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: 811-02958
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. |
|
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
|
(Address of principal executive offices) |
David Oestreicher |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
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(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrants telephone number, including area
code: (410) 345-2000
Date of fiscal year end: December
31
Date of reporting period: December 31,
2014
Item 1. Report to Shareholders
International Bond Fund |
December
31, 2014 |
The views and opinions in this report were current as of December 31, 2014. They are not guarantees of performance or investment results and should not be taken as investment advice. Investment decisions reflect a variety of factors, and the managers reserve the right to change their views about individual stocks, sectors, and the markets at any time. As a result, the views expressed should not be relied upon as a forecast of the funds future investment intent. The report is certified under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires mutual funds and other public companies to affirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the information in their financial reports is fairly and accurately stated in all material respects.
REPORTS ON THE WEB
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Managers Letter
Fellow Shareholders
Developed market international bonds lost ground in U.S. dollar terms in 2014 despite significant decreases in the yields on most sovereign bonds. The greenback rapidly strengthened against most other currencies in the second half of the year as investors prepared for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, which more than offset the local currency gains on international bonds in dollar terms. Dollar-denominated emerging markets bonds generated healthy returns through a period of considerable volatility.
The International Bond Fund returned -3.77% for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2014. (Returns for the funds Advisor Class shares varied slightly due to their different fee structure.) The fund underperformed the benchmark Barclays Global Aggregate ex USD Bond Index and the Lipper International Income Funds Average. Active currency selection was a positive relative performance factor but could not overcome the negative effects of country allocation and security selection.
MARKET ENVIRONMENT
The Federal Reserve started to taper its bond purchases at the beginning of 2014 and wound down its quantitative easing (QE) program entirely in October. U.S. economic data looked significantly healthier as the year wore on, as the unemployment rate fell to 5.6% in December from 6.6% at the beginning of the year. On the other hand, eurozone economic growth continued to be anemic and fears about deflation in the region persisted throughout 2014. The European Central Bank (ECB) started to buy certain types of secured bonds in an effort to stimulate growth, and by the end of the year market participants expected the central bank to announce a full-scale QE program involving the purchases of sovereign bonds in early 2015. Japan, which has been mired in stagnant economic growth and minimal inflation for years, fell back into a recession after an April 1 sales tax increase prompted businesses and consumers to curtail their spending. In response, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) greatly increased the size of its QE program at the end of October.
Yields on intermediate- and long-term U.S. Treasury securities confounded consensus market expectations by decreasing over the course of the year, while shorter-maturity Treasury yields edged higher as investors began to factor in the effects of a first rate increase from the Fed in mid-2015. Outside the U.S., yields on government bonds issued by many eurozone countries decreased to record or near-record low levels as growth stalled and inflation trended even lower. The yield on 10-year German government debt, widely considered a safe haven investment, moved below 0.5% by the end of the year. The already low yields on Japanese government bonds fell as a result of the countrys large levels of QE and structural impediments to stronger growth.
The impending tightening of U.S. monetary policy triggered remarkable gains for the U.S. dollar against most other currencies in the second half of the year. The dollars strength more than offset the gains in non-U.S. developed market government bonds, leading to losses in U.S. dollar terms. With the eurozone and Japanese economies looking increasingly weak and their central banks scrambling to implement even more accommodative monetary policies, the euro and the yen lost significant ground against the dollar in the second half of the year.
The dollar also strengthened against most emerging markets currencies, although its gains were generally more limited than against other developed market currencies. Emerging markets bonds generated heathy returns for the reporting period, with their strong performance through midyear outweighing a pronounced sell-off in December. However, there was considerable country-specific volatility in the bonds and currencies of developing countries. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, along with the dramatic decline in oil prices after early summer, weighed heavily on Russian bonds and the ruble. Russias central bank raised lending rates by a staggering total of 7.5 percentage points in December in an effort to stop a plunge in the ruble. Brazilian debt and the countrys currency, the real, experienced significant volatility as a result of incumbent Dilma Rousseffs victory in Brazils October presidential election over a more market-friendly challenger.
PORTFOLIO REVIEW AND POSITIONING
The funds overall country allocation and exposure to interest rate changes weighed on relative returns, largely as a result of shorter-than-benchmark duration in Japan, the eurozone, Canada, and the UK. Interest rates fell in those countries and regions, so the funds short relative duration limited its participation in the price gains. Within the eurozone, our underweight to Spanish bonds was also a negative relative performance factor as the debt rallied despite a national economy that seems to be lagging other eurozone countries. However, the positive relative performance effects of our allocation to Italian sovereign debt partially offset the drag from our Spain positioning.
Emerging markets bonds offer an attractive combination of yield and potential for capital gains, which we weigh against their liquidity limitations when analyzing their value relative to developed market debt. Our overweight positions in the bonds of select emerging marketsparticularly India and Indonesiamade a significant performance contribution. The economies of both India and Indonesia rely on imports of crude oil, the price of which dropped sharply in the second half of 2014. We have an overweight allocation to Mexican bonds denominated in local currency in order to capitalize on the Mexican governments aggressive agenda of structural reforms; this position made a positive contribution to the funds relative return. The portfolios allocation to local currency Brazilian sovereign debt also helped performance.
In terms of sector allocation, our holdings of emerging markets bonds denominated in hard currenciesU.S. dollars or euroscontributed to relative returns. We maintained an out-of-benchmark allocation to dollar-denominated emerging markets corporate debt as a result of their compelling valuations and strong fundamental condition relative to developed market corporate bonds with similar credit ratings, but their performance was disappointing. We closed our position in dollar-denominated Russian corporate bonds in the fourth quarter as geopolitical risks escalated and Russias economy contracted, making defaults more likely. The funds position in Japanese inflation-linked debt, which would benefit from higher inflation expectations in Japan, also weighed on returns.
Our positioning in developed market currencies boosted returns relative to the benchmark. We devoted considerable effort to minimizing the negative performance effects of the rapidly strengthening U.S. dollar through active currency management. In the fourth quarter of 2014, the fund had a total relative underweight of 12% in the euro, the UK pound, and the yen, which helped offset some of the U.S. dollars gains. We also maintained underweights in the Australian dollar and the New Zealand dollar as a way to partially mitigate the strength in the U.S. dollar against the currencies of countries that are major commodities exporters. Finally, the portfolio had a modest out-of-benchmark allocation to the U.S. dollar.
Our allocation to emerging markets currencies also made a positive contribution to relative returns. We continue to favor the Mexican peso, the Indian rupee, the Indonesian rupiah, and the Polish zloty as a result of the bright prospects for meaningful structural reforms and economic growth in those countries. In the fourth quarter, we increased our allocation to currencies pegged to the U.S. dollar, including the Hong Kong dollar and the Chinese renminbi.
OUTLOOK
We expect to see more volatility in 2015 as global central bank policies continue to diverge, with the Fed likely hiking interest rates while the ECB and the BoJ expand their accommodative policies. This volatility should create more opportunities to add value in both developed and emerging markets, where divergence in economic growth trends and monetary policies is also likely. The funds diversification across international fixed income asset classes provides exposure to a variety of economies in different stages of their economic and central bank cycles, which should allow us to take advantages of these divergences.
One area where our outlook is significantly different from the current market consensus is our view on the eurozone. We think that the eurozone economy can grow more quickly than the gloomy consensus expectation, partially as a result of the stimulus from the expected ECB move to purchase sovereign bonds. We anticipate that the weaker euro, lower oil prices, and fiscal policies that are becoming friendlier to growth will also help boost the eurozone economy in the second half of 2015.
We think that the divergence in growth rates within emerging markets will become more pronounced this year as weak commodities prices support many Asian markets but negatively affect Latin American developing countries. In this environment, the portfolios emerging markets debt holdings will focus on opportunities in countries implementing structural reforms that provide the scope for growth and yield. Many emerging markets currencies now appear cheap relative to their long-term valuations, which could create some attractive entry points. However, we are mindful that idiosyncratic factors are playing an increasingly important role in successful investing in developing countries; as a result, we will focus on individual currency selection as opposed to buying or selling groups of currencies.
We believe that the extended reach of T. Rowe Prices global credit and equity research platforms, combined with our emphasis on collaboration across those platforms, gives us a critical edge in analyzing both risks and opportunities in non-U.S. developed and emerging fixed income markets.
