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: |
811-06094 |
|
|
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: |
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
|
Address of principal executive offices: |
1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor |
|
Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
|
|
Name and address of agent for service: |
Ms. Andrea Melia |
|
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. |
|
1735 Market Street 32nd Floor |
|
Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
|
|
Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
800-522-5465 |
|
|
Date of fiscal year end: |
December 31 |
|
|
Date of reporting period: |
June 30, 2013 |
Item 1 Reports to Stockholders
*Diversification does not necessarily ensure return or protect against a loss.
Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Funds investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investors shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the funds portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks may be enhanced in emerging market countries.
Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) is the marketing name in the U.S. for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd, Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd and Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Ltd, each of which is wholly owned by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service trademark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited)
Dear Shareholder,
We present this Semi-Annual Report which covers the activities of Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. (the Fund) for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013. The Funds principal investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in Latin American equity securities.
Total Return Performance
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, the total return to shareholders of the Fund based on the net asset value (NAV) of the Fund was (14.1)%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions, versus a return of (14.8)% for the Funds benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Latin America Index (MSCI EM Latin America Index).
Share Price and NAV
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, based on market price, the Funds total return was (13.4)%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds share price decreased 13.4% over the six months, from $36.24 on December 31, 2012 to $31.37 on June 30, 2013. The Funds share price on June 30, 2013 represented a discount of 9.2% to the NAV per share of $34.56 on that date, compared with a discount of 9.9% to the NAV per share of $40.23 on December 31, 2012.
Open Market Repurchase Program
The Funds policy is generally to buy back Fund shares on the open market when the Fund trades at certain discounts to NAV. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 and fiscal year ended December 31, 2012, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds Forms N-Q are available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The information on Form N-Q is also available to shareholders on the Funds website or upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-866-839-5205.
Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, and
information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve months ended June 30 is available by August 30 of the relevant year: (i) upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-866-839-5205; and (ii) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Investor Relations Information
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide information to our shareholders, I invite you to visit the Fund on the web at www.aberdeenlaq.com. From this page, you can view monthly fact sheets and portfolio manager commentary, obtain distribution and performance information, view updated daily fact sheets courtesy of Morningstar®, conduct portfolio charting and view other timely data.
Please take a look at Aberdeens award-winning Closed-End Fund Talk Channel, where you can watch fund manager web casts and view our latest short films. For replays of recent broadcasts or to register for upcoming events, please visit Aberdeens Closed-End Fund Talk Channel at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usClosed/aberdeentv.
Please ensure that you are enrolled in our email services, which feature timely news from Aberdeen portfolio managers located around the world. Enroll today at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/email and be among the first to receive the latest closed-end fund news, announcements of upcoming fund manager web casts, films and other information. Please note that Aberdeen does not share our shareholder information with any other organizations.
Please contact Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. by:
· Calling toll free at 1-866-839-5205 in the United States;
· Emailing InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com;
· Visiting www.aberdeenlaq.com.
Yours sincerely,
Christian Pittard
President
Report of the Investment Adviser (unaudited)
Market Review
Latin American equities posted losses for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, underperforming the broader emerging markets asset class for the same period. Mexico posted the smallest decline, whereas Colombia and Peru were the main laggards in the region. The markets began 2013 on a positive note, buoyed by an improving global economic backdrop, receding worries in Europe and relief as U.S. lawmakers forged a last-minute deal to avert the fiscal cliff. However, the prospect of the U.S. Federal Reserve starting to reduce its bond purchases sparked a sharp sell-off late in the reporting period. Investor sentiment was further roiled by fears that a credit crunch in China would weaken the countrys demand for resources including copper, Chiles top export. Brazilian equities came under additional pressure on the back of nationwide protests against corruption and political inefficiency.
Fund Performance Review
Stock selection in Mexico benefited Fund performance for the period, with airport operators Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste and Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte profiting from an increase in international air travel. Consumer products maker Kimberly Clark de Mexico performed well, outperforming its peers on the back of positive quarterly results. In Brazil, gas station operator Ultrapar was a notable contributor, buoyed by higher margins and continued healthy demand for fuel, while shares of lender Banco Bradesco advanced on improved loan growth and expectations of reduced government intervention in the sector.
Conversely, the broad sell-off in Brazilian equities hurt some of the Funds holdings in that market, including retailer Lojas Renner,
cosmetics company Natura, miner Vale and payment-processing services provider Valid. In addition, Vale suffered from lower iron ore prices and uncertainty over the new mining code, while Natura underperformed versus its peers due to fears over domestic demand weakness. Elsewhere, the absence of a position in Mexico-based wireless telecom America Movil detracted from the Funds relative performance as shares of the company rebounded after recent price weakness.
Outlook
We maintain a cautious outlook on Latin American equities, as we feel that the markets remain vulnerable to shifts in investor sentiment. The emerging markets sell-off is having a destabilizing effect on currencies. We think that generally gloomy leading manufacturing indicators for key regional economies and weaker commodity prices may further undermine confidence. Despite the short-term uncertainty, we believe that Latin Americas fundamentals remain robust. In our view, regional economies are still in a better fiscal position and offer faster growth than some of their developed counterparts. Volatility, along with favorable valuations, may potentially provide us with opportunities to increase the Funds exposure to quality companies whose share prices have lagged. Regardless of market sentiment, we remain committed to our investment strategy of focusing on what we believe are high-quality companies trading at reasonable valuations.
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Computershare), the Funds transfer agent, sponsors and administers a Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the Plan), which is available to shareholders.
The Plan allows registered shareholders and first time investors to buy and sell shares and automatically reinvest dividends and capital gains through the transfer agent. This may be a cost-effective way to invest in the Fund.
