
Telesoft Partners II QP, L.P. |
|
07/14/00 03/01/10 |
|
1,285,581 |
|
1,087,224 |
|
0.55 |
|
1,109,561 |
|
|
|
Walden-Israel Ventures III, L.P. |
|
02/23/01 10/20/10 |
|
784,505 |
|
153,876 |
|
0.08 |
|
1,203,325 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
$11,184,016 |
|
$3,032,361 |
|
1.54 |
|
$18,654,170 |
|
$2,011,123 |
|
The Fund may incur certain costs in connection with the disposition of the above securities.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
April 30, 2013
7. Open Market Repurchase Program
The Board authorized, but does not require, Fund management to make open market purchases from time to time in an amount up to 10% of the Funds outstanding shares, in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable federal securities laws. Such purchases may be made when, in the reasonable judgment of Fund management, such repurchases may enhance shareholder value and when the Funds shares are trading at a discount to net asset value of 12% or more, subject to intraday fluctuations that may result in repurchases at discounts below 12%. The Board has instructed Fund management to report repurchase activity to it regularly, and to post the number of shares repurchased on the Funds website on a monthly basis. For the six month period ended April 30, 2013, the Fund did not repurchase shares through this program.
8. Portfolio Investment Risks
(a) Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies:
Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include, among others, currency risk, information risk and political risk. Currency risk results from securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars that are subject to changes in value due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Information risk arises with respect to foreign securities when key information about foreign issuers may be inaccurate or unavailable. Political risk includes future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries. Other risks of investing in foreign securities include liquidity and valuation risks.
Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
Some countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if there is deterioration in a countrys balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad. Amounts repatriated prior to the end of specified periods may be subject to taxes as imposed by a foreign country.
(b) Risks Associated with Emerging Markets:
The emerging countries securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. A high proportion of the securities of many companies in emerging countries may be held by a limited number of persons, which may limit the number of securities available for investment by the Fund. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities markets may also affect the Funds ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so.
(c) Risks Associated with Restricted Securities:
The Fund, subject to local investment limitations, may invest up to 30% of its assets (at the time of commitment) in illiquid equity securities, including securities of venture capital funds (whether in corporate or partnership form) that invest primarily in emerging markets. When investing through another investment fund, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the expenses incurred by that underlying fund, including management fees. Such securities are expected to be illiquid which may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses. Because of the current absence of any liquid trading market for these investments, the venture capital funds may take longer to liquidate than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could be substantially less than those originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values and these differences could be material. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosures and other investor protection requirements applicable to companies whose securities are publicly traded.
(d) Risks Associated with Focus on Emerging Markets Smaller Companies:
The Fund focuses its investments in the equity securities of emerging markets smaller companies issuers. Securities of companies in emerging ;market countries are generally more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities, due to less stable governments, more volatile currencies and less established markets. Additionally, smaller companies are usually less stable in and price and less liquid than those of larger, more established companies. These risks will have a greater impact on the Funds net asset value and will cause its shares to fluctuate more than if the Fund did not focus its investments in these types of securities.
(e) Risks Associated with European Markets:
A number of countries in Europe have experienced and continued to experience severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (concluded)
April 30, 2013
faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Funds investments.
9. Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.
10. Tax Information
At April 30, 2013, the identified cost for federal income tax purposes, as well as the gross unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost, gross unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value and the net unrealized appreciation from investments were $198,273,076, $13,146,850, $(13,900,390) and $(753,540), respectively.
11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU). No. 2011-11, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in this update require an entity to disclose both gross and net information for derivatives and other financial instruments that are either offset in the statement of assets and liabilities or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 (and interim periods within those annual periods). Management evaluated the implications of this ASU and has determined that there is no significant impact on the financial statements.
12. Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financials statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no adjustments were required to the financial statements as of April 30, 2013.
Gregory Hazlett, a Class I Director of the Fund, resigned from the Board of Directors effective June 11, 2013. Following his resignation, the size of the Board was reduced to 5 directors.
Proxy Voting Information (unaudited)
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held on March 14, 2013 at 712 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. The description of the proposals and number of shares voted at the meeting are as follows:
(1) To re-elect two directors to serve as Class III directors for three year terms as until their successors and qualify:
|
|
Votes For |
|
Votes Withheld |
|
Enrique R. Arzac |
|
7,236,449 |
|
243,607 |
|
James J. Cattano |
|
4,4148,139 |
|
3,331,917 |
|
Directors whose term of office continued beyond this meeting are as follows: Steven N. Rappaport, Martin M. Torino, and Alexander E. Zagoreos.