Respectfully submitted,
Arif Husain
President of the International Fixed Income Division, co-portfolio
manager, and cochairman of the funds Investment Advisory
Committee
Christopher J. Rothery
Co-portfolio manager and cochairman of the funds Investment
Advisory Committee
January 26, 2015
The committee chairmen have day-to-day responsibility for the portfolio and work with committee members in developing and executing the funds investment programs.
RISK OF INTERNATIONAL BOND INVESTING
Funds that invest overseas generally carry more risk than funds that invest strictly in U.S. assets, including unpredictable changes in currency values. Investments in emerging markets are subject to abrupt and severe price declines and should be regarded as speculative. The economic and political structures of developing nations, in most cases, do not compare favorably with the U.S. or other developed countries in terms of wealth and stability, and their financial markets often lack liquidity. Some countries also have legacies of hyperinflation, currency devaluations, and governmental interference in markets.
International investments are subject to currency risk, a decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities denominated in that currency. The overall impact on a funds holdings can be significant and long-lasting depending on the currencies represented in the portfolio, how each one appreciates or depreciates in relation to the U.S. dollar, and whether currency positions are hedged. Further, exchange rate movements are unpredictable, and it is not possible to effectively hedge the currency risks of many developing countries.
Bonds are also subject to interest rate risk, the decline in bond prices that usually accompanies a rise in interest rates, and credit risk, the chance that any fund holding could have its credit rating downgraded or that a bond issuer will default (fail to make timely payments of interest or principal), potentially reducing the funds income level and share price.
GLOSSARY
Barclays Global Aggregate ex USD Bond Index: An unmanaged index that tracks an international basket of bonds that contains government, corporate, agency, and mortgage-related bonds.
Credit spread: Measures the additional yield that investors demand as compensation for holding a bond with credit risk versus a similar-maturity Treasury security or other type of low-risk bond.
Duration: A measure of a bond or bond funds sensitivity to changes in interest rates. For example, a fund with a duration of six years would fall about 6% in response to a one-percentage-point rise in rates and vice versa.
J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index Global: Tracks U.S. dollar government bonds of 31 foreign countries.
Quasi-sovereign debt: Debt issued by a corporation and backed by the respective government, typically offering the higher yields of corporate debt with the added benefit of government support.
Weighted average maturity: A measure of a funds sensitivity to interest rates. In general, the longer the average maturity, the greater the funds sensitivity to interest rate changes. The weighted average maturity may take into account the interest rate readjustment dates for certain securities. Money funds must maintain a weighted average maturity of less than 60 days.
Performance and Expenses
Growth of $10,000 |
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the fund over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with benchmarks, which may include a broad-based market index and a peer group average or index. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns as well as mutual fund averages and indexes.
Fund Expense Example |
As a mutual fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other fund expenses. The following example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the most recent six-month period and held for the entire period.
Please note that the International Bond Fund has two share classes: The original share class (Investor Class) charges no distribution and service (12b-1) fee, and the Advisor Class shares are offered only through unaffiliated brokers and other financial intermediaries and charge a 0.25% 12b-1 fee. Each share class is presented separately in the table.
Actual Expenses
The first line of the following table (Actual) provides
information about actual account values and expenses based on the funds actual
returns. You may use the information on this line, together with your account
balance, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide
your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by
$1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number on the first line under
the heading Expenses Paid During Period to estimate the expenses you paid on
your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison
Purposes
The information on the second
line of the table (Hypothetical) is based on hypothetical account values and
expenses derived from the funds actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year
rate of return before expenses (not the funds actual return). You may compare
the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds by contrasting this
5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the
shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and
expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or
expenses you paid for the period.
Note: T. Rowe Price charges an annual account service fee of $20, generally for accounts with less than $10,000. The fee is waived for any investor whose T. Rowe Price mutual fund accounts total $50,000 or more; accounts electing to receive electronic delivery of account statements, transaction confirmations, prospectuses, and shareholder reports; or accounts of an investor who is a T. Rowe Price Preferred Services, Personal Services, or Enhanced Personal Services client (enrollment in these programs generally requires T. Rowe Price assets of at least $100,000). This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.
You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. To the extent a fund charges transaction costs, however, the total cost of owning that fund is higher.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes to Financial Statements |
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc. (the corporation), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The International Bond Fund (the fund) is a nondiversified, open-end management investment company established by the corporation. The fund seeks to provide high current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in high-quality, nondollar-denominated bonds outside the U.S. The fund has two classes of shares: the International Bond Fund original share class, referred to in this report as the Investor Class, offered since September 10, 1986, and the International Bond FundAdvisor Class (Advisor Class), offered since March 31, 2000. Advisor Class shares are sold only through unaffiliated brokers and other unaffiliated financial intermediaries that are compensated by the class for distribution, shareholder servicing, and/or certain administrative services under a Board-approved Rule 12b-1 plan. Each class has exclusive voting rights on matters related solely to that class; separate voting rights on matters that relate to both classes; and, in all other respects, the same rights and obligations as the other class.
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation The fund is an investment company and follows accounting and reporting guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 (ASC 946). The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), including but not limited to ASC 946. GAAP requires the use of estimates made by management. Management believes that estimates and valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the valuations reflected in the accompanying financial statements may differ from the value ultimately realized upon sale or maturity.
Investment Transactions, Investment Income, and Distributions Income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized for financial reporting purposes. Paydown gains and losses are recorded as an adjustment to interest income. Inflation adjustments to the principal amount of inflation-indexed bonds are reflected as interest income. Dividends received from mutual fund investments are reflected as dividend income; capital gain distributions are reflected as realized gain/loss. Dividend income and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income tax-related interest and penalties, if incurred, would be recorded as income tax expense. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are reported on the identified cost basis. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income distributions are declared by each class daily and paid monthly. Capital gain distributions, if any, are generally declared and paid by the fund annually.
Currency Translation Assets, including investments, and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar values each day at the prevailing exchange rate, using the mean of the bid and asked prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as quoted by a major bank. Purchases and sales of securities, income, and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains and losses is reflected as a component of security gains and losses.
Class Accounting The Advisor Class pays distribution, shareholder servicing, and/or certain administrative expenses in the form of Rule 12b-1 fees, in an amount not exceeding 0.25% of the classs average daily net assets. Shareholder servicing, prospectus, and shareholder report expenses incurred by each class are charged directly to the class to which they relate. Expenses common to both classes and investment income are allocated to the classes based upon the relative daily net assets of each classs settled shares; realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated based upon the relative daily net assets of each classs outstanding shares.
Redemption Fees A 2% fee is assessed on redemptions of fund shares held for 90 days or less to deter short-term trading and to protect the interests of long-term shareholders. Redemption fees are withheld from proceeds that shareholders receive from the sale or exchange of fund shares. The fees are paid to the fund and are recorded as an increase to paid-in capital. The fees may cause the redemption price per share to differ from the net asset value per share.
New Accounting Guidance In June 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-11, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860), Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures. The ASU changes the accounting for certain repurchase agreements and expands disclosure requirements related to repurchase agreements, securities lending, repurchase-to-maturity and similar transactions. The ASU is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption will have no effect on the funds net assets or results of operations.
NOTE 2 - VALUATION
The funds financial instruments are valued and each classs net asset value (NAV) per share is computed at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally 4 p.m. ET, each day the NYSE is open for business.
Fair Value The funds financial instruments are reported at fair value, which GAAP defines 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. The T. Rowe Price Valuation Committee (the Valuation Committee) has been established by the funds Board of Directors (the Board) to ensure that financial instruments are appropriately priced at fair value in accordance with GAAP and the 1940 Act. Subject to oversight by the Board, the Valuation Committee develops and oversees pricing-related policies and procedures and approves all fair value determinations. Specifically, the Valuation Committee establishes procedures to value securities; determines pricing techniques, sources, and persons eligible to effect fair value pricing actions; oversees the selection, services, and performance of pricing vendors; oversees valuation-related business continuity practices; and provides guidance on internal controls and valuation-related matters. The Valuation Committee reports to the Board; is chaired by the funds treasurer; and has representation from legal, portfolio management and trading, operations, and risk management.
