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 811-06111
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Mr. Arnulfo Rodriguez
c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)
(414) 765-4255
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Date of fiscal year end: July 31, 2016
Date of reporting period: July 31, 2016
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
The Mexico Equity
and Income Fund, Inc.
Annual Report
July 31, 2016
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
Despite the Fund’s persistent double-digit discount, long-term stockholders have been well served by the high quality portfolio management of Pichardo Asset Management, the Fund’s investment advisor. From its inception on August 30, 1990 through July 31, 2016, the Fund’s annualized NAV return is 12.55%, significantly better than the 9.94% per annum return of the Mexico MSCI. For detailed performance data, please refer to the latest investor presentation dated September 7, 2016 on the Fund’s website at http://www.mxefund.com.
In my March 2016 letter, I indicated that, in light of the wider trading discount of the shares at that time, the Board had determined to opportunistically resume share repurchases. From March 1st through August 31st, the Fund repurchased 135,455 shares at a discount greater than 13%. The Fund’s repurchases are reported monthly on its website.
Given the Fund’s relatively small size, there is a tradeoff between the NAV accretion from share repurchases and not jeopardizing the viability of the Fund. As a result, the Board has determined to consider measures to increase the Fund’s total assets in a manner that fairly balances these concerns.
Sincerely yours,
Phillip Goldstein
Chairman
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
Report of Pichardo Asset Management (“PAM”),
The Investment Adviser
Dear Fund Stockholders,
I. INTRODUCTION
We are writing our Annual Stockholder Letter for the Fund’s fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 amid a global environment of lower international trade and lackluster economic activity in which the Mexican economy has managed to rekindle growth unlike other emerging economies.
The Mexican peso underperformed other emerging market currencies for the one-year period ended July 31, 2016, due to hedging strategies in response to international financial volatility.
We are pleased to report that the Fund has continued to provide its stockholders with an excess dollar return, over the benchmark, with dividends reinvested for the one, three, five, and ten-year periods ended July 31, 2016, as well as since inception.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Sources: U.S. Bancorp1; Thomson2, Bloomberg; PAM3.
Performance data represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Performance data to the most recent month end may be obtained by calling U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (414) 765-4255, or by consulting the Fund’s web page: www.mxefund.com.
PAM’s in-house methodology continues to underpin the Fund’s de-indexed investment strategy. (See Annex 1*)
At the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, the Fund’s excess return had narrowed from an all-time one-year high of 738 basis points to 370 basis points. (See Annex 2*)
II. FUND’s PERFORMANCE
The Net Asset Value per share (the “NAV”) of the Fund decreased -6.42% with dividends reinvested in U.S. dollar terms, and the closing market price of the Fund (on the New York Stock Exchange) declined by -6.35% (with dividends reinvested) in U.S. dollar terms for the one-year period ended July 31, 2016. (Source: U.S. Bancorp) In Mexican pesos, the Fund’s NAV increased by 8.89% during the same period. (Source: PAM, Bloomberg)
At July 31, 2016, the common share market price was US $10.78, a discount of -12.50% to its NAV (US$12.32) vs. a discount of -12.18% at July 31, 2015. (Source: U.S. Bancorp, Bloomberg)
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
The existing open-market share repurchase program registered 109,636 shares repurchased at an average price of US$11.01 or US$1,207,197 representing 1.32% of MXE’s total assets under management and had a positive NAV impact of approximately 3 cents per share for the year ended July 31, 2016. (Source: U.S. Bancorp)
The Fund’s net assets totaled US$91,579,304 at July 31, 2016, compared to US$103,117,326 at July 31, 2015. The Fund paid a 5.2% dividend yield on January 29, 2016, or US$4,187,372, of which US$3,097,788 was in cash and US$1,089,584 in common shares. (Source: U.S. Bancorp)
During the Fund’s fiscal year, the MXN/USD exchange rate fluctuated in a range of $16.08 and $19.18 Mexican pesos per US Dollar. The Mexican peso depreciated 16.37% during the one-year period ended July 31, 2016. (Source: Banco de Mexico, FIX exchange-rate) (See Annex 3*)
The Mexican peso could continue to fluctuate between those levels due to international sources of volatility, which include: (1) U.S. presidential elections; (2) the increased perception that the Federal Reserve will undertake another hike in the federal funds rate; (3) its use as a proxy hedge for emerging market currencies, and (4) the correlation of the MXN to the oil price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) which dropped 11.7% to US$41.60 as of July 31, 2016. (Source: Bloomberg)
III. THE FUND’S INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The second half of the Fund’s fiscal year tested our discipline in adhering to its high quality portfolio management strategy. As mentioned in our June Monthly Report to the Fund’s Stockholders, we decided that the Fund should be overweight in consumption, mainly defensive staple stocks, versus cyclical industries; such as, materials, mining, and chemicals, due to greater risk aversion in the wake of Brexit, Fed interest rate normalization, and the consequent volatility, and U.S. Republican candidate Donald Trump’s higher ranking in the polls. Immediately following the move, some cyclical constituents of the indexes rallied in June and July, apparently on the back of foreign capital inflows (See Annex 4*) as reported by brokers in Mexico, the likelihood of additional quantitative easing measures in Great Britain and Japan, and the prospect of better 2Q’2016 financials based on companies’ guidance.
During the month of July and the beginning of August we made a tactical equity shift of approximately 10% of the Fund’s total assets into cyclical stocks based on our 2Q’2016 Value Investing, Buy-Sell, and Valuation methodologies (discounted cash flow (DCF), earnings growth, Sum of the Parts), as operating efficiencies and Net Debt/EBITDA ratios (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) have shown an improvement. Some of these stocks had already rallied by as much as 30% over the prior month, but still have better long-term prospects assuming the upturn is confirmed. Our stance with regard to the upturn is cautious, as global trade and economic activity remain lackluster.
The composition of the Fund’s asset allocation as of July 31, 2016: 47.2% of the Fund’s holdings were in consumer-related industries, including 5.4% in transportation infrastructure (airports) compared to approximately 40% at the time of this writing. (See Annex 5* and 6*)
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
At the end of 2Q’2016, stocks comprising MXE´s portfolio registered an aggregate revenue growth of 14.7% and EBITDA growth of 16.2% excluding America Movil. The EBITDA margin was 14.6%, while the operating margin was 10.9%. Moreover, a weaker peso strengthened the results of some companies in the portfolio with dollar-denominated revenue (Alpek, Bimbo, Cidmega, Gruma, Nemak, Rassini, Vesta, and Volaris) or operations in the U.S. (Alpek, Bimbo, Gruma, Nemak, and Rassini). The Mexican peso averaged $18.08 per US Dollar during 2Q’2016, an 18% depreciation vs. 2Q’2015. (See Annex 7*)
IV. MEXBOL INDEX
On July 22, 2016, the Mexican Bolsa (MEXBOL) hit a record high of 47,573 points following the deepening of expansive monetary and fiscal policies, mainly in developed markets, on the back of inflows into Mexican equities.
Listed companies invested around US$14 billion in M&A activities in the last two-years ended July 31, 2016. The most active sectors were real estate (Real Estate Investment Trusts, REITs), mainly in Mexico, and food products, mainly in South America and in the U.S., as well as consumer discretionary companies, mainly in Spain. (Source: PAM, Mexican Stock Exchange) (See Annex 8*)
V. LOCAL DEBT MARKET
For the one-year period ended July 31, 2016 the local yield curve showed a flattening, as a result of widespread increases in short-term rates. The main reason behind this movement was the restrictive monetary policy of Bank of Mexico (Banxico). Long-term yield curve showed marginal downward movements, signaling that inflation expectations remain anchored. Local yield curve is attractive to foreign investors when comparing yield to maturity with U.S. Treasuries. The M Bond yield to maturity (YTM) ended at 5.93% in July vs. 1.45% in the U.S. Treasury 10-year bond, the spread between these yields represents an opportunity cost that also influences stability in the local yield curve. (Source: Bloomberg) (See Annex 9*)
VI. MEXICAN ECONOMY
During the Fund’s fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, the global economy faced a complicated environment marked by financial market volatility and low global economic growth. Nevertheless, Mexico’s GDP has been growing at a 2.5% clip since the fourth quarter of 2015. (Source: INEGI) In our view, the main reason of a robust 2.5% clip in the second quarter of 2016 is the result of a 20-year period of prudent and responsible monetary and fiscal policies with contained inflation as well as the availability of stable international credit. (See Annex 10*)
Private consumption – which represents around 60% of the country’s GDP– has been the primary source of growth, and will most likely remain so for the following reasons: (1) a faster rate of growth in household remittances, which totaled US$13.16 billion during the first half of 2016, and grew 8.9% year-over-year (y/y) compared to the first half of 2015; (2) the reduction in the jobless rate to 3.94%, the
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
lowest since September of 2008 (See Annex 11*); (3) growth in real wages (up +1.88% y/y in June) (See Annex 12*); and (4) ongoing growth in consumer credit, which grew 13.1% y/y in June, accumulating seven straight months of double-digit expansion. (See Annex 13*)
External accounts also reflect the strength of the Mexican economy’s fundamentals. The trade deficit widened during the first few months of the year, partly due to the deceleration of the U.S. manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, data corresponding to the first quarter of 2016 indicate that external accounts remain stable. (Source: Banco de Mexico) (See Annex 14*)
|
•
|
The current account deficit decreased. It is important to consider that besides incorporating the trade balance, the current account also includes remittances, tourism, and interest payments on foreign debt.
|
|
•
|
The capital account, which encompasses portfolio investments and foreign direct investments, showed an improvement compared to the first quarter of 2015.
|
If first quarter 2016 trends continue through year end, we believe the current and capital accounts will likely recover.
The main warning signs for the Mexican economy stem from gross fixed investment numbers (GFI), which have shown relative stability thus far. During 2015, GFI grew 1.30% y/y, similar to 2014 (1.26%) (Source: INEGI) Nevertheless, GFI has not been able to rebound, as might be expected in the current environment of financial and political uncertainty. The resumption of the Fed’s monetary policy normalization, which triggers bouts of strong volatility in financial markets, cannot be discarded, while uncertainty over the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections, which will take place in November of this year, has caused investor jitters, which will likely delay investment decisions. (See Annex 15*)
In our opinion, there has been no deterioration in the real economy. As mentioned previously, the economy has experienced unexpected price stability with annual inflation remaining below 3%, the Central Bank’s target. The Mexican economy’s stability is mostly the result of the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal and monetary discipline. Concerning fiscal policy, Mexico’s Ministry of Finance has announced public spending cuts amounting close to 1% of GDP, and the country’s monetary authority has increased its reference rate by 125 basis points since December 2015, to 4.25%. (Source: Banco de Mexico) (See Annex 16*)
VII. CLOSING REMARKS
At the closing of this report, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) rating agency downgraded its outlook for Mexico’s sovereign debt rating, which is currently BBB+, three notches above investment grade, to negative from stable. According to its methodology, S&P’s decision implies at least a 33% probability of a rating downgrade within the next 24 months in the event of the increased vulnerability of Mexico’s public finances to adverse exogenous shocks. The announcement constitutes an important warning to keep Mexico’s public finances on the proper track. However, it also is a surprise for international capital markets in light of: 1) Mexico’s public expenditure cuts amounting to almost 1% of GDP in 2016;
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
2) the government’s intention of achieving a fiscal primary surplus in the 2017 budget; and 3) the recent rebound in oil prices that created better conditions for the acquisition of put options for oil revenue coverage in the 2017 budget. It should be noted that the spread between the Mexican U.S. dollar-denominated sovereign bond and its U.S. Treasury counterpart is below 160 bps when only in mid-February this year it was above 250 bps. (Source: Bloomberg) (See Annex 17*)
Finally, in view of historically high multiples, the Fund’s strategy will continue to focus on building a defensive portfolio with shifts into cyclical stocks or other sectors only when our value investing and growth methodologies indicate a fundamental improvement, regardless of index constituent weights and foreign flows into high liquidity stocks during bouts of speculative momentum.