Please note that for both purchases and reinvestment purposes, shares will be purchased in the open market at the current share price and cannot be issued directly by the Fund.
For more information about the Plan and a brochure that includes the terms and conditions of the Plan, please call Computershare at 1-800-647-0584 or visit www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen.
Portfolio Summary (unaudited)
The following chart summarizes the composition of the Funds portfolio, in industry classification standard sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. An industry classification standard sector can include more than one industry group. As of June 30, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group. The sectors, as classified by S&Ps Global Industry Classification Standard Sectors, are comprised of several industry groups.
The following chart summarizes the composition of the Funds portfolio, in sector classification, expressed as a percentage of net assets.
Top Ten Equity Holdings (unaudited)
The following were the Funds top ten holdings, by Issuer, as of June 30, 2013.
|
|
Holding |
|
Country |
|
Percent of Net Assets |
1. |
|
Vale S.A. |
|
Brazil |
|
8.5% |
2. |
|
Banco Bradesco S.A. |
|
Brazil |
|
8.5% |
3. |
|
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. |
|
Brazil |
|
7.6% |
4. |
|
Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., PN |
|
Brazil |
|
5.5% |
5. |
|
Grupo Financiero Banorte S.A.B. de C.V. |
|
Mexico |
|
4.4% |
6. |
|
Ultrapar Participacoes S.A. |
|
Brazil |
|
4.3% |
7. |
|
Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. |
|
Mexico |
|
4.2% |
8. |
|
Tenaris S.A. |
|
Argentina |
|
4.1% |
9. |
|
Lojas Renner S.A. |
|
Brazil |
|
3.7% |
10. |
|
Cia de Bebidas das Americas |
|
Brazil |
|
3.6% |
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Average Annual Returns (unaudited)
The following table summarizes Fund performance compared to the MSCI EM Latin America Index, the Funds benchmark, for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods ended June 30, 2013.
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
|
Net Asset Value (NAV) |
|
1.54% |
|
6.02% |
|
0.87% |
|
20.84% |
|
Market Value |
|
2.04% |
|
5.58% |
|
1.07% |
|
21.80% |
|
MSCI EM Latin America Index |
|
(6.97)% |
|
(1.44)% |
|
(4.96)% |
|
18.22% |
|
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited has entered into a written contract with the Fund to waive a portion of its fees, without which performance would be lower. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements. This contracts term aligns with the term of the advisory agreement and may not be terminated prior to the next annual consideration of the advisory agreement. Returns represent past performance. Total investment return at net asset value is based on changes in the net asset value of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Funds transfer agent. Total investment return at market value is based on changes in the market price at which the Funds shares traded on the NYSE MKT during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Funds transfer agent. The Funds annual total return is based on the reported NAV on June 30, 2013. Because the Funds shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on both market price and NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The performance information provided does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions received from the Fund. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Funds yield, return, market price and NAV will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available by calling 866-839-5205.
The annualized gross expense ratio is 1.15%. The annualized net expense ratio after fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements is 1.13%.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)
June 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES99.0% |
|
|
| |||
ARGENTINA4.1% |
|
|
| |||
ENERGY EQUIPMENT & SERVICES4.1% |
|
|
| |||
260,000 |
|
Tenaris S.A., ADR (cost $9,665,226) |
|
$ |
10,470,200 |
|
BRAZIL64.7% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES3.6% |
|
|
| |||
255,366 |
|
Cia de Bebidas das Americas |
|
9,400,481 |
| |
COMMERCIAL BANKS14.0% |
|
|
| |||
1,602,970 |
|
Banco Bradesco S.A. |
|
21,953,868 |
| |
116,930 |
|
Banco Itaú Holding Financeira S.A., PN |
|
1,504,497 |
| |
966,114 |
|
Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., PN, ADR |
|
12,482,193 |
| |
|
|
|
|
35,940,558 |
| |
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES0.9% |
|
|
| |||
154,200 |
|
Valid Solucoes e Servicos de Seguranca em Meios de Pagamento e Identificacao S.A. |
|
2,222,454 |
| |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES1.6% |
|
|
| |||
757,563 |
|
BM&F Bovespa S.A. |
|
4,158,983 |
| |
FOOD PRODUCTS2.0% |
|
|
| |||
235,368 |
|
BRF S.A. |
|
5,088,468 |
| |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES1.3% |
|
|
| |||
831,000 |
|
Odontoprev S.A. |
|
3,433,715 |
| |
MACHINERY1.2% |
|
|
| |||
251,844 |
|
WEG S.A. |
|
3,178,312 |
| |
METALS & MINING9.6% |
|
|
| |||
307,800 |
|
Bradespar S.A., PN |
|
2,765,765 |
| |
1,392,359 |
|
Vale S.A., ADR |
|
18,309,521 |
| |
308,117 |
|
Vale S.A., PN, ADR |
|
3,746,703 |
| |
|
|
|
|
24,821,989 |
| |
MULTILINE RETAIL3.7% |
|
|
| |||
333,096 |
|
Lojas Renner S.A. |
|
9,530,037 |
| |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS11.9% |
|
|
| |||
46,000 |
|
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., ADR |
|
617,320 |
| |
1,292,433 |
|
Petroleo Brasileiro S.A., ADR |
|
18,947,068 |
| |
462,000 |
|
Ultrapar Participacoes S.A., ADR |
|
11,060,280 |
| |
|
|
|
|
30,624,668 |
| |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS2.7% |
|
|
| |||
319,000 |
|
Natura Cosmeticos S.A. |
|
6,970,865 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT3.6% |
|
|
| |||
393,334 |
|
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios S.A. |
|
9,183,992 |
| |
ROAD & RAIL1.5% |
|
|
| |||
274,050 |
|
Localiza Rent a Car S.A. |
|
3,874,909 |
| |
SOFTWARE1.1% |
|
|
| |||
175,000 |
|
Totvs S.A. |
|
2,724,584 |
| |
SPECIALTY RETAIL1.4% |