Various valuation techniques and inputs are used to determine the fair value of financial instruments. GAAP establishes the following fair value hierarchy that categorizes the inputs used to measure fair value:
Level 1 quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical financial instruments that the fund can access at the reporting date
Level 2 inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar financial instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar financial instruments in inactive markets, interest rates and yield curves, implied volatilities, and credit spreads)
Level 3 unobservable inputs
Observable inputs are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual events or transactions, and reflect the assumptions that market participants would use to price the financial instrument. Unobservable inputs are those for which market data are not available and are developed using the best information available about the assumptions that market participants would use to price the financial instrument. GAAP requires valuation techniques to maximize the use of relevant observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. When multiple inputs are used to derive fair value, the financial instrument is assigned to the level within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest-level input that is significant to the fair value of the financial instrument. Input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level but rather the degree of judgment used in determining those values.
Valuation Techniques Debt securities generally are traded in the over-the-counter (OTC) market. Securities with remaining maturities of one year or more at the time of acquisition are valued at prices furnished by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service, which considers the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Securities with remaining maturities of less than one year at the time of acquisition generally use amortized cost in local currency to approximate fair value. However, if amortized cost is deemed not to reflect fair value or the fund holds a significant amount of such securities with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, the securities are valued at prices furnished by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service. Generally, debt securities are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; however, to the extent the valuations include significant unobservable inputs, the securities would be categorized in Level 3.
Investments in mutual funds are valued at the mutual funds closing NAV per share on the day of valuation and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Financial futures contracts are valued at closing settlement prices and are categorized in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Forward currency exchange contracts are valued using the prevailing forward exchange rate and are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Swaps are valued at prices furnished by independent swap dealers or by an independent pricing service and generally are categorized in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; however, if unobservable inputs are significant to the valuation, the swap would be categorized in Level 3. Assets and liabilities other than financial instruments, including short-term receivables and payables, are carried at cost, or estimated realizable value, if less, which approximates fair value.
Thinly traded financial instruments and those for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the Valuation Committee. The objective of any fair value pricing determination is to arrive at a price that could reasonably be expected from a current sale. Financial instruments fair valued by the Valuation Committee are primarily private placements, restricted securities, warrants, rights, and other securities that are not publicly traded.
Subject to oversight by the Board, the Valuation Committee regularly makes good faith judgments to establish and adjust the fair valuations of certain securities as events occur and circumstances warrant. For instance, in determining the fair value of troubled or thinly traded debt instruments, the Valuation Committee considers a variety of factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the issuers business prospects, its financial standing and performance, recent investment transactions in the issuer, strategic events affecting the company, market liquidity for the issuer, and general economic conditions and events. In consultation with the investment and pricing teams, the Valuation Committee will determine an appropriate valuation technique based on available information, which may include both observable and unobservable inputs. The Valuation Committee typically will afford greatest weight to actual prices in arms length transactions, to the extent they represent orderly transactions between market participants; transaction information can be reliably obtained; and prices are deemed representative of fair value. However, the Valuation Committee may also consider other valuation methods such as a discount or premium from market value of a similar, freely traded security of the same issuer; discounted cash flows; yield to maturity; or some combination. Fair value determinations are reviewed on a regular basis and updated as information becomes available, including actual purchase and sale transactions of the issue. Because any fair value determination involves a significant amount of judgment, there is a degree of subjectivity inherent in such pricing decisions and fair value prices determined by the Valuation Committee could differ from those of other market participants. Depending on the relative significance of unobservable inputs, including the valuation technique(s) used, fair valued securities may be categorized in Level 2 or 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Valuation Inputs The following table summarizes the funds financial instruments, based on the inputs used to determine their fair values on December 31, 2014:
There were no material transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the year ended December 31, 2014.
NOTE 3 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the fund invested in derivative instruments. As defined by GAAP, a derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from an underlying security price, foreign exchange rate, interest rate, index of prices or rates, or other variable; it requires little or no initial investment and permits or requires net settlement. The fund invests in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are consistent with its investment objectives, policies, and overall risk profile, as described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, such as seeking to hedge against declines in principal value, increase yield, invest in an asset with greater efficiency and at a lower cost than is possible through direct investment, or to adjust portfolio duration and credit exposure. The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, and potentially much greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the instruments on which the derivatives are based. The fund at all times maintains sufficient cash reserves, liquid assets, or other SEC-permitted asset types to cover its settlement obligations under open derivative contracts.
The fund values its derivatives at fair value, as described in Note 2, and recognizes changes in fair value currently in its results of operations. Accordingly, the fund does not follow hedge accounting, even for derivatives employed as economic hedges. Generally, the fund accounts for its derivatives on a gross basis. It does not offset the fair value of derivative liabilities against the fair value of derivative assets on its financial statements, nor does it offset the fair value of derivative instruments against the right to reclaim or obligation to return collateral. The following table summarizes the fair value of the funds derivative instruments held as of December 31, 2014, and the related location on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities, presented by primary underlying risk exposure:
Additionally, the amount of gains and losses on derivative instruments recognized in fund earnings during the year ended December 31, 2014, and the related location on the accompanying Statement of Operations is summarized in the following table by primary underlying risk exposure:
Counterparty Risk and Collateral The fund invests in derivatives in various markets, which expose it to differing levels of counterparty risk. Counterparty risk on exchange-traded and centrally cleared derivative contracts, such as futures, exchange-traded options, and centrally cleared swaps, is minimal because the clearinghouse provides protection against counterparty defaults. For futures and centrally cleared swaps, the fund is required to deposit collateral in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (margin requirement) and the margin requirement must be maintained over the life of the contract. Each clearing broker, in its sole discretion, may adjust the margin requirements applicable to the fund.
Derivatives, such as bilateral swaps, forward currency exchange contracts, and OTC options, that are transacted and settle directly with a counterparty (bilateral derivatives) expose the fund to greater counterparty risk. To mitigate this risk, the fund has entered into master netting arrangements (MNAs) with certain counterparties that permit net settlement under specified conditions and, for certain counterparties, also provide collateral agreements. MNAs may be in the form of International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements (ISDAs) or foreign exchange letter agreements (FX letters).
MNAs govern the ability to offset amounts the fund owes a counterparty against amounts the counterparty owes the fund (net settlement). Both ISDAs and FX letters generally allow net settlement in the event of contract termination and permit termination by either party prior to maturity upon the occurrence of certain stated events, such as failure to pay or bankruptcy. In addition, ISDAs specify other events, the occurrence of which would allow one of the parties to terminate. For example, a downgrade in credit rating of a counterparty would allow the fund to terminate while a decline in the funds net assets of more than a certain percentage would allow the counterparty to terminate. Upon termination, all bilateral derivatives with that counterparty would be liquidated and a net amount settled. ISDAs typically include collateral agreements whereas FX letters do not. Collateral requirements are determined based on the net aggregate unrealized gain or loss on all bilateral derivatives with each counterparty, subject to minimum transfer amounts that typically range from $100,000 to $250,000. Any additional collateral required due to changes in security values is transferred the next business day.
The following table summarizes the funds derivatives at the reporting date by loss exposure to each counterparty or clearinghouse after consideration of collateral, if any. Exchange-traded and centrally cleared derivatives that settle variation margin daily are presented at the variation margin receivable or payable on the reporting date, and exchange-traded options are presented at value.
Collateral may be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. government or related agencies. Cash and currencies posted by the fund are reflected as cash deposits in the accompanying financial statements and generally are restricted from withdrawal by the fund; securities posted by the fund are so noted in the accompanying Portfolio of Investments; both remain in the funds assets. Collateral pledged by counterparties is not included in the funds assets because the fund does not obtain effective control over those assets. For bilateral derivatives, collateral posted by the fund is held in a segregated account by the funds custodian.
