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: | | 811-04611 |
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Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: | | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
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Address of principal executive offices: | | 1900 Market Street, Suite 200 |
| | Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
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Name and address of agent for service: | | Andrea Melia |
| | abrdn Inc. |
| | 1900 Market Street Suite 200 |
| | Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
| | |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | | 1-800-522-5465 |
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Date of fiscal year end: | | October 31 |
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Date of reporting period: | | October 31, 2021 |
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Managed Distribution Policy (unaudited)
The Board of Directors of the Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") has authorized a managed distribution policy ("MDP") of paying monthly distributions at an annual rate set once a year. The Fund's current monthly distribution is set at a rate of $0.0275 per share. With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to shareholders and an accompanying press release which will provide detailed information regarding the amount and estimated composition of the distribution and other information required by the
Fund's MDP exemptive order. The Fund's Board of Directors may amend or terminate the MDP at any time without prior notice to shareholders; however, at this time, there are no reasonably foreseeable circumstances that might cause the termination of the MDP. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of distributions or from the terms of the Fund's MDP.
Distribution Disclosure Classification (unaudited)
The Fund's policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
The Fund is subject to U.S. corporate, tax and securities laws. Under U.S. tax rules, the amount applicable to the Fund and character of distributable income for each fiscal period depends on the actual exchange rates during the entire year between the U.S. Dollar and the currencies in which Fund assets are denominated and on the aggregate gains and losses realized by the Fund during the entire year.
Therefore, the exact amount of distributable income for each fiscal year can only be determined as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year, October 31. Under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), the Fund is required to indicate the
sources of certain distributions to shareholders. The estimated distribution composition may vary from month to month because it may be materially impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which the Fund's assets are denominated.
The distributions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 consisted of 53% net investment income and 47% return of capital.
In January 2022, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the final amount and composition of distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the 2021 calendar year.
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited)
Dear Shareholder,
We present this Annual Report, which covers the activities of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. The Fund's principal investment objective is to seek current income. The Fund may also achieve incidental capital appreciation.
Total Investment Return1
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the total return to shareholders of the Fund based on the net asset value ("NAV") and market price of the Fund, respectively, are as follows:
| | |
NAV2,3 | | 1.7% |
Market Price2 | | 19.9% |
For more information about Fund performance, please see the Report of the Investment Manager (page 4) and Total Investment Returns (page 9).
NAV, Market Price and Premium/Discount
The below table represents comparison from current fiscal year end to prior fiscal year end of market price to NAV and associated premium(+)/discount(-).
| | NAV | | Closing Market Price | | Premium(+)/ Discount(-) |
10/31/2021 | | $4.38 | | $4.22 | | -3.7% |
10/31/2020 | | $4.65 | | $3.80 | | -18.3% |
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund's NAV was within a range of $4.36 to $4.95 and the Fund's market price traded within a range of $3.80 to $4.58. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund's shares traded within a range of a premium(+)/discount(-) of -2.9% to -18.3%.
Portfolio Allocation
As of October 31, 2021, the Fund held 75% of its total investments in Asian debt securities, 11.6% in Australian debt securities, 4.5% in Latin
America debt securities, 5.0% in European debt securities, 2.2% in U.S. debt securities and 1.7% in African debt securities.
Of the Fund's total investments, excluding hedges, 51.1% were held in U.S. Dollar denominated bonds issued by foreign issuers as of October 31, 2021. The rest of the Fund's currency exposure as of October 31, 2021 was 10.7% in the Australian Dollar, 33.1% in various Asian currencies and 4.5% in various Latin American currencies.
Of the Fund's total investments, including hedges, 38.8% were held in U.S. Dollar denominated bonds issued by foreign issuers as of October 31, 2021. The rest of the Fund's currency exposure as of October 31, 2021 was 10.1% in the Australian Dollar, 46.1% in various Asian currencies and 4.4% in various Latin American currencies.
Credit Quality
As of October 31, 2021, 16.2% of the Fund's total investments were invested in securities where either the issue or the issuer was rated A or better by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P")*, Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's")** or Fitch Ratings, Inc.("Fitch")***
Managed Distribution Policy
Distributions to common shareholders for the twelve-month period ended October 31, 2021 totaled $0.33 per share. Based on the market price of $4.22 on October 31, 2021, the distribution rate over the twelve-month period ended October 31, 2021 was 7.8%. Based on the NAV of $4.38 on October 31, 2021, the annualized distribution rate was 7.5%. Since all distributions are paid after deducting applicable withholding taxes, the effective distribution rate may be higher for those U.S. investors who are able to claim a tax credit.