|
|
| |||
253,000 |
|
Cia Hering |
|
3,571,605 |
| |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS1.8% |
|
|
| |||
294,667 |
|
Arezzo Industria e Comercio S.A. |
|
4,521,656 |
| |
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (continued)
June 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
BRAZIL (continued) |
|
|
| |||
TOBACCO1.6% |
|
|
| |||
338,000 |
|
Souza Cruz S.A. |
|
$ |
4,173,213 |
|
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE1.2% |
|
|
| |||
289,400 |
|
Wilson Sons Limited, BDR |
|
3,177,583 |
| |
|
|
Total Brazil (cost $151,363,391) |
|
166,598,072 |
| |
CHILE7.2% |
|
|
| |||
AIRLINES0.1% |
|
|
| |||
23,143 |
|
Latam Airlines Group S.A. |
|
392,618 |
| |
BEVERAGES1.1% |
|
|
| |||
318,000 |
|
Embotelladora Andina S.A., PNB |
|
1,845,220 |
| |
540,000 |
|
Viña Concha y Toro S.A. |
|
1,054,980 |
| |
|
|
|
|
2,900,200 |
| |
CHEMICALS0.3% |
|
|
| |||
18,800 |
|
Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A., PNB |
|
762,287 |
| |
COMMERCIAL BANKS1.3% |
|
|
| |||
11,653,724 |
|
Banco de Chile |
|
1,681,366 |
| |
25,113,969 |
|
Banco Santander Chile |
|
1,544,752 |
| |
|
|
|
|
3,226,118 |
| |
ELECTRIC UTILITIES0.5% |
|
|
| |||
3,780,000 |
|
Enersis S.A. |
|
1,245,492 |
| |
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES0.1% |
|
|
| |||
18,518 |
|
Antarchile S.A. |
|
273,369 |
| |
IT SERVICES0.7% |
|
|
| |||
592,000 |
|
Sonda S.A. |
|
1,724,555 |
| |
MULTILINE RETAIL0.3% |
|
|
| |||
77,000 |
|
S.A.C.I. Falabella |
|
833,579 |
| |
OIL, GAS & CONSUMABLE FUELS0.5% |
|
|
| |||
98,000 |
|
Empresas COPEC S.A. |
|
1,282,748 |
| |
PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS0.4% |
|
|
| |||
298,570 |
|
Empresas CMPC S.A. |
|
920,892 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT0.6% |
|
|
| |||
692,000 |
|
Parque Arauco S.A. |
|
1,511,898 |
| |
WATER UTILITIES1.3% |
|
|
| |||
84,144 |
|
Inversiones Aguas Metropolitanas S.A., ADR(a)(b) |
|
3,299,572 |
| |
|
|
Total Chile (cost $11,630,400) |
|
18,373,328 |
| |
COLOMBIA3.2% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL BANKS1.4% |
|
|
| |||
268,000 |
|
Bancolombia S.A. |
|
3,681,769 |
| |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING1.8% |
|
|
| |||
271,901 |
|
Almacenes Exito S.A. |
|
4,527,710 |
| |
|
|
Total Colombia (cost $7,550,786) |
|
8,209,479 |
| |
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited) (concluded)
June 30, 2013
No. of |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
LATIN AMERICA0.0% |
|
|
| |||
VENTURE CAPITAL0.0% |
|
|
| |||
2,541,650 |
(c) |
JP Morgan Latin America Capital Partners, L.P. (cost $890,763)(b)(d)(e)(f)(g) |
|
$ |
82,197 |
|
MEXICO19.8% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES4.2% |
|
|
| |||
104,402 |
|
Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V., ADR |
|
10,773,242 |
| |
COMMERCIAL BANKS4.4% |
|
|
| |||
1,901,000 |
|
Grupo Financiero Banorte S.A.B. de C.V. |
|
11,355,429 |
| |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING4.0% |
|
|
| |||
1,339,000 |
|
Organización Soriana S.A.B. de C.V. |
|
5,027,405 |
| |
1,870,000 |
|
Wal-Mart de México S.A.B. de C.V., Series V |
|
5,241,649 |
| |
|
|
|
|
10,269,054 |
| |
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS2.9% |
|
|
| |||
2,312,000 |
|
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S.A.B. de C.V. |
|
7,583,282 |
| |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE4.3% |
|
|
| |||
202,000 |
|
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte S.A.B. de C.V., ADR(e) |
|
5,288,360 |
| |
51,134 |
|
Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S.A.B. de C.V., ADR |
|
5,688,146 |
| |
|
|
|
|
10,976,506 |
| |
|
|
Total Mexico (cost $24,294,269) |
|
50,957,513 |
| |
GLOBAL0.0% |
|
|
| |||
VENTURE CAPITAL0.0% |
|
|
| |||
2,237,292 |
(c) |
Emerging Markets Ventures l, L.P. (cost $785,672)(b)(d)(e)(f)(g) |
|
94,436 |
| |
|
|
Total Long-Term Equity Securities (cost $206,180,507) |
|
254,785,225 |
| |
Principal |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT0.8% |
|
|
| |||
GRAND CAYMAN0.8% |
|
|
| |||
$2,124 |
|
Wells Fargo, overnight deposit, 3.00%, 07/01/13 (cost $2,124,000) |
|
2,124,000 |
| |
|
|
Total Investments99.8% (cost $208,304,507) |
|
256,909,225 |
| |
|
|
Cash and Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities0.2% |
|
492,099 |
| |
|
|
Net Assets100.0% |
|
$ |
257,401,324 |
|
(a) |
SEC Rule 144A security. Such securities are traded only among qualified institutional buyers. |
(b) |
Illiquid Security. |
(c) |
Represents contributed capital. |
(d) |
Restricted security, not readily marketable. |
(e) |
Non-income producing security. |
(f) |
Security was fair valued as of June 30, 2013. Security is valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board of Directors (the Board) under procedures established by the Board. See Note 2 of the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements. |
(g) |
As of June 30, 2013, the aggregate amount of open commitments for the Fund is $775,044. |
ADR |
American Depositary Receipts. |
BDR |
Brazilian Depositary Receipts. |
PN |
Preferred Shares. |
PNB |
Preferred Shares, Class B. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)
As of June 30, 2013
Assets |
|
|
|
Investments, at value (Cost $208,304,507) |
|
$256,909,225 |
|
Cash (including $868,021 of foreign currencies with a cost of $978,715) |
|
866,520 |
|
Dividends receivable |
|
674,336 |
|
Reimbursement receivable and other assets |
|
11,700 |
|
Total assets |
|
258,461,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
Investment advisory fees payable (Note 3) |
|
579,200 |
|
Directors fees payable |
|
54,627 |
|
Administration fees payable (Note 3) |
|
40,579 |
|
Investor relations fees payable (Note 3) |
|
19,423 |
|
Chilean repatriation taxes (Note 2) |
|
205,739 |
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
160,889 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
1,060,457 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets |
|
$257,401,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets consist of |
|
|
|
Capital stock, $0.001 par value (Note 5) |
|
$ 7,449 |
|
Paid-in capital |
|
