UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number: |
|
811-08076 |
|
|
|
Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company
|
|
|
|
Address of principal executive offices: |
|
1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103
|
|
|
|
Name and address of agent for service: |
|
Ms. Andrea Melia Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
|
|
|
Registrants telephone number, including area code: |
|
800-522-5465 |
|
|
|
Date of fiscal year end: |
|
October 31 |
|
|
|
Date of reporting period: |
|
October 31, 2015 |
Item 1 - Reports to Stockholders.
The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.
Aberdeens Investor Relations Services
We invite you to enroll today and stop the paper.
As part of our commitment to shareholders, we invite you to visit Aberdeens Closed-End Funds on the web at aberdeen-asset.us/cef where you can view monthly fact sheets, portfolio manager commentary, distribution and performance information, updated daily fact sheets courtesy of Morningstar®, portfolio charting, and other timely data.
To learn more about Aberdeens Closed End Funds
Visit us:
Aberdeen Closed-End Fund Center aberdeen-asset.us/cef
Watch us:
Aberdeen Closed-End Fund TV aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/aberdeentv
E-mail us:
InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com Call us Shareholder Services: 800-522-5465 Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (ET) |
Enroll today and receive shareholder reports electronically*
By enrolling in this convenient service, you will receive important Fund documents including annual reports, semi-annual reports, prospectuses, and proxy statements via e-mail.
Theres never been a faster, simpler or more environmentally-friendly way to receive investment information.
To enroll, follow these simple steps:
1. Go to http://www.aberdeen-asset.us/cef
2. Click on the link for Email Services under Tools & Resources which takes you to http://www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/email
3. Click Sign-up. You can expect to receive your electronic documents in 4-6 weeks. |
* Please note that Aberdeen does not share our shareholder information with any other organizations. You can return to this site at any time to change your email address or edit your preferences.
ABE-ANNUAL |
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited)
Dear Shareholder,
We present this Annual Report which covers the activities of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the Fund) for the twelve-month period ended October 31, 2015. The Funds principal investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve this investment objective by investing primarily in equity securities of emerging market smaller company issuers.
The Funds ticker symbol changed from ETF to ABE effective the close of trading on July 31, 2015.
Total Return Performance
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the total return to shareholders of the Fund based on the net asset value (NAV), net of fees, of the Fund was -14.2%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions, versus a return of -8.3% for the Funds benchmark, the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets Small Cap Index.1 The Funds total return for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 and per annum since inception is based on the reported NAV on each financial reporting period end.
Share Price and NAV
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, based on market price, the Funds total return was -17.1%, assuming reinvestment of dividends and distributions. The Funds share price decreased 18.4% over the twelve months, from $14.15 on October 31, 2014 to $11.55 on October 31, 2015. The Funds share price on October 31, 2015 represented a discount of 12.9% to the NAV per share of $13.26 on that date, compared with a discount of 9.8% to the NAV per share of $15.69 on October 31, 2014.
Open Market Repurchase Program
The Funds policy is to consider buying back Fund shares on the open market when the Fund trades at certain discounts to the NAV and management believes such repurchases may enhance shareholder value. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund repurchased and retired 29,970 shares. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014, the Fund did not repurchase any shares.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Funds complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year is included in the Funds semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each
fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds Form N-Q filings are available on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Fund makes the information on Form N-Q available to shareholders on the Funds website or upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-800-522-5465.
Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve months ended June 30 is available by August 30 of the relevant year: (i) upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-800-522-5465; and (ii) on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Unclaimed Share Accounts
Please be advised that abandoned or unclaimed property laws for certain states require financial organizations to transfer (escheat) unclaimed property (including Fund shares) to the state. Each state has its own definition of unclaimed property, and Fund shares could be considered unclaimed property due to account inactivity (e.g., no owner-generated activity for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned to the Funds transfer agent as undeliverable), or a combination of both. If your Fund shares are categorized as unclaimed, your financial adviser or the Funds transfer agent will follow the applicable states statutory requirements to contact you, but if unsuccessful, laws may require that the shares be escheated to the appropriate state. If this happens, you will have to contact the state to recover your property, which may involve time and expense. For more information on unclaimed property and how to maintain an active account, please contact your financial adviser or the Funds transfer agent.
Investor Relations Information
As part of Aberdeens commitment to shareholders, I invite you to visit the Fund on the web at www.aberdeenabe.com. From this page, you can view monthly fact sheets, portfolio manager commentary, distribution and performance information, updated daily fact sheets courtesy of Morningstar®, portfolio charting and other timely data.
Enroll in our email services and be among the first to receive the latest closed-end fund news, announcements of upcoming fund manager
1 |
The MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure the equity market performance of the small-cap segment of global emerging markets. As of October 31, 2015, the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index consists of the following 23 emerging market country indexes: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited) (concluded)
web casts, films and other information. In addition, you can receive electronic versions of important Fund documents including annual reports, semi-annual reports, prospectuses, and proxy statements. Sign-up today at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/email.
Please take a look at Aberdeens award-winning Closed-End Fund Talk Channel, where a series of fund manager webcasts and short films are posted. Visit Aberdeens Closed-End Fund Talk Channel at www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/aberdeentv.
Included within this report is a reply card with postage paid envelope. Please complete and mail the card if you would like to be added to our enhanced email service and receive future communications from Aberdeen.
Contact Us
· Visit us: http://www.aberdeen-asset.us/cef or www.aberdeenabe.com;
· Watch us: www.aberdeen-asset.us/aam.nsf/usclosed/aberdeentv;
· Email us: InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com; or
· Call us: 1-800-522-5465 (toll free in the U.S.)
Yours sincerely,
Christian Pittard
President
Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (unaudited)
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Computershare), the Funds transfer agent, sponsors and administers a Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (the Plan), which is available to shareholders.
The Plan allows registered stockholders and first time investors to buy and sell shares and automatically reinvest dividends and capital gains through the transfer agent. This is a cost-effective way to invest in the Fund.
Please note that for both purchases and reinvestment purposes, shares will be purchased in the open market at the current share price and cannot be issued directly by the Fund.
For more information about the Plan and a brochure that includes the terms and conditions of the Plan, please call Computershare at 1-800-647-0584 or visit www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen.
All amounts are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Report of the Investment Adviser (unaudited)
Market review
Shares of smaller companies in emerging stock markets, as measured by the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index (MSCI EM Small Cap Index), fell over the 12-month period ended October 31, 2015, but outperformed their larger counterparts, as represented by the MSCI EM Index. Equities were relatively resilient early on, even staging a rally in the first quarter of 2015 on the back of a wave of global monetary easing. Nonetheless, investors were subsequently spooked by a raft of negative catalysts, including plummeting commodity prices, political uncertainty, Greeces protracted financial crisis and renewed concerns over the severity of Chinas economic slowdown. The U.S. Federal Reserves mixed signals on interest rates added to uncertainty. However, emerging markets benefited from a revival in risk appetites toward the end of the period, buoyed by prospects for continued monetary stimulus in Europe and China. But it was too little, too late to recoup losses from the earlier market rout.
Fund performance review
The Funds overweight position in Brazil relative to the benchmark hindered Fund performance over the reporting period. Smaller companies came under particular pressure from the countrys deepening economic malaise, with holdings Arezzo, Iguatemi and Totvs among those that sold off. Meanwhile, the deteriorating real exacerbated the underperformance in U.S. dollar terms. The underweights to both Korea and China also detracted from Fund performance. Korea was one of the few index constituents to buck the downtrend, supported by its relatively low volatility and solid current accounts, with local investors favoring the small-cap end of the market. Chinas small-cap index climbed substantially higher on hopes of further economic stimulus; however, it fell sharply toward the end of the review period amid intense volatility in Chinese equities.
Elsewhere, the overweight position in Indonesia relative to the benchmark detracted from Fund performance, as the slowing economy, weak commodity exports and ongoing political issues sapped investor confidence. Holdings Petra Foods, Bank Permata and cement-producer Holcim Indonesia came under particular pressure.
Conversely, the Funds non-benchmark exposure to Belarus, via IT software company EPAM, was a key contributor to performance. EPAM
benefited from consistently robust results and a healthy earnings outlook. Stock selection in South Africa was another bright spot; retail holdings Spar Group and Clicks Group were buoyed by good earnings. Elsewhere, Mexican airport operator OMAs results and increased traffic flow were also well-received, while Indian fast-moving consumer goods producer Godrej Consumer Products rallied on the back of improving sales and margins. Meanwhile, Polish convenience store operator Eurocash benefited from better cash-generation, plus expectations of easing deflationary pressures.
Regarding Fund activity over the period, we initiated a holding in Egypt-based Juhayna Food Industries, which we believe has a good market position, robust distribution network and leading brands in packaged milk, juices and yogurts. We also initiated positions in Nigerias Bank Zenith and Indonesian home-improvement chain Ace Hardware due to their attractive valuations. In addition, we participated in the rights issue* for DGB Financial. At the same time, we exited the positions in Turk Ekonomi Bank following the tender offer by BNP Paribas and its subsequent de-listing from Turkeys Borsa Istanbul stock exchange, as well as apparel-maker Cia Hering on our quality concerns and our view that there are better opportunities elsewhere.
Outlook
The recent stock-market rally may have brought some relief to investors after a punishing year, but emerging-market equities still face several headwinds. The possibility of a U.S. interest-rate rise in the near future will continue to weigh on sentiment, in our view. Developing economies will also have to adjust to a slowdown in trade and investment flows, as global economic growth decelerates. On a brighter note, emerging market sovereign balance sheets are generally in better shape than they were during the taper tantrum of 2013, which we believe puts them in a better position to cope with higher U.S. interest rates. While the Fund may be vulnerable to stock-market turbulence, our view is that markets ultimately reward well-run companies. Despite the uncertainty and challenging operating environment, we have been encouraged by our holdings results, which have largely remained resilient.
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
* An issue of rights to a companys existing shareholders entitling them to buy additional shares directly from the company in proportion to their existing holdings within a fixed time period.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Total Investment Return (unaudited)
October 31, 2015
The following table summarizes average annual Fund performance compared to the MSCI EM Small Cap Index, the Funds benchmark, for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods as of October 31, 2015.(1)
|
|
1 Year |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
|
10 Years |
Net Asset Value (NAV) |
|
-14.2% |
|
-4.4% |
|
0.1% |
|
5.7% |
Market Value |
|
-17.1% |
|
-5.4% |
|
-0.8% |
|
5.9% |
MSCI EM Small Cap Index |
|
-8.3% |
|
1.6% |
|
-1.8% |
|
n/a(2) |
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited has entered into a written contract with the Fund to waive fees without which performance would be lower. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements. This contract aligns with the term of the advisory agreement and may not be terminated prior to the next annual consideration of the advisory agreement. Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. has entered into an agreement with the Fund to limit investor relation services fees, without which performance would be lower. See Note 3 in the Notes to Financial Statements. Returns represent past performance. Total investment return at NAV is based on changes in the NAV of Fund shares and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Funds transfer agent. All return data at NAV includes fees charged to the Fund, which are listed in the Funds Statement of Operations under Expenses. Total investment return at market value is based on changes in the market price at which the Funds shares traded on the NYSE MKT during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program sponsored by the Funds transfer agent. The Funds total investment return is based on the reported NAV on October 31, 2015. Because the Funds shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on both market price and NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The performance information provided does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions received from the Fund. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Funds yield, return, market price and NAV will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available at www.aberdeenabe.com or by calling 800-522-5465.