*Annex 1 through 17 are available on the Fund’s website at www.mxefund.com under Investor Reports.
Sincerely yours,
Maria Eugenia Pichardo & Fabiola Molina,
Equity Portfolio Managers
Arnulfo Rodriguez
Debt Portfolio Manager
Definitions:
|
•
|
MEXBOL or the IPC (Indice de Precios y Cotizaciones), is a capitalization-weighted in¬dex of the leading stocks traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The index was developed with a base level of 0.78 on October 30th, 1978.
|
|
•
|
MSCI-MEXICO: The Morgan Stanley Capital International Index Mexico is a capitalization weighted index that monitors the performance of stocks traded in Mexico. One cannot invest directly in an index.
|
|
•
|
Basis point (bps) is one hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%).
|
|
•
|
The net asset value per share (NAV) is calculated as the total market value of all the securities and other assets held by a fund minus total liabilities divided by the total number of common shares outstanding. The NAV of an investment company will fluctuate due to changes in the market prices of the underlying securities.
|
|
•
|
The market price of the common share of a closed-end fund is determined in the open market by buyers and sellers, and is the price at which investors may purchase or sell the common shares of a closed-end fund, which fluctuates throughout the day. The market price of a common share may differ from the Fund’s Net Asset Value; shares of a closed-end fund may trade at a premium to (higher than) or a discount to (lower than) NAV. The difference between the market price and NAV is expressed as a percentage that is either a discount or a premium to NAV.
|
|
•
|
References to other funds should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
•
|
GDP: Gross Domestic Product. The monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period, though GDP, is usually calculated on an annual basis. It includes all private and public consumption, government outlays, investments, and exports less imports that occur within a defined territory.
|
|
•
|
BANXICO: Banco de Mexico is the Central Bank of Mexico.
|
|
•
|
INEGI: The National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
|
|
•
|
EBITDA: Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization. EBITDA is essentially net income with interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization added back to it, and can be used to analyze and compare profitability between companies and industries because it eliminates the effects of financing and accounting decisions.
|
|
•
|
FIX Exchange Rate: This exchange rate is determined by Banco de Mexico as an average of quotes in the wholesale foreign exchange market for operations payable in 48 hours. Banco de México informs the FIX from 12 o’clock onwards each banking day. It is published in the Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación) one banking business day after its determination date.
|
|
•
|
SPREAD: The difference between the yields of two bonds with differing credit ratings. Most often, a corporate bond with a certain amount of risk is compared to a standard risk-free Treasury Bond. The bond spread will show the additional yield that could be earned from a bond which has a higher risk.
|
|
•
|
M&A: Mergers and acquisitions is a general term that refers to the consolidation of companies or assets. While there are several types of transactions classified under the notion of M&A, a merger means a combination of two companies to form a new company, while an acquisition is the purchase of one company by another in which no new company is formed.
|
|
•
|
BREXIT: Brexit is an abbreviation of “British exit” that mirrors the term Grexit. It refers to the possibility that Britain will withdraw from the European Union.
|
|
•
|
Credit Quality: reflects the credit rating assigned by Fitch, Moody’s or S&P. Ratings are subject to change and generally expressed as a scale from AAA to D, where higher-rated bonds are in the A’s and lower-rated in the C’s. Any bond rated BBB- or higher is considered investment grade debt. The credit quality of the investments in the portfolio does not apply to the stability or safety of the Fund or its shares.
|
|
•
|
Return on equity (ROE): is the amount of net income returned as a percentage of shareholder’s equity. Return on equity measures a corporation’s profitability by revealing how much profit a company generates with the money shareholders have invested.
|
|
•
|
Discounted free cash flow (DCF): a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of an investment opportunity. DCF analysis uses future free cash flow projections and discounts them to arrive at a present value estimate, which is used to evaluate the potential for investment. If the value arrived at through DCF analysis is higher than the current cost of the investment, the opportunity may be a good one.
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
•
|
Dividend Yield: A financial ratio that indicates how much a company pays out in dividends each year relative to its share price. Dividend yield is represented as a percentage and can be calculated by dividing the dollar value of dividends paid in a given year per share of stock held by the dollar value of one share of stock.
|
|
•
|
Net Debt /EBITDA: The net debt to EBITDA ratio is a debt ratio that shows how many years it would take for a company to pay back its debt if net debt and EBITDA are held constant.
|
|
•
|
Sum of the Parts: Sum-of-parts valuation, also known as breakup value analysis, helps a company understand its true value.
|
|
•
|
Yield to Maturity (YTM): Assumes that all coupon payments are reinvested at the same rate as the bond’s current yield.
|
|
•
|
Free Cash Flow (FCF): is a measure of a company’s financial performance, calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures. FCF represents the cash that a company is able to generate after spending the money required to maintain or expand its asset base. FCF is important because it allows a company to pursue opportunities that enhance shareholder value.
|
|
•
|
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): is a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of an investment opportunity. DCF analysis uses future free cash flow projections and discounts them to arrive at a present value estimate, which is used to evaluate the potential for investment. If the value arrived at through DCF analysis is higher than the current cost of the investment, the opportunity may be a good one.
|
Earnings growth is not a measure of the Fund’s future performance.
The information provided herein represents the opinion of Pichardo Asset Management and not the Fund’s Board of Directors and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or investment advice.
The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be obtained by calling U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, (414) 765-4255 or visiting www.mxefund.com. Read it carefully before investing.
All investments involve risk. Principal loss is possible. Investing internationally involves additional risks such as currency fluctuations, currency devaluations, price volatility, social and economic instability, differing securities regulation and accounting standards, limited publicly available information, changes in taxation, periods of illiquidity and other factors. These risks are greater in the emerging markets. Stocks of small-and-mid-capitalization companies involve greater volatility and less liquidity than larger-capitalization companies.
Investing in Foreign Securities
Investment in Mexican securities involves special considerations and risks that are not normally associated with investments in U.S. securities, including (1) relatively higher price volatility, lower
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
liquidity and the small market capitalization of Mexican securities markets; (2) currency fluctuations and the cost of converting Mexican pesos into U.S. dollars; (3) restrictions on foreign investment; (4) political, economic and social risks and uncertainties (5) higher rates of inflation and interest rates than in the United States.
The Portfolio Securities are denominated in pesos. As a result, the Portfolio Securities must increase in market value at a rate in excess of the rate of any decline in the value of the peso against the U.S. dollar in order to avoid a decline in their equivalent U.S. dollar value.
Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time, and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security. Please refer to the Schedule of Investments in this report for a complete list of fund holdings. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
RELEVANT ECONOMIC INFORMATION for the years ended December 31
Real Activity (million US$)
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
|
2011
|
|
Real GDP Growth (y-o-y)
|
|
|
2.46
|
%
|
|
|
2.25
|
%
|
|
|
1.36
|
%
|
|
|
4.02
|
%
|
|
|
4.04
|
%
|
Industrial Production (y-o-y)
|
|
|
0.95
|
%
|
|
|
2.65
|
%
|
|
|
-0.50
|
%
|
|
|
2.86
|
%
|
|
|
3.43
|
%
|
Trade Balance (US billions)
|
|
$
|
-14.60
|
|
|
$
|
-3.06
|
|
|
$
|
-1.20
|
|
|
$
|
0.02
|
|
|
$
|
-1.55
|
|
Exports (US billions)
|
|
$
|
380.77
|
|
|
$
|
396.91
|
|
|
$
|
380.02
|
|
|
$
|
370.77
|
|
|
$
|
349.43
|
|
Export growth (y-o-y)
|
|
|
-4.12
|
%
|
|
|
4.40
|
%
|
|
|
2.49
|
%
|
|
|
6.11
|
%
|
|
|
17.10
|
%
|
Imports (US billions)
|
|
$
|
395.23
|
|
|
$
|
399.98
|
|
|
$
|
381.21
|
|
|
$
|
370.75
|
|
|
$
|
350.84
|
|
Import growth (y-o-y)
|
|
|
-1.2
|
%
|
|
|
4.9
|
%
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
|
5.7
|
%
|
|
|
16.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Variables and Prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28-Day CETES (T-bills)/Average
|
|
|
2.98
|
%
|
|
|
2.99
|
%
|
|
|
3.70
|
%
|
|
|
4.29
|
%
|
|
|
4.81
|
%
|
Exchange rate (Pesos/US$)Average
|
|
|
15.88
|
|
|
|
13.31
|
|
|
|
12.77
|
|
|
|
13.15
|
|
|
|
12.60
|
|
Inflation IPC, 12 month trailing
|
|
|
2.13
|
%
|
|
|
4.08
|
%
|
|
|
3.97
|
%
|
|
|
3.57
|
%
|
|
|
3.82
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mexbol Index
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
USD Return
|
|
|
-13.15
|
%
|
|
|
-9.43
|
%
|
|
|
-1.33
|
%
|
|
|
28.97
|
%
|
|
|
-13.46
|
%
|
Market Cap- (US billions)
|
|
$
|
279.00
|
|
|
$
|
326.32
|
|
|
$
|
356.02
|
|
|
$
|
370.74
|
|
|
$
|
281.46
|
|
EV/EBITDA
|
|
|
10.08
|
x
|
|
|
9.92
|
x
|
|
|
9.91
|
x
|
|
|
9.13
|
x
|
|
|
8.74
|
x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund’s NAV & Common Share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Price Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NAV’s per share
|
|
|
-6.90
|
%
|
|
|
-3.45
|
%
|
|
|
15.85
|
%
|
|
|
47.13
|
%
|
|
|
-13.81
|
%
|
Share Price
|
|
|
-10.23
|
%
|
|
|
-4.57
|
%
|
|
|
19.24
|
%
|
|
|
45.13
|
%
|
|
|
-12.18
|
%
|
Sources: Banamex, Banco de Mexico, Bloomberg, INEGI
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Allocation of Portfolio Assets
|
|
(Calculated as a percentage of Total Investments)
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Schedule of Investments
|
|
MEXICO – 101.00%
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMON STOCKS – 96.94%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Airlines – 1.95%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series A (a)
|
|
|
980,289
|
|
|
$
|
1,784,910
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Airports – 5.43%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series B
|
|
|
389,314
|
|
|
|
2,421,222
|
|
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series B
|
|
|
259,139
|
|
|
|
2,549,513
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,970,735
|
|
Auto Parts and Equipment – 5.37%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nemak, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
2,700,885
|
|
|
|
3,069,646
|
|
Rassini, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
397,270
|
|
|
|
1,845,028
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,914,674
|
|
Banking Services Groups – 1.28%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gentera, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
632,358
|
|
|
|
1,175,006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beverages – 13.99%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arca Continental, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
1,223,046
|
|
|
|
7,867,284
|
|
Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
552,700
|
|
|
|
4,944,823
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,812,107
|
|
Cable and Satellite – 4.97%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Megacable Holdings, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series CPO
|
|
|
1,136,343
|
|
|
|
4,554,463
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemical Products – 3.19%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alpek, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series A
|
|
|
1,645,960
|
|
|
|
2,917,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction and Infrastructure – 6.10%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en America Latina, S.A.B. de C.V. (a)
|
|
|
890,824
|
|
|
|
1,382,084
|
|
Promotora y Operadora de Infraestructura, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
185,771
|
|
|
|
2,166,437
|
|
Promotora y Operadora de Infraestructura, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series L
|
|
|
217,649
|
|
|
|
2,035,453
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,583,974
|
|
Consumer Finance – 1.66%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unifin Financiera, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
579,005
|
|
|
|
1,519,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consumer Products – 1.05%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series A
|
|
|
426,769
|
|
|
|
965,294
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Schedule of Investments (continued)
|
|
COMMON STOCKS (continued)
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Financial Groups – 10.14%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banregio Grupo Financiero, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series O
|
|
|
438,301
|
|
|
$
|
2,511,056
|
|
Grupo Financiero Banorte, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series O
|
|
|
1,237,333
|
|
|
|
6,776,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,287,681
|
|
Food – 6.51%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gruma, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series B
|
|
|
307,362
|
|
|
|
4,420,603
|
|
Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series A
|
|
|
515,876
|
|
|
|
1,537,723
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,958,326
|
|
Holding Companies – 3.18%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series A
|
|
|
1,777,320
|
|
|
|
2,909,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home Builders – 1.12%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consorcio ARA, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
2,776,233
|
|
|
|
1,024,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hotels, Restaurants, and Recreation – 8.01%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series A
|
|
|
1,442,873
|
|
|
|
5,145,862
|
|
Grupe, S.A.B. de C.V. (a)
|
|
|
964,082
|
|
|
|
2,188,852
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,334,714
|
|
Real Estate Services – 2.27%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporacion Inmobiliaria Vesta, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
1,135,255
|
|
|
|
1,634,767
|
|
Corpovael, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
598,314
|
|
|
|
446,422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,081,189
|
|
Retail – 10.70%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series C – 1
|
|
|
116,395
|
|
|
|
1,128,132
|
|
Grupo Sanborns, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series B – 1
|
|
|
2,279,593
|
|
|
|
2,865,600
|
|
Wal-Mart de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V.
