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

 

 

Exact name of registrant as specified in charter:

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.
(Formerly Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc.)

 

 

Address of principal executive offices:

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

 

Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

 

Name and address of agent for service:

Ms. Andrea Melia

 

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

 

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

866-839-5205

 

 

Date of fiscal year end:

October 31

 

 

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 Fund’s investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor’s 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 fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s new investment policies are as follows: a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), to have an emerging market economy, considering factors such as the country’s 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 Fund’s portfolio invested in securities of companies from each of such sectors will vary from time to time, based on the Adviser’s 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 Fund’s investment objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation. To reflect the new

investment policies, the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s total return was 4.9%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Fund’s share price increased 4.4% over the six months, from $20.65 on October 31, 2012 to $21.55 on April 30, 2013. The Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s Form N-Q filings are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s 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 Fund’s 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 SEC’s 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


 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

1

 

 


 

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 Aberdeen’s 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 Aberdeen’s 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 Fund’s 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.


 

2

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 


 

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 Fund’s principal investment objective remains long-term capital appreciation. As a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s 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 six–month 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 Fund’s 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


 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

3

 

 


 

Portfolio Summary (unaudited)

 

April 30, 2013

 

The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s 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&P’s 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 Fund’s portfolio, in Geographic classification, expressed as a percentage of net assets.

 

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Holdings, by Issuer (unaudited)

 

April 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holding

 

Sector

 

Country

 

Percent of Net Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 

Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de C.V.

 

Transportation Infrastructure

 

Mexico

 

3.2%

2.

 

Aeon Co. M Bhd

 

Multiline Retail

 

Malaysia

 

2.7%

3.

 

Safaricom Limited

 

Wireless Telecommunication Services

 

Kenya

 

2.6%

4.

 

Spar Group Limited

 

Food & Staples Retailing

 

South Africa

 

2.5%

5.

 

Eurocash S.A.

 

Food & Staples Retailing

 

Poland

 

2.3%

6.

 

Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios S.A.

 

Real Estate Management & Development

 

Brazil

 

2.2%

7.

 

Clicks Group Limited

 

Food & Staples Retailing

 

South Africa

 

2.1%

8.

 

O’Key Group S.A.

 

Food & Staples Retailing

 

Luxembourg

 

2.1%

9.

 

Odontoprev S.A.

 

Health Care Providers & Services

 

Brazil

 

2.1%

10.

 

Parque Arauco S.A.

 

Real Estate Management & Development

 

Chile

 

2.0%

 

4

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 


 

Average Annual Returns (unaudited)

 

April 30, 2013

 

 

 

1 Year

 

3 Years

 

5 Years

 

10 Years

Net Asset Value (NAV)

 

11.47%

 

10.40%

 

0.23%

 

14.77%

Market Value

 

13.07%

 

10.84%

 

0.54%

 

15.42%

MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index(1)

 

13.92%

 

4.07%

 

3.82%

 

17.91%

MSCI EM Infrastructure Index(1)

 

2.43%

 

7.32%

 

(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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Fund’s transfer agent. Because the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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.

 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

5

 

 


 

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)

As of April 30, 2013

 

No. of
Shares

 

Description

 

Value

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES—96.7%

 

 

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES—94.6%

 

 

 

BRAZIL—12.0%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES—1.3%

 

 

 

140,000

 

Valid Solucoes e Servicos de Seguranca em Meios de Pagamento e Identificacao S.A.

 

$

2,603,724

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES—2.1%

 

 

 

815,000

 

Odontoprev S.A.

 

4,065,326

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT—2.8%

 

 

 

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 & RAIL—1.7%

 

 

 

189,000

 

Localiza Rent a Car S.A.

 

3,354,437

 

SOFTWARE—1.3%

 

 

 

137,000

 

Totvs S.A.

 

2,578,743

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS—1.8%

 

 

 

165,000

 

Arezzo Industria e Comercio S.A.

 

3,476,896

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE—1.0%

 

 

 

149,000

 

Wilson Sons Limited, BDR

 

2,055,429

 

 

 

Total Brazil (cost $23,868,794)

 

23,746,665

 

CHILE—3.2%

 

 

 

IT SERVICES—1.2%

 

 

 

671,000

 

Sonda S.A.

 

2,322,391

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT—2.0%

 

 

 

1,559,814

 

Parque Arauco S.A.