The net operating expense ratio, excluding fee waivers, based on the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.57%. The net operating expense ratio, net of fee waivers, based on the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 was 1.52%.
(1) Effective March 15, 2013, the Funds investment strategy changed from an infrastructure focus to a global emerging markets smaller company issuer focus. In connection with the strategy change, the Funds benchmark changed from the MSCI Emerging Markets Infrastructure Index to the MSCI EM Small Cap Index. The Funds performance information for periods that include performance prior to March 15, 2013, such as three-, five- and ten-year performance information, includes periods when the Fund was managed with an infrastructure focus. In light of this, a comparison of that performance to the MSCI EM Small Cap Index may not provide useful information to investors evaluating older Fund performance.
(2) There is no 10-year figure for the MSCI EM Small Cap Index because the inception date of the index is June 1, 2007.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio Summary
The following table summarizes the composition of the Funds portfolio by geographic classification expressed as a percentage of net assets as of October 31, 2015.
Region
|
|
As a Percentage of Net Assets |
Asia |
|
47.0% |
Latin America |
|
14.3% |
Africa |
|
12.2% |
Europe |
|
11.6% |
North America |
|
6.5% |
Middle East |
|
6.1% |
Global |
|
0.8% |
Other Assets and Liabilities |
|
1.5% |
|
|
100.0% |
The following table summarizes the composition of the Funds portfolio, in Standard & Poors Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. The GICS structure consists of 10 sectors, 24 industry groups, 67 industries and 156 subindustries. As of October 31, 2015, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry. The sectors, as classified by GICS Sectors, are comprised of several industries. As of October 31, 2015, the Fund held 98.4% of its net assets in equities, 1.5% in a short-term investment and 0.1% in other assets in excess of liabilities.
Asset Allocation
|
|
As a Percentage of Net Assets |
Financials |
|
21.4% |
Consumer Staples |
|
19.2% |
Industrials |
|
15.2% |
Consumer Discretionary |
|
14.1% |
Materials |
|
11.8% |
Information Technology |
|
9.0% |
Health Care |
|
6.1% |
Private Equity |
|
1.6% |
Short-Term Investment |
|
1.5% |
Other assets in excess of liabilities |
|
0.1% |
|
|
100.0% |
Top Ten Equity Holdings (unaudited)
The following were the Funds top ten holdings as of October 31, 2015:
Name of Security
|
|
As a Percentage of Net Assets |
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV, ADR |
|
3.6% |
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd. |
|
3.1% |
Parque Arauco SA |
|
2.9% |
EPAM Systems, Inc. |
|
2.8% |
AKR Corporindo Tbk PT |
|
2.5% |
Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. |
|
2.5% |
Eurocash SA |
|
2.4% |
Jollibee Foods Corp. |
|
2.4% |
BRD-Groupe Societe Generale |
|
2.4% |
Cimsa Cimento Sanayi VE Ticaret A.S. |
|
2.1% |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Portfolio of Investments
As of October 31, 2015
Shares |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES95.6% |
|
|
| |||
COMMON STOCKS94.0% |
|
|
| |||
BRAZIL9.9% |
|
|
| |||
COMMERCIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES1.0% |
|
|
| |||
106,852 |
|
Valid Solucoes e Servicos de Seguranca em Meios de Pagamento e Identificacao SA |
|
$ |
1,213,273 |
|
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES1.4% |
|
|
| |||
697,000 |
|
OdontoPrev SA |
|
1,785,627 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT2.0% |
|
|
| |||
254,485 |
|
Iguatemi Empresa de Shopping Centers SA |
|
1,406,859 |
| |
111,731 |
|
Multiplan Empreendimentos Imobiliarios SA |
|
1,218,841 |
| |
|
|
|
|
2,625,700 |
| |
ROAD & RAIL1.3% |
|
|
| |||
243,450 |
|
Localiza Rent a Car SA |
|
1,641,286 |
| |
SOFTWARE1.2% |
|
|
| |||
177,000 |
|
Totvs SA |
|
1,568,264 |
| |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS1.7% |
|
|
| |||
411,413 |
|
Arezzo Industria e Comercio SA |
|
2,240,260 |
| |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE1.3% |
|
|
| |||
201,000 |
|
Wilson Sons Ltd., BDR |
|
1,719,931 |
| |
|
|
|
|
12,794,341 |
| |
CHILE3.8% |
|
|
| |||
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES0.9% |
|
|
| |||
745,000 |
|
Sonda SA |
|
1,198,916 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT2.9% |
|
|
| |||
2,192,849 |
|
Parque Arauco SA |
|
3,672,558 |
| |
|
|
|
|
4,871,474 |
| |
CHINA2.4% |
|
|
| |||
CHEMICALS0.9% |
|
|
| |||
2,704,000 |
|
Yingde Gases Group Co. Ltd.(a) |
|
1,201,588 |
| |
HEALTH CARE0.3% |
|
|
| |||
196,000 |
|
Tong Ren Tang Technologies Co. Ltd., H Shares(a) |
|
306,647 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT1.2% |
|
|
| |||
2,130,000 |
|
Yanlord Land Group Ltd.(a) |
|
1,586,768 |
| |
|
|
|
|
3,095,003 |
| |
EGYPT2.1% |
|
|
| |||
FOOD PRODUCTS2.1% |
|
|
| |||
57,624 |
|
Edita Food Industries SAE(b) |
|
1,094,856 |
| |
1,687,692 |
|
Juhayna Food Industries |
|
1,614,121 |
| |
|
|
|
|
2,708,977 |
| |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
As of October 31, 2015
Shares |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
COMMON STOCKS (continued) |
|
|
| |||
HONG KONG5.8% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS1.5% |
|
|
| |||
1,000,000 |
|
Dah Sing Banking Group Ltd.(a) |
|
$ |
1,894,978 |
|
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE1.0% |
|
|
| |||
400,000 |
|
Cafe de Coral Holdings Ltd.(a) |
|
1,352,969 |
| |
MARINE0.7% |
|
|
| |||
3,300,000 |
|
Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd.(a) |
|
967,634 |
| |
SPECIALTY RETAIL0.9% |
|
|
| |||
2,156,000 |
|
Giordano International Ltd.(a) |
|
1,165,229 |
| |
TEXTILES, APPAREL & LUXURY GOODS0.8% |
|
|
| |||
1,090,000 |
|
Texwinca Holdings Ltd.(a) |
|
1,055,147 |
| |
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE0.9% |
|
|
| |||
136,000 |
|
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd.(a) |
|
1,104,397 |
| |
|
|
|
|
7,540,354 |
| |
INDIA13.5% |
|
|
| |||
CHEMICALS3.8% |
|
|
| |||
235,000 |
|
Castrol (India) Ltd.(a) |
|
1,660,367 |
| |
850,000 |
|
Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd.(a) |
|
3,252,107 |
| |
|
|
|
|
4,912,474 |
| |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS1.9% |
|
|
| |||
440,000 |
|
Ramco Cements Ltd. (The)(a) |
|
2,476,446 |
| |
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES1.5% |
|
|
| |||
263,074 |
|
MphasiS Ltd. |
|
1,898,223 |
| |
PERSONAL PRODUCTS3.1% |
|
|
| |||
204,372 |
|
Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.(a) |
|
3,940,540 |
| |
PHARMACEUTICALS1.5% |
|
|
| |||
134,500 |
|
Piramal Enterprises Ltd. |
|
1,932,749 |
| |
ROAD & RAIL1.7% |
|
|
| |||
109,000 |
|
Container Corp. of India(a) |
|
2,208,809 |
| |
|
|
|
|
17,369,241 |
| |
INDONESIA7.3% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS1.0% |
|
|
| |||
15,300,000 |
|
Bank Permata Tbk PT(a) |
|
1,228,430 |
| |
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS1.0% |
|
|
| |||
16,427,000 |
|
Holcim Indonesia Tbk PT(a) |
|
1,255,782 |
| |
FOOD PRODUCTS1.7% |
|
|
| |||
1,280,000 |
|
Petra Foods Ltd. |
|
2,211,150 |
| |
SPECIALTY RETAIL1.1% |
|
|
| |||
30,000,000 |
|
Ace Hardware Indonesia Tbk PT(a) |
|
1,460,450 |
| |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
As of October 31, 2015
Shares |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
COMMON STOCKS (continued) |
|
|
| |||
INDONESIA7.3% (continued) |
|
|
| |||
TRADING COMPANIES & DISTRIBUTORS2.5% |
|
|
| |||
7,665,500 |
|
AKR Corporindo Tbk PT(a) |
|
$ |
3,292,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
9,448,225 |
| |
JORDAN1.5% |
|
|
| |||
PHARMACEUTICALS1.5% |
|
|
| |||
59,806 |
|
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC(a) |
|
1,992,864 |
| |
KENYA1.6% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES1.6% |
|
|
| |||
753,800 |
|
East African Breweries Ltd.(a) |
|
2,028,629 |
| |
LEBANON0.7% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS0.7% |
|
|
| |||
95,000 |
|
BLOM Bank SAL, GDR |
|
912,000 |
| |
MALAYSIA5.7% |
|
|
| |||
AUTOMOBILES0.8% |
|
|
| |||
640,200 |
|
Oriental Holdings Bhd |
|
1,046,137 |
| |
BEVERAGES0.8% |
|
|
| |||
300,000 |
|
Guinness Anchor Bhd(a) |
|
997,585 |
| |
FOOD PRODUCTS1.1% |
|
|
| |||
240,000 |
|
United Plantations Bhd |
|
1,480,447 |
| |
MULTILINE RETAIL1.9% |
|
|
| |||
3,737,900 |
|
Aeon Co. (M) Bhd(a) |
|
2,464,007 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT1.1% |
|
|
| |||
1,790,413 |
|
SP Setia Bhd |
|
1,375,317 |
| |
|
|
|
|
7,363,493 |
| |
MEXICO3.6% |
|
|
| |||
TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE3.6% |
|
|
| |||
113,997 |
|
Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte SAB de CV, ADR(b) |
|
4,688,697 |
| |
NETHERLANDS1.3% |
|
|
| |||
SEMICONDUCTORS & SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT1.3% |
|
|
| |||
45,000 |
|
ASM International NV(a) |
|
1,716,630 |
| |
NIGERIA2.4% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS1.3% |
|
|
| |||
19,437,011 |
|
Zenith Bank PLC(a) |
|
1,709,184 |
| |
BEVERAGES1.1% |
|
|
| |||
2,125,000 |
|
Guinness Nigeria PLC |
|
1,322,400 |
| |
|
|
|
|
3,031,584 |
| |
OMAN1.1% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS1.1% |
|
|
| |||
250,100 |
|
Bank Muscat SAOG, GDR(a) |
|
1,398,059 |
| |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
As of October 31, 2015
Shares |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
COMMON STOCKS (continued) |
|
|
| |||
PERU0.6% |
|
|
| |||
CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING0.6% |
|
|
| |||
195,354 |
|
Grana y Montero SA, ADR |
|
$ |
802,905 |
|
PHILIPPINES2.4% |
|
|
| |||
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE2.4% |
|
|
| |||
705,660 |
|
Jollibee Foods Corp.(a) |
|
3,098,335 |
| |
POLAND2.4% |
|
|
| |||
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING2.4% |
|
|
| |||
233,898 |
|
Eurocash SA(a) |
|
3,156,459 |
| |
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA3.0% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS2.0% |
|
|
| |||
214,283 |
|
BNK Financial Group, Inc.(a) |
|
2,623,638 |
| |
MULTILINE RETAIL1.0% |
|
|
| |||
6,000 |
|
Shinsegae Co. Ltd.(a) |
|
1,220,842 |
| |
|
|
|
|
3,844,480 |
| |
ROMANIA2.4% |
|
|
| |||
BANKS2.4% |
|
|
| |||
1,045,000 |
|
BRD-Groupe Societe Generale(a)(b) |
|
3,032,047 |
| |
RUSSIA1.4% |
|
|
| |||
BEVERAGES0.9% |
|
|
| |||
133,150 |
|
Synergy Co.(b) |
|
1,104,413 |
| |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING0.5% |
|
|
| |||
336,532 |
|
OKey Group SA, GDR |
|
706,717 |
| |
|
|
|
|
1,811,130 |
| |
SOUTH AFRICA8.2% |
|
|
| |||
CHEMICALS1.1% |
|
|
| |||
1,303,000 |
|
African Oxygen Ltd. |
|
1,431,144 |
| |
DIVERSIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES1.5% |
|
|
| |||
201,059 |
|
JSE Ltd.(a) |
|
1,936,867 |
| |
FOOD & STAPLES RETAILING3.9% |
|
|
| |||
351,900 |
|
Clicks Group Ltd.(a) |
|
2,566,710 |
| |
172,735 |
|
SPAR Group Ltd.(a) |
|
2,479,504 |
| |
|
|
|
|
5,046,214 |
| |
HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & LEISURE1.7% |
|
|
| |||
196,384 |
|
City Lodge Hotels Ltd. |
|
2,121,498 |
| |
|
|
|
|
10,535,723 |
| |
SRI LANKA1.6% |
|
|
| |||
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES1.6% |
|
|
| |||
1,667,801 |
|
John Keells Holdings PLC(a) |
|
2,071,010 |
| |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
As of October 31, 2015
Shares |
|
Description |
|
Value |
| |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
|
| |||
COMMON STOCKS (continued) |
|
|
| |||
THAILAND5.5% |
|
|
| |||
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS1.0% |
|
|
| |||
134,000 |
|
Siam City Cement PCL, Foreign Shares(a) |
|
$ |
1,272,025 |
|
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT INSTRUMENTS & COMPONENTS1.3% |
|
|
| |||
1,679,000 |
|