On November 9, 2021 and December 9, 2021, the Fund announced that it will pay on November 30, 2021 and January 11, 2022, respectively, a distribution of U.S. $0.0275 per share to all shareholders of record as of November 19, 2021 and December 30, 2021, respectively.
The Fund's policy is to provide investors with a stable monthly distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital, which is a
1 | Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Net asset value return data include investment management fees, custodial charges and administrative fees (such as Director and legal fees) and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions. |
2 | Assuming the reinvestment of dividends and distributions. |
3 | The Fund's total return is based on the reported NAV for each financial reporting period end and may differ from what is reported on the Financial Highlights due to financial statement rounding or adjustments. |
* | S&P's ratings are expressed as letter grades that range from 'AAA' to 'D' to communicate the agency's opinion of relative level of credit risk. Ratings from 'AA' to 'CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. The investment grade category is a rating from 'AAA' to 'BBB-'. |
** | Moody's is an independent, unaffiliated research company that rates fixed income securities. Moody's assigns ratings on the basis of risk and the borrower's ability to make interest payments. Typically, securities are assigned a rating from 'Aaa' to 'C', with 'Aaa' being the highest quality and 'C' the lowest quality. |
*** | "Fitch is an international credit rating agency. Fitch ratings range from AAA (reliable and stable) to D (high risk). |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 1 |
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited) (continued)
non-taxable return of capital. This policy is subject to an annual review as well as regular review at the Board's quarterly meetings, unless market conditions require an earlier evaluation.
Fund's Leverage
The table below summarizes certain key terms of the Fund's current leverage:
| Amount ($ in millions) | | Maturity |
Revolving Credit Facility | $100 | | August 3, 2022 |
10-Year Series B Senior Secured Notes | $100 | | June 12, 2023 |
10-Year Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred shares | $50 | | June 27, 2023 |
15-Year Series C Senior Secured Notes | $50 | | February 8, 2032 |
15-Year Series D Senior Secured Notes | $100 | | August 10, 2032 |
15-Year Series E Senior Secured Notes | $100 | | June 19, 2034 |
As at October 31, 2021, the Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares ("MRPS"), with a liquidation value of $50 million, are rated A by Fitch and the combined $350 million 10-year and 15-Year Series B, C, D and E Senior Secured Notes are rated A by Fitch Ratings.
On February 12, 2021, Fitch, after a review of the Fund under a revised rating criteria, downgraded the ratings assigned to the Senior Notes from 'AA' to "A' and the ratings assigned to the MRPS from 'AA' to 'A'. The ratings were also removed from Ratings Watch Negative and removed from Under Criteria Observation.
The press release from Fitch which provides more information on ratings drivers and sensitivities can be accessed via the below link: https://www.fitchratings.com/research/fund-asset-managers/fitch-
downgrades-aberdeen-asia-pacificincome-fund-notes-mrps-12-02-2021
We believe the Fund has been able to lock in an attractive rate cost of borrowing and extend the maturity of the leverage facility while diversifying its borrowing structure during what we believe to be a favorable current interest rate environment. A more detailed description of the Fund's leverage can be found in the Report of the Investment Manager and the Notes to Financial Statements.
Open Market Repurchase Program
The Fund's policy is generally to buy back Fund shares on the open market when the Fund trades at certain discounts to NAV and management believes such repurchases may enhance shareholder value. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 the Fund repurchased 0 shares.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Fund's complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the second and fourth quarters of each fiscal year are included in the Fund's semiannual and annual reports to shareholders. The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year as an exhibit to its reports on Form N-PORT. These reports are available on the SEC's website at sec.gov. The Fund makes the information available to shareholders 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 12 month period ended June 30 is available by August 31 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 SEC's website at 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 Fund's transfer agent as undeliverable), or a combination of both. If your Fund shares are categorized as unclaimed, your financial advisor or the Fund's transfer agent will follow the applicable state's 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 Fund's transfer agent.