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held on March 14, 2013 at 712 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. The description of the proposals and number of shares voted at the meeting are as follows.
(2) To replace a fundamental investment policy and investment restrictions of the Fund:
Votes For |
Against |
Non Votes |
|
|
5,858,699 |
71,703 |
11,254 |
|
|
Supplemental Information (unaudited)
Board Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
The Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Investment Company Act) and the terms of the investment advisory agreement (the Advisory Agreement) between the Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. (formerly Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc.) (the Fund) and Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (the Adviser) require that the Advisory Agreement be approved annually at an in-person meeting by the Board of Directors (the Board), including a majority of the Directors who have no direct or indirect interest in the Advisory Agreement and are not interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act (the Independent Directors).
At its meeting on December 4, 2012, the Board voted unanimously to renew the Advisory Agreement between the Fund and the Adviser. In connection with its evaluation of the Advisory Agreement, the Board reviewed a broad range of information requested for this purpose and considered a variety of factors, including the following:
(i) The nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Adviser;
(ii) The performance of the Fund;
(iii) The management fee rate, which includes the advisory fee charged by the Adviser and the administration fee charged by the Funds administrator, and the total net expense ratio of the Fund, both on an absolute basis and as compared both to a relevant peer group of funds and to fees charged by the Adviser to others;
(iv) The extent to which economies of scale could be realized by the Adviser and shared with the Funds shareholders;
(v) The costs of services provided and profits realized by the Adviser;
(vi) Other benefits realized by the Adviser or its affiliates from its relationship with the Fund; and
(vii) Any other factors that the Board deemed relevant to its consideration.
In addition to its review of information presented to the Board during the contract renewal process, the Board considered knowledge gained from presentations by and discussions with management at regular and special meetings throughout the year. The Independent Directors were represented by independent counsel throughout the review
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)
process and convened executive sessions without management present. In its deliberations, the Board did not identify any single factor that was all-important or controlling and each Director may have attributed different weights to the various factors.
Certain of the Board considerations outlined above are discussed in more detail below.
Nature, Extent and Quality of Services. The Board received and considered various data and information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided under the Advisory Agreement. The Board considered the reorganization of the Funds previous investment adviser, Aberdeen Asset Management Investment Services Limited (AAMISL), into the Adviser, which occurred on March 1, 2012. As a result of this reorganization, the Adviser continues to conduct AAMISLs businesses and represented that there has been no change to the portfolio management team or the level or nature of services provided to the Fund and the same resources that were available to AAMISL for the management of the Fund are available to the Adviser.
Additionally, the Board considered, among other things, information about the background and experience of senior management and investment personnel who were responsible for managing the Fund. The Board also received presentations from and participated in information sessions with senior investment personnel of the Adviser. The Board considered information provided regarding the portfolio managers and other resources dedicated to the Fund and the investment philosophy and process followed by those individuals responsible for managing the Fund. The Board, in particular, received information from the Adviser about its resources, including personnel, devoted to focusing on the market sectors in which the Fund invests. The Board was satisfied that the Adviser had appropriate resources to cover the market sectors to manage the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective.
The Board also evaluated the ability of the Adviser, based on its resources, reputation and other attributes, to attract and retain qualified investment professionals. In this regard, the Board considered information regarding the general nature of the compensation structure applicable to portfolio managers and other key personnel.
In addition, the Board considered and evaluated materials and information received regarding the Advisers investment and legal compliance program and record with respect to the U.S. registered closed-end funds managed by the Adviser. The Board met in-person with and received quarterly reports from the Funds Chief Compliance Officer.
Furthermore, the Board received and considered information about the financial viability of the Adviser to satisfy itself that the Adviser
had adequate resources to perform the services required under the Advisory Agreement.
Based on the foregoing and other relevant information reviewed, the Board concluded that, overall, the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund supported renewal of the Advisory Agreement.
Investment Performance. In addition to reports received at its regular quarterly meetings, the Board received and considered information on the investment performance history of the Fund, including comparison to comparable funds and a broad-based benchmark index returns over various calendar years. The Board was provided with reports, independently prepared by Strategic Insight Mutual Fund Research and Consulting, LLC (Strategic Insight), which included a comprehensive analysis of the Funds performance.