Hana Microelectronics PCL, Foreign Shares(a) |
|
1,627,629 |
| |
HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS & SERVICES1.4% |
|
|
| |||
302,000 |
|
Bumrungrad Hospital PCL, Foreign Shares(a) |
|
1,831,667 |
| |
MEDIA0.8% |
|
|
| |||
1,200,100 |
|
BEC World PCL, Foreign Shares(a) |
|
1,061,490 |
| |
REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT1.0% |
|
|
| |||
1,020,000 |
|
Central Pattana PCL, Foreign Shares(a) |
|
1,317,942 |
| |
|
|
|
|
7,110,753 |
| |
TURKEY3.8% |
|
|
| |||
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS2.1% |
|
|
| |||
501,702 |
|
Cimsa Cimento Sanayi VE Ticaret A.S.(a) |
|
2,732,407 |
| |
INSURANCE1.7% |
|
|
| |||
1,982,000 |
|
Aksigorta AS(a) |
|
1,262,244 |
| |
170,818 |
|
AvivaSA Emeklilik ve Hayat AS |
|
928,677 |
| |
|
|
|
|
2,190,921 |
| |
|
|
|
|
4,923,328 |
| |
|
|
|
|
121,345,741 |
| |
PRIVATE EQUITY1.6% |
|
|
| |||
GLOBAL0.9% |
|
|
| |||
7,248,829 |
(c) |
Emerging Markets Ventures I, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f)(g) |
|
184,193 |
| |
2,400,000 |
(c) |
Telesoft Partners II QP, L.P.(a)(b)(e)(f)(h) |
|
993,096 |
| |
|
|
|
|
1,177,289 |
| |
ISRAEL0.7% |
|
|
| |||
1,674,587 |
(c) |
BPA Israel Ventures, LLC(a)(b)(d)(e)(f)(g) |
|
225,383 |
| |
2,000,000 |
(c) |
Concord Fund I Liquidating Main Trust(a)(b)(e)(f)(g) |
|
78,020 |
| |
2,750,000 |
(c) |
Giza GE Venture Fund III, L.P.(a)(b)(e)(f)(g) |
|
168,575 |
| |
761,184 |
(c) |
Neurone Ventures II, L.P.(a)(b)(e)(f)(h) |
|
426,430 |
| |
$32,574 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust A (Preferred)(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
15,531 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust B (Preferred)(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
13,219 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust B1 (Preferred)(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
6,864 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust C (Preferred)(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
4,150 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust C1 (Preferred)(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
1,802 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust Common(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
2,713 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust D (Preferred)(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
1,368 |
(c) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust Warrants(a)(b)(e)(f)(h)(i) |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
898,408 |
| |
|
|
|
|
2,075,697 |
| |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Portfolio of Investments (concluded)
As of October 31, 2015
Shares |
|
Description |
|
Value | |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES (continued) |
|
| |||
WARRANTS0.0% |
|
| |||
SRI LANKA0.0% |
|
| |||
INDUSTRIAL CONGLOMERATES0.0% |
|
| |||
92,603 |
|
John Keells Holdings PLC, expires 11/11/16(b) |
|
$ |
22,575 |
92,603 |
|
John Keells Holdings PLC, expires 11/12/15(b) |
|
9,142 | |
|
|
|
|
31,717 | |
|
|
Total Long-Term Equity Securities in Emerging Market Countries95.6% (cost $163,420,318) |
|
123,453,155 | |
LONG-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES IN DEVELOPED MARKET COUNTRIES2.8% |
|
| |||
COMMON STOCK2.8% |
|
| |||
UNITED STATES2.8% |
|
| |||
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES2.8% |
|
| |||
45,962 |
|
EPAM Systems, Inc.(b) |
|
3,555,161 | |
|
|
|
|
3,555,161 | |
PRIVATE EQUITY0.0% |
|
| |||
UNITED STATES0.0% |
|
| |||
1,952,000 |
(c) |
Technology Crossover Ventures IV, L.P.(a)(b)(d)(e)(f)(g) |
|
1,971 | |
|
|
|
|
1,971 | |
|
|
Total Long-Term Equity Securities in Developed Market Countries2.8% (cost $1,966,358) |
3,557,132 | ||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT1.5% |
|
| |||
$1,907,000 |
|
Repurchase Agreement, Fixed Income Clearing Corp., 0.00% dated 10/30/2015, due 11/02/2015 repurchase price $1,907,000, collateralized by U.S. Treasury Note, maturing 02/15/2025; total market value of $1,945,300 |
|
1,907,000 | |
|
|
Total Short-Term Investment1.5% (cost $1,907,000) |
|
1,907,000 | |
|
|
Total Investments99.9% (cost $167,293,676)(j) |
|
128,917,287 | |
|
|
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities0.1% |
|
183,370 | |
|
|
Net Assets100.0% |
|
$ |
129,100,657 |
(a) |
Fair Valued Security. Fair Values are determined pursuant to procedures approved by the Funds Board of Directors. See Note 2(a) of the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements. | |
(b) |
Non-income producing security. | |
(c) |
Represents contributed capital. | |
(d) |
As of October 31, 2015, the aggregate amount of open commitments for the Fund is $1,524,584. | |
(e) |
Illiquid security. | |
(f) |
Restricted security, not readily marketable. See Note (6) of the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements. | |
(g) |
In liquidation. | |
(h) |
Active investments. | |
(i) |
Vidyo, Inc. Trust was a spinoff from SVE Star Ventures IX. See Note (6) of the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements. | |
(j) |
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements for tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities. | |
ADR |
American Depositary Receipt | |
BDR |
Brazilian Depositary Receipt | |
GDR |
Global Depositary Receipt | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Statement of Assets and Liabilities |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
As of October 31, 2015
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Assets |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Investments, at value (cost $165,386,676) |
|
$ 127,010,287 |
| ||
Repurchase agreement, at value (cost $1,907,000) |
|
1,907,000 |
| ||
Foreign currency, at value (cost $313,109) |
|
290,026 |
| ||
Cash |
|
607 |
| ||
Receivable for investments sold |
|
177,604 |
| ||
Dividends receivable |
|
115,971 |
| ||
Prepaid expenses |
|
27,627 |
| ||
Total assets |
|
129,529,122 |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Liabilities |
|
|
| ||
Payable for investments purchased |
|
190,267 |
| ||
Investment advisory fees payable (Note 3) |
|
111,328 |
| ||
Director fees payable |
|
13,914 |
| ||
Administration fee payable (Note 3) |
|
8,733 |
| ||
Investor relations fees payable (Note 3) |
|
6,409 |
| ||
Accrued expenses |
|
97,814 |
| ||
Total liabilities |
|
428,465 |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Net Assets |
|
$ 129,100,657 |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Composition of Net Assets: |
|
|
| ||
Common stock (par value $.001 per share) (Note 5) |
|
$ 9,735 |
| ||
Paid-in capital in excess of par |
|
164,015,705 |
| ||
Accumulated net investment income |
|
466,142 |
| ||
Accumulated net realized gain from investment and foreign currency transactions |
|
3,011,114 |
| ||
Net unrealized/(depreciation) on investments and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies |
|
(38,402,039 |
) | ||
Net Assets |
|
$ 129,100,657 |
| ||
Net asset value per share based on 9,734,762 shares issued and outstanding |
|
$ 13.26 |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
| ||||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Statement of Operations |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
For the Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2015
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Net Investment Income |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Income |
|
|
| ||
Dividend and other income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $250,573) |
|
$ 3,255,942 |
| ||
Total Investment Income |
|
3,255,942 |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Expenses |
|
|
| ||
Investment advisory fee (Note 3) |
|
1,524,530 |
| ||
Directors fees |
|
156,581 |
| ||
Custodians fees and expenses |
|
113,229 |
| ||
Administration fee (Note 3) |
|
112,417 |
| ||
Investor relations fees and expenses (Note 3) |
|
66,752 |
| ||
Independent auditors fees and expenses |
|
56,462 |
| ||
Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation |
|
48,235 |
| ||
Insurance expense |
|
39,630 |
| ||
Legal fees and expenses |
|
30,540 |
| ||
Transfer agents fees and expenses |
|
27,838 |
| ||
Miscellaneous |
|
25,294 |
| ||
Total expenses |
|
2,201,508 |
| ||
Less: Fee waivers (Note 3) |
|
(62,201 |
) | ||
Net expenses |
|
2,139,307 |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
Net Investment Income |
|
1,116,635 |
| ||
Net Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) from Investments and Foreign Currency Related Transactions: |
|
|
| ||
Net realized gain/(loss) from: |
|
|
| ||
Investment transactions(a) |
|
487,533 |
| ||
Foreign currency transactions |
|
(177,335 |
) | ||
|
|
310,198 |
| ||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: |
|
|
| ||
Investments |
|
(23,147,058 |
) | ||
Foreign currency translation |
|
752 |
| ||
|
|
(23,146,306 |
) | ||
Net realized and unrealized loss from investments |
|
(22,836,108 |
) | ||
Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Operations |
|
$ (21,719,473 |
) | ||
|
|
|
| ||
(a) Includes realized gain portion of distributions from underlying private equity investments of $46,096. |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
| |||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Statements of Changes in Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
For the |
|
For the |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Operations: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net investment income |
|
$ 1,116,635 |
|
$ 1,695,337 |
| ||
Net realized gain/(loss) from investment and foreign currency related transactions |
|
310,198 |
|
(5,033,111 |
) | ||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and foreign currency translations |
|
(23,146,306 |
) |
(700,661 |
) | ||
Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(21,719,473 |
) |
(4,038,435 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Distributions to Shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net investment income |
|
(2,029,014 |
) |
(2,854,581 |
) | ||
Net realized gains |
|
|
|
(46,909,496 |
) | ||
Net decrease in net assets from distributions |
|
(2,029,014 |
) |
(49,764,077 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Common Stock Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Issuance of 0 and 1,518,067 shares, respectively, due to stock distribution (Note 5) |
|
|
|
19,871,497 |
| ||
Repurchase of common stock from open market repurchase program of 29,970 and 0 shares, respectively (Note 7) |
|
(366,470 |
) |
|
| ||
Change in net assets from capital transactions |
|
(366,470 |
) |
19,871,497 |
| ||
Change in net assets resulting from operations |
|
(24,114,957 |
) |
(33,931,015 |
) | ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Net Assets: |
|
|
|
|
| ||
Beginning of year |
|
153,215,614 |
|
187,146,629 |
| ||
End of year (including accumulated net investment income of $466,142 and $1,605,401, respectively) |
|
$129,100,657 |
|
$153,215,614 |
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Amounts listed as are $0 or round to $0. |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
| ||||||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
|
|
|
|
|
| ||
Financial Highlights
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, |
| ||||||||
|
|
2015 |
|
2014 |
|
2013 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value per common share, beginning of year |
|
$15.69 |
|
$22.69 |
|
$22.95 |
|
$20.02 |
|
$20.86 |
|
Net investment income |
|
0.11 |
|
0.18 |
|
0.23 |
|
0.42 |
|
0.41 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments and foreign currency transactions |
|
(2.34 |
) |
(0.93 |
) |
(0.10 |
) |
2.85 |
|
(0.72 |
) |
Total from investment operations applicable to common shareholders |
|
(2.23 |
) |
(0.75 |
) |
0.13 |
|
3.27 |
|
(0.31 |
) |