|
|
|
2,542,167
|
|
|
|
5,809,699
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,803,431
|
|
Telecommunication – 10.02%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
America Movil, S.A.B. de C.V. – Series L
|
|
|
11,575,011
|
|
|
|
6,654,860
|
|
Telesites, S.A.B. de C.V. (a)
|
|
|
4,166,955
|
|
|
|
2,520,174
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,175,034
|
|
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $85,952,046)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
88,772,228
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Schedule of Investments (concluded)
|
|
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES – 2.72%
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Atlas Discovery Trust II (b)(c)
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
$
|
2,494,332
|
|
TOTAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATES (Cost $1,919,463)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,494,332
|
|
|
|
Principal
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS – 1.34%
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Mexican BANOBRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.000% Coupon, 4.180% Effective Yield, 08/01/2016 (d)
|
|
|
23,000,000
|
*
|
|
|
1,226,666
|
|
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,213,082)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,226,666
|
|
TOTAL MEXICO (Cost $89,084,591)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,493,226
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNITED STATES – 0.48%
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Value
|
|
INVESTMENT COMPANIES – 0.48%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First American Treasury Obligation – Class A
|
|
|
438,042
|
|
|
|
438,042
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES (Cost $438,042)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
438,042
|
|
TOTAL UNITED STATES (Cost $438,042)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
438,042
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments (Cost $89,522,633) – 101.48%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,931,268
|
|
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets – (1.48)%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,351,964
|
)
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS – 100.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
91,579,304
|
|
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
(a)
|
|
Non-income producing security.
|
(b)
|
|
Fair valued security. The total market value of this security was $2,494,332, representing 2.72% of net assets.
|
(c)
|
|
Illiquid security. The total value of this security was $2,494,332, representing 2.72% of net assets.
|
(d)
|
|
Effective yield based on the purchase price. The calculation assumes the security is held to maturity.
|
*
|
|
Principal amount in Mexican pesos.
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
|
|
ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value (cost $89,522,633)
|
|
$
|
92,931,268
|
|
Receivables for investments sold
|
|
|
3,081,784
|
|
Foreign currency (cost $2,359)
|
|
|
2,378
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
6,304
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
96,021,734
|
|
LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
Payable for securities purchased
|
|
|
4,234,458
|
|
Advisory fees payable
|
|
|
88,147
|
|
Audit fees payable
|
|
|
33,301
|
|
Administration fees payable
|
|
|
18,852
|
|
Printing and mailing
|
|
|
13,329
|
|
Legal fees payable
|
|
|
12,228
|
|
NYSE fees payable
|
|
|
10,905
|
|
Custody fees payable
|
|
|
8,869
|
|
Fund accounting fees payable
|
|
|
7,723
|
|
CCO fees and expenses payable
|
|
|
4,925
|
|
Transfer Agent fees and expenses payable
|
|
|
2,808
|
|
Director fees and expenses payable
|
|
|
2,570
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
4,315
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
4,442,430
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
$
|
91,579,304
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Common Share ($91,579,304 / 7,432,657)
|
|
$
|
12.32
|
|
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF:
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 7,432,657 shares outstanding,
|
|
|
|
|
7,264,719 shares held in treasury (98,144,872 shares authorized)
|
|
$
|
7,433
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
97,850,891
|
|
Accumulated undistributed net investment loss
|
|
|
(193,548
|
)
|
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency
|
|
|
(9,486,965
|
)
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency
|
|
|
3,401,493
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
91,579,304
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
For the Year Ended
|
Statement of Operations
|
July 31, 2016
|
INVESTMENT INCOME
|
|
|
|
Dividends(1)
|
|
$
|
1,883,956
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
23,362
|
|
Total Investment Income
|
|
|
1,907,318
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
Advisory fees (Note B)
|
|
|
1,092,873
|
|
Directors’ fees and expenses (Note B)
|
|
|
211,729
|
|
Administration fees (Note B)
|
|
|
117,051
|
|
Legal fees
|
|
|
64,018
|
|
Custodian fees (Note B)
|
|
|
62,363
|
|
CCO fees and expenses (Note B)
|
|
|
52,339
|
|
Printing and mailing fees
|
|
|
47,095
|
|
Fund accounting fees (Note B)
|
|
|
46,601
|
|
Insurance fees
|
|
|
38,556
|
|
Audit fees
|
|
|
33,303
|
|
NYSE fees
|
|
|
27,255
|
|
Transfer agent fees and expenses (Note B)
|
|
|
16,753
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
1,911
|
|
Total Expenses
|
|
|
1,811,847
|
|
NET INVESTMENT INCOME
|
|
|
95,471
|
|
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED LOSS ON INVESTMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized loss from investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(6,600,139
|
)
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(181,380
|
)
|
Net loss from investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(6,781,519
|
)
|
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
|
|
$
|
(6,686,048
|
)
|
(1)
|
Net of $24,141 in dividend withholding tax.
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
|
For the
|
|
|
For the
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2016
|
|
|
July 31, 2015
|
|
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
$
|
95,471
|
|
|
$
|
(645,423
|
)
|
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(6,600,139
|
)
|
|
|
3,072,514
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) in value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(181,380
|
)
|
|
|
(17,799,058
|
)
|
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations
|
|
|
(6,686,048
|
)
|
|
|
(15,371,967
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Shareholders from:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(40,640
|
)
|
Preferred stock
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(291
|
)
|
Net realized gains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
(4,160,192
|
)
|
|
|
(10,918,548
|
)
|
Preferred stock
|
|
|
(27,180
|
)
|
|
|
(78,238
|
)
|
Decrease in net assets from distributions
|
|
|
(4,187,372
|
)
|
|
|
(11,037,717
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions (Note D):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for dividend
|
|
|
1,089,584
|
|
|
|
8,278,288
|
|
Redemption of preferred stock
|
|
|
(546,989
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Repurchase of common stock
|
|
|
(1,207,197
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Increase (decrease) in net assets from capital share transactions
|
|
|
(664,602
|
)
|
|
|
8,278,288
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total decrease in net assets
|
|
|
(11,538,022
|
)
|
|
|
(18,131,396
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of year
|
|
|
103,117,326
|
|
|
|
121,248,722
|
|
End of year*
|
|
$
|
91,579,304
|
|
|
$
|
103,117,326
|
|
* Including accumulated undistributed net investment loss of
|
|
$
|
(193,548
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
For a Common Share Outstanding Throughout Each Year
|
|
For the Year Ended July 31,
|
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2012
|
|
Per Share Operating Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of year
|
|
$
|
13.79
|
|
|
$
|
17.77
|
|
|
$
|
17.91
|
|
|
$
|
13.78
|
|
|
$
|
13.26
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
(0.05
|
)
|
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
(0.92
|
)
|
|
|
(2.14
|
)
|
|
|
2.10
|
|
|
|
4.35
|
|
|
|
0.48
|
|
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations
|
|
|
(0.91
|
)
|
|
|
(2.23
|
)
|
|
|
2.11
|
|
|
|
4.26
|
|
|
|
0.43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
|
|
(0.56
|
)
|
|
|
(1.61
|
)
|
|
|
(2.13
|
)
|
|
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
(0.56
|
)
|
|
|
(1.62
|
)
|
|
|
(2.13
|
)
|
|
|
(0.19
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anti-dilutive effect of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Share Repurchase Program
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.00
|
(2)
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
Anti-dilutive effect of Preferred Share Redemption
|
|
|
0.00
|
(2)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Dilutive effect of Reinvestment of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to the Fund’s Stockholders
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total capital share transactions
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.13
|
)
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
0.06
|
|
|
|
0.09
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of year
|
|
$
|
12.32
|
|
|
$
|
13.79
|
|
|
$
|
17.77
|
|
|
$
|
17.91
|
|
|
$
|
13.78
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share market value, end of year
|
|
$
|
10.78
|
|
|
$
|
12.11
|
|
|
$
|
16.08
|
|
|
$
|
15.84
|
|
|
$
|
12.11
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Value, end of year(1)
|
|
|
(6.35
|
)%
|
|
|
(15.19
|
)%
|
|
|
15.93
|
%
|
|
|
32.55
|
%
|
|
|
4.04
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratios/Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of year (000’s)
|
|
$
|
91,579
|
|
|
$
|
102,448
|
|
|
$
|
120,386
|
|
|
$
|
109,337
|
|
|
$
|
86,970
|
|
Ratios of expenses to average net assets
|
|
|
1.89
|
%
|
|
|
1.76
|
%
|
|
|
1.79
|
%
|
|
|
1.62
|
%
|
|
|
1.57
|
%
|
Ratios of net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to average net assets
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
|
|
(0.58
|
)%
|
|
|
0.07
|
%
|
|
|
(0.52
|
)%
|
|
|
(0.42
|
)%
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
167.08
|
%
|
|
|
175.19
|
%
|
|
|
134.98
|
%
|
|
|
179.10
|
%
|
|
|
277.48
|
%
|
(1)
|
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market price on the last day of each year reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at the closing market price on the dividend ex-date. Total investment does not reflect brokerage commissions.
|
(2)
|
Less than 0.5 cents per share.