185,585,048 |
|
Undistributed net investment income |
|
1,130,597 |
|
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions |
|
22,043,095 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency translation |
|
48,635,135 |
|
Net Assets applicable to shares outstanding |
|
$257,401,324 |
|
Net asset value per share, based on 7,448,517 shares issued and outstanding |
|
$ 34.56 |
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
For the Six-Month Period Ended June 30, 2013
Investment Income |
|
|
|
Income: |
|
|
|
Dividends and other income |
|
$ 5,040,780 |
|
Less: Foreign taxes withheld |
|
(365,754 |
) |
Total investment income |
|
4,675,026 |
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
Investment advisory fees (Note 3) |
|
1,205,334 |
|
Custodians fees and expenses |
|
106,296 |
|
Directors fees and expenses |
|
85,835 |
|
Administration fees (Note 3) |
|
85,471 |
|
Legal fees and expenses |
|
43,485 |
|
Investor relations fees and expenses (Note 3) |
|
37,460 |
|
Insurance expense |
|
31,650 |
|
Independent auditors fees and expenses |
|
31,480 |
|
Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation |
|
30,638 |
|
Transfer agents fees and expenses |
|
11,745 |
|
Miscellaneous |
|
15,453 |
|
Chilean repatriation taxes (Note 2) |
|
24,134 |
|
Total expenses |
|
1,708,981 |
|
Less: Fee waivers and reimbursements (Note 3) |
|
(28,288 |
) |
Net expenses |
|
1,680,693 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
2,994,333 |
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/(Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency Related Transactions |
|
|
|
Net realized gain/(loss) on: |
|
|
|
Investment transactions* |
|
11,077,754 |
|
Foreign currency transactions |
|
(179,700 |
) |
Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments and foreign currency translation |
|
(56,066,030 |
) |
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions |
|
(45,167,976 |
) |
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
|
$ (42,173,643 |
) |
* Includes realized gain distributions from underlying venture capital investments of $4,644.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
|
For the |
|
For the |
|
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
$ 2,994,333 |
|
$ 4,122,294 |
|
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related transactions |
|
10,898,054 |
|
19,475,147 |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translations |
|
(56,066,030 |
) |
40,491,565 |
|
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(42,173,643 |
) |
64,089,006 |
|
Dividends and distributions to shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
(3,045,103 |
) |
Net realized gain on investments |
|
|
|
(8,973,824 |
) |
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
|
|
|
(12,018,927 |
) |
Total increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(42,173,643 |
) |
52,070,079 |
|
Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period |
|
299,574,967 |
|
247,504,888 |
|
End of period* |
|
$257,401,324 |
|
$299,574,967 |
|
* Includes undistributed net investment income of $1,130,597 and distributions in excess of net investment income of $(1,863,737), respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Financial Highlights
|
|
For the Six-Month (unaudited) |
|
|
| ||||||||
|
|
| |||||||||||
|
For the Fiscal Years Ended December 31,
|
| |||||||||||
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2010 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
| |||
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period |
|
$40.22 |
|
$33.23 |
|
$41.95 |
|
$43.41 |
|
$21.26 |
|
$53.19 |
|
Net investment income |
|
0.23 |
|
0.55 |
|
0.71 |
|
0.44 |
|
0.58 |
|
0.55 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions |
|
(5.89 |
) |
8.05 |
|
(7.44 |
) |
8.19 |
|
22.54 |
|
(28.97 |
) |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(5.66 |
) |
8.60 |
|
(6.73 |
) |
8.63 |
|
23.12 |
|
(28.42 |
) |
Dividends and distributions to shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
|
|
(0.41 |
) |
(0.65 |
) |
(0.47 |
) |
(1.00 |
) |
(0.45 |
) |
Net realized gain |
|
|
|
(1.20 |
) |
(1.34 |
) |
(9.62 |
) |
|
|
(3.15 |
) |
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders |
|
|
|
(1.61 |
) |
(1.99 |
) |
(10.09 |
) |
(1.00 |
) |
(3.60 |
) |
Anti-dilutive impact due to capital shares tendered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.03 |
|
0.09 |
|
Net asset value, end of period |
|
$34.56 |
|
$40.22 |
|
$33.23 |
|
$41.95 |
|
$43.41 |
|
$21.26 |
|
Market value, end of period |
|
$31.37 |
|
$36.24 |
|
$30.10 |
|
$38.72 |
|
$39.42 |
|
$18.29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on:(b) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market value |
|
(13.43% |
) |
25.53% |
|
(17.47% |
) |
24.75% |
|
120.93% |
|
(54.99% |
) |
Net asset value |
|
(14.07% |
) |
26.20% |
(d) |
(15.90% |
) |
22.74% |
|
109.30% |
|
(53.46% |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio/Supplementary Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
|
$257,401 |
|
$299,575 |
|
$247,505 |
|
$312,472 |
|
$265,101 |
|
$131,298 |
|
Average net assets (000 omitted) |
|
$298,832 |
|
$277,904 |
|
$291,612 |
|
$268,440 |
|
$194,682 |
|
$280,540 |
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, net of fee waivers(c) |
|
1.13% |
(e) |
1.16% |
|
1.18% |
|
1.35% |
|
1.28% |
|
1.19% |
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, excluding fee waivers(c) |
|
1.15% |
(e) |
1.18% |
|
1.18% |
|
1.35% |
|
1.28% |
|
1.20% |
|
Ratio of expenses to average net assets, excluding fee waivers and taxes |
|
1.12% |
(e) |
1.14% |
|
1.16% |
|
1.27% |
|
1.21% |
|
1.18% |
|
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets |
|
2.02% |
(e) |
1.48% |
|
1.82% |
|
1.03% |
|
1.84% |
|
1.24% |
|
Portfolio turnover rate |
|
11.70% |
(f) |
16.47% |
|
11.93% |
|
7.52% |
|
75.70% |
|
16.55% |
|
(a) |
Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) |
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and a sale on the last day of each reporting period. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed, for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