Distributions to common shareholders from: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income |
|
(0.21 |
) |
(0.30 |
) |
(0.39 |
) |
(0.34 |
) |
(0.53 |
) |
Net realized gains |
|
|
|
(5.73 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributions |
|
(0.21 |
) |
(6.03 |
) |
(0.39 |
) |
(0.34 |
) |
(0.53 |
) |
Capital Share Transactions: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact due to capital shares issued from stock distribution (Note 5) |
|
|
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impact due to open market repurchase program (Note 7) |
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital share transactions |
|
0.01 |
|
(0.22 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value per common share, end of year |
|
$13.26 |
|
$15.69 |
|
$22.69 |
|
$22.95 |
|
$20.02 |
|
Market value, end of year |
|
$11.55 |
|
$14.15 |
|
$20.47 |
|
$20.65 |
|
$18.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment Return Based on(b): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market value |
|
(17.08% |
) |
1.00% |
|
1.04% |
|
16.56% |
|
(2.76% |
) |
Net asset value |
|
(14.15% |
) |
1.03% |
|
0.77% |
|
16.67% |
|
(1.24% |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders/Supplementary Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of year (000 omitted) |
|
$129,101 |
|
$153,216 |
|
$187,147 |
|
$189,240 |
|
$165,075 |
|
Average net assets applicable to common shareholders (000 omitted) |
|
$140,522 |
|
$151,939 |
|
$190,084 |
|
$175,613 |
|
$169,025 |
|
Net operating expenses, net of fee waivers |
|
1.52% |
|
1.61% |
|
1.47% |
|
1.43% |
|
1.50% |
|
Net operating expenses, excluding fee waivers |
|
1.57% |
|
1.66% |
|
1.52% |
|
1.48% |
|
1.55% |
|
Net investment income |
|
0.79% |
|
1.12% |
|
0.99% |
|
1.97% |
|
2.00% |
|
Portfolio turnover |
|
9.08% |
|
9.88% |
|
99.18% |
|
5.14% |
|
49.48% |
|
(a) Based on average shares outstanding.
(b) Total investment return based on market value is calculated assuming that shares of the Funds common stock were purchased at the closing market price as of the beginning of the period, dividends, capital gains, and other distributions were reinvested as provided for in the Funds dividend reinvestment plan and then sold at the closing market price per share on the last day of the period. The computation does not reflect any sales commission investors may incur in purchasing or selling shares of the Fund. The total investment return based on the net asset value is similarly computed except that the Funds net asset value is substituted for the closing market value.
Amounts listed as are $0 or round to $0.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2015
1. Organization
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated in Maryland on October 12, 1993, and is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end nondiversified management investment company. The Fund trades on the NYSE MKT under the ticker symbol ABE.
The Funds investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation.
As a fundamental policy, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Funds net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, will be invested in equity securities of emerging market smaller company issuers. An emerging market country is any country determined by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, the Funds investment adviser (AAML or the Adviser), to have an emerging market economy, considering factors such as the countrys credit rating, its political and economic stability and the development of its financial and capital markets. Emerging market countries for purposes of this policy can include every nation in the world except the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and most countries located in Western Europe. Smaller companies for the purposes of this policy can be companies that, at the time of purchase, have a market capitalization of less than $5 billion.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounting records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. Dollars.
a. Security Valuation:
The Fund values its securities at current market value or fair value, consistent with regulatory requirements. Fair value is defined in the Funds valuation and liquidity procedures as the price that could be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants without a compulsion to contract at the measurement date.
Equity securities that are traded on an exchange are valued at the last quoted sale price on the principal exchange on which the security is
traded at the Valuation Time subject to application, when appropriate, of the valuation factors described in the paragraph below. The Valuation Time is as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). In the absence of a sale price, the security is valued at the mean of the bid/ask price quoted at the close on the principal exchange on which the security is traded. Securities traded on NASDAQ are valued at the NASDAQ official closing price. Closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are valued at the market price of the security at the Valuation Time. A security using any of these pricing methodologies is determined to be a Level 1 investment.
Foreign equity securities that are traded on foreign exchanges that close prior to the Valuation Time are valued by applying valuation factors to the last sale price or the mean price as noted above. Valuation factors are provided by an independent pricing service provider approved by the Funds Board of Directors (the Board). These valuation factors are used when pricing the Funds portfolio holdings to estimate market movements between the time foreign markets close and the time the Fund values such foreign securities. These valuation factors are based on inputs such as depositary receipts, indices, futures, sector indices/ETFs, exchange rates, and local exchange opening and closing prices of each security. When prices with the application of valuation factors are utilized, the value assigned to the foreign securities may not be the same as quoted or published prices of the securities on their primary markets. A security that applies a valuation factor is determined to be a Level 2 investment because the exchange-traded price has been adjusted. Valuation factors are not utilized if the independent pricing service provider is unable to provide a valuation factor or if the valuation factor falls below a predetermined threshold; in such case, the security is determined to be a Level 1 investment.
In the event that a securitys market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which it trades closes before the Valuation Time), the security is valued at fair value as determined by the Funds Pricing Committee, taking into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances using valuation policies and procedures approved and established by the Board. A security that has been fair valued by the Pricing Committee may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the nature of the inputs.
The Fund also invests in private equity private placement securities, which represented 1.6% of the net assets of the Fund as of October 31, 2015. The private equity private placement securities are deemed to be restricted securities. In the absence of readily ascertainable market values, these securities are valued at fair value as determined in good
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
faith by, or under the direction of the Board, pursuant to valuation policies and procedures established by the Board. The Funds estimate of fair value assumes a willing buyer and a willing seller neither of whom are acting under the compulsion to buy or sell. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could differ from the prices originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values, and the difference could be material. These securities are categorized as Level 3 investments. Level 3 investments have significant unobservable inputs, as they trade infrequently. In determining the fair value of these investments, management uses the market approach which includes as the primary input the capital balance reported; however, adjustments to the reported capital balance may be made based on various factors, including, but not limited to, the attributes of the interest held, including the rights and obligations, and any restrictions or illiquidity of such interests, and the fair value of these private equity investments.
In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Fund discloses the fair value of its investments using a three-level hierarchy that classifies the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The hierarchy assigns Level 1 measurements to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 2 measurements to valuations based upon other significant observable inputs, including adjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, and Level 3 measurements to valuations based upon
unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entitys own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. A financial instruments level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three-level hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:
Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;
Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk); or
Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2015 in valuing the Funds investments and other financial instruments at fair value. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. Please refer to the Portfolio of Investments for a detailed breakout of the security types:
Investments, at Value |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total |
|
Long-Term Investments |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Automobiles |
|
$1,046,137 |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$1,046,137 |
|
Banks |
|
912,000 |
|
11,886,336 |
|
|
|
12,798,336 |
|
Beverages |
|
1,322,400 |
|
4,130,627 |
|
|
|
5,453,027 |
|
Chemicals |
|
1,431,144 |
|
6,114,062 |
|
|
|
7,545,206 |
|
Commercial Services & Supplies |
|
1,213,273 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,213,273 |
|
Construction & Engineering |
|
802,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
802,905 |
|
Food & Staples Retailing |
|
706,717 |
|
8,202,673 |
|
|
|
8,909,390 |
|
Food Products |
|
6,400,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
6,400,574 |
|
Health Care Providers & Services |
|
1,785,627 |
|
1,831,667 |
|
|
|
3,617,294 |
|
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure |
|
2,121,498 |
|
4,451,304 |
|
|
|
6,572,802 |
|
Industrial Conglomerates |
|
31,717 |
|
2,071,010 |
|
|
|
2,102,727 |
|
Information Technology Services |
|
6,652,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
6,652,300 |
|
Insurance |
|
928,677 |
|
1,262,244 |
|
|
|
2,190,921 |
|
Pharmaceuticals |
|
1,932,749 |
|
1,992,864 |
|
|
|
3,925,613 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
Investments, at Value |
|
Level 1 |
|
Level 2 |
|
Level 3 |
|
Total |
|
Real Estate Management & Development |
|
$7,673,575 |
|
$2,904,710 |
|
$ |
|
$10,578,285 |
|
Road & Rail |
|
1,641,286 |
|
2,208,809 |
|
|
|
3,850,095 |
|
Software |
|
1,568,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,568,264 |
|
Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods |
|
2,240,260 |
|
1,055,147 |
|
|
|
3,295,407 |
|
Transportation Infrastructure |
|
6,408,628 |
|
1,104,397 |
|
|
|
7,513,025 |
|
Other |
|
|
|
28,897,038 |
|
|
|
28,897,038 |
|
Private Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
2,077,668 |
|
2,077,668 |
|
Short-Term Investment |
|
|
|
1,907,000 |
|
|
|
1,907,000 |
|
Total |
|
$46,819,731 |
|
$80,019,888 |
|
$2,077,668 |
|
$128,917,287 |
|
Amounts listed as are $0 or round to $0.