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
|
NOTE A: ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) was incorporated in Maryland on May 24, 1990, and commenced operations on August 21, 1990. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company.
The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services—Investment Companies”.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Portfolio Valuation. Investments are stated at value in the accompanying financial statements. Listed equity securities are valued at the closing price on the exchange or market on which the security is primarily traded (the “Primary Market”) at the valuation time. If the security did not trade on the Primary Market, it shall be valued at the closing price on another comparable exchange where it trades at the valuation time. If there are no such closing prices, the security shall be valued at the mean between the most recent highest bid and lowest ask prices at the valuation time. Investments in short-term debt securities having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if their term to maturity from the date of purchase was less than 60 days, or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity if their term to maturity from the date of purchase when acquired by the Fund was more than 60 days. Other assets and securities for which no quotations are readily available will be valued in good faith at fair value using methods determined by the Board of Directors. These methods include, but are not limited to, the fundamental analytical data relating to the investment; the nature and duration of restrictions in the market in which they are traded (including the time needed to dispose of the security, methods of soliciting offers and mechanics of transfer); the evaluation of the forces which influence the market in which these securities may be purchased or sold, including the economic outlook and the condition of the industry in which the issuer participates. The Fund has a Valuation Committee comprised of independent directors which oversees the valuation of portfolio securities.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income. The cost of investments sold is determined by use of the specific identification method for both financial reporting and income tax purposes. Interest income, including the accretion of discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recorded on an accrual basis; dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or, using reasonable diligence, when known to the Fund. The collectibility of income receivable from foreign securities is evaluated periodically, and any resulting allowances for uncollectible amounts are reflected currently in the determination of investment income. There was no allowance for uncollectible amounts at July 31, 2016.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
Tax Status. No provision is made for U.S. Federal income or excise taxes as it is the Fund’s intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and to make the requisite distributions to its shareholders that will be sufficient to relieve it from all or substantially all U.S. Federal income and excise taxes.
The Fund is subject to the following withholding taxes on income from Mexican sources:
|
Interest income on debt issued by the Mexican federal government is generally not subject to withholding. Withholding tax on interest from other debt obligations such as publicly traded bonds and loans by banks or insurance companies is at a rate of 4.9% under the tax treaty between Mexico and the United States.
|
|
Gains realized from the sale or disposition of debt securities may be subject to a 4.9% withholding tax. Gains realized by the Fund from the sale or disposition of equity securities that are listed and traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange (“MSE”) are exempt from Mexican withholding tax if sold through the stock exchange. Gains realized on transactions outside of the MSE may be subject to withholding at a rate of 25% (20% rate prior to January 1, 2002) of the value of the shares sold or, upon the election of the Fund, at 35% (40% rate prior to January 1, 2002) of the gain. If the Fund has owned less than 25% of the outstanding stock of the issuer of the equity securities within the 12 month period preceding the disposition, then such disposition will not be subject to capital gains taxes as provided for in the treaty to avoid double taxation between Mexico and the United States.
|
Summary of Fair Value Exposure at July 31, 2016. The Fund follows the FASB ASC Topic 820 hierarchy, under which various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments.
The basis of the hierarchy is dependent upon various “inputs” used to determine the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 –
|
Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the company has the ability to access.
|
Level 2 –
|
Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data.
|
Level 3 –
|
Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available, representing the company’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability, and would be based on the best information available.
|
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments carried at fair value as of July 31, 2016:
|
|
Level 1*
|
|
|
Level 2*
|
|
|
Level 3**
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Airlines
|
|
$
|
1,784,910
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,784,910
|
|
Airports
|
|
|
4,970,735
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,970,735
|
|
Auto Parts and Equipment
|
|
|
4,914,674
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,914,674
|
|
Banking Services Groups
|
|
|
1,175,006
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,175,006
|
|
Beverages
|
|
|
12,812,107
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
12,812,107
|
|
Capital Development Certificates
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,494,332
|
|
|
|
2,494,332
|
|
Cable and Satellite
|
|
|
4,554,463
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
4,554,463
|
|
Chemical Products
|
|
|
2,917,958
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,917,958
|
|
Construction and Infrastructure
|
|
|
5,583,974
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,583,974
|
|
Consumer Finance
|
|
|
1,519,000
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,519,000
|
|
Consumer Products
|
|
|
965,294
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
965,294
|
|
Financial Groups
|
|
|
9,287,681
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9,287,681
|
|
Food
|
|
|
5,958,326
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
5,958,326
|
|
Holding Companies
|
|
|
2,909,117
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,909,117
|
|
Home Builders
|
|
|
1,024,615
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,024,615
|
|
Hotels, Restaurants, and Recreation
|
|
|
5,145,862
|
|
|
|
2,188,852
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
7,334,714
|
|
Real Estate Services
|
|
|
2,081,189
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
2,081,189
|
|
Retail
|
|
|
9,803,431
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9,803,431
|
|
Telecommunication
|
|
|
9,175,034
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
9,175,034
|
|
Total Equity
|
|
$
|
86,583,376
|
|
|
$
|
2,188,852
|
|
|
$
|
2,494,332
|
|
|
$
|
91,266,560
|
|
Short-Term Investments
|
|
$
|
438,042
|
|
|
$
|
1,226,666
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,664,708
|
|
Total Investments in Securities
|
|
$
|
87,021,418
|
|
|
$
|
3,415,518
|
|
|
$
|
2,494,332
|
|
|
$
|
92,931,268
|
|
*
|
|
Transfers between Levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
|
**
|
|
The Fund measures Level 3 activity as of the beginning and end of each financial reporting period.
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
Transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 securities as of July 31, 2016 resulted from securities priced previously with an official close price (Level 1 securities) or on days where there is not an official close price the securities are valued at the mean between the most recent bid and asked prices (Level 2 securities). Transfers as of July 31, 2016 are summarized in the table below:
Transfers into Level 1
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Transfers out of Level 1
|
|
|
(2,188,852
|
)
|
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 1
|
|
$
|
(2,188,852
|
)
|
Transfers into Level 2
|
|
$
|
2,188,852
|
|
Transfers out of Level 2
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net transfers in and/or out of Level 2
|
|
$
|
2,188,852
|
|
Level 3 Reconciliation Disclosure
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value:
Description
|
Investments in Securities |
Balance as of July 31, 2015
|
|
$
|
2,565,943
|
|
Acquisition/Purchase
|
|
|
—
|
|
Sales
|
|
|
—
|
|
Realized gain
|
|
|
—
|
|
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)(1)
|
|
|
(71,611
|
)
|
Balance as of July 31, 2016
|
|
$
|
2,494,332
|
|
(1)
|
Included in the net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency on the Statement of Assets & Liabilities.
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
The following table presents additional information about valuation methodologies and inputs used for investments that are measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 as of July 31, 2016:
|
|
|
|
Impact to
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation from
|
|
Fair Value
|
Valuation
|
Unobservable
|
an Increase in
|
|
July 31, 2016
|
Methodologies
|
Input(1)
|
Input(2)
|
Capital Development Certificates
|
$2,494,332
|
Market
|
Liquidity
|
Decrease
|
|
|
Comparables/
|
Discount
|
|
|
|
Sum of the Parts
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation
|
|
|
(1)
|
In determining these inputs, management evaluates a variety of factors including economic conditions, foreign exchange rates, industry and market developments, market valuations of comparable companies and company specific developments.
|
(2)
|
This column represents the directional change in the fair value of the Level 3 investment that would result from increases to the corresponding unobservable input. A decrease to the unobservable input would have the opposite effect.
|
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Fund did not invest in derivative securities or engage in hedging activities during the period ended July 31, 2016.
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund intends to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code necessary to qualify as a regulated investment company and to make the requisite distributions of income and capital gains to its shareholders sufficient to relieve it from all or substantially all federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that permanent differences between financial reporting and tax reporting be reclassified between various components of net assets.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. The Adviser has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions, and has concluded that no liability for unrecognized tax benefits should be recorded related to uncertain tax positions taken on returns filed for open tax years (2013-2015), or expected to be taken in the Fund’s 2016 tax returns. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdictions as U.S. Federal, New York State and foreign jurisdictions where the Fund makes significant investments; however, the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially in the next twelve months.
Reclassification of Capital Accounts. Accounting Principles generally accepted in the United States of America require certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset value per share. The permanent differences are primarily attributed to foreign currency gain reclassifications. For the year
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
ended July 31, 2016, the following reclassifications were made for permanent tax differences on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Loss
|
$(289,019)
|
Accumulated Net Realized Loss
|
352,433
|
Paid-in Capital
|
(63,414)
|
Foreign Currency Translation. The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:
|
(i)
|
market value of investment securities, assets and liabilities at the current Mexican peso exchange rate on the valuation date, and
|
|
(ii)
|
purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the Mexican peso exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. Fluctuations in foreign currency rates, however, when determining the gain or loss upon the sale of foreign currency denominated debt obligations pursuant to U.S. Federal income tax regulations; such amounts are categorized as foreign exchange gain or loss for income tax reporting purposes.
|
The Fund reports realized foreign exchange gains and losses on all other foreign currency related transactions as components of realized gains and losses for financial reporting purposes, whereas such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income or loss for Federal income tax purposes.
Securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are subject to changes in value due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate. Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result of, among other factors, the level of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibilities of political or economic instability.
Distribution of Income and Gains. The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its net investment income, including foreign currency gains. The Fund also intends to distribute annually any net realized capital gains in excess of net realized capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), except in circumstances where the Directors of the Fund determine that the decrease in the size of the Fund’s assets resulting from the distribution of the gains would generally not be in the interest of the Fund’s shareholders. An additional distribution may be made to the extent necessary to avoid payment of a 4% U.S. Federal excise tax.
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with U.S. Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These “book/tax” differences are either considered temporary or permanent in
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions from additional paid-in capital.
Distributions to Shareholders. The tax character of distributions paid to shareholders during the periods ended July 31, 2016 and July 31, 2015 were as follows:
Distributions paid from:
|
|
7/31/16
|
|
|
7/31/15
|
|
Ordinary Income
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,330,752
|
|
Long-Term Capital Gain
|
|
|
4,187,372
|
|
|
|
9,706,965
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
4,187,372
|
|
|
$
|
11,037,717
|
|
As of July 31, 2016, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
|
Cost of Investments for tax purposes(a)
|
|
$
|
93,783,137
|
|
|
Gross tax unrealized appreciation on investments
|
|
|
6,604,407
|
|
|
Gross tax unrealized depreciation on investments
|
|
|
(7,456,276
|
)
|
|
Net tax unrealized depreciation on investments
|
|
|
(851,869
|
)
|
|
Undistributed ordinary income
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Undistributed long-term capital gains
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Total distributable earnings
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Other accumulated gains(losses)
|
|
$
|
(5,427,151
|
)
|
|
Total accumulated earnings(losses)
|
|
$
|
(6,279,020
|
)
|
(a)
|
Represents cost for federal income tax purposes. Differences between the Fund’s cost basis of investments at July 31, 2016, for book and tax purposes, relates primarily to the deferral of losses related to wash sales.
|
At July 31, 2016, the Fund had a tax basis capital loss which may be carried forward to offset future short term capital gains indefinitely in the amount of $2,381,491. To the extent that the Fund may realize future net capital gains, those gains will be offset by any of the unused capital loss carryforward.