(c) |
Ratios include the effect of Chilean taxes. |
(d) |
The total return includes the impact of financial statements adjustments of the NAV per share. |
(e) |
Annualized. |
(f) |
Not annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
June 30, 2013
1. Organization
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated in Maryland on April 17, 1990 and commenced investment operations on October 30, 1991. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The Fund trades on the NYSE MKT under the ticker symbol LAQ.
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in Latin American equity securities.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The financial statements of the Fund are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The U.S. Dollar is used as both the functional and reporting currency.
(a) Security Valuation:
The Fund is required to value its securities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
Equity securities that are traded on an exchange are valued at the last quoted sale price on the principal exchange on which the security is traded at the Valuation Time, subject to application, when appropriate, of valuation factors described in the paragraph below. The Valuation Time is as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In the absence of a sale price, the security is valued at the mean of the bid/ask price quoted at the close on the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are valued at the market price of the security at the Valuation Time. A security using any of these pricing methodologies is determined as a Level 1 investment.
Foreign equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that close prior to the Valuation Time are valued by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. Valuation factors are provided by an independent pricing service
provider. These valuation factors are used when pricing the Funds portfolio holdings to estimate market movements between the time markets close and the time the Fund values such foreign securities. When the prices with the application of valuation factors are utilized, the value assigned to the foreign securities may not be the same as quoted or published prices of the securities on their primary markets. These valuation factors are based on inputs, such as depositary receipts, S&P 500 Index/S&P 500 Futures, Nikkei 225 Futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and historical opening and closing prices of each security. If the pricing service is unable to provide a valuation factor, or if the valuation factor falls below a predetermined threshold, the security is valued at the last sale price. A security that applies a valuation factor is determined as a Level 2 investment. When no valuation factor is applied, the security is determined as a Level 1 investment.
In the event that a securitys market quotation is not readily available, or is deemed unreliable, the fair value of a security is determined by the Funds Pricing Committee (which is appointed by the Board of Directors), taking into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances. A security that has been fair valued may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the nature of the inputs.
The Fund also invests in venture capital private placement securities, which are deemed to be restricted securities. In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, these securities are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board under procedures established by the Board. The Funds estimate of fair value assumes a willing buyer and a willing seller neither of whom are acting under the compulsion to buy or sell. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could differ from the prices originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values, and the difference could be material. These securities are categorized as Level 3 investments. Level 3 investments have significant unobservable inputs, as they trade infrequently. In determining the fair value of these investments, management uses the market approach which includes as the primary input the capital balance reported; however, adjustments to the reported capital balance may be made based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the attributes of the interest held, including the rights and obligations, and any restrictions or illiquidity of such interests, and the fair value of these venture capital investments.
In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Fund discloses the fair value of its investments in a hierarchy that classifies the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The hierarchy
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
June 30, 2013
assigns Level 1 measurements to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 2 measurements to valuations based upon adjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and Level 3 measurements to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entitys own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the
circumstances. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:
Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc); or
Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
A financial instruments level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of June 30, 2013 in valuing the Funds investments carried at fair value. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Refer to the Portfolio of Investments for a detailed breakout of the security types:
Investments, at value |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Balance as of |
|
Long Term Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Venture Capital |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$176,633 |
|
$176,633 |
|
Water Utilities |
|
|
|
3,299,572 |
|
|
|
3,299,572 |
|
Other |
|
251,309,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
251,309,020 |
|
Short-Term Investments |
|
|
|
2,124,000 |
|
|
|
2,124,000 |
|
Total |
|
$251,309,020 |
|
$5,423,572 |
|
$176,633 |
|
$256,909,225 |
|
Amounts listed as are $0 or round to $0.