Forward Currency Exchange Contracts The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives. It uses forward currency exchange contracts (forwards) primarily to protect its non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities from adverse currency movements and to gain exposure to currencies for the purposes of risk management or enhanced return. A forward involves an obligation to purchase or sell a fixed amount of a specific currency on a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Although certain forwards may be settled by exchanging only the net gain or loss on the contract, most forwards are settled with the exchange of the underlying currencies in accordance with the specified terms. Forwards are valued at the unrealized gain or loss on the contract, which reflects the net amount the fund either is entitled to receive or obligated to deliver, as measured by the difference between the forward exchange rates at the date of entry into the contract and the forward rates at the reporting date. Appreciated forwards are reflected as assets, and depreciated forwards are reflected as liabilities on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks related to the use of forwards include the possible failure of counterparties to meet the terms of the agreements; that anticipated currency movements will not occur, thereby reducing the funds total return; and the potential for losses in excess of the funds initial investment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the volume of the funds activity in forwards, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally between 38% and 49% of net assets.
Futures Contracts The fund is subject to interest rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and uses futures contracts to help manage such risk. The fund may enter into futures contracts to manage exposure to interest rate and yield curve movements, security prices, foreign currencies, credit quality, and mortgage prepayments; as an efficient means of adjusting exposure to all or part of a target market; to enhance income; as a cash management tool; or to adjust portfolio duration and credit exposure. A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another of a specified amount of a specific underlying financial instrument at an agreed-upon price, date, time, and place. The fund currently invests only in exchange-traded futures, which generally are standardized as to maturity date, underlying financial instrument, and other contract terms. Payments are made or received by the fund each day to settle daily fluctuations in the value of the contract (variation margin), which reflect changes in the value of the underlying financial instrument. Variation margin is recorded as unrealized gain or loss until the contract is closed. The value of a futures contract included in net assets is the amount of unsettled variation margin; net variation margin receivable is reflected as an asset and net variation margin payable is reflected as a liability on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks related to the use of futures contracts include possible illiquidity of the futures markets, contract prices that can be highly volatile and imperfectly correlated to movements in hedged security values and/or interest rates, and potential losses in excess of the funds initial investment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the volume of the funds activity in futures, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally between 4% and 15% of net assets.
Options The fund is subject to foreign currency exchange rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and uses options to help manage such risk. The fund may use options to manage exposure to security prices, interest rates, foreign currencies, and credit quality; as an efficient means of adjusting exposure to all or a part of a target market; to enhance income; as a cash management tool; or to adjust credit exposure. Options are included in net assets at fair value; purchased options are included in Investments in Securities; and written options are separately reflected as a liability on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Premiums on unexercised, expired options are recorded as realized gains or losses; premiums on exercised options are recorded as an adjustment to the proceeds from the sale or cost of the purchase. The difference between the premium and the amount received or paid in a closing transaction is also treated as realized gain or loss. In return for a premium paid, currency options give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy and sell currency at a specified exchange rate. Risks related to the use of options include possible illiquidity of the options markets; trading restrictions imposed by an exchange or counterparty; movements in the underlying security values and/or currency values; and, for written options, potential losses in excess of the funds initial investment. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the volume of the funds activity in options, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally between 0% and 5% of net assets.
Swaps The fund is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and uses swap contracts to help manage such risk. The fund may use swaps in an effort to manage exposure to changes in interest rates, inflation rates, and credit quality; to adjust overall exposure to certain markets; to enhance total return or protect the value of portfolio securities; to serve as a cash management tool; or to adjust portfolio duration and credit exposure. Swap agreements can be settled either directly with the counterparty (bilateral swap) or through a central clearinghouse (centrally cleared swap). Fluctuations in the fair value of a contract are reflected in unrealized gain or loss and are reclassified to realized gain or loss upon contract termination or cash settlement. Net periodic receipts or payments required by a contract increase or decrease, respectively, the value of the contract until the contractual payment date, at which time such amounts are reclassified from unrealized to realized gain or loss. For bilateral swaps, cash payments are made or received by the fund on a periodic basis in accordance with contract terms; unrealized gain on contracts and premiums paid are reflected as assets, and unrealized loss on contracts and premiums received are reflected as liabilities on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. For centrally cleared swaps, payments are made or received by the fund each day to settle the daily fluctuation in the value of the contract (variation margin). Accordingly, the value of a centrally cleared swap included in net assets is the unsettled variation margin; net variation margin receivable is reflected as an asset and net variation margin payable is reflected as a liability on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Credit default swaps are agreements where one party (the protection buyer) agrees to make periodic payments to another party (the protection seller) in exchange for protection against specified credit events, such as certain defaults and bankruptcies related to an underlying credit instrument, or issuer or index of such instruments. Upon occurrence of a specified credit event, the protection seller is required to pay the buyer the difference between the notional amount of the swap and the value of the underlying credit, either in the form of a net cash settlement or by paying the gross notional amount and accepting delivery of the relevant underlying credit. For credit default swaps where the underlying credit is an index, a specified credit event may affect all or individual underlying securities included in the index and will be settled based upon the relative weighting of the affected underlying security(s) within the index. Risks related to the use of credit default swaps include the possible inability of the fund to accurately assess the current and future creditworthiness of underlying issuers, the possible failure of a counterparty to perform in accordance with the terms of the swap agreements, potential government regulation that could adversely affect the funds swap investments, and potential losses in excess of the funds initial investment.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the volume of the funds activity in swaps, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally less than 1% of net assets.
NOTE 4 - OTHER INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with its investment objective, the fund engages in the following practices to manage exposure to certain risks and/or to enhance performance. The investment objective, policies, program, and risk factors of the fund are described more fully in the funds prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Emerging Markets At December 31, 2014, approximately 27% of the funds net assets were invested, either directly or through investments in T. Rowe Price institutional funds, in securities of companies located in emerging markets, securities issued by governments of emerging market countries, or securities denominated in or linked to the currencies of emerging market countries. Emerging market securities are often subject to greater price volatility, less liquidity, and higher rates of inflation than U.S. securities. In addition, emerging markets may be subject to greater political, economic, and social uncertainty, and differing regulatory environments that may potentially impact the funds ability to buy or sell certain securities or repatriate proceeds to U.S. dollars.
Restricted Securities The fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Prompt sale of such securities at an acceptable price may be difficult and may involve substantial delays and additional costs.
Other Purchases and sales of portfolio securities other than short-term securities aggregated $3,398,586,000 and $3,901,178,000, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2014.
NOTE 5 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
No provision for federal income taxes is required since the fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and distribute to shareholders all of its taxable income and gains. Distributions determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations may differ in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains for financial reporting purposes. Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
The fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The funds tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return but which can be extended to six years in certain circumstances. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.
Reclassifications to paid-in capital relate primarily to the current net operating loss. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the following reclassifications were recorded to reflect tax character (there was no impact on results of operations or net assets):
Distributions during the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were characterized for tax purposes as follows:
At December 31, 2014, the tax-basis cost of investments and components of net assets were as follows:
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the deferral of losses from certain derivative contracts for tax purposes. The fund intends to retain realized gains to the extent of available capital loss carryforwards. Net realized capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely to offset future realized capital gains. All or a portion of the capital loss carryforwards may be from losses realized between November 1 and the funds fiscal year-end, which are deferred for tax purposes until the subsequent year but recognized for financial reporting purposes in the year realized. In accordance with federal tax laws applicable to investment companies, specified net losses realized between November 1 and December 31 are not recognized for tax purposes until the subsequent year (late-year ordinary loss deferrals); however, such losses are recognized for financial reporting purposes in the year realized.
NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The fund is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Price Associates), a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Price Group). Price Associates has entered into a subadvisory agreement(s) with one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries, to provide investment advisory services to the fund. The investment management agreement between the fund and Price Associates provides for an annual investment management fee, which is computed daily and paid monthly. The fee consists of an individual fund fee, equal to 0.35% of the funds average daily net assets, and a group fee. The group fee rate is calculated based on the combined net assets of certain mutual funds sponsored by Price Associates (the group) applied to a graduated fee schedule, with rates ranging from 0.48% for the first $1 billion of assets to 0.275% for assets in excess of $400 billion. The funds group fee is determined by applying the group fee rate to the funds average daily net assets. At December 31, 2014, the effective annual group fee rate was 0.29%.
In addition, the fund has entered into service agreements with Price Associates and two wholly owned subsidiaries of Price Associates (collectively, Price). Price Associates computes the daily share prices and provides certain other administrative services to the fund. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., provides shareholder and administrative services in its capacity as the funds transfer and dividend-disbursing agent. T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services for certain retirement accounts invested in the Investor Class. For the year ended December 31, 2014, expenses incurred pursuant to these service agreements were $170,000 for Price Associates; $688,000 for T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.; and $31,000 for T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. The total amount payable at period-end pursuant to these service agreements is reflected as Due to Affiliates in the accompanying financial statements.