COVID-19
Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the illness caused by a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and as a result may affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19 on economic and market
2 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Letter to Shareholders (unaudited) (concluded)
conditions, and, as a result, present uncertainty and risk with respect to the Fund and the performance of its investments and ability to pay distributions. The full extent of the impact and effects of COVID-19 will depend on future developments, including, among other factors, the duration and spread of the outbreak, along with related travel advisories, quarantines and restrictions, the recovery time of the disrupted supply chains and industries, the impact of labor market interruptions, the impact of government interventions, and uncertainty with respect to the duration of the global economic slowdown.
LIBOR
Under the revolving credit facility, the Fund is charged interest on amounts borrowed at a variable rate, which may be based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread. The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR as a "benchmark" or "reference rate" for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. However, subsequent announcements by the FCA, the LIBOR administrator and other regulators indicate that it is possible that the most widely used LIBOR rates may continue until mid-2023. It is anticipated that LIBOR ultimately will be discontinued or the regulator will announce that it is no longer sufficiently robust to be representative of its underlying market around that time. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR"), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate ("SONIA") and Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect a Fund's performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize
LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting a Fund's performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.
abrdn
abrdn plc, formerly known as Standard Life Aberdeen plc, was renamed on September 27, 2021. In connection with this re-branding, the entities within abrdn plc group, including investment advisory entities, have been or will be renamed in the near future. In addition, the fund names are anticipated to be re-branded over the next year.
Investor Relations Information
As part of abrdn's commitment to shareholders, we invite you to visit the Fund on the web at www.aberdeenfax.com. Here, you can view monthly fact sheets, quarterly commentary, distribution and performance information, and other Fund literature.
Enroll in abrdn's email services and be among the first to receive the latest closed-end fund news, announcements, videos 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 https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter/contact-us/preferences.
Contact Us:
• Visit: https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter
• Email: Investor.Relations@abrdn.com; or
• Call: 1-800-522-5465 (toll free in the U.S.).
Yours sincerely,
/s/ Christian Pittard
Christian Pittard
President
All amounts are U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 3 |
Report of the Investment Manager (unaudited)
Market/Economic Review
The 12-month reporting period ended October 31, 2021, was marked by improving economic data, recovering global economic growth and the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. In the U.S., former Vice President Joe Biden's victory over incumbent Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential election in November 2020, and the subsequent infrastructure and COVID-19 stimulus packages, added to the positive mood. The European Union also provided pandemic relief programs to support its beleaguered economies. Subsequently, as more economies reopened, rising demand and supply-chain bottlenecks pushed crude oil and commodity prices higher. The technology sector also faced shortages in chip production. All these contributed to growing inflationary concerns. By the middle of 2021, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) turned more hawkish and signaled that it would contemplate the beginning of its monetary policy normalization process by slowing its bond-buying program. Fed officials also hinted towards a potential interest-rate hike, but not before 2023. Long-term U.S. Treasury bond yields rose considerably. The 10-year yields rose 67 basis points (bps) over the 12-month reporting period. The short end of the U.S. Treasury yield curve outperformed, with two-year yields rising by 34 bps over the reporting period as the Fed remained accommodative despite an increasingly hawkish tilt.
Most Asian local-currency bond markets experienced volatility and yields finished the reporting period higher, in line with those of U.S. Treasuries. Asian economies rebounded as the COVID-19 situation improved across most countries, while the recovery in developed markets ensured strong demand for the Asia-Pacific region's exports. In an effort to support their respective economies, the Central Bank of the Philippines reduced its benchmark interest rate by 25 bps in November 2020, and Bank Indonesia cut its rate by 50 bps during the period, with the last reduction in February 2021. Conversely, other central banks, mainly those in China, India and Korea, began normalizing monetary policies amid economic recoveries, rising real asset prices and broader inflation risks. However, for most economies in the region, COVID-19 was an ever-present risk, and around the second quarter of 2021, the second wave of infections hit several countries, with devastating consequences for many. As economies resorted to targeted mobility restrictions, economic data deteriorated. Not surprisingly, the short end of yield curves in the Asia-Pacific region outperformed as central banks' monetary policies remained accommodative, while inflationary concerns and the high volume of government bond issuance in several countries weighed on the longer end of their yield curves. Ten-year yields across South Korea, Singapore,
Malaysia, Thailand, India and the Philippines rose by 101, 103, 94, 63, 48 and 191 bps, respectively, over the reporting period. Conversely, China and Indonesia bucked the trend. The market in China, which was the first economy to emerge from the pandemic, began to price in the fading recovery, exacerbated by investors' concerns over the debt burden of real estate developers, particularly China Evergrande Group (in which the Fund had a relatively small position at the end of the reporting period). The central bank cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) and injected liquidity to calm the market. In Indonesia, the central bank remained accommodative and provided additional support to affected sectors as low rates of vaccination and the second outbreak dampened investor sentiment, which drove yields lower.