 

4,033,756

 

 

 

Total Chile (cost $6,552,687)

 

6,356,147

 

CHINA—2.7%

 

 

 

CHEMICALS—1.4%

 

 

 

2,823,500

 

Yingde Gases Group Co., Limited(a)

 

2,722,790

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT—1.3%

 

 

 

2,215,000

 

Yanlord Land Group Limited(a)(b)

 

2,544,396

 

 

 

Total China (cost $5,674,300)

 

5,267,186

 

HONG KONG—7.3%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL BANKS—1.7%

 

 

 

2,296,000

 

Dah Sing Banking Group Limited(a)

 

3,383,421

 

HOTELS, RESTURANTS & LEISURE—1.1%

 

 

 

664,000

 

Cafe de Coral Holdings Limited(a)

 

2,110,055

 

MARINE—1.2%

 

 

 

4,215,000

 

Pacific Basin Shipping Limited(a)

 

2,411,166

 

SPECIALTY RETAIL—1.5%

 

 

 

2,958,000

 

Giordano International Limited(a)

 

2,972,670

 

TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS—0.8%

 

 

 

1,460,000

 

Texwinca Holdings Limited(a)

 

1,706,818

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

6

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 


 

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

As of April 30, 2013

 

No. of
Shares

 

Description

 

Value

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued)

 

 

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued)

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE—1.0%

 

 

 

136,000

 

Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. Limited(a)

 

$

1,962,656

 

 

 

Total Hong Kong (cost $14,053,358)

 

14,546,786

 

INDIA—7.3%

 

 

 

CHEMICALS—1.9%

 

 

 

326,000

 

Castrol India Limited

 

1,995,029

 

85,000

 

Kansai Nerolac Paints Limited

 

1,885,225

 

 

 

 

 

3,880,254

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS—0.6%

 

 

 

260,309

 

Madras Cements Limited(a)

 

1,200,570

 

IT SERVICES—1.2%

 

 

 

336,000

 

Mphasis Limited

 

2,323,156

 

PERSONAL PRODUCTS—1.8%

 

 

 

238,000

 

Godrej Consumer Products Limited

 

3,648,744

 

PHARMACEUTICALS—0.7%

 

 

 

132,000

 

Piramal Enterprises Ltd.(a)

 

1,370,525

 

ROAD & RAIL—1.1%

 

 

 

100,701

 

Container Corp. of India

 

2,102,805

 

 

 

Total India (cost $14,230,237)

 

14,526,054

 

INDONESIA—5.6%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL BANKS—0.1%

 

 

 

1,101,000

 

PT Bank Permata Tbk(a)(b)

 

192,596

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS—1.5%

 

 

 

8,080,000

 

PT Holcim Indonesia Tbk(a)

 

3,036,562

 

FOOD PRODUCTS—1.9%

 

 

 

1,157,000

 

Petra Foods Limited(a)

 

3,830,868

 

METALS & MINING—0.5%

 

 

 

3,560,000

 

PT Vale Indonesia Tbk(a)

 

1,047,842

 

TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS—1.6%

 

 

 

5,838,500

 

PT AKR Corporindo Tbk(a)

 

3,096,422

 

 

 

Total Indonesia (cost $11,105,777)

 

11,204,290

 

ISRAEL—0.7%

 

 

 

VENTURE CAPITAL—0.7%

 

 

 

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

 

KENYA—4.1%

 

 

 

BEVERAGES—1.5%

 

 

 

797,000

 

East African Breweries Limited

 

2,900,776

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

7

 

 


 

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

As of April 30, 2013

 

No. of
Shares

 

Description

 

Value

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued)

 

 

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued)

 

 

 

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES—2.6%

 

 

 

62,344,400

 

Safaricom Limited

 

$

5,133,369

 

 

 

Total Kenya (cost $6,176,422)

 

8,034,145

 

LATIN AMERICA—0.0%

 

 

 

VENTURE CAPITAL—0.0%

 

 

 

2,320,633

(c)

JP Morgan Latin America Capital Partners, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f) (cost $642,363)

 

70,037

 

LEBANON—0.7%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL BANKS—0.7%

 

 

 

147,001

 

BLOM Bank SAL, GDR (cost $1,292,715)

 

1,323,009

 

MALAYSIA—8.8%

 

 

 

AUTOMOBILES—1.0%

 

 

 

628,000

 

Oriental Holdings BHD

 

2,018,682

 

BEVERAGES—2.3%

 

 

 

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 MATERIALS—0.7%

 

 

 

455,000

 

Lafarge Malayan Cement Bhd

 

1,483,517

 

FOOD PRODUCTS—1.0%

 

 

 

216,000

 