The Board noted that the Funds performance was in-line with the performance of its former benchmark index, the MSCI EM Infrastructure Index, for the calendar years under review. The Board also noted that, with the exception of 2009 and 2010, the Funds performance for the calendar years under review was higher than the other closed-end fund in the Morningstar Specialty Communications Category, which the Board noted invests using a strategy that differs from the Fund in important respects. Although the Adviser believed that there were no funds directly comparable to the Fund, the Board considered the investment performance of funds the Adviser believed to be the closest comparable funds to the Fund, noting that such funds are not specifically mandated to invest in emerging markets. The Adviser provided information about factors that contributed to the Funds recent performance results. The Board concluded that it was generally satisfied with the Funds performance and that the Adviser was taking appropriate actions with respect to investment performance.
Fees and Economies of Scale. The Board considered the management fee rate, which combines the advisory fee charged by the Adviser and the administration fee charged by the Funds administrator, and potential economies of scale. The Board received an analysis from Strategic Insight that compared the Funds management fee rate to the management fee rate of a peer group of funds on a gross basis and on a net basis after taking into consideration any fee waivers or expense reimbursements. The Board noted that the gross management fee rate for the Fund was in-line with the average and equal to the median gross management fee rates of its peer group. The Board also noted that the net management fee rate for the Fund was in-line with the average and equal to the median net management fee rates of its peer group. Furthermore, the Board concluded that the contractual breakpoints utilized by the Fund adequately took into account potential economies of scale.
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (concluded)
The Board also reviewed information prepared by Strategic Insight that showed that the Funds 2011 total net expense ratio was in-line with the average but higher than the median ratio of its peer group. The Board considered the differences between the Fund and the funds in the peer group. The Board noted that the peer group funds invest primarily in domestic securities included in specialty equity sectors, whereas the Fund invests primarily in non-US securities of companies in foreign emerging markets, resulting in a custody expense that was significantly higher than that of the peer group funds. The Board concluded that the Funds expense results were primarily attributable to the higher cost of custody of foreign assets and below median expense waivers.
Costs of Services Provided and Profitability. The Board considered, among other things, the Advisers estimates of its costs in providing advisory services to the Fund, and the Advisers resulting profitability. The Board noted instances of reduced expenses for the twelve months ended August 31, 2012 in comparison to the Advisers expenses for the twelve months ended September 30, 2011 and the twelve months ended September 30, 2010, and the reasons for the reductions. Based on its review of the estimated cost and profit information provided by the Adviser, and in light of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to the Fund, the Board did not deem the Advisers profitability to be excessive.
Information about Services to Other Clients. The Board considered information about the nature and extent of services and fee rates offered by the Adviser to other clients, including other registered investment companies and institutional funds or accounts. The Adviser advised the Board that, due to the unique strategy of the Fund, the Adviser did not manage any other closed-end funds that were directly comparable. The Board considered that the Adviser was subject to a broader and more extensive regulatory regime in connection with management of the Fund compared to the Advisers management of institutional funds or accounts. The Board did not deem the fee rate under the Advisory Agreement to be excessive relative to these other fee rates, given its understanding of similarities and differences in the nature and extent of services offered and other factors.
Fall-Out Benefits and Other Factors. The Board also considered information regarding potential fall-out or ancillary benefits that could be realized by the Adviser or its affiliates as a result of its relationship with the Fund. In this regard, the Board was advised that the Adviser and its affiliates may derive reputational benefits from their association with the Fund. The Board also noted, however, that such benefits were difficult to quantify with certainty.
Additionally, the Board considered that the Adviser has the authority to receive research and brokerage services from a broker that may be useful to various clients in exchange for conducting portfolio brokerage transactions through such broker. The Board noted that the Adviser also may enter into commission sharing arrangements with certain brokers for the receipt of goods or services that relate to the execution of trades or the provision of research. The Board considered the Advisers representations that it evaluates any soft-dollar or commission sharing arrangements for compliance with applicable US or UK regulations, particularly with respect to the safe harbor contained in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and for compliance with its duty to seek best execution.
* * * * *
After an evaluation of the above-described factors and based on its deliberations and analysis of the information provided and alternatives considered, the Board, including all of the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the Advisory Agreement and the compensation payable thereunder.