At July 31, 2016, the Fund deferred, on a tax basis, late year losses of $193,548 and post-October losses of $2,568,551.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
NOTE B: MANAGEMENT, INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V. serves as the Fund’s Investment Adviser (the “Investment Adviser”) under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Advisory Agreement”) effective July 1, 2003. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser makes investment decisions for the Fund and supervises the acquisition and disposition of securities by the Fund. For its services, the Investment Adviser is paid a base fee, accrued daily at the annual rate of 1.00%, subject to a performance fee adjustment which increases or decreases the fee depending upon how well the Fund has performed relative to the MSCI Mexico Index (the “Index”) 12 month rolling average. The fee adjustment will be calculated using a monthly adjustment rate that is based upon the Fund’s relative performance to the Index. The performance adjustment rate will be positive (resulting in an upward fee adjustment) for each percentage point, or portion thereof, that the investment performance of the Fund exceeds the investment performance of the Index for the performance period multiplied by three (3) and will be negative (resulting in a downward fee adjustment) for each percentage point, or portion thereof, that the investment performance of the Index exceeds the investment performance of the Fund for the performance period multiplied by three (3). Determinations of the performance adjustment rate (positive or negative) will be made in increments of 0.01% of differential performance. As an example, if the Fund’s performance for the preceding 12 months exceeds the performance of the Index by 1.00%, the performance adjustment rate would be 3 x 0.01, which would result in a monthly fee equal to an annual rate of 1.03%. The performance adjustment rate will be limited to a 0.15% fee adjustment, positive or negative.
For the year ended July 31, 2016, the Fund’s investment performance ranged from 2.5% to 8.6% above the investment performance of the Index. Accordingly, for the year ended July 31, 2016 the net investment advisor fee consisted of the base fee of $958,203 and an upward performance fee adjustment of $134,670.
Effective January 1, 2015, the Fund pays each of its directors who is not a director, officer or employee of the Investment Adviser, the Administrator or any affiliate thereof an annual fee of $35,000, paid pro rata, quarterly plus a fee of $500 for each meeting held telephonically. As additional annual compensation, the Chairman of the Fund will receive $5,000, the Audit Committee Chairman and Valuation Committee Chairman will receive $3,000, and the Nomination Committee Chairman will receive $2,000. For serving the Fund as Chief Compliance Officer, in addition to the aforementioned Directors’ fees, Mr. Hellerman receives annual compensation in the amount of $45,000. In addition, the Fund reimburses the directors and Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) for travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Board of Directors’ meetings and CCO due diligence requirements.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (“USBFS”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, serves as the Fund’s Administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative services for the Fund. USBFS also serves as the Fund’s Fund Accountant (the “Fund Accountant”) and Transfer Agent. U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Fund’s custodian (the “Custodian”). The Custodian is an affiliate of the
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
|
|
Administrator. The Administrator prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the directors; monitors the activities of the Fund’s Custodian and Fund Accountant; coordinates the preparation and payment of the Fund’s expenses and reviews the Fund’s expense accruals.
NOTE C: PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
Purchases and sales of securities other than short-term obligations, aggregated $161,266,697 and $166,198,820 respectively, for the year ended July 31, 2016.
At July 31, 2016 approximately 101.0% of the Fund’s net assets were invested in Mexican securities. The Mexican securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid, and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. Consequently, acquisitions and dispositions of securities by the Fund may be limited.
NOTE D: CAPITAL STOCK
During the year ended July 31, 2016, the Fund purchased 109,636 shares of capital stock in the open market at a cost of $1,207,197. The weighted average discount of these purchases comparing the average purchase price to net asset value at the close of the New York Stock Exchange was 13.68%.
During the year ended July 31, 2015, there were no shares of stock repurchased under the guidelines set forth in the Fund’s stock repurchase program.
On December 8, 2015, the Board of Directors declared a stock dividend of $0.56 per share. This dividend was paid in shares of common stock of the Fund, or in cash by specific election of the stockholders. The Fund issued 113,378 shares of common stock to stockholders that did not elect the cash option, which amounted to $1,089,584.
On December 17, 2015 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Fund, the preferred stockholders, voting as a separate class, and the common and preferred stockholders, voting together as a single class, each approved an amendment to the Fund’s Articles Supplementary authorizing the elimination of the preferred stock. Consequently, the Fund redeemed all 48,535 preferred shares outstanding at 98% of the Fund’s net asset value per common share as of the close of business on Friday, January 8, 2016. Since such net asset value was $11.50, the Fund paid each preferred stockholder $11.27 per share on or about February 10, 2016. The total amount of the redemption payment was $546,989. The net asset value per share of the Fund’s stockholders was increased by approximately $0.001 per share as a result of this redemption.
Share Repurchase
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.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
|
|
NOTE E: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were available to be issued. The Fund has determined that there were no subsequent events that would need to be disclosed in the Fund’s financial statements.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Report Of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the schedule of investments, of The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) as of July 31, 2016 and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We conducted our audits 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 and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of July 31, 2016, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. as of July 31, 2016, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 27, 2016
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Additional Information
|
(Unaudited)
|
BOARD CONSIDERATION OF THE CONTINUATION OF THE FUND’S INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT (Unaudited)
In March 2016, the Board of Directors of The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc., (the “Fund”), including the Independent Directors, unanimously approved the renewal of the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the Adviser for an additional one-year term. The information, material facts and conclusions that formed the basis for the Board’s approval are described below.
INFORMATION REVIEWED
During the course of the year, Board members review a wide variety of materials relating to the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Adviser, including reports on the Fund’s investment results, portfolio composition, investment strategy, economic outlook, valuation, and other matters. In addition, in connection with its annual review of the Agreement, independent counsel on behalf of the Board requested and the Board reviewed information that included materials regarding the Fund’s investment results, advisory fee and expense comparisons, financial and profitability information regarding the Adviser, descriptions of various functions such as compliance monitoring and portfolio trading practices, and information about the personnel providing investment management and administrative services to the Fund. In connection with its review, the Board received assistance and advice in the form of a written memorandum regarding legal and industry standards with respect to the renewal of an investment advisory agreement from counsel to the Fund. The Independent Directors discussed the approval of the Agreement with representatives of the Adviser and during an executive session with counsel at which no representatives of the Adviser were present. In deciding to recommend approval of the Agreement, the Board and the Independent Directors did not identify any single or particular piece of information that, in isolation, was the controlling factor. This summary describes the most important, but not all, of the factors considered by the Board and the Independent Directors.
1. NATURE, EXTENT AND QUALITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE FUND
The Directors considered the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Adviser to the Fund and the amount of time devoted to the Fund’s affairs by the Adviser’s staff. The Directors considered the Adviser’s specific responsibilities in all aspects of daily management of the Fund, as well as the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of Maria Eugenia Pichardo, the Fund’s portfolio manager, and other key personnel at the Adviser involved in the daily activities of the Fund. The Directors reviewed the structure of the Adviser’s compliance program and its continuing commitment to a culture of compliance. The Directors discussed in detail the Adviser’s performance and compliance oversight, including the reports of the Fund’s chief compliance officer to the Directors on the effectiveness of the Adviser’s compliance program. The Directors noted that the Adviser exhibited a high level of diligence and attention to detail in carrying out its responsibilities under the Agreement. The Adviser was very responsive to the requests of the Board and had consistently kept the Board apprised of developments
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Additional Information (continued)
|
(Unaudited)
|
related to the Fund and the Mexican economic environment in general. The Directors concluded that the Adviser had sufficient quality and depth of personnel, resources, investment methods and compliance policies and procedures essential to performing its duties under the Agreement and that the nature, overall quality and extent of the management services provided to the Fund, as well as the Adviser’s compliance program, were satisfactory and the Adviser continues to be reliable.
2. INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE FUND
The Independent Directors discussed the performance of the Fund for the one-year, three-year, five-year and ten year periods ended January 31, 2016. In assessing the quality of the portfolio management services delivered by the Adviser, the Independent Directors also compared the short-term and long-term performance of the Fund on both an absolute basis and in comparison to a peer group of 25 closed end international funds constructed by data provided by Morningstar, Inc. (the “Morningstar Peer Group”). The Independent Directors noted that the one year return for the Fund ranked ninth amongst its peer group while the Fund ranked thirteenth, sixth and second for the three-year, five-year and ten year periods, respectively.
3. COSTS OF SERVICES PROVIDED AND PROFITS REALIZED BY THE ADVISER
The Directors considered the cost of services and the structure of the Adviser’s fees, including a review of the expense analyses and other pertinent material with respect to the Fund. In addition, the Independent Directors reviewed information comparing the Fund’s contractual advisory fees with the Morningstar Peer Group. The Directors noted that the Fund’s contractual management base fee of 1.00% fell within the third quartile and was slightly above the Morningstar Peer Group average of 0.97%, which fell within the second quartile. The Directors also considered that the Fund’s management fee is subject to a performance fee adjustment that increases or decreases the fee depending on how well the Fund has performed relative to the MSCI Mexico Index. The Directors noted that the contractual investment advisory fee adjusted for the payments under the fulcrum fee for performance was 11.6 basis points higher than the peer group average. The Directors then discussed the operation of the performance fee adjustment and the impact on fees and expenses based on various performance results. The Directors then noted that Fund’s current expense ratio of 1.76% was reasonable when compared to funds with similar asset size and complexity. The Directors also considered the overall profitability of the Adviser, after reviewing the Adviser’s financial information. The Directors examined the level of profits that could be expected to accrue to the Adviser from the fees payable under the Agreement, as well as the Fund’s brokerage arrangements, noting that the Adviser makes no effort to seek soft dollar arrangements. These considerations were based on materials requested by the Directors and the Fund’s administrator specifically for the March 2016 meeting at which the Agreement was formally considered, as well as the presentations made by the Adviser over the course of the year.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Additional Information (continued)
|
(Unaudited)
|
The Directors concluded that the Fund’s expenses and the management fees paid to the Adviser were fair and reasonable in light of the comparative performance, expense and management fee information. The Directors further concluded that the Adviser’s profit from advising the Fund had not been, and currently was not, excessive and that the Adviser had maintained adequate profit levels to support its services to the Fund from the revenues of its overall investment advisory business.
4. EXTENT OF ECONOMIES OF SCALE AS THE FUND GROWS
The Directors considered the extent to which economies of scale were or should be reflected in the Fund’s advisory fee, and concluded that in view of the Fund’s investment results, the Fund’s reasonable level of total expenses and overall size of the net assets in the Fund that the investment advisory fees were reasonable and that there were no economies of scale available at this time that should be passed along to the Fund.
5. BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FUND
The Directors considered the direct and indirect benefits that could be realized by the Adviser from its association with the Fund. The Directors examined the brokerage and commissions of the Adviser with respect to the Fund, noting that the Adviser receives no soft dollar benefits from its relationship with the Fund and has no affiliated entities that provide services to the Fund. The Directors concluded that any such benefits were difficult to quantify and likely not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on their review, including consideration of each of the factors referred to above, the Board and the Independent Directors concluded that the terms of the Agreement are fair and reasonable to the Fund and its stockholders, that the Fund’s stockholders receive reasonable value in return for the advisory fees paid to the Adviser by the Fund and that renewal of the Agreement was in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Additional Information (continued)
|
(Unaudited)
|
NOTE 1: INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING
Information regarding how the Fund votes proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by calling toll-free at 1-877-785-0376 and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by calling the toll-free number listed above.
NOTE 2: AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO SCHEDULE
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 filing will be available, upon request, by calling 1-877-785-0376. Furthermore, you will be able to obtain a copy of the filing on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov beginning with the filing for the period ended October 31, 2004. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.
NOTE 3: INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFICATIONS
In December 2015, the Fund submitted a CEO annual certification to the NYSE in which the Fund’s principal executive officer certified that she was not aware, as of the date of the certification, of any violation by the Fund of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards. In addition, as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rules, the Fund’s principal executive and principal financial officers have made quarterly certifications, included in the filing with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q, relating to, among other things, the Fund’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
NOTE 4: INFORMATION ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for historical information contained in this report for the Fund, the matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include any adviser or portfolio manager predictions, assessments, analyses or outlooks for individual securities, industries, market sectors and/or markets. These statements involve risks and uncertainties. In addition to the general risks described for the Fund in the most recent Prospectus, other factors bearing on this report include the accuracy of the adviser’s or portfolio manager’s data, forecasts and predictions, and the appropriateness of the investment programs designed by the adviser or portfolio manager to implement their strategies efficiently and effectively. Any one or more of these factors, as well as other risks affecting the securities markets and investment instruments generally, could cause the actual results of the Fund to differ materially as compared to benchmarks associated with the Fund.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Additional Information (concluded)
|
(Unaudited)
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS ONLY
The percent of ordinary income distributions designated as interest related dividends for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 was 0.00%. (unaudited)
The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(C) was 0.00%. (unaudited)
The Fund designates 0.00% of dividends declared for the fiscal year July 31, 2016 from net investment income as qualified dividend income under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. (unaudited)
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Dividends and Distributions
|
(Unaudited)
|
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its net investment company taxable income at least annually. Investment company taxable income, as defined in section 852 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986, includes all of the Fund’s taxable income minus the excess, if any, of its net realized long-term capital gains over its net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), plus or minus certain other required adjustments. The Fund also expects to distribute annually substantially all of its net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), except in circumstances where the Fund realizes very large capital gains and where the Directors of the Fund determine that the decrease in the size of the Fund’s assets resulting from the distribution of the gains would not be in the interest of the Fund’s shareholders generally.
Pursuant to the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”), each shareholder will be deemed to have elected, unless the Plan Agent (as defined below) is otherwise instructed by the shareholder in writing, to have all distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund by U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, the Fund’s transfer agent, as the Plan Agent (the “Plan Agent”). Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and distributions in cash, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, paid in U.S. dollars by check mailed directly to the shareholder by the Plan Agent, as dividend-paying agent. Shareholders who do not wish to have dividends and distributions automatically reinvested should notify the Plan Agent for The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc., c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, ATTN: Ms. Casey Sauer, 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Dividends and distributions with respect to shares of the Fund’s Common Stock registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (i.e., in “street name”) will be reinvested under the Plan unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive dividends and distributions in cash. A shareholder whose shares are held by a broker or nominee that does not provide a dividend reinvestment program may be required to have his shares registered in his own name to participate in the Plan. Investors who own shares of the Fund’s Common Stock registered in street name should contact the broker or nominee for details.
The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan. If the Directors of the Fund declare an income dividend or a capital gains distribution payable in the Fund’s Common Stock, or in cash, as shareholders may have elected, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive Common Stock to be issued by the Fund. If the market price per share on the valuation date equals or exceeds net asset value per share on that date, the Fund will issue new shares to participants at net asset value; or, if the net asset value is less than 95% of the market price on the valuation date, then such shares will be issued at 95% of the market price.
If net asset value per share on the valuation date exceeds the market price per share on that date, participants in the Plan will receive shares of Common Stock from the Fund valued at market price. The
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Dividends and Distributions (concluded)
|
(Unaudited)
|
valuation date is the dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a New York Stock Exchange trading day, the next preceding trading day. If the Fund should declare an income dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, buy Fund shares in the open market on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants’ accounts on, or shortly after, the payment date.
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in an account, including information needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in noncertified form in the name of the participant, and each shareholder’s proxy will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan.
In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the shareholders as representing the total amount registered in the shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gains distributions payable in either Common Stock or cash. The Plan Agent’s fees for the handling or reinvestment of such dividends and capital gains distributions will be paid by the Fund. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of dividends or capital gains distributions payable either in stock or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the Plan Agent’s open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions payable in cash.
Brokerage charges for purchasing small amounts of Common Stock for individual accounts through the Plan are expected to be less than usual brokerage charges for such transactions because the Plan Agent will be purchasing stock for all participants in blocks and prorating the lower commissions thus attainable. Brokerage commissions will vary based on, among other things, the broker selected to effect a particular purchase and the number of participants on whose behalf such purchase is being made.
The receipt of dividends and distributions in Common Stock under the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax (including withholding tax) that may be payable on such dividends or distributions.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes in the Plan are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund and the Plan Agent reserve the right to terminate the Plan as applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice of the termination sent to participants at least 30 days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended by the Fund or the Plan Agent, but (except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law, or rules or policies of a regulatory authority) only upon at least 30 days’ written notice to participants. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at the address above.
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Results of Annual
|
|
Stockholders Meeting
|
July 31, 2016
(Unaudited)
|
The Fund’s Annual Stockholders meeting was held on December 17, 2015, at the offices of U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, 777 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. As of October 15, 2015, the record date, outstanding shares of common and preferred stock were 7,428,915 and 48,535 respectively. Holders of 6,406,148 common and 45,972 preferred shares of the Fund were present at the meeting either in person or by proxy. These holders, as being holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund, constituted a quorum. The stockholders voted on two proposals. The stockholders elected two Directors to the Board of Directors and approved an amendment to the Fund’s Articles Supplementary to provide for the redemption of the outstanding shares of the Fund’s preferred stock at the option of the Fund at a price equal to 98% of the net asset value per share of Fund on a date to be designed by the Board of Directors. The following table provides information concerning the matters voted on at the meeting:
I.
|
(A) Election of Directors – Common and Preferred
|
|
|
|
|
Votes For
|
Votes Withheld
|
|
Rajeev Das
|
3,809,975
|
2,596,173
|
|
|
|
|
I.
|
(B) Election of Directors – Preferred
|
|
|
|
|
Votes For
|
Votes Withheld
|
|
Richard Abraham
|
42,454
|
3,518
|
II.
|
Approval of an amendment to the Fund’s Articles Supplementary to provide for the redemption of the outstanding preferred stock
|
|
|
Votes For
|
Votes Against
|
Abstain
|
|
Common and Preferred
|
4,319,958
|
107,327
|
45,491
|
|
Preferred
|
29,399
|
2,959
|
—
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Privacy Policy
|
(Unaudited)
|
FACTS
|
|
WHAT DOES THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC. (THE “FUND”), AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO THE FUND, ON THE FUND’S BEHALF, DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?
|
|
|
|
Why?
|
|
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
|
|
What?
|
|
The types of personal information we, and our service providers, on our behalf, collect and share depends on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:
|
|
|
|
• Social Security number
|
|
|
|
• account balances
|
|
|
|
• account transactions
|
|
|
|
• transaction history
|
|
|
|
• wire transfer instructions
|
|
|
|
• checking account information
|
|
|
|
When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.
|
|
How?
|
|
All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; the reasons the Fund, and our service providers, on our behalf, choose to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.
|
|
Reasons we can share your personal information
|
Does the Fund share?
|
Can you limit this sharing?
|
For our everyday business purposes –
|
|
|
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s),
|
|
|
respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to
|
|
|
credit bureaus
|
Yes
|
No
|
For our marketing purposes –
|
|
|
to offer our products and services to you
|
No
|
We don’t share
|
For joint marketing with other financial companies
|
No
|
We don’t share
|
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
|
|
|
information about your transactions and experiences
|
Yes
|
No
|
For our affiliates’ everyday business purposes –
|
|
|
information about your creditworthiness
|
No
|
We don’t share
|
For our affiliates to market to you
|
No
|
We don’t share
|
For nonaffiliates to market to you
|
No
|
We don’t share
|
Questions?
|
|
Call (877) 785-0376
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Privacy Policy (concluded)
|
(Unaudited)
|
What we do
|
Who is providing this notice?
|
|
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”)
|
How does the Fund, and the
|
|
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use,
|
Fund’s service providers, on the
|
|
we and our service providers use security measures that comply with
|
Fund’s behalf, protect my
|
|
federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured
|
personal information?
|
|
files and buildings.
|
How does the Fund, and the
|
|
We collect your personal information, for example, when you:
|
Fund’s service providers, on
|
|
• open an account
|
the Fund’s behalf, collect my
|
|
• provide account information
|
personal information?
|
|
• give us your contact information
|
|
|
• make a wire transfer
|
|
|
We also collect your information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.
|
Why can’t I limit all sharing?
|
|
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
|
|
|
• sharing for affiliates’ everyday business purposes – information about your creditworthiness
|
|
|
• affiliates from using your information to market to you
|
|
|
• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
|
|
|
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.
|
Definitions
|
Affiliates
|
|
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
|
|
|
• None
|
Nonaffiliates
|
|
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and nonfinancial companies.
|
|
|
• The Fund does not share with nonaffiliates so they can market to you.
|
Joint marketing
|
|
A formal agreement between nonaffiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
|
|
|
• The Fund does not jointly market.
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Management of the Fund
|
(Unaudited)
|
Board of Directors. The management and affairs of the Fund are supervised by the Board of Directors. The Board consists of six individuals, five of whom are not “interested persons” of the Fund as the term is defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Directors are fiduciaries for the Fund’s shareholders and are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland in this regard. The Board establishes policies for the operation of the Fund and appoints the officers who conduct the daily business of the Fund. The Directors and Interested Officers of the Fund are listed below with their addresses, present position(s) with the Fund, length of time served, principal occupations over at least the last five years, and any other Directorships held. Please note that the Fund is not part of a fund complex.
|
|
|
Term of
|
|
|
|
Year
|
Position(s)
|
Office/Length
|
Principal Occupation
|
Other Directorships
|
Name and Address
|
Born
|
with the Fund
|
of Time Served
|
During the Past Five Years
|
Held by Director
|
Gerald Hellerman
|
1937
|
Director, Chief
|
Since
|
Managing Director of
|
Director, Crossroads
|
615 E. Michigan Street
|
|
Compliance
|
2013 / 15 years
|
Hellerman Associates
|
Capital, Inc. (f/k/a
|
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
|
Officer
|
|
(a financial and corporate
|
BDCA Venture, Inc.);
|
|
|
|
|
consulting firm) since 1993
|
Director, Emergent
|
|
|
|
|
(which terminated activities
|
Capital, Inc. (f/k/a
|
|
|
|
|
as of December 31, 2013).
|
Imperial Holdings,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inc.); Director,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ironsides Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opportunity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offshore Fund Ltd.;
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, MVC
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital, Inc.;
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Special
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opportunities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fund, Inc.