Additionally, the fund is one of several mutual funds in which certain college savings plans managed by Price Associates may invest. As approved by the funds Board of Directors, shareholder servicing costs associated with each college savings plan are borne by the fund in proportion to the average daily value of its shares owned by the college savings plan. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the fund was charged $16,000 for shareholder servicing costs related to the college savings plans, of which $14,000 was for services provided by Price. The amount payable at period-end pursuant to this agreement is reflected as Due to Affiliates in the accompanying financial statements. At December 31, 2014, less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Investor Class were held by college savings plans.
The fund is also one of several mutual funds sponsored by Price Associates (underlying Price funds) in which the T. Rowe Price Spectrum Funds (Spectrum Funds), as well as the T. Rowe Price Retirement Funds and T. Rowe Price Target Retirement Funds (Retirement Funds) may invest. Neither the Spectrum Funds nor the Retirement Funds invest in the underlying Price funds for the purpose of exercising management or control. Pursuant to separate special servicing agreements, expenses associated with the operation of the Spectrum Funds and Retirement Funds are borne by each underlying Price fund to the extent of estimated savings to it and in proportion to the average daily value of its shares owned by the Spectrum Funds and Retirement Funds, respectively. Expenses allocated under these agreements are reflected as shareholder servicing expenses in the accompanying financial statements. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the fund was allocated $866,000 of Spectrum Funds expenses and $3,476,000 of Retirement Funds expenses. Of these amounts, $2,160,000 related to services provided by Price. At period-end, the amount payable to Price pursuant to this agreement is reflected as Due to Affiliates in the accompanying financial statements. At December 31, 2014, approximately 12% of the outstanding shares of the Investor Class were held by the Spectrum Funds and 41% were held by the Retirement Funds.
The fund may invest in the T. Rowe Price Reserve Investment Fund, the T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Investment Fund, or the T. Rowe Price Short-Term Reserve Fund (collectively, the Price Reserve Investment Funds), open-end management investment companies managed by Price Associates and considered affiliates of the fund. The Price Reserve Investment Funds are offered as short-term investment options to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Price Associates or its affiliates and are not available for direct purchase by members of the public. The Price Reserve Investment Funds pay no investment management fees.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
To the Board of Directors of T. Rowe
Price International Funds, Inc. and
Shareholders of T. Rowe Price
International Bond Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of T. Rowe Price International Bond Fund (one of the portfolios comprising T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc., hereafter referred to as the Fund) at December 31, 2014, the results of its operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as financial statements) are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, and confirmation of the underlying fund by correspondence with the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore,
Maryland
February 13, 2015
Tax Information (Unaudited) for the Tax Year Ended 12/31/14 |
We are providing this information as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in this report because of differences between tax and financial reporting requirements.
The funds distributions to shareholders included $47,972,000 from long-term capital gains, subject to the a long-term capital gains tax rate of not greater than 20%.
Information on Proxy Voting Policies, Procedures, and Records |
A description of the policies and procedures used by T. Rowe Price funds and portfolios to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in each funds Statement of Additional Information. You may request this document by calling 1-800-225-5132 or by accessing the SECs website, sec.gov.
The description of our proxy voting policies and procedures is also available on our website, troweprice.com. To access it, click on the words Social Responsibility at the top of our corporate homepage. Next, click on the words Conducting Business Responsibly on the left side of the page that appears. Finally, click on the words Proxy Voting Policies on the left side of the page that appears.
Each funds most recent annual proxy voting record is available on our website and through the SECs website. To access it through our website, follow the above directions to reach the Conducting Business Responsibly page. Click on the words Proxy Voting Records on the left side of that page, and then click on the View Proxy Voting Records link at the bottom of the page that appears.
How to Obtain Quarterly Portfolio Holdings |
The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The funds Form N-Q is available electronically on the SECs website (sec.gov); hard copies may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room, 100 F St. N.E., Washington, DC 20549. For more information on the Public Reference Room, call 1-800-SEC-0330.
About the Funds Directors and Officers |
Your fund is overseen by a Board of Directors (Board) that meets regularly to review a wide variety of matters affecting or potentially affecting the fund, including performance, investment programs, compliance matters, advisory fees and expenses, service providers, and business and regulatory affairs. The Board elects the funds officers, who are listed in the final table. At least 75% of the Boards members are independent of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (T. Rowe Price), and its affiliates; inside or interested directors are employees or officers of T. Rowe Price. The business address of each director and officer is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the fund directors and is available without charge by calling a T. Rowe Price representative at 1-800-638-5660.
Independent Directors | ||
Name | ||
(Year of Birth) | ||
Year Elected* | ||
[Number of T. Rowe Price | Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships of Public Companies and | |
Portfolios Overseen] | Other Investment Companies During the Past Five Years | |
William R. Brody | President and Trustee, Salk Institute for Biological Studies (2009 to | |
(1944) | present); Director, BioMed Realty Trust (2013 to present); Director, | |
2009 | Novartis, Inc. (2009 to present); Director, IBM (2007 to present) | |
[165] | ||
Anthony W. Deering | Chairman, Exeter Capital, LLC, a private investment firm (2004 to | |
(1945) | present); Director, Brixmor Real Estate Investment Trust (2012 to | |
1991 | present); Director and Member of the Advisory Board, Deutsche | |
[165] | Bank North America (2004 to present); Director, Under Armour | |
(2008 to present); Director, Vornado Real Estate Investment Trust | ||
(2004 to 2012) | ||
Donald W. Dick, Jr. | Principal, EuroCapital Partners, LLC, an acquisition and management | |
(1943) | advisory firm (1995 to present) | |
1988 | ||
[165] | ||
Bruce W. Duncan | President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director, First Industrial Realty | |
(1951) | Trust, owner and operator of industrial properties (2009 to present); | |
2013 | Chairman of the Board (2005 to present), Interim Chief Executive | |
[165] | Officer (2007), and Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, a hotel and | |
leisure company (1999 to present) | ||
Robert J. Gerrard, Jr. | Advisory Board Member, Pipeline Crisis/Winning Strategies, a | |
(1952) | collaborative working to improve opportunities for young African | |
2012 | Americans (1997 to present); Chairman of Compensation Committee | |
[165] | and Director, Syniverse Holdings, Inc., a provider of wireless voice | |
and data services for telecommunications companies (2008 to 2011) | ||
Karen N. Horn | Limited Partner and Senior Managing Director, Brock Capital | |
(1943) | Group, an advisory and investment banking firm (2004 to present); | |
2003 | Director, Eli Lilly and Company (1987 to present); Director, Simon | |
[165] | Property Group (2004 to present); Director, Norfolk Southern (2008 | |
to present) | ||
Paul F. McBride | Former Company Officer and Senior Vice President, Human | |
(1956) | Resources and Corporate Initiatives, Black & Decker Corporation | |
2013 | (2004 to 2010) | |
[165] | ||
Cecilia E. Rouse, Ph.D. | Dean, Woodrow Wilson School (2012 to present); Professor and | |
(1963) | Researcher, Princeton University (1992 to present); Director, MDRC, | |
2012 | a nonprofit education and social policy research organization | |
[165] | (2011 to present); Member, National Academy of Education (2010 | |
to present); Research Associate, National Bureau of Economic | ||
Researchs Labor Studies Program (2011 to present); Member, | ||
Presidents Council of Economic Advisors (2009 to 2011); Chair | ||
of Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economic | ||
Profession, American Economic Association (2012 to present) | ||
John G. Schreiber | Owner/President, Centaur Capital Partners, Inc., a real estate | |
(1946) | investment company (1991 to present); Cofounder and Partner, | |
2001 | Blackstone Real Estate Advisors, L.P. (1992 to present); Director, | |
[165] | General Growth Properties, Inc. (2010 to 2013); Director, BXMT | |
(formerly Capital Trust, Inc.), a real estate investment company | ||
(2012 to present); Director and Chairman of the Board, Brixmor | ||
Property Group, Inc. (2013 to present); Director, Hilton Worldwide | ||
(2013 to present) | ||
Mark R. Tercek | President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy (2008 | |
(1957) | to present); Managing Director, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. | |
2009 | (1984 to 2008) | |
[165] | ||
*Each independent director serves until retirement, resignation, or election of a successor. | ||
Inside Directors | ||
Name | ||
(Year of Birth) | ||
Year Elected* | ||
[Number of T. Rowe Price | Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships of Public Companies and | |
Portfolios Overseen] | Other Investment Companies During the Past Five Years | |
Edward C. Bernard | Director and Vice President, T. Rowe Price; Vice Chairman of the | |
(1956) | Board, Director, and Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; | |
2006 | Chairman of the Board, Director, and President, T. Rowe Price | |
[165] | Investment Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board and Director, | |
T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price | ||
Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, | ||
and Director, T. Rowe Price International; Chairman of the Board, | ||
Chief Executive Officer, Director, and President, T. Rowe Price Trust | ||
Company; Chairman of the Board, all funds | ||
Brian C. Rogers, CFA, CIC | Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Vice President, T. Rowe Price; | |
(1955) | Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Vice | |
2006 | President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; Vice President, T. Rowe Price | |
[111] | Trust Company | |
*Each inside director serves until retirement, resignation, or election of a successor. |
Officers | ||
Name (Year of Birth) | ||
Position Held With International Funds | Principal Occupation(s) | |
Ulle Adamson, CFA (1979) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Roy H. Adkins (1970) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Christopher D. Alderson (1962) | Companys Representative, Director, and Vice | |