For movements between the Levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Fund has adopted a policy of recognizing transfers at the end of each period. The utilization of valuation factors may result in transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the securities issued by Aeon Co. (M) Bhd, Bank Permata Tbk PT, BRD-Groupe Societe Generale, Clicks Group Ltd., East African Breweries Ltd., Godrej Consumer Products Ltd., JSE Ltd. and Ramco Cements Ltd. (The) in the amounts of $2,464,007, $1,228,430, $3,032,047, $2,566,710, $2,028,629, $3,940,540, $1,936,867 and $2,476,446, respectively, transferred from Level 1 to Level 2 because there was a valuation factor applied at October 31, 2015. The securities issued by Guinness Nigeria PLC, MphasiS Ltd., OKey Group SA, GDR and United
Plantations Bhd in the amounts of $1,322,400, $1,898,223, $706,717 and $1,480,447, respectively, transferred from Level 2 to Level 1 because there was not a valuation factor applied at October 31, 2015.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Funds private equity holdings are audited financial statements, interim financial statements, capital calls, distributions, and Aberdeen Pricing Committee decisions. These unobservable inputs are used by taking the most recent quarterly valuation statements and adjusting the value using the unobservable inputs mentioned above. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Valuation Technique |
|
Unobservable Inputs |
|
Range |
|
Private Equity |
|
$2,077,668 |
|
Partner Capital |
|
Capital Calls & Distributions |
|
$172,850-$0 |
|
The following is a reconciliation of investments in which significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) were used in determining value:
Investments, |
|
Balance |
|
Accrued |
|
Realized |
|
Change in |
|
Capital |
|
Distributions/ |
|
Net |
|
Net |
|
Balance |
Private Equity |
|
$2,735,971 |
|
$ |
|
$(692,704) |
|
$399,894 |
|
$ |
|
$(365,493) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$2,077,668 |
Total |
|
$2,735,971 |
|
$ |
|
$(692,704) |
|
$399,894 |
|
$ |
|
$(365,493) |
|
$ |
|
$ |
|
$2,077,668 |
Amounts listed as are $0 or round to $0.
Change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) relating to investments still held at October 31, 2015 is $(416,170).
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
b. Repurchase Agreements:
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement. It is the Funds policy that its custodian/counterparty segregate the underlying collateral securities, the value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. The repurchase price generally equals the price paid by the Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the collateral is valued on a daily basis to determine its adequacy. Under the Master Repurchase Agreement, if the counterparty defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the counterparty of the repurchase agreement, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited. Repurchase agreements are subject to contractual netting arrangements with the counterparty, Fixed Income Clearing Corp. For additional information on the Funds repurchase agreements, see the Portfolio of Investments. The Fund held a repurchase agreement of $1,907,000 as of October 31, 2015. The value of the related collateral exceeded the value of the repurchase agreement at October 31, 2015.
c. Foreign Currency Translation:
Foreign securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of said currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of the Valuation Time, as provided by an independent pricing service approved by the Board.
Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars on the following basis:
(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities at the exchange rates at the current daily rates of exchange; and
(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at the rate of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments in equity securities which is due to changes in the foreign exchange rates from that which is due to changes in market prices of equity securities. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains and losses on investment transactions balances.
The Fund reports certain foreign currency related transactions and foreign taxes withheld on security transactions as components of realized gains for financial reporting purposes, whereas such foreign
currency related transactions are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Net unrealized currency gains or losses from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period end exchange rates are reflected as a component of net unrealized appreciation/depreciation in value of investments, and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses represent foreign exchange gains and losses from transactions in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts, exchange gains or losses realized between the trade date and settlement date on security transactions, and the difference between the amounts of interest and dividends recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. Dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the U.S. Dollar. Generally, when the U.S. Dollar rises in value against foreign currency, the Funds investments denominated in that foreign currency will lose value because the foreign currency is worth fewer U.S. Dollars; the opposite effect occurs if the U.S. Dollar falls in relative value.
d. Rights Issues and Warrants:
Rights issues give the right, normally to existing shareholders, to buy a proportional number of additional securities at a given price (generally at a discount) within a fixed period (generally on a short term period) and are offered at the companys discretion. Warrants are securities that give the holder the right to buy common stock at a specified price for a specified period of time. Rights issues and warrants are speculative and have no value if they are not exercised before the expiration date. Rights issues and warrants are valued at the last sale price on the exchange on which they are traded.
e. Security Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses:
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Interest income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
f. Distributions:
On an annual basis, the Fund intends to distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, by way of a final distribution to be declared during the calendar quarter ending December 31. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currencies, investments in passive foreign investment companies and partnerships.
g. Federal Income Taxes:
The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve the Fund from all federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
The Fund recognizes the tax benefits of uncertain tax positions only where the position is more likely than not to be sustained assuming examination by tax authorities. Management of the Fund has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Funds U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended October 31 are subject to such review.
h. Foreign Withholding Tax:
Dividend and interest income from non-U.S. sources received by the Fund are generally subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes. In addition, the Fund may be subject to capital gains tax in certain countries in which it invests. The above taxes may be reduced or eliminated under the terms of applicable U.S. income tax treaties with some of these countries. The Fund accrues such taxes when the related income is earned.
i. Partnership Accounting Policy:
The Fund records its pro-rata share of the income/(loss) and capital gains/(losses) allocated from the underlying partnerships and adjusts the cost of the underlying partnerships accordingly. These amounts are included in the Funds Statement of Operations.
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
a. Investment Adviser:
AAML serves as the Funds investment adviser with respect to all investments. AAML is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Aberdeen
Asset Management PLC. AAML receives, as compensation for its advisory services from the Fund, an annual fee, calculated weekly and paid quarterly, equal to 1.25% of the first $100 million of the Funds average weekly market value or net assets (whichever is lower), 1.125% of the next $100 million and 1.00% of amounts in excess of $200 million. AAML has agreed to contractually waive 0.05% of its annual advisory fee waiver agreement (Waiver Agreement). The Waiver Agreement is subject to approval by the Adviser and the Funds Board. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, AAML earned $1,524,530 for advisory services, of which AAML waived $62,201.
b. Fund Administration:
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (AAMI), an affiliate of the Adviser, is the Funds Administrator, pursuant to an agreement under which AAMI receives a fee payable quarterly by the Fund, at an annual fee rate of 0.08% of the Funds average monthly Managed Assets. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, AAMI earned $112,417 from the Fund for administration services.
c. Investor Relations:
Under the terms of an Investor Relations Services Agreement, AAMI, an affiliate of AAML, serves as the Funds investor relations services provider.
Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, AAMI provides, among other things, objective and timely information to shareholders based on publicly-available information; provides information efficiently through the use of technology while offering shareholders immediate access to knowledgeable investor relations representatives; develops and maintains effective communications with investment professionals from a wide variety of firms; creates and maintains investor relations communication materials such as fund manager interviews, films and webcasts, published white papers, magazine articles and other relevant materials discussing the Funds investment results, portfolio positioning and outlook; develops and maintains effective communications with large institutional shareholders; responds to specific shareholder questions; and reports activities and results to the Board and management detailing insight into general shareholder sentiment.
Effective January 1, 2015, investor relations services fees are capped at an annual rate of 0.05% of the Funds average net assets. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $65,806. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, AAMI did not waive any investor relation fees because the Fund did not reach the capped amount. Investor relations fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
d. Directors Purchase Plan:
Fifty percent (50%) of the annual retainer of the Independent Directors is invested in Fund shares and, at the option of each Independent Director, up to 100% of the annual retainer can be invested in shares of the Fund. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, 4,302 shares were purchased pursuant to the Directors compensation plan. As of October 31, 2015, the Directors as a group owned less than 1% of the Funds outstanding shares.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, were $12,570,410 and $14,636,451, respectively.
5. Capital
The authorized capital of the Fund is 100 million shares of $0.001 par value common stock. As of October 31, 2015, there were 9,734,762 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
On December 6, 2013, the Board of Directors declared the payment of an elective cash distribution in the amount of $6.02616 per share of common stock to be paid, on January 31, 2014, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 20, 2013. The distribution was payable in shares of the Funds common stock. However, shareholders had the option to request that their distributions be paid in cash in lieu of common stock. The aggregate amount of cash distributions to all shareholders was limited to 60% of the aggregate dollar amount of the total distribution. Because cash distribution requests exceeded this limit, the cash distribution was pro-rated among all stockholders who made such requests. Shareholders who requested cash distributions received $4.37 per share of the distribution in cash and received the balance in the Funds common stock. For purposes of computing the stock portion of the dividend, the common stock distributed was valued at $13.09 per share, which equalled the average closing price of the Funds common shares on the NYSE MKT on January 23, 2014 and the two preceding trading days. Following the close of the elective stock distribution, the Fund issued 1,518,067 shares. Following the closing of the elective cash distribution, the Funds number of shares was 9,764,732.
6. Private Equity Investments
Certain of the Funds investments, listed in the chart below, are restricted as to resale and are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by, or under the direction of, the Board under procedures established by the Board in the absence of readily ascertainable market values.
Security(1) |
|
Acquisition Date(s) |
|
Cost |
|
Fair Value |
|
Percent |
|
Cumulative |
|
Open |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BPA Israel Ventures, LLC |
|
10/05/00 12/09/05 |
|
$929,799 |
|
$225,383 |
|
0.18 |
|
$327,976 |
|
$625,413 |
Concord Fund I Liquidating Main Trust |
|
12/08/97 09/29/00 |
|
1,198,522 |
|
78,020 |
|
0.06 |
|
1,386,405 |
|
|
Emerging Markets Ventures I, L.P. |
|
01/22/98 01/10/06 |
|
2,474,673 |
|
184,193 |
|
0.14 |
|
7,552,733 |
|
851,171 |
Giza GE Venture Fund III, L.P. |
|
01/31/00 11/23/06 |
|
1,717,032 |
|
168,575 |
|
0.13 |
|
885,262 |
|
|
Neurone Ventures II, L.P. |
|
11/24/00 12/21/10 |
|
121,786 |
|
426,430 |
|
0.33 |
|
533,564 |
|
|
Technology Crossover Ventures IV, L.P. |
|
03/08/00 09/27/10 |
|
359,691 |
|
1,971 |
|
0.00 |
|
3,045,426 |
|
48,000 |
Telesoft Partners II QP, L.P. |
|
07/14/00 03/01/10 |
|
1,112,731 |
|
993,096 |
|
0.77 |
|
1,282,411 |
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust A (Preferred)(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
29,796 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust B (Preferred)(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
14,207 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust B1 (Preferred)(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
12,092 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust C (Preferred)(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
6,279 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust C1 (Preferred)(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
3,796 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust Common(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
1,648 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust D (Preferred)(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
2,482 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Vidyo, Inc. Trust Warrants(2) |
|
10/24/12 |
|
1,251 |
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
$7,985,785 |
|
$2,077,668 |
|
1.61 |
|
$15,013,777 |
|
$1,524,584 |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
Amounts listed as are $0 or round to $0.