For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing transfers at the end of each period. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, there have been no transfers between levels and no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Funds venture capital holdings are audited financial statements, interim financial statements, capital calls, and distributions. These unobservable inputs are used by taking the most recent quarterly valuation statements and adjusting the value using the unobservable inputs mentioned above. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Valuation Technique |
|
Unobservable Inputs |
|
Range |
|
Venture Capital |
|
$176,633 |
|
Partner Capital Value/Net Asset Value |
|
Capital Calls & Distributions |
|
$0 |
|
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:
Investments, |
|
Balance |
|
Accrued |
|
Realized |
|
Change in |
|
Capital |
|
Distributions/ |
|
Transfers |
|
Transfers |
|
Balance |
|
Venture Capital |
|
$185,775 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$(9,142) |
|
$0 |
|
$0 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$176,633 |
|
Total |
|
$185,775 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$(9,142) |
|
$0 |
|
$0 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$176,633 |
|
Change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation relating to Level 3 investments still held at June 30, 2013 is $(9,142).
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
June 30, 2013
(b) Short-Term Investment:
The Fund sweeps available cash into a short-term time deposit available through Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH & Co.), the Funds custodian. The short-term time deposit is a variable rate account classified as a short-term investment.
(c) Foreign Currency Transactions:
Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars on the following basis:
(I) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities at the rate of exchange at the Valuation Time; and
(II) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments in equity securities which is due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of equity securities. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment transactions balances.
The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions and foreign taxes withheld on security transactions as components of realized gains for financial reporting purposes, whereas such foreign currency related transactions are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period-end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of investments, and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
Net realized foreign currency transactions represent foreign exchange gains and losses from transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts, exchange gains or losses realized between the trade date and settlement date on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar. Generally, when the U.S. Dollar rises in value against a foreign currency, the Funds investments
denominated in that currency will lose value because its currency is worth fewer U.S. Dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. Dollar falls in relative value.
(d) Security Transactions and Investment Income:
Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis.
(e) Distributions:
On an annual basis, the Fund intends to distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, by way of a final distribution to be declared during the calendar quarter ending December 31. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currencies.
(f) Federal Income Taxes and Foreign Taxes:
The Fund intends to qualify or continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (IRC), and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
Income received by the Fund from sources within certain Latin America countries may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Also, certain Latin American countries impose taxes on funds remitted or repatriated from such countries.
The Fund incurs foreign Chilean taxes on income and realized gains generated from Chilean securities with no Chilean market presence. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, the Fund incurred $24,134 of such expenses.The Fund also accrues foreign Chilean taxes on securities with little to no Chilean market presence in an amount equal to what the Fund would owe if the securities were sold and the proceeds repatriated on the valuation date as a liability and reduction of unrealized gains.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
June 30, 2013
examination by tax authorities. Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Funds U.S. federal tax returns for each of the prior four years up to the year ended December 31, 2012 are subject to such review.
(g) Partnership Accounting Policy:
The Fund records its pro-rata share of the income/(loss) and capital gains/(losses) allocated from the underlying partnerships and adjusts the cost of the underlying partnerships accordingly. These amounts are included in the Funds Statement of Operations.
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
(a) Investment Adviser:
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (AAML) serves as the Funds investment adviser with respect to all investments. AAML is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. AAML receives, as compensation for its advisory services from the Fund, an annual fee, calculated weekly and paid quarterly, equal to 1.00% of the first $100 million of the Funds average weekly market value or net assets (whichever is lower), 0.90% of the next $50 million and 0.80% of amounts above $150 million. Effective March 6, 2013, AAML has agreed to contractually waive a portion of its advisory fee. Prior to March 6, 2013, AAML voluntarily waived an equal portion of its advisory fee. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, AAML earned $1,205,334 for advisory services, of which AAML waived $28,288.
(b) Fund Administration:
BBH & Co. is the U.S. Administrator for the Fund and certain other funds advised by AAML and its affiliates (collectively the Funds). The Funds pay BBH & Co. a monthly administration and fund accounting service fee at an annual rate of 0.02% of the Funds aggregate assets up to $250 million, 0.015% for the next $250 million and 0.01% in excess of $500 million.
Each Fund pays its pro rata portion of the fee based on its level of assets, with a monthly minimum of $2,500. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, BBH & Co. earned $21,511 from the Fund for administrative and fund accounting services.
Celfin Capital S.A. Administradora de Fondos de Capital Extranjero (AFCE) serves as the Funds Chilean administrator. For its services, AFCE is paid an annual fee by the Fund equal to the greater of 2,000 Unidad de Fomentos (U.F.s) or 0.10% of the Funds average weekly market value or net assets invested in Chile (whichever is lower) and an annual reimbursement of out-of pocket expenses not to exceed 500 U.F.s. In addition, an accounting fee is also paid to AFCE. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, the administration fees and
accounting fees earned by AFCE from the Fund amounted to $59,023 and $4,937, respectively.
(c) Investor Relations:
Under the terms of an Investor Relations Services Agreement, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (AAMI), an affiliate of AAML, provides investor relations services to the Fund and certain other funds advised by AAML or its affiliates.
Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, AAMI, among other things, provides objective and timely information to shareholders based on publicly-available information; provides information efficiently through the use of technology while offering shareholders immediate access to knowledgeable investor relations representatives; develops and maintains effective communications with investment professionals from a wide variety of firms; creates and maintains investor relations communication materials such as fund manager interviews, films and webcasts, published white papers, magazine and articles and other relevant materials discussing the Funds investment results, portfolio positioning and outlook; develops and maintains effective communications with large institutional shareholders; responds to specific shareholder questions; and reports activities and results to the Board and management detailing insight into general shareholder sentiment.