President | President, Price Hong Kong; Director and Vice | |
President, T. Rowe Price International and | ||
Price Singapore; Vice President, T. Rowe Price | ||
Group, Inc. | ||
Syed H. Ali (1970) | Vice President, Price Singapore and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly Research Analyst, | |
Credit Suisse Securities (to 2010) | ||
Paulina Amieva (1981) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Malik S. Asif (1981) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly student, | |
The University of Chicago Booth School of | ||
Business (to 2012); Investment Consultant | ||
Middle East and North Africa Investment Team, | ||
International Finance CorporationThe World | ||
Bank Group (to 2010) | ||
Hari Balkrishna (1983) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly intern, | |
T. Rowe Price (to 2010) | ||
Sheena L. Barbosa (1983) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Peter J. Bates, CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Luis M. Baylac (1982) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Oliver D.M. Bell, IMC (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly Head of | |
Global Emerging Markets Research, Pictet Asset | ||
Management Ltd. (to 2011) | ||
R. Scott Berg, CFA (1972) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Peter I. Botoucharov (1965) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly Director | |
EMEA Macroeconomic Research and Strategy | ||
(to 2012); Independent Financial Advisor, | ||
Global Source (to 2010) | ||
Tala Boulos (1984) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., | |
Vice President | and T. Rowe Price International; formerly Vice | |
President, CEEMEA Corporate Credit Research, | ||
Deutsche Bank (to 2013) | ||
Darrell N. Braman (1963) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price | |
Vice President | Singapore, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price Group, | |
Inc., T. Rowe Price International, T. Rowe Price | ||
Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price | ||
Services, Inc. | ||
Brian J. Brennan, CFA (1964) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and | |
T. Rowe Price Trust Company | ||
Ryan N. Burgess, CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Sheldon Chan (1981) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly Associate Director, | |
HSBC (Hong Kong) (to 2011) | ||
Tak Yiu Cheng, CFA, CPA (1974) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Carolyn Hoi Che Chu (1974) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly Director, Bank of | |
America Merrill Lynch and co-head of credit | ||
and convertibles research team in Hong Kong | ||
(to 2010) | ||
Archibald Ciganer Albeniz, CFA (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Richard N. Clattenburg, CFA (1979) | Vice President, Price Singapore, T. Rowe | |
Executive Vice President | Price, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and T. Rowe | |
Price International | ||
Michael J. Conelius, CFA (1964) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and | |
T. Rowe Price Trust Company | ||
Andrew S. Davis (1978) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Richard de los Reyes (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Michael Della Vedova (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Jessie Q. Ding (1981) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Shawn T. Driscoll (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Bridget A. Ebner (1970) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Mark J.T. Edwards (1957) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
David J. Eiswert, CFA (1972) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price International | |
Henry M. Ellenbogen (1973) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Luis Fananas (1971) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly Equities | |
ResearchDirector, Deutsche Bank (to 2012) | ||
Roger L. Fiery III, CPA (1959) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price | |
Vice President | Singapore, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price Group, | |
Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and T. Rowe | ||
Price Trust Company | ||
Mark S. Finn, CFA, CPA (1963) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Melissa C. Gallagher (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
John R. Gilner (1961) | Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, | |
Chief Compliance Officer | T. Rowe Price; Vice President, T. Rowe Price | |
Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Investment | ||
Services, Inc. | ||
Gregory S. Golczewski (1966) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Trust Company | |
Vishnu Vardhan Gopal (1979) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Paul D. Greene II (1978) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Benjamin Griffiths, CFA (1977) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Richard L. Hall (1979) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc.; formerly Financial Attaché, U.S. | |
Department of Treasury, International Affairs | ||
Division (to 2012) | ||
Gregory K. Hinkle, CPA (1958) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Treasurer | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Stefan Hubrich, Ph.D., CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Arif Husain, CFA (1972) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., | |
Executive Vice President | and T. Rowe Price International; formerly | |
Director/Head of UK and Euro Fixed Income, | ||
AllianceBernstein (to 2013) | ||
Leigh Innes, CFA (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Tetsuji Inoue (1971) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly Equity | |
Sales, JP Morgan Chase Securities Ltd. (to | ||
2012); Equity Specialist Technology, ICAP PLC | ||
(to 2010) | ||
Michael Jacobs (1971) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., | |
Vice President | and T. Rowe Price International; formerly Vice | |
President, JP Morgan Asset Management | ||
(to 2013) | ||
Randal S. Jenneke (1971) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly Senior | |
Portfolio Manager, Australian Equities (to 2010) | ||
Jin W. Jeong (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price International | |
Vice President | ||
Prashant G. Jeyaganesh (1983) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Yoichiro Kai (1973) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Jai Kapadia (1982) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly student, MIT Sloan | |
School of Management (to 2011) | ||
Andrew J. Keirle (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Christopher J. Kushlis, CFA (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Shengrong Lau (1982) | Vice President, Price Singapore and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly student, The | |
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania | ||
(to 2012); Private Equity AssociateFinancial | ||
Services, Stone Point Capital (to 2010) | ||
Mark J. Lawrence (1970) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
David M. Lee, CFA (1962) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Patricia B. Lippert (1953) | Assistant Vice President, T. Rowe Price and | |
Secretary | T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. | |
Christopher C. Loop, CFA (1966) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Anh Lu (1968) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Executive Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Sebastien Mallet (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Ryan Martyn (1979) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Jonathan H.W. Matthews, CFA (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Raymond A. Mills, Ph.D., CFA (1960) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and | |
T. Rowe Price Trust Company | ||
Jihong Min (1979) | Vice President, Price Singapore and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly Financial Analyst, | |
Geosphere Capital Management, Singapore | ||
(to 2012) | ||
Eric C. Moffett (1974) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Executive Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Samy B. Muaddi, CFA (1984) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Joshua Nelson (1977) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Philip A. Nestico (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Sridhar Nishtala (1975) | Vice President, Price Singapore and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Jason Nogueira, CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
David Oestreicher (1967) | Director, Vice President, and Secretary, T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Investment Services, Inc., T. Rowe | |
Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., T. Rowe | ||
Price Services, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust | ||
Company; Chief Legal Officer, Vice President, | ||
and Secretary, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; Vice | ||
President and Secretary, T. Rowe Price and | ||
T. Rowe Price International; Vice President, | ||
Price Hong Kong and Price Singapore | ||
Michael D. Oh, CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Kenneth A. Orchard (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., | |
Vice President | and T. Rowe Price International; formerly Vice | |
President, Moodys Investors Service (to 2010) | ||
Curt J. Organt, CFA (1968) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Paul T. OSullivan (1973) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Hiroaki Owaki, CFA (1962) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Seun A. Oyegunle, CFA (1984) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price International; | |
Vice President | formerly student, The Wharton School, | |
University of Pennsylvania (to 2013); Summer | ||
Investment Analyst, T. Rowe Price International | ||
(2012); Analyst, Asset & Resource Management | ||
Limited (to 2012); Analyst, Vetiva Capital | ||
Management Limited (to 2011) | ||
Gonzalo Pángaro, CFA (1968) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Craig J. Pennington, CFA (1971) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; formerly Global | |
Energy Analyst, Insight Investment (to 2010) | ||
Austin Powell, CFA (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Vivek Rajeswaran (1985) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc.; formerly student, Columbia | |
Business School (to 2012) | ||
Frederick A. Rizzo (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Christopher J. Rothery (1963) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
David L. Rowlett, CFA (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Federico Santilli, CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Sebastian Schrott (1977) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Deborah D. Seidel (1962) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price Investment Services, | |
Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. | ||
Jeneiv Shah, CFA (1980) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price International; | |
Vice President | formerly Analyst, Mirae Asset Global | |
Investments (to 2010) | ||
Robert W. Sharps, CFA, CPA (1971) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
John C.A. Sherman (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Robert W. Smith (1961) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Gabriel Solomon (1977) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Eunbin Song, CFA (1980) | Vice President, Price Singapore and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Joshua K. Spencer, CFA (1973) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