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Management of the Fund (continued)
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
Term of
|
|
|
|
Year
|
Position(s)
|
Office/Length
|
Principal Occupation
|
Other Directorships
|
Name and Address
|
Born
|
with the Fund
|
of Time Served
|
During the Past Five Years
|
Held by Director
|
Phillip Goldstein
|
1945
|
Chairman
|
Since
|
Since its inception in 2009,
|
Director, Crossroads
|
Park 80 West, Plaza Two,
|
|
|
2014 / 16 years
|
Mr. Goldstein has been a
|
Capital, Inc. (f/k/a
|
250 Pehle Avenue,
|
|
|
|
member of Bulldog Investors,
|
BDCA Venture, Inc.);
|
Suite 708
|
|
|
|
LLC, the investment advisor
|
Chairman, Emergent
|
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
|
|
|
|
of Special Opportunities
|
Capital, Inc. (f/k/a
|
|
|
|
|
Fund, Inc. and the Bulldog
|
Imperial Holdings,
|
|
|
|
|
Investors group of funds.
|
Inc.); Director,
|
|
|
|
|
He also is a member of
|
MVC Capital, Inc.;
|
|
|
|
|
Kimball & Winthrop, LLC,
|
Chairman, Special
|
|
|
|
|
the managing general
|
Opportunities Fund,
|
|
|
|
|
partner of Bulldog Investors
|
Inc.; Chairman,
|
|
|
|
|
General Partnership, since
|
Brantley Capital
|
|
|
|
|
2012. From 1992-2012,
|
Corporation (until
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Goldstein was a
|
2013); Director,
|
|
|
|
|
member of the general
|
ASA Ltd. (until
|
|
|
|
|
partners of several private
|
2013); Director,
|
|
|
|
|
funds in the Bulldog
|
Korea Equity and
|
|
|
|
|
Investors group of funds
|
Income Fund, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
and in 2012 became a
|
(until 2012).
|
|
|
|
|
member of Bulldog
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holdings, LLC, which
|
|
|
|
|
|
became the sole owner of
|
|
|
|
|
|
such general partners.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Glenn Goodstein
|
1963
|
Director
|
Since
|
Registered Investment
|
None
|
5650 El Camino Real,
|
|
|
2013 / 15 years
|
Advisor; held numerous
|
|
Suite 155
|
|
|
|
executive positions with
|
|
Carlsbad, CA 92008
|
|
|
|
Automatic Data Processing
|
|
|
|
|
|
until 1996.
|
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
|
July 31, 2016
|
Management of the Fund (concluded)
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
Term of
|
|
|
|
Year
|
Position(s)
|
Office/Length
|
Principal Occupation
|
Other Directorships
|
Name and Address
|
Born
|
with the Fund
|
of Time Served
|
During the Past Five Years
|
Held by Director
|
Rajeev Das
|
1968
|
Director
|
Since
|
Since 2004, Mr. Das has
|
None
|
68 Lafayette Avenue
|
|
|
2015 / 15 years
|
been a Principal of the
|
|
Dumont, NJ 07628
|
|
|
|
entities serving as the general
|
|
|
|
|
|
partner of the private
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment partnerships in
|
|
|
|
|
|
the Bulldog Investors group
|
|
|
|
|
|
of investment funds. Head
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trader of Bulldog Investors,
|
|
|
|
|
|
LLC, the investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
adviser to the Special
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opportunities Fund, Inc.,
|
|
|
|
|
|
since its inception in
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009. Treasurer of
|
|
|
|
|
|
Special Opportunities Fund,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inc., from 2009-2014.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richard Abraham
|
1955
|
Director
|
Since
|
Since 1998, Mr. Abraham
|
None
|
143 Colfax Rd
|
|
|
2015
|
has been self employed as
|
|
Havertown, PA 19083
|
|
|
|
a securities trader.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maria Eugenia Pichardo
|
1950
|
Interested
|
Since
|
Portfolio Manager of the
|
None
|
Andres Bello No. 45 – 22 Floor
|
|
Director,
|
2014 / 6 years
|
Fund since the Fund’s
|
|
Col. Chapultepec Polanco
|
|
Officer,
|
|
Inception; President and
|
|
Del. Miguel Hidalgo
|
|
President
|
Indefinite / 12 years
|
General Partner, Pichardo
|
|
Mexico, CDMX (D.F.),
|
|
|
|
Asset Management, S.A. de
|
|
C.P. 11560
|
|
|
|
C.V. since 2003; Managing
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director, Acciones y Valores
|
|
|
|
|
|
de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
|
|
|
|
|
|
from 1979-2002.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Luis Calzada
|
1965
|
Secretary
|
Indefinite / 5 years
|
Administrative and
|
None
|
Andres Bello No. 45 – 22 Floor
|
|
|
|
Compliance Director,
|
|
Col. Chapultepec Polanco
|
|
|
|
Pichardo Asset
|
|
Mexico, CDMX (D.F.),
|
|
|
|
Management S.A. de C.V.
|
|
C.P. 11560
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arnulfo Rodriguez
|
1962
|
Chief
|
Since 2016
|
Research Vice President,
|
None
|
Andres Bello No. 45 – 22 Floor
|
|
Financial
|
|
Acciones y Valores Banamex,
|
|
Col. Chapultepec Polanco
|
|
Officer
|
|
from July 2011-January
|
|
Mexico, CDMX (D.F.),
|
|
|
|
2016; Debt Strategy Director,
|
|
C.P. 11560
|
|
|
|
Pichardo Asset Management,
|
|
|
|
|
|
S.A. de C.V. from
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 2016-present.
|
|
THE MEXICO EQUITY
AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Investment Adviser:
Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V.
Andres Bello No. 45 – 22 Floor
Col. Chapultepec Polanco
Del. Miguel Hidalgo
Mexico, CDMX (D.F.), C.P. 11560
Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm:
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
1818 Market Street, Suite 2400
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Transfer Agent and Registrar,
Fund Administrator
and Fund Accountant:
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Custodian:
U.S. Bank, N.A.
Custody Operations
1555 Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Board of Directors:
Richard Abraham
Rajeev Das
Phillip Goldstein
Glenn Goodstein
Gerald Hellerman
Maria Eugenia Pichardo
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant undertakes to provide to any person without charge, upon request, a copy of its code of ethics by mail when they call the registrant at 1-414-765-4255.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant’s board of directors has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Rajeev Das is the “audit committee financial expert” and is considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. “Other services” were not provided by the principal accountant. The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.
|
FYE 7/31/2016
|
FYE 7/31/2015
|
Audit Fees
|
$30,000
|
$29,500
|
Audit-Related Fees
|
$0
|
$0
|
Tax Fees
|
$3,300
|
$3,300
|
All Other Fees
|
$0
|
$0
|
The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre‑approve all audit and non‑audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.
The percentage of fees billed by Tait, Weller, & Baker LLP applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:
|
FYE 7/31/2016
|
FYE 7/31/2015
|
Audit-Related Fees
|
0%
|
0%
|
Tax Fees
|
0%
|
0%
|
All Other Fees
|
0%
|
0%
|
All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full‑time permanent employees of the principal accountant.
The following table indicates the non-audit fees billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years. The audit committee of the board of trustees/directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant's independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.
Non-Audit Related Fees
|
FYE 7/31/2016
|
FYE 7/31/2015
|
Registrant
|
$0
|
$0
|
Registrant’s Investment Adviser
|
$0
|
$0
|
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
The standing audit committee is comprised of Mr. Abraham, Mr. Phillip Goldstein, Mr. Glenn Goodstein and Mr. Rajeev Das.
Item 6. Investments.
(a)
|
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form.
|
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
The Proxy Voting Policies and Guidelines contained in this document summarize The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.’s (the “Fund”) positions on various issues of concern to the Fund’s shareholders. These Guidelines give general indication as to how the Fund’s Advisor will vote Fund shares on each issue listed. However, this listing does not address all potential voting issues or the intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. For that reason there may be instances in which votes may vary from the guidelines presented here. The Fund endeavors to vote Fund shares in accordance with the Fund’s investment objectives and strategies.
I. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A. Board and Governance Issues
1. Board of Director/Trustee Composition
The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance of the corporation.
The Fund advisor will oppose slates without at least a majority of independent directors (1/3 of directors who are outsiders to the corporation).
The Fund advisor will vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.
2. Increase Authorized Common Stock
The Fund advisor will generally support the authorization of additional common stock necessary to facilitate a stock split.
The Fund advisor will generally support the authorization of additional common stock, if the company already has a large amount of stock authorized but not issued or reserved for its stock option plans. In this latter instance, there is a concern that the authorized but unissued shares will be used as a poison pill or other takeover defense, which will be opposed. In addition, we will require the company to provide a specific purpose for any request to increase shares by more than 100 percent of the current authorization.
3. Blank Check Preferred Stock
Blank check preferred is stock with a fixed dividend and a preferential claim on company assets relative to common shares. The terms of the stock (voting dividend and conversion rights) are set by the Board at a future date without further shareholder action. While such an issue can in theory have legitimate corporate purposes, most often it has been used as a takeover defense since the stock has terms that make the entire company less attractive.
The Fund advisor will generally oppose the creation of blank check preferred stock.
4. Classified or “Staggered” Board
On a classified (or staggered) board, directors are divided into separate classes (usually three) with directors in each class elected to overlapping three-year terms. Companies argue that such Boards offer continuity in direction which promotes long-term planning. However, in some instances they may serve to deter unwanted takeovers since a potential buyer would have to wait at least two years to gain a majority of Board seats.
The Fund advisor will vote on a case-by-case basis on issues involving classified boards.
5. Supermajority Vote Requirements
Supermajority vote requirements in a company’s charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval in excess of a simple majority. Generally, supermajority provisions require at least 2/3 affirmative vote for passage of issues.
The Fund advisor will vote on a case-by-case issues involving supermajority voting.
6. Restrictions on Shareholders to Act by Written Consent
Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry out a shareholder action without waiting until the annual meeting or by calling a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by the written consent of the same percentage of outstanding shares that would be required to effect the proposed action at a shareholder meeting.
The Fund advisor will generally oppose proposals to limit or eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent.
7. Restrictions on Shareholders to Call Meetings
The Fund advisor will generally oppose such a restriction as it limits the right of the shareholder.
8. Limitations, Director Liability and Indemnification
Because of increased litigation brought against directors of corporations and the increased costs of director’s liability insurance, many states have passed laws limiting director liability for those acting in good faith. Shareholders however must opt into such statutes. In addition, many companies are seeking to add indemnification of directors to corporate bylaws.
The Fund advisor will generally support director liability and indemnification resolutions because it is important for companies to be able to attract the most qualified individuals to their Boards. Note: Those directors acting fraudulently would remain liable for their actions irrespective of this resolution.