(1) Neurone Ventures II, L.P., Telesoft Partners II QP, L.P. and Vidyo, Inc. Trust are still considered active investments by the Adviser. BPA Israel Ventures, LLC, Concord Fund I Liquidating Main Trust, Giza GE Venture Fund III, L.P., Emerging Markets Ventures I, L.P. and Technology Crossover Ventures IV, L.P. are in liquidation.
(2) Vidyo, Inc. Trust was a spinoff from SVE Star Ventures IX. SVE Star Ventures IX reached the end of its term in 2012 and accordingly, its entire portfolio was sold in a secondary transaction which closed on December 24, 2012. During the secondary transaction, the Funds pro rata holdings in Vidyo (and its affiliate Delta Vidyo) were excluded from the transaction, placed in trust and considered as a distribution-in-kind.
(3) The open commitments are unlikely to be called.
The Fund may incur certain costs in connection with the disposition of the above securities.
7. Open Market Repurchase Program
The Board authorized, but does not require, Fund management to make open market purchases from time to time in an amount up to 10% of the Funds outstanding shares, in accordance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable federal securities laws. Such purchases may be made when, in the reasonable judgment of Fund management, such repurchases may enhance shareholder value. The Fund reports repurchase activity on the Funds website on a monthly basis. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Fund repurchased 29,970 shares through this program.
8. Portfolio Investment Risks
a. Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies:
Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation, and political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.
Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries.
b. Risks Associated with Emerging Markets:
The emerging countries securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. A high proportion of the securities of many companies in emerging countries may be held by a limited number of persons, which may limit the number of securities available for investment by
the Fund. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities markets may also affect the Funds ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so.
c. Risks Associated with Restricted Securities:
The Fund, subject to local investment limitations, may invest up to 30% of its assets (at the time of commitment) in illiquid equity securities, including securities of private equity funds (whether in corporate or partnership form) that invest primarily in emerging markets. When investing through another investment fund, the Fund will bear its proportionate share of the expenses incurred by that underlying fund, including management fees. Such securities are expected to be illiquid and may involve a high degree of business and financial risk and may result in substantial losses. Because of the current absence of any liquid trading market for these investments, the private equity funds may take longer to liquidate than would be the case for publicly traded securities. Although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized on such sales could be substantially less than those originally paid by the Fund or the current carrying values and these differences could be material. Further, companies whose securities are not publicly traded may not be subject to the disclosures and other investor protection requirements applicable to companies whose securities are publicly traded.
d. Risks Associated with Focus on Emerging Markets Smaller Companies:
The Fund focuses its investments in the equity securities of emerging markets smaller companies issuers. Securities of companies in emerging market countries are generally more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities, due to less stable governments, more volatile currencies and less established markets. Additionally, securities of smaller companies are usually less stable in price and less liquid than those of larger, more established companies. These risks will have a greater impact on the Funds net asset value and will cause its shares to fluctuate more than if the Fund did not focus its investments in these types of securities.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2015
e. Sector Risk:
To the extent that a Fund has a significant portion of its assets invested in securities of companies conducting business in a broadly related group of industries within an economic sector, the Fund may be more vulnerable to unfavorable developments in that economic sector than funds that invest more broadly.
9. Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Funds maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund, and therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.
10. Tax Information
The U.S. federal income tax basis of the Funds investments and the net unrealized appreciation as of October 31, 2015 were as follows:
Tax Basis of |
|
Appreciation |
|
Depreciation |
|
Net |
|
$162,263,660 |
|
$15,976,686 |
|
$(49,323,059) |
|
$(33,346,373) |
|
Income and capital gains distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP.
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and October 31, 2014 was as follows:
|
|
October 31, 2015 |
|
October 31, 2014 |
|
Distributions paid from: |
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Income |
|
$2,029,014 |
|
$2,854,581 |
|
Net long-term capital gains |
|
|
|
46,909,496 |
|
Total tax character of distributions |
|
$2,029,014 |
|
$49,764,077 |
|
As of October 31, 2015, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income net |
|
$1,015,415 |
|
Undistributed long-term capital gains net |
|
|
|
Total undistributed earnings |
|
$1,015,415 |
|
Capital loss carryforward |
|
(2,568,181) |
* |
Other currency gains |
|
|
|
Other temporary differences |
|
|
|
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) |
|
(33,372,017) |
** |
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) net |
|
$(34,924,783) |
|
* During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 the Fund generated a capital loss carryforward of $2,568,181, which consisted of $2,382,856 of short-term post RIC-Mod losses and $185,325 long-term post RIC-Mod losses with no expiration date. Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Fund will be permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.
** The tax basis of components of distributable earnings differs from the amounts reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities by temporary book/tax differences. These differences are primarily due to timing differences due to wash sales, partnerships and investments in passive foreign investment companies.
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
October 31, 2015
GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be adjusted to reflect permanent differences between financial and tax reporting. Accordingly, the table below details the necessary reclassifications, which are a result of permanent differences primarily attributable to partnerships, investments in passive foreign investment companies, and foreign currency losses. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or net asset values per share.
Accumulated |
|
Accumulated |
|
$(226,880) |
|
$226,880 |
|
11. Subsequent Events
Management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no disclosures or adjustments were required to the financial statements as of October 31, 2015, other than those listed below.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. (the Fund) at October 31, 2015, 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. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as financial statements) are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at October 31, 2015 by correspondence with the custodian and venture capital issuers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 23, 2015
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Federal Tax Information: Dividends and Distributions (unaudited)
The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid by the Fund during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015:
Payable |
|
Total Cash |
|
Long-Term |
|
Tax |
|
Net |
|
Foreign |
|
Gross |
|
Qualified |
|
Foreign |
|
1/12/15 |
|
0.207790 |
|
0.000000 |
|
0.000000 |
|
0.207790 |
|
0.03195 |
|
0.23974 |
|
0.207790 |
|
0.201208 |
|
(1) The foreign taxes paid represent taxes incurred by the Fund on interest received from foreign sources. Foreign taxes paid may be included in taxable income with an offsetting deduction from gross income or may be taken as a credit for taxes paid to foreign governments. You should consult your tax advisor regarding the appropriate treatment of foreign taxes paid.
(2) The Fund hereby designates the amount indicated above or the maximum amount allowable by law.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Management of the Fund (unaudited)
The names of the Directors and Officers of the Fund, their addresses, year of birth, and principal occupations during the past five years are provided in the tables below. Directors that are deemed interested persons (as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the Fund or the Adviser are included in the table below under the heading Interested Directors. Directors who are not interested persons, as described above, are referred to in the table below under the heading Independent Directors.
Board of Directors Information
Name, Address and |
|
Position(s) Held |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
Independent Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enrique R. Arzac
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nominating Committee Chairman and Audit and Valuation Committee Member |
|
Since 1996; Chairman since 2005; current term ends at the 2016 annual meeting |
|
Mr. Arzac is currently a Professor Emeritus of Finance and Economics of Columbia University since 2015. Previously, he was a Professor of Finance and Economics at the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University (education) from 1971 to 2015. |
|
5 |
|
Director of Adams Diversified Equity Fund since 1983; Director of Adams Natural Resources Fund since 1987; Director of Mirae Asset Funds (6) since 2010; Director of Credit Suisse Funds (9) since 1990; Director of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc. since 2001; Director of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. since 1990. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
James Cattano Year of Birth: 1943 |
|
Director, Audit and Valuation Committee Chairman and Nominating and Cost Review Committee Member |
|
Since 1993; current term ends at the 2016 annual meeting |
|
Mr. Cattano has been the President of Costal Trade Corporation (international commodity trade) since October 2011. Previously, he was the President of Primary Resources Inc. (agricultural and raw materials) from 1996 to 2011. |
|
5 |
|
Director of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. since 2006 and Director of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund since 2006. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven Rappaport Year of Birth: 1948 |
|
Director, Audit and Valuation, Nominating , and Cost Review Committee Member |
|
Since 2006; current term ends at the 2018 annual meeting |
|
Mr. Rappaport has been a Partner of Lehigh Court, LLC (private investment firm) and RZ Capital LLC (private investment firm) since 2004. |
|
5 |
|
Director of iCAD, Inc. since 2006; Director of Credit Suisse Funds (9) since 1999; Director of Credit Suisse High Yield Bond Fund, Inc. since 2005; Director of Credit Suisse Asset Management Income Fund, Inc. since 2005. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Martin Torino Year of Birth: 1949 |
|
Director, Audit and Valuation, Nominating, and Cost Review Committee Member |
|
Since 1993; current term ends at the 2017 annual meeting |
|
Mr. Torino has been President of TA USA (agricultural sector) since May 1991 and the President of Rio Calchaqui SA (food and beverages) since June 2007. Previously he was the President of Expreso Morell SA (transportation and logistics) from 2009 to 2012. |
|
3 |
|
Director of San Lucas S.A. |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Management of the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
Name, Address and |
|
Position(s) Held |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) |
|
Number of |
|
Other |
Interested Directors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alexander Zagoreos
|
|
Director |
|
Since 2011; current term ends at the 2018 annual meeting |
|
Mr. Zagoreos has been Senior Advisor to Lazard Asset Management (asset management) since 2007. Previously, he was a Partner and Managing Director of Lazard Asset Management (asset management) from 1977 to 2006. |
|
1 |
|
Director, Alpha Andromeda Fund since 2008; Chairman, Utilico Emerging Markets Trust since 2006; Director of The Taiwan Opportunities Fund since 2006. |
* Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Singapore Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc., The Asia-Tigers Fund, Inc., The India Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Greater China Fund Inc., Aberdeen Investment Funds and Aberdeen Funds have a common investment manager and/or investment adviser, or an investment adviser that is affiliated with the Adviser, and may thus be deemed to be part of the same Fund Complex.