David A. Stanley (1963) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Taymour R. Tamaddon, CFA (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Ju Yen Tan (1972) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Sin Dee Tan, CFA (1979) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Dean Tenerelli (1964) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Siby Thomas (1979) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc. | |
Justin Thomson (1968) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Mitchell J.K. Todd (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Mark J. Vaselkiv (1958) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Kes Visuvalingam, CFA (1968) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price | |
Vice President | Singapore, and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | |
Verena E. Wachnitz, CFA (1978) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Executive Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
David J. Wallack (1960) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Julie L. Waples (1970) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price | |
Vice President | ||
Hiroshi Watanabe, CFA (1975) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Christopher S. Whitehouse (1972) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Clive M. Williams (1966) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price | |
Vice President | Singapore, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price Group, | |
Inc., and T. Rowe Price International | ||
J. Howard Woodward, CFA (1974) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Marta Yago (1977) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., and | |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International | |
Ernest C. Yeung, CFA (1979) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Alison Mei Ling Yip (1966) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Wenli Zheng (1979) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong and T. Rowe | |
Vice President | Price Group, Inc. | |
Unless otherwise noted, officers have been employees of T. Rowe Price or T. Rowe Price International for at least 5 years. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of this code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to this code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrants Board of Directors/Trustees has determined that Mr. Anthony W. Deering qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Deering is considered independent for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) (d) Aggregate fees billed for the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered to, or on behalf of, the registrant by the registrants principal accountant were as follows:
Audit fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrants annual financial statements and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit-related fees include amounts reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrants financial statements and specifically include the issuance of a report on internal controls and, if applicable, agreed-upon procedures related to fund acquisitions. Tax fees include amounts related to services for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. The nature of these services specifically includes the review of distribution calculations and the preparation of Federal, state, and excise tax returns. All other fees include the registrants pro-rata share of amounts for agreed-upon procedures in conjunction with service contract approvals by the registrants Board of Directors/Trustees.
(e)(1) The registrants audit committee has adopted a policy whereby audit and non-audit services performed by the registrants principal accountant for the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant require pre-approval in advance at regularly scheduled audit committee meetings. If such a service is required between regularly scheduled audit committee meetings, pre-approval may be authorized by one audit committee member with ratification at the next scheduled audit committee meeting. Waiver of pre-approval for audit or non-audit services requiring fees of a de minimis amount is not permitted.
(2) No services included in (b) (d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountants engagement to audit the registrants financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountants full-time, permanent employees.
(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year by the registrants principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $2,283,000 and $1,691,000, respectively.
(h) All non-audit services rendered in (g) above were pre-approved by the registrants audit committee. Accordingly, these services were considered by the registrants audit committee in maintaining the principal accountants independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
(a) Not applicable. The complete schedule of investments is included in 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.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrants disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrants disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.
(b) The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants second fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) The registrants code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached.
(2) Separate certifications by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached.
(3) Written solicitation to repurchase securities issued by closed-end companies: not applicable.
(b) A certification by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, is attached.
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.
T. Rowe Price International Funds, Inc.
By | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date February 13, 2015 |
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/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date February 13, 2015 | ||
By | /s/ Gregory K. Hinkle | |
Gregory K. Hinkle | ||
Principal Financial Officer | ||
Date February 13, 2015 |
Item 12(a)(2).
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Edward C. Bernard, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of T. Rowe Price International Bond Fund; | |||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |||
4. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: | |||
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |||
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | |||
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and | |||
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and | |||
5. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): | |||
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and | |||
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 13, 2015 | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer |
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Gregory K. Hinkle, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of T. Rowe Price International Bond Fund; | |||
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; | |||
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; | |||
4. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have: | |||
(a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; | |||
(b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; | |||
(c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and | |||
(d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and | |||
5. | The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): | |||
(a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and | |||
(b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: February 13, 2015 | /s/ Gregory K. Hinkle | |
Gregory K. Hinkle | ||
Principal Financial Officer |
Item 12(b).
CERTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 906 OF SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 | ||
Name of Issuer: T. Rowe Price International Bond Fund | ||
In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR for the above named Issuer, the undersigned hereby | ||
certifies, to the best of his knowledge, that: | ||
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities | |
Exchange Act of 1934; | ||
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial | |
condition and results of operations of the Issuer. |
Date: February 13, 2015 | /s/ Edward C. Bernard | |
Edward C. Bernard | ||
Principal Executive Officer | ||
Date: February 13, 2015 | /s/ Gregory K. Hinkle | |
Gregory K. Hinkle | ||
Principal Financial Officer |
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
AND SENIOR FINANCIAL
OFFICERS OF THE PRICE FUNDS
UNDER THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I. General Statement. This Code of Ethics (the Price Funds S-O Code) has been designed to bring the Price Funds into compliance with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Act) rules promulgated by The Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder (Regulations). The Price Funds S-O Code applies solely to the Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer or Controller of, or persons performing similar functions for, a Price Fund (whether such persons are employed by a Price Fund or third party) (Covered Officers). The Price Funds shall include each mutual fund that is managed, sponsored and distributed by affiliates of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Group). The investment managers to the Price Funds will be referred to as the Price Fund Advisers. A list of Covered Officers is attached as Exhibit A.
The Price Fund Advisers have, along with their parent, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Group) also maintained a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct (the Group Code) since 1972, which applies to all officers, directors and employees of the Price Funds, Group and its affiliates.
As mandated by the Act, Group has adopted a Code (the Group S-O Code), similar to the Price Funds S-O Code, which applies solely to its principal executive and senior financial officers. The Group S-O Code and the Price Funds S-O Code will be referred to collectively as the S-O Codes.
The Price Funds S-O Code has been adopted by the Price Funds in accordance with the Act and Regulations thereunder and will be administered in conformity with the disclosure requirements of Item 2 of Form N-CSR. The S-O Codes are attachments to the Group Code. In many respects the S-O Codes are supplementary to the Group Code, but the Group Code is administered separately from the S-O Codes, as the S-O Codes are from each other.
II. Purpose of the Price Funds S-O Code. The purpose of the Price Funds S-O Code, as mandated by the Act and the Regulations, is to establish standards that are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
Ethical Conduct. Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships.
Disclosure. Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that the Price Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Price Funds.
Compliance. Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations.
Reporting of Violations. The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Price Funds S-O Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Price Funds S-O Code.
Accountability. Accountability for adherence to the Price Funds S-O Code.
III. Covered Officers Should Handle Ethically Actual and Apparent Conflicts of Interest.
Overview. Each Covered Officer owes a duty to the Price Funds to adhere to a high standard of honesty and business ethics and should be sensitive to situations that may give rise to actual as well as apparent conflicts of interest.
A conflict of interest occurs when a Covered Officers private interest interferes with the interests of, or his or her service to, the Price Funds. For example, a conflict of interest would arise if a Covered Officer, or a member of his or her family, receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position with a Price Fund.