9. Reincorporation
Corporations are in general bound by the laws of the state in which they are incorporated. Companies reincorporate for a variety of reasons including shifting incorporation to a state where the company has its most active operations or corporate headquarters, or shifting incorporation to take advantage of state corporate takeover laws.
While each reincorporation proposal will be evaluated based on its own merits, the Fund advisor will generally support reincorporation resolutions for valid business reasons (such as reincorporating in the same state as the corporate headquarters).
10. Cumulative Voting
Cumulative voting allows shareholders to “stack” their votes behind one or a few directors running for the board, thereby helping a minority of shareholders to win board representation. Cumulative voting gives minority shareholders a voice in corporate affairs proportionate to their actual strength in voting shares.
The Fund advisor will generally support proposals calling for cumulative voting in the election of directors.
11. Dual Classes of Stock
In order to maintain corporate control in the hands of a certain group of shareholders, companies may seek to create multiple classes of stock with differing rights pertaining to voting and dividends.
The Fund advisor will generally oppose dual classes of stock. However, the advisor will support classes of stock offering different dividend rights (such as one class which pays cash dividends and a second which pays stock dividends) depending on the circumstances.
12. Limit Directors’ Tenure
In general corporate directors may stand for re-election indefinitely. Opponents of this practice suggest that limited tenure would inject new perspectives into the boardroom as well as possibly creating room for directors from diverse backgrounds; however, continuity is important to corporate leadership and in some instances alternative means may be explored for injecting new ideas or members from diverse backgrounds into corporate boardrooms.
Accordingly, the Fund advisor will vote on a case-by-case basis attempts to limit director tenure.
13. Minimum Director Stock Ownership
The director share ownership proposal requires that all corporate directors own a minimum number of shares in the corporation. The purpose of this resolution is to encourage directors to have the same interest as other shareholders.
The Fund advisor will support resolutions that require corporate directors to own shares in the company.
14. Selection of Auditor
Annual election of the outside accountants is standard practice. While it is recognized that the company is in the best position to evaluate the competence of the outside accountants, we believe that outside accountants must ultimately be accountable to shareholders. Furthermore, audit committees have been the subject of a report released by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving the Effectiveness of Corporate Audit Committees in conjunction with the NYSE and the National Association of Securities Dealers. The Blue Ribbon Commission concluded that audit committees must improve their current level of oversight of independent accountants. Given the rash of accounting irregularities that were not detected by audit panels or auditors, shareholder ratification is an essential step in restoring investor confidence.
The Fund advisor will oppose the resolutions seeking ratification of the auditor when fees for financial systems design and implementation exceed audit and all other fees, as this can compromise the independence of the auditor.
The Fund advisor will oppose the election of the audit committee chair if the audit committee recommends an auditors whose fees for financial systems design and implementation exceed audit and all other fees, as this can compromise the independence of the auditor.
B. Executive Compensation
1. Disclosure of CEO, Executive, Board and Management Compensation
On a case-by-case basis, the Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions requesting companies to disclose the salaries of top management and the Board of Directors.
2. Compensation for CEO, Executive, Board and Management
The Fund advisor will oppose an executive compensation proposal if we believe the compensation does not reflect the economic and social circumstances of the company (i.e. at times of layoffs, downsizing, employee wage freezes, etc.).
3. Formation and Independence of Compensation Review Committee
The Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions requesting the formation of a committee of independent directors to review and examine executive compensation.
4. Stock Options for Board and Executives
The Fund advisor will generally oppose stock option plans that in total offer greater than 15% of shares outstanding because of voting and earnings dilution.
The Fund advisor will generally oppose option programs that allow the repricing of underwater options. (Repricing divides shareholder and employee interests. Shareholders cannot “reprice” their stock and, therefore, optionees should not be treated differently).
The Fund advisor will generally oppose stock option plans that have option exercise prices below the marketplace on the day of the grant.
The Fund advisor will generally support options programs for outside directors subject to the same constraints previously described.
5. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOPs)
The Fund advisor will support ESOPs created to promote active employee ownership. However, they will oppose any ESOP whose purpose is to prevent a corporate takeover.
6. Pay Equity
The Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions that request that management provide a race and/or gender pay equity report.
7. Ratio Between CEO and Worker Pay
The Fund advisor will generally support shareholder resolutions requesting that management report on the ratio between CEO and employee compensation.
8. Maximum Ratio Between CEO and Worker Compensation and/or Cap on CEO Compensation
The Fund advisor will vote on a case-by-case basis shareholder resolutions requesting management to set a maximum ratio between CEO and employee compensation and/or a cap on CEO compensation.
9. Changes to Charter or By-Laws
The Fund advisor will conduct a case-by-case review of the proposed changes with the voting decision resting on whether the proposed changes are in shareholder’s best interests.
10. Confidential Voting
Typically, proxy voting differs from voting in political elections in that the company is made aware of shareholder votes as they are cast. This enables management to contact dissenting shareholders in an attempt to get them to change their votes.
The Fund advisor will support confidential voting because the voting process should be free of coercion.
11. Equal Access to Proxy
Equal access proposals ask companies to give shareholders access to proxy materials to state their views on contested issues, including director nominations. In some cases, they would actually allow shareholders to nominate directors. Companies suggest that such proposals would make an increasingly complex process even more burdensome.
In general, the Fund advisor will oppose resolutions for equal access proposals.
12. Golden Parachutes
Golden parachutes are severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted pursuant to a takeover. Companies argue that such provisions are necessary to keep executives from “jumping ship” during potential takeover attempts.
The Fund advisor will support the right of shareholders to vote on golden parachutes because they go above and beyond ordinary compensation practices. In evaluating a particular golden parachute, we will examine total management compensation, the employees covered by the plan, and the quality of management.
C. Mergers and Acquisitions
1. Considering the Non-Financial Effects of a Merger Proposal
Such a proposal allows or requires the Board to consider the impact of merger decisions on various “stakeholders,” such as employees, communities, customers and business partners. This proposal gives the Board the right to reject a tender offer on the grounds that it would adversely affect the company’s stakeholders.
The Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions that consider non-financial impacts of mergers.
2. Mergers, Restructuring and Spin-offs
A merger, restructuring, or spin-off in some way affects a change in control of the company’s assets. In evaluating the merit of each issue, we will consider the terms of each proposal. This will include an analysis of the potential long-term value of the investment.
The Fund advisor will support management proposals for merger or restructuring if the transaction appears to offer fair value and other proxy voting policies stated are not violated. For example, the advisor may oppose restructuring resolution which include in it significant takeover defenses and may again oppose the merger of a non-nuclear and a nuclear utility if it poses potential liabilities.
3. Poison Pills
Poison pills (or shareholder rights plans) are triggered by an unwanted takeover attempt and cause a variety of events to occur which may make the company financially less attractive to the suitor. Typically, directors have enacted these plans without shareholder approval. Most poison pill resolutions deal with putting poison pills up for a vote or repealing them altogether.
The Fund advisor will support proposals to put rights plans up for a shareholder vote. In general, poison pills will be opposed unless management is able to present a convincing case fur such a plan.
4. Anti-Greenmail Proposals
Greenmail is the payment a corporate raider receives in exchange for his/her shares. This payment is usually at a premium to the market price, so while greenmail can ensure the continued independence of the company, it discriminates against other shareholders.
The Fund advisor will generally support greenmail provisions.
5. Opt-Out of State Anti-Takeover Law
A strategy for dealing with anti-takeover issues has been a shareholder resolution asking for a company to opt-out of a particular state’s anti-takeover laws.
The Fund advisor will generally support bylaws changes requiring a company to opt-out of state anti-takeover laws. However, resolutions requiring companies to opt-into state anti-takeover statutes will be opposed.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Information is presented as of July 31, 2016.
Portfolio Manager. Ms. Maria Eugenia Pichardo is the Portfolio Manager responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund, which includes making portfolio management decisions and executing transactions.
Ms. Pichardo has been the Fund's Portfolio Manager since the Fund's inception (1990). She is also the President and General Partner of Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V. ("PAM') (the Fund's Investment Adviser) since February 2003. Prior to starting PAM, from 1989 to 1990 she was General Director of Acci-Worldwide S.A. de C. V, a wholly owned asset management subsidiary of Acciones y Valores de Mexico, S. A. de C.V member of the Banamex Financial Group, subsidiary of Citigroup. Ms Pichardo was Managing Director and General Director of the International Sales Division of Acciones y Valores de Mexico, S. A. de C. V from 1983 to 1989.
Portfolio Manager Name
|
Registered
Investment
Company (dollar
amount and
number of
accounts)
|
Other Pooled
Investments (dollar
amount and number
of accounts)
|
Other Accounts
(dollar amount
and number of
accounts)
|
Ms. Maria Eugenia Pichardo
|
$91,579,304 (1)
|
$14,778,836 (1)
|
$0 (0)
|
Material Conflict of Interest. The Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to other accounts and accordingly may be presented with potential or actual conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest can arise in the allocation of securities to the various accounts when a security is purchased or sold over a period of time. “PAM” has established policies and procedures to avoid conflict of interest.
The management of other accounts may result in the Portfolio Manager devoting unequal time and attention to the management of the Fund and/or other accounts. In approving the Advisory Agreement, the Board of Directors was satisfied that the Portfolio Manager would be able to devote sufficient attention to the management of the Fund, and that PAM seeks to manage such competing interests for the time and attention of the portfolio manager.
Compensation. Ms. Pichardo receives a fixed annual salary and bonus from PAM.
Securities Owned in the Fund by Portfolio Manager. As of July 31, 2016, the Portfolio Manager owned the following securities in the Fund:
Portfolio Manager Name
|
Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in the Fund
(None, $1-$10,000,
$10,001-$50,000, $50,001-
$100,000, $100,001 -
$500,000, $500,001 to
$1,000,000, Over
$1,000,000)
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of
Securities in all Registered
Investment Companies
Overseen by Portfolio
Manager in Family of
Investment Companies
|
Ms. Maria Eugenia Pichardo
|
None
|
None
|
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed‑End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Period
|
(a)
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
|
(b)
Average Price Paid
per Share (or Unit)
|
(c)
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
|
(d)
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
|
2/1/16 to 2/29/16
|
0
|
$0.00
|
0
|
0
|
3/1/16 to 3/31/16
|
12,160
|
$11.05
|
0
|
0
|
4/1/16 to 4/30/16
|
42,955
|
$11.17
|
0
|
0
|
5/1/16 to 5/31/16
|
27,301
|
$10.96
|
0
|
0
|
6/1/16 to 6/30/16
|
14,395
|
$10.72
|
0
|
0
|
7/1/16 to 7/31/16
|
12,825
|
$10.86
|
0
|
0
|
Total
|
109,636 (1)
|
$11.01
|
0
|
0
|
(1) 109,636 common shares were purchased pursuant to the Fund’s Stock Repurchase Program.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of directors.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a)
|
The Registrant’s President and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d‑15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider.
|
(b)
|
There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) 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 Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
|
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)
|
(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form N-CSR filed October 9, 2012.
|
(2) A separate certification for each principal executive and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c‑1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. None.
(b)
|
Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Maria Eugenia Pichardo
Maria Eugenia Pichardo, President
Date October 3, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* /s/ Maria Eugenia Pichardo
Maria Eugenia Pichardo, President