Information Regarding Officers who are not Directors
Name, Address and |
|
Position(s) Held |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
Officers |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christian Pittard* Year of Birth: 1973 |
|
President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Group Head of Product Opportunities of Aberdeen Asset Investment Services Limited. Previously, Mr. Pittard was Director and Vice President (2006- 2008), Chief Executive Officer 2005 to 2006 and employee (since 2005) of Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.; Member of Executive Management Committee of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (since August 2005). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Cotton* Year of Birth: 1977 |
|
Chief Compliance Officer, Vice President Compliance |
|
Since 2011 |
|
Currently, Director, Vice President and Head of Compliance Americas for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Mr. Cotton joined Aberdeen in 2010. Prior to joining Aberdeen, Mr. Cotton was a Senior Compliance Officer at Old Mutual Asset Management (2009-2010) supporting its affiliated investment advisers and mutual fund platform. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrea Melia* Year of Birth: 1969 |
|
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Head of Fund Administration US for and Vice President of Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Ms. Melia joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in September 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Megan Kennedy* Year of Birth: 1974 |
|
Secretary and Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Head of Product Management for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Ms. Kennedy joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in 2005. |
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
Management of the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
Name, Address and |
|
Position(s) Held |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alan Goodson*
|
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Head of Product US, overseeing Product Management, Product Development and Investor Services for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.s registered and unregistered investment companies in the U.S. and Canada. Mr. Goodson is Director and Vice President of Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. and joined Aberdeen in 2000. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bev Hendry* Year of Birth: 1953 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2014 |
|
Currently Co-Head of Americas and Chief Financial Officer of AAMI. Mr. Hendry first Aberdeen in 1987 and helped establish Aberdeens business in the Americas in Fort Lauderdale. Mr Hendry left Aberdeen in 2008 when the company moved to its headquarters in Philadelphia. Mr Hendry re-joined Aberdeen from Hansberger Global Investors in Fort Lauderdale where he worked as Chief Operating Officer for 6 years. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joanne Irvine* Year of Birth: 1968 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Head of Emerging Markets Ex. Asia on the global emerging markets equities team for the Advsier in London, England since 1997. Ms. Irvine joined Aberdeen Asset Management in 1996 in a group development role. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Devan Kaloo* Year of Birth: 1972 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Head of Global Emerging Markets for Aberdeen Asset Management since 2005. Mr. Kaloo joined Aberdeen in 2000 on the Asian portfolio team before becoming responsible for the Asian ex Japan region as well as regional portfolios within emerging market mandates and technology stocks. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jennifer Nichols* Year of Birth: 1978 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Global Head of Legal for Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. Director and Vice President for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2006. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nick Robinson* Year of Birth: 1978 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2011 |
|
Currently, Director and Head of Brazilian Equities, of Aberdeen Asset Managements operations in São Paulo, Brazil since 2009. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lucia Sitar* Year of Birth: 1971 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently, Vice President and Managing U.S. Counsel for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2013. Ms. Sitar joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in 2007 as U.S. Counsel. |
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Management of the Fund (unaudited) (concluded)
Name, Address and |
|
Position(s) Held |
|
Term of Office |
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hugh Young** Year of Birth: 1958 |
|
Vice President |
|
Since 2009 |
|
Currently a member of the Executive Management Committee of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC and Managing Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (AAMAL) since 1991. Mr. Young is a Director of AAMAL since 2000 also he as a Director of Aberdeen Asset Managers (C.I.) Limited from 2000 to 2005. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sharon Ferrari* Year of Birth: 1977 |
|
Assistant Treasurer |
|
Since 2011 |
|
Currently, Senior Fund Administration Manager for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2013. Ms. Ferrari joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. as a Senior Fund Administrator in 2008. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heather Hasson* Year of Birth: 1982 |
|
Assistant Secretary |
|
Since 2012 |
|
Currently, Senior Product Manager for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2009. Ms. Hasson joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. as a Fund Administrator in 2006. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sofia Rosala* Year of Birth: 1974 |
|
Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer |
|
Since 2014 |
|
Currently, Vice President and Deputy Head of Compliance and Adviser Chief Compliance Officer for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2012. Prior to joining Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Ms. Rosala was Counsel for Vertex, Inc. from 2011 to 2012. She was also an Associate attorney with Morgan, Lewis and Bockius from 2008 to 2011. |
* As of October 2015, Messrs. Pittard, Cotton, Goodson, Hendry, Kaloo, and Robinson and Mses. Nichols, Irvine, Melia, Kennedy, Sitar, Ferrari, Rosala and Hasson hold officer position(s) in one or more of the following: Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Singapore Fund Inc., Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc., The India Fund Inc., The Asia-Tigers Fund Inc., Aberdeen Greater China Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Investment Funds and the Aberdeen Funds, each of which may also be deemed to be a part of the same Fund Complex.
** Mr. Young serves as an Interested Director on the Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. and The India Fund, Inc.; which both have a common investment manager and/or Adviser with the Fund, or an investment adviser that is affiliated with the investment manager and Investment Adviser of the Fund, and may thus be deemed to be part of the same Fund Complex as the Fund.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
|
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
[THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
Corporate Information
Directors Enrique R. Arzac, Chairman James J. Cattano Steven N. Rappaport Martin M. Torino Alexander Zagoreos
Officers Christian Pittard, President Jeffrey Cotton, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer Sofia Rosala, Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer Andrea Melia, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Megan Kennedy, Vice President and Secretary Alan Goodson, Vice President Bev Hendry, Vice President Joanne Irvine, Vice President Devan Kaloo, Vice President Jennifer Nichols, Vice President Nick Robinson, Vice President Lucia Sitar, Vice President Hugh Young, Vice President Sharon Ferrari, Assistant Treasurer Heather Hasson, Assistant Secretary
Investment Adviser Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
Administrator Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. |
|
Custodian State Street Bank and Trust Company
Shareholder Servicing Agent Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Legal Counsel Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Investor Relations Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. 1-800-522-5465 |
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.
Shares of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE MKT Equities Exchange under the symbol ABE. Information about the Funds net asset value and market price is available at www.aberdeenabe.com.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. for their general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. The Funds investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investors shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the funds portfolio. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks may be enhanced in emerging market countries. Concentrating investments in the Asia-Pacific region subjects the fund to more volatility and greater risk of loss than geographically diverse funds.
Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) is the marketing name in the U.S. for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Aberdeen Asset Managers Ltd, Aberdeen Asset Management Ltd and Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Ltd, each of which is wholly owned by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service trademark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.
ABE-Annual
Item 2 - Code of Ethics.
(a) As of October 31, 2015, the Registrant had adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Registrants principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the Registrant or a third party (the Code of Ethics).
(c) During the period covered by this report, the Codes of Ethics was revised in order to amend the definition of employee to extend Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower protection to employees of private contractors that provide service to the Fund in accordance with the Supreme Court decision in Lawson v. FMR LLC, 134 S. Ct. 1158 (2014).
(d) During the period covered by this report, there were no waivers to the provisions of the Code of Ethics.
(f) A copy of the Code of Ethics has been filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.
Item 3 - Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The Registrants Board of Directors has determined that Enrique R. Arzac and Steven N. Rappaport, both members of the Registrants Audit and Valuation Committee, possess the attributes, and has acquired such attributes through means, identified in instruction 2 of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to both qualify as an audit committee financial expert, and has designated Mr. Arzac and Mr. Rappaport as the Audit and Valuation Committees financial experts. Mr. Arzac and Mr. Rappaport are both independent Directors pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR.
Item 4 - Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) (d). Below is a table reflecting the fee information requested in Items 4(a) through (d):
Fiscal Year Ended |
(a) |
(b) |
(c) 2 |
(d) |
October 31, 2015 |
$45,000 |
$0 |
$11,460 |
$0 |
October 31, 2014 |
$43,900 |
$5,0001 |
$9,870 |
$0 |
(1) Services include procedures over the conversion of fund accounting books/records and semi annual review procedures in connection with the Registrants semi-annual financial statements
(2) Services include tax services in connection with the Registrants excise tax calculations and review of the registrants applicable tax returns.
(e) Below are the Registrants Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
(1) The Registrants Audit and Valuation Committee (the Committee) has adopted a Charter that provides that the Committee shall annually select, retain or terminate the Funds independent auditor and, in connection therewith, to evaluate the terms of the
engagement (including compensation of the independent auditor) and the qualifications and independence of the independent auditor, including whether the independent auditor provides any consulting, auditing or tax services to the Registrants investment adviser or any sub-adviser, and to receive the independent auditors specific representations as to their independence, delineating all relationships between the independent auditor and the Registrant, consistent with the PCAOB Rule 3526 or any other applicable auditing standard. PCAOB Rule 3526 requires that, at least annually, the auditor: (1) disclose to the Committee in writing all relationships between the auditor and its related entities and the Fund and its related entities that in the auditors professional judgment may reasonably be thought to bear on independence; (2) confirm in the letter that, in its professional judgment, it is independent of the Fund within the meaning of the Securities Acts administered by the SEC; and (3) discuss the auditors independence with the audit committee. The Committee is responsible for actively engaging in a dialogue with the independent auditor with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditor and for taking, or recommending that the full Board take, appropriate action to oversee the independence of the independent auditor. The Committee Charter also provides that the Committee shall review in advance, and consider approval of, any and all proposals by Management or the Registrants investment adviser that the Registrant, the investment adviser or their affiliated persons, employ the independent auditor to render permissible non-audit services to the Registrant and to consider whether such services are consistent with the independent auditors independence. The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members (Delegates) authority to pre-approve permissible non-audit services to be provided to the Fund. Any pre-approval determination of a Delegate shall be presented to the full Committee at its next meeting. The Committee shall communicate any pre-approval made by it or a Delegate to the Adviser, who will ensure that the appropriate disclosure is made in the Funds periodic reports required by Section 30 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and other documents as required under the federal securities laws.
(2) None of the services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item involved a waiver of the pre-approval requirement by the Audit and Valuation Committee pursuant to Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X.
(f) Not Applicable.
(g) Non-Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) for non-audit services rendered to the Registrant and its investment adviser, Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provided ongoing services to the Registrant (Covered Service Providers) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 was $2,731,778. The aggregate fees billed by PwC for non-audit services rendered to the Registrant, Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited and any Covered Service Providers for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014 was $2,300,584.
(h) The Registrants Audit and Valuation Committee of the Board of Directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the Registrants investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the Registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence and has concluded that it is.
Item 5 - Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
(a) The Registrant has a separately-designated standing Audit and Valuation Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(58)(A)).
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, the Audit and Valuation Committee members were:
Enrique R. Arzac
James Cattano
Steven N. Rappaport
Martin M. Torino
(b) Not applicable
Item 6 - Schedule of Investments.
(a) Included as part of the Report to Shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 7 - Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Pursuant to the Registrants Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures, the Registrant has delegated responsibility for its proxy voting to its Investment Adviser, provided that the Registrants Board of Directors has the opportunity to periodically review the Investment Advisers proxy voting policies and material amendments thereto.
The proxy voting policies of the Registrant are included herewith as Exhibit (c) and policies of the Investment Adviser are included as Exhibit (d).
Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a)
(1) The information in the table below is as of January 7, 2016.
|
|
|
Individual & Position |
Services Rendered |
Past Business Experience |
Devan Kaloo Head of Global Emerging Markets |
Responsible for global emerging market equity portfolio management |
Currently Head of Global Emerging Markets Equities, responsible for the London and Sao Paulo based Global Emerging Markets Equity team, which manages EMEA and Latin America equities, and has oversight of Global Emerging Markets input from the Asia team based in Singapore, with whom he works closely. Prior to that he joined Aberdeens Singapore based Asian equities team in 2000. |
Joanne Irvine Head of Emerging Markets ex Asia |
Responsible for global emerging market equity portfolio management |
Currently Head of Emerging Markets (ex-Asia) on the Global Emerging Markets Equity team in London. She joined Aberdeen in 1996 in a group development role, and moved to the Global Emerging Markets Equity team in 1997. |
Osamu Yamagata |
Responsible for global emerging |
Currently Investment Manager on the |
|
|
|
Investment Manager |
market equity portfolio management |
Global Emerging Markets Equity Team. Joined Aberdeen in 2007. |
Stephen Parr Senior Investment Manager |
Responsible for global emerging market equity portfolio management |
Currently a Senior Investment Manager on the Global Emerging Markets Equity team. He joined Aberdeen in July 2009 following the acquisition of certain asset management businesses from Credit Suisse Asset Management. Previously he worked for Energis Communications as Head of Strategy. |
Mark Gordon-James Senior Investment Manager |
Responsible for global emerging market equity portfolio management |
Currently a Senior Investment Manager on the Global Emerging Markets Equity team. He joined Aberdeen in 2004 from Merrill Lynch Investment Managers where he worked with the emerging markets team. |
(a)(2) The information in the table below is as of October 31, 2015.
Name of Portfolio |
|
Type of Accounts |
|
Total |
|
Total Assets ($M) |
|
Number of |
|
Total Assets for Which Based on |
| ||
Devan Kaloo |
|
Registered Investment Companies |
|
11 |
|
$ |
8,509.40 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
25 |
|
$ |
16,836.80 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
| |
|
Other Accounts |
|
61 |
|
$ |
16,031.72 |
|
5 |
|
$ |
1,214.70 |
| |
Joanna Irvine |
|
Registered Investment Companies |
|
11 |
|
$ |
8,509.40 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
25 |
|
$ |
16,836.80 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
| |
|
Other Accounts |
|
61 |
|
$ |
16,031.72 |
|
5 |
|
$ |
1,214.70 |
| |
| |||||||||||||
Osamu Yamagata |
|
Registered Investment Companies |
|
11 |
|
$ |
8,509.40 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
25 |
|
$ |
16,836.80 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Other Accounts |
|
61 |
|
$ |
16,031.72 |
|
5 |
|
$ |
1,214.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen Parr |
|
Registered Investment Companies |
|
11 |
|
$ |
8,509.40 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
25 |
|
$ |
16,836.80 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
Other Accounts |
|
61 |
|
$ |
16,031.72 |
|
5 |
|
$ |
1,214.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Gordon- James |
|
Registered Investment Companies |
|
11 |
|
$ |
8,509.40 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
Pooled Investment Vehicles |
|
25 |
|
$ |
16,836.80 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
0 |
| |
|
Other Accounts |
|
61 |
|
$ |
16,031.72 |
|
5 |
|
$ |
1,214.70 |
|
Total assets are as of October 31, 2015 and have been translated to U.S. dollars at a rate of £1.00 = $1.54.
In accordance with legal requirements in the various jurisdictions in which they operate, and their own Conflicts of Interest policies, all subsidiaries of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, (together Aberdeen), have in place arrangements to identify and manage Conflicts of Interest that may arise between them and their clients or between their different clients. Where Aberdeen does not consider that these arrangements are sufficient to manage a particular conflict, it will inform the relevant client(s) of the nature of the conflict so that the client(s) may decide how to proceed.
The portfolio managers management of other accounts, including (1) mutual funds; (2) other pooled investment vehicles; and (3) other accounts that may pay advisory fees that are based on account performance (performance-based fees), may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of a funds investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts may have the same investment objective as a Fund. Therefore, a potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the identical investment objectives, whereby the portfolio manager could favor one account over another. However, Aberdeen believes that these risks are mitigated by the fact that: (i) accounts with like investment strategies managed by a particular portfolio manager are generally managed in a similar fashion, subject to exceptions to account for particular investment restrictions or policies applicable only to certain accounts, differences in cash flows and account sizes, and similar factors; and (ii) portfolio manager personal trading is monitored to avoid potential conflicts. In addition, Aberdeen has adopted trade allocation procedures that require equitable allocation of trade orders for a particular security among participating accounts.
In some cases, another account managed by the same portfolio manager may compensate Aberdeen based on the performance of the portfolio held by that account. The existence of such performance-based fees may create additional conflicts of interest for the portfolio manager in the allocation of management time, resources and investment opportunities.
Another potential conflict could include instances in which securities considered as investments for a Fund also may be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by Aberdeen or its affiliates. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities by the Fund and one or more of the other accounts simultaneously, Aberdeen may aggregate the purchases and sales of the securities and will allocate the securities transactions in a manner that it believes to be equitable under the circumstances. As a result of the allocations, there may be instances where the Fund will not participate in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. While these aggregation and allocation policies could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to a fund from time to time, it is the opinion of Aberdeen that the benefits from the Aberdeen organization outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions. Aberdeen has adopted policies that are designed to eliminate or minimize conflicts of interest, although there is no guarantee that procedures adopted under such policies will detect each and every situation in which a conflict arises.
(a)(3)
Aberdeen Asset Management PLCs (Aberdeen) remuneration policies are designed to support its business strategy as a leading international asset manager. The objective is to attract, retain and reward talented individuals for the delivery of sustained, superior returns for Aberdeens clients and shareholders. Aberdeen operates in a highly competitive international employment market, and aims to maintain its strong track record of success in developing and retaining talent.
Aberdeens policy is to recognize corporate and individual achievements each year through an appropriate annual bonus scheme. The aggregate value of awards in any year is dependent on the groups overall performance and profitability. Consideration is also given to the levels of bonuses paid in the market. Individual awards, which are payable to all members of staff are determined by a rigorous assessment of achievement against defined objectives.
A long-term incentive plan for key staff and senior employees comprises of a mixture of cash and deferred shares in Aberdeen PLC or select Aberdeen funds (where applicable). Overall compensation packages are designed to be competitive relative to the investment management industry.
Base Salary
Aberdeens policy is to pay a fair salary commensurate with the individuals role, responsibilities and experience, and having regard to the market rates being offered for similar roles in the asset management sector and other comparable companies. Any increase is generally to reflect inflation and is applied in a manner consistent with other Aberdeen employees; any other increases must be justified by reference to promotion or changes in responsibilities.
Annual Bonus
The Remuneration Committee of Aberdeen determines the key performance indicators that will be applied in considering the overall size of the bonus pool. In line with practice amongst other asset management companies, individual bonuses are not subject to an absolute cap. However, the aggregate size of the bonus pool is dependent on the groups overall performance and profitability. Consideration is also given to the levels of bonuses paid in the market. Individual awards are determined by a rigorous assessment of achievement against defined objectives, and are reviewed and approved by the Remuneration Committee.
Aberdeen has a deferral policy which is intended to assist in the retention of talent and to create additional alignment of executives interests with Aberdeens sustained performance and, in respect of the deferral into funds, managed by Aberdeen, to align the interest of asset managers with our clients.
Staff performance is reviewed formally at least once a year. The review process evaluates the various aspects that the individual has contributed to Aberdeen, and specifically, in the case of portfolio managers, to the relevant investment team. Discretionary bonuses are based on client service, asset growth and the performance of the respective portfolio manager. Overall participation in team meetings, generation of original research ideas and contribution to presenting the team externally are also evaluated.
In the calculation of a portfolio management teams bonus, Aberdeen takes into consideration investment matters (which include the performance of funds, adherence to the company investment process, and quality of company meetings) as well as more subjective issues such as team participation and effectiveness at client presentations. To the extent performance is factored in, such performance is not judged against any specific benchmark and is evaluated over the period of a year - January to December. The pre- or after-tax performance of an individual account is not considered in the determination of a portfolio managers discretionary bonus; rather the review process evaluates the overall performance of the team for all of the accounts the team manages.
Portfolio manager performance on investment matters is judged over all of the accounts the portfolio manager contributes to and is documented in the appraisal process. A combination of the teams and individuals performance is considered and evaluated.
Although performance is not a substantial portion of a portfolio managers compensation, Aberdeen also recognizes that fund performance can often be driven by factors outside ones control, such as (irrational) markets, and as such pays attention to the effort by portfolio managers to ensure integrity of our core process by sticking to disciplines and processes set, regardless of momentum and hot themes. Short-terming is thus discouraged and trading-oriented managers will thus find it difficult to thrive in the Aberdeen environment. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned undue risks were to be taken by a portfolio manager, such trend would be identified via Aberdeens dynamic compliance monitoring system.
(a)(4)
Individual |
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Registrant |
Devan Kaloo |
0 |
Joanna Irvine |
0 |
Osamu Yamagata |
0 |
Stephen Parr |
0 |
Mark Gordon-James |
$100,001-$500,000 |
(b) Not applicable.
Item 9 - Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Period |
(a) Total Number of |
(b) Average Price |
(c) Total Number |
(d) Maximum |
November 1, 2014 through November 30, 2014 |
None |
None |
None |
824,667 |
December 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014 |
None |
None |
None |
824,667 |
January 1, 2015 through January 31, 2015 |
None |
None |
None |
824,667 |
February 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015 |
None |
None |
None |
824,667 |
March 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015 |
None |
None |
None |
824,667 |
April 1, 2015 through April 30, 2015 |
None |
None |
None |
824,667 |
May 1, 2015 through May 31, 2015 |
6,171 |
$13.28 |
6,171 |
818,496 |
June 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015 |
4,935 |
$12.81 |
4,935 |
813,561 |
July 1, 2015 through July 31, 2015 |
5,000 |
$12.48 |
5,000 |
808,561 |
August 1, 2015 through August 31, 2015 |
6,464 |
$11.78 |
6,464 |
802,097 |
September 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015 |
6,400 |
$11.04 |
6,400 |
795,697 |
October 1, 2015 through October 31, 2015 |
1,000 |
$11.46 |
1,000 |
794,697 |
Total |
29,970 |
$12.21 |
29,970 |
-- |
1 The Funds open market repurchase program authorizes management to make open market purchases from time to time in an amount up to 10% of the Funds outstanding shares. Such purchases may be made when, in the reasonable judgment of Fund management, such repurchases may enhance shareholder value.
Item 10 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
During the period ended October 31, 2015, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrants Board of Directors.
Item 11 - Controls and Procedures.
(a) The Registrants principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c)) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a3(b)) and Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d15(b)).
(b) There were no changes in the Registrants internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d)) that occurred during the Registrants last fiscal half-year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12 - Exhibits.
(a)(1) |
Code of Ethics of the Registrant for the period covered by this report as required pursuant to Item 2 of this Form N-CSR. |
|
|
(a)(2) |
The certifications of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act are exhibits to this report. |
|
|
(a)(3) |
Not applicable. |
|
|
(b) |
The certifications of the registrant as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Act are an exhibit to this report. |
|
|
(c) |
Proxy Voting Policy of Registrant. |
|
|
(d) |
Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures of Investment Manager. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc.
By: |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
|
Christian Pittard, |
|
|
Principal Executive Officer of |
|
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Date: January 7, 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: |
/s/ Christian Pittard |
|
|
Christian Pittard, |
|
|
Principal Executive Officer of |
|
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Date: January 7, 2016
By: |
/s/ Andrea Melia |
|
|
Andrea Melia, |
|
|
Principal Financial Officer of |
|
|
Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc. |
Date: January 7, 2016