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, the Fund paid fees of approximately $37,212 for investor relations services. Investor relations fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of pocket expenses.
(d) Director Purchase Plan:
Fifty percent (50%) of the annual retainer of the Independent Directors is invested in Fund shares and, at the option of each Independent Director, 100% of the annual retainer can be invested in shares of the Fund. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, there was no retainer paid to the Directors and therefore were no shares purchased pursuant to the Directors compensation plan. As of June 30, 2013, the Directors as a group owned less than 1% of the Funds outstanding shares.
4. Investment Transactions
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, Fund purchases and sales of securities, other than short-term investments, were $34,395,799 and $44,063,002, respectively.
5. Capital
The authorized capital stock of the Fund is 100,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value. As of June 30, 2013, the Fund had 7,448,517 shares issued and outstanding.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
June 30, 2013
6. Restricted Securities
Certain of the Funds investments are restricted as to resale and are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board under procedures established by the Board in the absence of readily ascertainable market values.
Security |
|
Acquisition Date(s) |
|
Cost |
|
Fair Value |
|
Percent of |
|
Distributions |
|
Open |
|
Emerging Markets Ventures l, L.P. |
|
01/22/98 01/10/06 |
|
$785,672 |
|
$94,436 |
|
0.03 |
|
$2,583,377 |
|
$262,708 |
|
JP Morgan Latin America Capital Partners, L.P. |
|
04/10/00 07/13/12 |
|
890,763 |
|
82,197 |
|
0.03 |
|
2,624,623 |
|
512,336 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
$1,676,435 |
|
$176,633 |
|
0.06 |
|
$5,208,000 |
|
$775,044 |
|
The Fund may incur certain costs in connection with the disposition of the above two securities.
7. Open Market Repurchase Program
The Board authorized, but does not require, management to make open market purchases from time to time in an amount up to 10% of the Funds outstanding shares, in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable federal securities laws. Such purchases may be made when, in the reasonable judgment of management, such repurchases may enhance shareholder value and when the Funds shares are trading at a discount to net asset value of 12% or more, subject to intraday fluctuations that may result in repurchases at discounts below 12%. The Board has instructed management to report repurchase activity to it regularly, and to post the number of shares repurchased on the Funds website on a monthly basis. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2013, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through this program.
8. Portfolio Investment Risks
(a) Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies:
Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. Such risks include, among others, currency risk, information risk and political risk. Currency risk results from securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. Dollars that are subject to changes in value due to fluctuations in exchange rates. Information risk arises with respect to foreign securities when key information about foreign issuers may be inaccurate or unavailable. Political risk includes future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries. Other risks of investing in foreign securities include liquidity and valuation risks.
Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
Some countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities by foreign investors. In addition, if there is deterioration in a countrys balance of payments or for other reasons, a country may impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances abroad. Amountsrepatriated prior to the end of specified periods may be subject to taxes as imposed by a foreign country.
(b) Risks Associated with Latin American Markets:
The Latin American securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. A high proportion of the securities of many companies in Latin American countries may be held by a limited number of persons, which may limit the number of securities available for the investment by the Fund. The limited liquidity of Latin American country securities markets may also affect the Funds ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so.
(c) Risks Associated with Restricted Securities:
The Fund, subject to local investment limitations, may invest up to 10% of its assets (at the time of commitment) in illiquid equity securities, including securities of venture capital funds (whether in corporate or partnership form) that invest primarily in emerging markets. When investing through another investment fund, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the expenses incurred by that underlying fund, including management fees. Such securities are
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (concluded)
June 30, 2013
expected to be illiquid which may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses. Because of the current absence of any liquid trading market for these investments, the venture capital funds may take longer to liquidate than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could be substantially less than those originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values and these differences could be material. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosures and other investor protection requirements applicable to companies whose securities are publicly traded.
(d) Risks Associated with European Markets:
A number of countries in Europe have experienced severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and without Europe whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries. These events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Funds investments.
9. Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.
10. Tax Information
At June 30, 2013, the identified cost for federal income tax purposes, as well as the gross unrealized appreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of value over cost, gross unrealized depreciation from investments for those securities having an excess of cost over value and the net unrealized appreciation from investments were $208,304,507 $77,681,582 $(29,076,864) and $48,604,718, respectively.
11. Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financials statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no adjustments were required to the financial statements as of June 30, 2013.
Proxy Voting Information (unaudited)
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund was held on March 14, 2013 at 712 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. The description of the proposals and number of shares voted at the meeting are as follows:
(1) To elect one Class I director to the Board of Directors of the Fund:
|
|
Votes For |
|
Votes |
|
Martin M. Torino |
|
3,557,297 |
|
2,149,118 |
|
Directors whose term of office continued beyond this meeting are as follows: Enrique R. Arzac, James J. Cattano, Lawrence J. Fox and Steven N. Rappaport.