United Plantations BHD

 

1,980,739

 

MULTILINE RETAIL—2.7%

 

 

 

1,146,000

 

Aeon Co. M Bhd

 

5,461,627

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT—1.1%

 

 

 

1,875,000

 

SP Setia Bhd

 

2,113,804

 

 

 

Total Malaysia (cost $16,211,816)

 

17,532,545

 

MEXICO—3.2%

 

 

 

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE—3.2%

 

 

 

210,000

 

Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de C.V., ADR (cost $4,595,808)

 

6,423,900

 

NETHERLANDS—1.5%

 

 

 

SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT—1.5%

 

 

 

90,000

 

ASM International NV(a) (cost $3,267,945)

 

3,006,326

 

NIGERIA—1.6%

 

 

 

BEVERAGES—1.6%

 

 

 

1,886,000

 

Guinness Nigeria PLC (cost $3,172,325)

 

3,222,792

 

OMAN—1.8%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL BANKS—1.8%

 

 

 

565,000

 

BankMuscat SAOG, GDR (cost $3,715,020)

 

3,587,750

 

PHILIPPINES—1.7%

 

 

 

HOTELS, RESTURANTS & LEISURE—1.7%

 

 

 

1,100,000

 

Jollibee Foods Corp.(a) (cost $3,321,417)

 

3,436,164

 

POLAND—2.3%

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING—2.3%

 

 

 

248,000

 

Eurocash S.A. (cost $4,335,113)

 

4,465,782

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

8

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 


 

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)

As of April 30, 2013

 

No. of
Shares

 

Description

 

Value

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued)

 

 

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued)

 

 

 

RUSSIA—0.9%

 

 

 

BEVERAGES—0.9%

 

 

 

113,000

 

Synergy Co.(b) (cost $2,026,090)

 

$

1,741,047

 

SOUTH AFRICA—9.8%

 

 

 

CHEMICALS—1.9%

 

 

 

1,649,000

 

African Oxygen Limited

 

3,803,900

 

DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICE—1.6%

 

 

 

374,000

 

JSE Limited

 

3,196,724

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING—4.6%

 

 

 

660,000

 

Clicks Group Limited(a)

 

4,209,872

 

379,000

 

Spar Group Limited(a)

 

5,004,780

 

 

 

 

 

9,214,652

 

HOTELS, RESTURANTS & LEISURE—1.7%

 

 

 

228,729

 

City Lodge Hotels Limited

 

3,265,190

 

 

 

Total South Africa (cost $19,025,887)

 

19,480,466

 

SOUTH KOREA—3.5%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL BANKS—1.9%

 

 

 

286,000

 

BS Financial Group, Inc.(a)

 

3,771,182

 

MULTILINE RETAIL—1.6%

 

 

 

14,700

 

Shinsegae Co., Limited(a)

 

3,160,652

 

 

 

Total South Korea (cost $7,009,374)

 

6,931,834

 

SRI LANKA—1.6%

 

 

 

INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES—1.6%

 

 

 

1,580,000

 

John Keells Holdings PLC(a) (cost $3,063,687)

 

3,120,505

 

THAILAND—7.9%

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS—1.2%

 

 

 

140,000

 

Siam City Cement PCL(a)

 

2,329,771

 

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, INSTRUMENTS—1.3%

 

 

 

3,050,000

 

Hana Microelectronics PCL(a)

 

2,575,725

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING—2.0%

 

 

 

151,300

 

Siam Makro PCL(a)

 

3,895,510

 

HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES—0.9%

 

 

 

651,000

 

Bumrungrad Hospital PCL(a)

 

1,826,602

 

MEDIA—1.2%

 

 

 

1,050,000

 

BEC World PCL(a)

 

2,399,201

 

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT—1.3%

 

 

 

756,000

 

Central Pattana PCL(a)

 

2,574,525

 

 

 

Total Thailand (cost $14,330,148)

 

15,601,334

 

TURKEY—3.8%

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL BANKS—0.9%

 

 

 

1,442,000

 

Turk Ekonomi Bankasi AS(a)(b)

 

1,755,612

 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS—1.8%

 

 

 

594,425

 

Cimsa Cimento Sanayi VE Tica(a)

 

3,534,188

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

9

 

 


 

Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (concluded)

As of April 30, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued)

 

 

 

LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING COUNTRIES (continued)

 

 

 

INSURANCE—1.1%

 

 

 

1,705,000

 

Aksigorta AS(a)

 

$

2,152,140

 

 

 