Corporate Information
Directors |
Administrator & Custodian |
Enrique R. Arzac, Chairman |
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. |
James J. Cattano |
40 Water Street |
Steven N. Rappaport |
Boston, MA 02109 |
Martin M. Torino |
|
Alexander Zagoreos |
Shareholder Servicing Agent |
|
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. |
Officers |
250 Royall Street |
Christian Pittard, President |
Canton, MA 02021 |
Jeffrey Cotton, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer |
|
Andrea Melia, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
Megan Kennedy, Vice President and Secretary |
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP |
Alan Goodson, Vice President |
300 Madison Avenue |
Joanne Irvine, Vice President |
New York, NY 10017 |
Devan Kaloo, Vice President |
|
Jennifer Nichols, Vice President |
Legal Counsel |
Nick Robinson, Vice President |
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP |
Lucia Sitar, Vice President |
787 Seventh Avenue |
Hugh Young, Vice President |
New York, NY 10019 |
Sharon Ferrari, Assistant Treasurer |
|
Heather Hasson, Assistant Secretary |
Investor Relations |
|
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. |
Investment Adviser |
1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor |
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited |
Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
Bow Bells House |
1-866-839-5205 |
1 Bread Street |
InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com |
London, United Kingdom |
|
EC4M 9HH |
|
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
The accompanying Financial Statements as of April 30, 2013, were not audited and accordingly no opinion is expressed thereon.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.
Shares of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE MKT Exchange under the symbol ETF. Information about the Funds net asset value and market price is available at www.aberdeenetf.com.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. for their general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
An Invitation to Aberdeens Investor Relations
Your Fund on the Web
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide information to shareholders, Aberdeen invites you to visit your Fund on the web at www.aberdeenetf.com.
From this page, you can view monthly fact sheets, read news from our portfolio managers, learn more about the Funds distributions and results, view daily fact sheets courtesy of Morningstar®, conduct portfolio charting and see other information designed to keep you up-to-date on your investment.
Aberdeen Closed-End Fund Talk Channel
Please take a look at Aberdeens award-winning Closed-End Fund Talk Channel, where you can watch portfolio manager web casts and our latest short films. For replays of recent broadcasts or to register for upcoming events, please visit our Closed-End Fund Talk Channel at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usClosed/aberdeentv.
E-mail Services
Make sure you are enrolled in our e-mail services, which feature timely news from Aberdeens portfolio managers located around the world.
Enroll today at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/email and be among the first to receive the latest news about your Fund.
Please contact Aberdeen Asset Managements Investor Relations division by:
Calling us toll free at 1-866-839-5205 in the U.S.
E-mailing us at InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com
Visiting us on the web at www.aberdeen-asset.us/cef
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
(a) Included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a) This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
(b) During the period ended April 30, 2013, there were no changes in the Portfolio Managers identified in response to paragraph a(1) of this Item in the Registrants most recent Annual Report on Form N-CSR filed on January 4, 2013.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Period |
|
(a) Total Number of |
|
(b) Average Price |
|
(c) Total Number |
|
(d) Maximum |
|
November 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
December 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
January 1, 2013 through January 31, 2013 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
February 1, 2013 through February 28, 2013 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
March 1, 2013 through March 31, 2013 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
April 1, 2013 through April 30, 2013 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
Total |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
824,667 |
|
(1) The plan was announced December 4, 2003. On October 26, 2009 the Fund announced that the share repurchase program was to be reinitiated. The reinitiated program authorizes management to make open market purchases from time to time in an amount up to 10% of the Funds outstanding shares, as of a date determined by the Board. Such purchases may be made when the Funds shares are trading at a discount to net asset value of 12% or more. Open market purchases may also be made at the discretion of management if the discount to net asset value is less than 12%. On October 26, 2009, the Board authorized an amount of up to 10% of each the Funds outstanding shares as of November 1, 2009. The plan does not have an expiration date.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
During the period ended April 30, 2013, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrants Board of Directors.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) It is the conclusion of the Registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the Registrants current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified by the Commissions rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the Registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There were no changes in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the first fiscal half-year of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(a)(2) |
The certifications of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act are exhibits to this report. |
|
|
(a)(3) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(b) |
The certifications of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act are an exhibit to this report. |
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.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.
(formerly Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc.)
By: |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
Christian Pittard, |
| |
Principal Executive Officer of |
| |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Date: July 3, 2013
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: |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
Christian Pittard, |
| |
Principal Executive Officer of |
| |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Date: July 3, 2013
By: |
/s/ Andrea Melia |
|
Andrea Melia, |
| |
Principal Financial Officer of |
| |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Date: July 3, 2013