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
|
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
Corporate Information
Directors Enrique R. Arzac, Chairman James J. Cattano Lawrence J. Fox Steven N. Rappaport Martin M. Torino
Officers Christian Pittard, President Jeffrey Cotton, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Andrea Melia, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Megan Kennedy, Vice President and Secretary Alan Goodson, Vice President Joanne Irvine, Vice President Devan Kaloo, Vice President Jennifer Nichols, Vice President Nick Robinson, Vice President Lucia Sitar, Vice President Hugh Young, Vice President Sharon Ferrari, Assistant Treasurer Heather Hasson, Assistant Secretary
Investment Adviser Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited Bow Bells House 1 Bread Street London, United Kingdom EC4M 9HH
U.S. Administrator & Custodian Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 40 Water Street Boston, MA 02109 |
Chilean Administrator Celfin Capital S.A. Administradora de Fondos de Capital Extranjero Av. Apoquindo 3721, Piso 19 Las Condes Santiago, Chile
Shareholder Servicing Agent Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 250 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 300 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017
Legal Counsel Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP 787 Seventh Avenue New York, NY 10019
Investor Relations Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 1-866-839-5205 InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com |
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
The accompanying Financial Statements as of June 30, 2013, were not audited and accordingly no opinion is expressed thereon.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.
Shares of Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE MKT Exchange under the symbol LAQ. Information about the Funds net asset value and market price is available at www.aberdeenlaq.com.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. for their general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
An Invitation to Aberdeens Investor Relations
Your Fund on the Web
As part of our ongoing commitment to provide information to shareholders, Aberdeen invites you to visit your Fund on the web at www.aberdeenlaq.com.
From this page, you can view monthly fact sheets, read news from our portfolio managers, learn more about the Funds distributions and results, view daily fact sheets courtesy of Morningstar®, conduct portfolio charting and see other information designed to keep you up-to-date on your investment.
Aberdeen Closed-End Fund Talk Channel
Please take a look at Aberdeens award-winning Closed-End Fund Talk Channel, where you can watch portfolio manager web casts and our latest short films. For replays of recent broadcasts or to register for upcoming events, please visit our Closed-End Fund Talk Channel at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usClosed/aberdeentv.
E-mail Services
Make sure you are enrolled in our e-mail services, which feature timely news from Aberdeens portfolio managers located around the world.
Enroll today at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/email and be among the first to receive the latest news about your Fund.
Please contact Aberdeen Asset Managements Investor Relations division by:
· Calling us toll free at 1-866-839-5205 in the U.S.
· E-mailing us at InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com
· Visiting us on the web at www.aberdeen-asset.us/cef
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
|
Item 2 Code of Ethics.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 3 Audit Committee Financial Expert.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 4 Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 5 Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 6 Investments.
(a) Included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 7 Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a) This item is inapplicable to semi-annual report on Form N-CSR.
(b) During the period ended June 30, 2013, there were no changes in the Portfolio Managers identified in response to paragraph (a)(1) of this Item in the Registrants most recent Annual Report on Form N-CSR filed on March 8, 2013.
Item 9 Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Period |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
January 1 through January 31, 2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
345,575 |
February 1 through February 28, 2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
345,575 |
March 1 through March 31, 2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
345,575 |
April 1 through April 30, 2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
345,575 |
May 1 through May 31, 2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
345,575 |
June 1 through June 30, 2013 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
345,575 |
Total |
0 |
0 |
0 |
- |
1 The plan was announced on November 16, 2007. The program authorizes management to make open market purchases from time to time in an amount up to 10% of the Funds outstanding shares. Such purchases may be made when the Funds shares are trading at a discount to net asset value of 12% or more. The plan does not have an expiration date.
Item 10 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
During the period ended June 30, 2013, there were no material changes to the policies by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Funds Board.
Item 11 Controls and Procedures.
(a) It is the conclusion of the Registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the Registrants current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commissions rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the Registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) There have been no changes in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12 Exhibits.
(a)(1) Not applicable.
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(b) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Aberdeen Latin American Equity Fund, Inc. |
| ||
|
| ||
|
| ||
By: |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
|
|
Christian Pittard, |
| |
|
Principal Executive Officer of |
| |
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
| |
|
|
| |
Date: |
September 6, 2013 |
| |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
|
|
Christian Pittard, |
| |
|
Principal Executive Officer of |
| |
|
Aberdeen Latin American Equity Fund, Inc. |
| |
|
|
| |
Date: |
September 6, 2013 |
|
By: |
/s/ Andrea Melia |
|
|
|
Andrea Melia, |
| |
|
Principal Financial Officer of |
| |
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. |
| |
|
|
| |
Date: |
September 6, 2013 |
|
EXHIBIT LIST
12(a)(2) Rule 30a-2(a) Certifications
12(b) Rule 30a-2(b) Certifications
Exhibit 99.CERT
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 30A-2(A) UNDER THE 1940 ACT AND SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
I, Andrea Melia, certify that: | |
| |
1. |
I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Aberdeen Latin American Equity Fund, Inc.; |
|
|
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 registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: August 26, 2013 |
| |
|
| |
/s/ Andrea Melia |
|
|
Andrea Melia |
| |
Principal Financial Officer |
| |
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 30A-2(A) UNDER THE 1940 ACT AND SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
I, Christian Pittard, certify that: | |
|
|
1. |
I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc.; |
|
|
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 registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants 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 registrants 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 registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
Date: August 26, 2013 |
| |
|
| |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
|
Christian Pittard |
| |
Principal Executive Officer |
| |
Exhibit 99.906CERT
Certification Pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Christian Pittard, Principal Executive Officer, and Andrea Melia, Principal Financial Officer, of Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the Registrant), each certify that:
1. |
The Registrants periodic report on Form N-CSR for the period ended June 30, 2013 (the Form N-CSR) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as applicable; and |
|
|
2. |
The information contained in the Form N-CSR fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. |
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
|
PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER | ||
Aberdeen Latin America Fund, Inc. |
|
Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. | ||
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
|
/s/ Andrea Melia |
|
Christian Pittard |
|
|
Andrea Melia |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
| ||
Date: August 26, 2013 |
|
Date: August 26, 2013 |
This certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and is not being filed as part of Form N-CSR or as a separate disclosure document. A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Registrant and will be retained by the Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
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