Total Turkey (cost $6,669,021)

 

7,441,940

 

UNITED KINGDOM—1.9%

 

 

 

PHARMACEUTICALS—1.9%

 

 

 

244,000

 

Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC(a) (cost $3,734,489)

 

3,709,508

 

GLOBAL—0.7%

 

 

 

VENTURE CAPITAL—0.7%

 

 

 

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 COUNTRIES—2.1%

 

 

 

LUXEMBOURG—2.1%

 

 

 

FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING—2.1%

 

 

 

343,000

 

O’Key Group S.A., GDR (cost $3,991,629)

 

4,116,000

 

UNITED STATES—0.0%

 

 

 

VENTURE CAPITAL—0.0%

 

 

 

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 Securities—96.7% (cost $192,608,076)

 

191,854,536

 

Principal
Amount
(000’s)

 

 

 

 

 

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—2.9%

 

 

 

GRAND CAYMAN—2.9%

 

 

 

$5,665

 

Wells Fargo, overnight deposit, 0.03%, 05/01/13 (cost $5,665,000)

 

5,665,000

 

 

 

Total Investments—99.6% (cost $198,273,076)

 

197,519,536

 

 

 

Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities—0.4%

 

851,512

 

 

 

Net Assets—100.0%

 

$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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

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.

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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

 

Custodian’s 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 auditor’s fees and expenses

 

24,596

 

Insurance expense

 

21,114

 

Administration fees (Note 3)

 

14,862

 

Transfer agent’s 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the
Six Months Ended
April 30, 2013
(unaudited)

 

For the
Year Ended
October 31, 2012

 

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.

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Financial Highlights

 

 

 

 

For the
Six Months
Ended
Aprl 30, 2013

 

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 Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions.

(c)

Annualized.

 

 

See Notes to Financial Statements.

 

 

 

 

 

14

 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s new investment policies are as follows: a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s 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 Fund’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”), to have an emerging market economy, considering factors such as the country’s 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 Fund’s portfolio invested in securities of companies from each of such sectors will vary from time to time, based on the Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 security’s market quotation is not readily available or is deemed unreliable, the fair value of a security is determined by the Fund’s 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.


 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

15

 

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 entity’s 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 Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

A financial instrument’s 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 Fund’s 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
04/30/2013

 

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.

 

16

 

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 Fund’s 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
at 4/30/2013

 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Range

 

Venture Capital

 

$3,032,361

 

Partner Capital
Value/Net Asset Value

 

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,
at value

 

Balance
as of
10/31/2012

 

Accrued
discounts/
premiums

 

Realized
gain/(loss)

 

Change in
unrealized
appreciation/
(depreciation)

 

Capital
Contributed

 

Distributions/
Sales

 

Transfers
into
Level 3

 

Transfers
out of
Level 3

 

Balance
as of
4/30/2013

 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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


 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

17

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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


 

18

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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
At 04/30/13

 

Percent of
Net Assets

 

Distributions
Received

 

Open
Commitments

 

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.

19

 

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 country’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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


 

20

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

 


 

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 Fund’s investments.

 

9. Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Fund’s 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.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

21

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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


 

 

 

 

 

22

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 AAMISL’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s performance.

 

The Board noted that the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Fund’s recent performance results. The Board concluded that it was generally satisfied with the Fund’s 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 Fund’s administrator, and potential economies of scale. The Board received an analysis from Strategic Insight that compared the Fund’s 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.


 

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

23

 


 

Supplemental Information (unaudited) (concluded)

 

 


The Board also reviewed information prepared by Strategic Insight that showed that the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Adviser’s estimates of its costs in providing advisory services to the Fund, and the Adviser’s resulting profitability. The Board noted instances of reduced expenses for the twelve months ended August 31, 2012 in comparison to the Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s 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 Adviser’s 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.


 

 

 

 

 

24

 

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 


 

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 Fund’s 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 Aberdeen’s 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 Fund’s 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 Aberdeen’s 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 Aberdeen’s 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 Management’s 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.
1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Telephone: 800 522 5465
aberdeen-asset.us/cef

 


 

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 Registrant’s 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
Shares Purchased

 

(b) Average Price
Paid per Share

 

(c) Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs(1)

 

(d) Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs(1)

 

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 Fund’s outstanding shares, as of a date determined by the Board. Such purchases may be made when the Fund’s 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 Fund’s 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 Registrant’s Board of Directors.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

 

(a) It is the conclusion of the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the Registrant’s 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 Commission’s rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

(b) There were no changes in the Registrant’s 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 registrant’s 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