Certain conflicts of interest covered by the Price Funds S-O Code arise out of the relationships between Covered Officers and the Price Funds and may already be subject to provisions regulating conflicts of interest in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Investment Company Act), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Investment Advisers Act) and the Group Code. For example, Covered Officers may not individually engage in certain transactions (such as the purchase or sale of securities or other property) with a Price Fund because of their status as affiliated persons of a Price Fund. The compliance programs and procedures of the Price Funds and Price Fund Advisers are designed to prevent, or identify and correct, violations of these provisions.
Although typically not presenting an opportunity for improper personal benefit, conflicts arise from, or as a result of, the contractual relationship between a Price Fund and its Price Fund Adviser (and its affiliates) of which the Covered Officers may also be officers or employees. As a result, the Price Funds S-O Code recognizes that the Covered Officers will, in the normal course of their duties (whether formally for the Price Funds or for the Price Fund Advisers, or for both), be involved in establishing policies and implementing decisions which will have different effects on these entities. The participation of the Covered Officers in such activities is inherent in the contractual relationship between each Price Fund and its respective Price Fund Adviser. Such participation is also consistent with the performance by the Covered Officers of their duties as officers of the Price Funds and, if consistent with the provisions of the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act, it will be deemed to have been handled ethically.
Other conflicts of interest are covered by the Price Funds S-O Code, even if these conflicts of interest are not addressed by or subject to provisions in the Investment Company Act and the Investment Advisers Act.
Whenever a Covered Officer is confronted with a conflict of interest situation where he or she is uncertain as to the appropriate action to be taken, he or she should discuss the matter with the Chairperson of Groups Ethics Committee or another member of the Committee.
Handling of Specific Types of Conflicts. Each Covered Officer (and close family members) must not:
Entertainment. Accept entertainment from any company with which any Price Fund or any Price Fund Adviser has current or prospective business dealings, including portfolio companies, unless such entertainment is in full compliance with the policy on entertainment as set forth in the Group Code.
Gifts. Accept any gifts, except as permitted by the Group Code.
Improper Personal Influence. Use his or her personal influence or personal relationships improperly to influence investment decisions, brokerage allocations or financial reporting by the Price Funds to the detriment of any one or more of the Price Funds.
Taking Action at the Expense of a Price Fund. Cause a Price Fund to take action, or fail to take action, for the personal benefit of the Covered Officer rather than for the benefit of one or more of the Price Funds.
Misuse of Price Funds Transaction Information. Use knowledge of portfolio transactions made or contemplated for a Price Fund or any other clients of the Price Fund Advisers to trade personally or cause others to trade in order to take advantage of or avoid the market impact of such portfolio transactions.
Outside Business Activities. Engage in any outside business activity that detracts from a Covered Officers ability to devote appropriate time and attention to his or her responsibilities to a Price Fund.
Service Providers. Excluding Group and its affiliates, have any ownership interest in, or any consulting or employment relationship with, any of the Price Funds service providers, except that an ownership interest in public companies is permitted
Receipt of Payments. Have a direct or indirect financial interest in commissions, transaction charges, spreads or other payments paid by a Price Fund for effecting portfolio transactions or for selling or redeeming shares other than an interest (such as compensation or equity ownership) arising from the Covered Officers employment by Group or any of its affiliates.
Service as a Director or Trustee. Serve as a director, trustee or officer of any public or private company or a non-profit organization that issues securities eligible for purchase by any of the Price Funds, unless approval is obtained as required by the Group Code.
IV. Covered Officers Specific Obligations and Accountabilities.
A. Disclosure Requirements and Controls. Each Covered Officer must familiarize himself or herself with the disclosure requirements (Form N-1A registration statement, proxy (Schedule 14A), shareholder reports, Forms N-SAR, N-CSR, etc.) applicable to the Price Funds and the disclosure controls and procedures of the Price Fund and the Price Fund Advisers.
B. Compliance with Applicable Law. It is the responsibility of each Covered Officer to promote compliance with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Price Funds and the Price Fund Advisers. Each Covered Officer should, to the extent appropriate within his or her area of responsibility, consult with other officers and employees of the Price Funds and the Price Fund Advisers and take other appropriate steps with the goal of promoting full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in the reports and documents the Price Funds file with, or submit to, the SEC, and in other public communications made by the Price Funds.
C. Fair Disclosure. Each Covered Officer must not knowingly misrepresent, or cause others to misrepresent, facts about a Price Fund to others, whether within or outside the Price organization, including to the Price Funds directors and auditors, and to governmental regulators and self-regulatory organizations.
D. Initial and Annual Affirmations. Each Covered Officer must:
1. Upon adoption of the Price Funds S-O Code (or thereafter, as applicable, upon becoming a Covered Officer), affirm in writing that he or she has received, read, and understands the Price Funds S-O Code.
2. Annually affirm that he or she has complied with the requirements of the Price Funds S-O Code.
E. Reporting of Material Violations of the Price Funds S-O Code. If a Covered Officer becomes aware of any material violation of the Price Funds S-O Code or laws and governmental rules and regulations applicable to the operations of the Price Funds, he or she must promptly report the violation (Report) to the Chief Legal Counsel of the Price Funds (CLC). Failure to report a material violation will be considered itself a violation of the Price Funds S-O Code. The CLC is identified in the attached Exhibit B.
It is the Price Funds policy that no retaliation or other adverse action will be taken against any Covered Officer or other employee of a Price Fund, a Price Fund Adviser or their affiliates based upon any lawful actions of the Covered Officer or employee with respect to a Report made in good faith.
F. Annual Disclosures. Each Covered Officer must report, at least annually, all affiliations or other relationships as called for in the Annual Questionnaire for Executive Officers and/or Employee Directors/Trustees of Group and the Price Funds.
V. Administration of the Price Funds S-O Code. The Ethics Committee is responsible for administering the Price Funds S-O Code and applying its provisions to specific situations in which questions are presented.
A. Waivers and Interpretations. The Chairperson of the Ethics Committee has the authority to interpret the Price Funds S-O Code in any particular situation and to grant waivers where justified, subject to the approval of the Joint Audit Committee of the Price Funds. All material interpretations concerning Covered Officers will be reported to the Joint Audit Committee of the Price Funds at its next meeting. Waivers, including implicit waivers, to Covered Officers will be publicly disclosed as required in the Instructions to N-CSR. Pursuant to the definition in the Regulations, an implicit waiver means a Price Funds failure to take action within a reasonable period of time regarding a material departure from a provision of the Price Funds S-O Code that has been made known to an executive officer (as defined in Rule 3b-7 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of a Price Fund. An executive officer of a Price Fund includes its president and any vice-president in charge of a principal business unit, division or function.
B. Violations/Investigations. The following procedures will be followed in investigating and enforcing the Price Funds S-O Code:
1. The CLC will take or cause to be taken appropriate action to investigate any potential or actual violation reported to him or her.
2. The CLC, after consultation if deemed appropriate with Outside Counsel to the Price Funds, will make a recommendation to the appropriate Price Funds Board regarding the action to be taken with regard to each material violation. Such action could include any of the following: a letter of censure or suspension, a fine, a suspension of trading privileges or termination of officership or employment. In addition, the violator may be required to surrender any profit realized (or loss avoided) from any activity that is in violation of the Price Funds S-O Code.
VI. Amendments to the Price Funds S-O Code. Except as to the contents of Exhibit A and Exhibit B, the Price Funds S-O Code may not be materially amended except in written form, which is specifically approved or ratified by a majority vote of each Price Fund Board, including a majority of the independent directors on each Board.
VII. Confidentiality. All reports and records prepared or maintained pursuant to the Price Funds S-O Code will be considered confidential and shall be maintained and protected accordingly. Except as otherwise required by law, the Price Funds S-O Code or as necessary in connection with regulations under the Price Funds S-O Code, such matters shall not be disclosed to anyone other than the directors of the appropriate Price Fund Board, Outside Counsel to the Price Funds, members of the Ethics Committee and the CLC and authorized persons on his or her staff.
Preparation Date: 9/30/03
Adoption Date: 10/22/03
Exhibit A
Persons Covered by the Price Funds S-O Code of
Ethics
Edward C. Bernard, Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer
Gregory K. Hinkle, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer
Exhibit B
David Oestreicher, Chief Legal Counsel to the Price Funds
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