Asian currencies saw mixed performance during the reporting period. The Chinese yuan, Taiwanese dollar and Indonesian rupiah rose 4.5%, 4.4% and 3.9%, respectively, against the U.S. dollar over the period. Stronger exports and an absence of outflows related to overseas tourism supported the yuan. An increase in exports also underpinned the performance of the Taiwanese dollar, while a rebound in commodity prices boosted the Indonesia rupiah. The Korean won lost significant ground in the last quarter of the reporting period as equity outflows gathered pace amid investors' concerns about the outlook for the semiconductor sector. The won finished the reporting period 2.9% lower against the U.S. dollar after posting gains on stronger technology export performance in the earlier part of the period. Elsewhere, the Thai baht declined 6.0% against the U.S. dollar during the reporting period, and the Philippine peso fell by 4% amid macroeconomic weakness and a slower rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Specifically, border closures are having a significant impact on the tourism-dependent Thai economy and the government's balance of payments.1
Asian credit markets initially performed strongly early in the reporting period, with spreads narrowing on the back of vaccine hopes, the region's economic recovery, and ongoing policy stimulus. Rising U.S. government bond yields were a minor headwind to Asian credit-market performance; however, in the second half of the reporting period, the market was hampered by the tightening liquidity conditions and elevated credit risks within China's property sector. By the end of the reporting period, investors' focus shifted from concerns about targeted measures to manage leverage in the sector, to a fear of a widespread liquidity crunch and events of default. This contagion effect weighed on Asian credit markets, particularly high-yield bonds, which surrendered their gains that they had posted earlier in the reporting period.
| 1 | Balance of payments is a statement of all transactions made between entities in one country and the rest of the world over a defined period, such as a quarter or a year. |
4 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Report of the Investment Manager (unaudited) (continued)
In emerging markets (EMs) outside of Asia, optimism over global economic growth, higher commodity prices and COVID-19 vaccine rollouts boosted investors' appetite for risk assets. Nonetheless, performance was divergent across sectors and countries. Hard-currency bonds outperformed local-currency debt for the reporting period as the market began to price in, and central banks began to deliver, domestic interest rate-hiking cycles amid rising inflation. Within the hard-currency debt sector, in aggregate, investment-grade bonds underperformed their high-yield counterparts due to the limited spread cushion against rising U.S. Treasury yields. The performance of the high-yield sovereign credit markets was driven by idiosyncratic factors, especially the way policymakers navigated a path around elevated external debt levels and sustainability. Meanwhile, EM currencies saw mixed performance against the U.S. dollar. The Russian ruble was the strongest-performing currency, appreciating 13.5% versus the U.S. dollar due to rising oil and gas prices.
Performance Review
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund returned 1.7% on a net asset value basis for the 12-month reporting period ended October 31, 2021, versus the 2.2% return of its blended benchmark2 for the same period.
The Fund's allocations to the real estate sector in China, non-financial companies in Indonesia, and lower-rated3 quasi-sovereign issues detracted from performance for the reporting period.
Holdings in U.S. dollar-dominated Asian credit bolstered the Fund's absolute performance, but detracted marginally from the relative performance. Specifically, Fund performance benefited from allocations to the Middle East; non-financial companies in the Philippines; high-yield financials outside of China; higher-rated quasi-sovereign issues; and Chinese high-yield corporate bonds excluding-real estate and financials.
Overweight allocations to high-yielding local-currency government bond markets in Asia and U.S.-dollar sovereign credit markets in EMs outside Asia contributed positively to the Fund's absolute and relative performance for the reporting period.
In Asian local-currency bonds, overweight allocations to India and Malaysia, as well as the lack of exposure to lower-yielding markets
such as South Korea, contributed positively to the Fund's relative performance for the reporting period. In EM debt outside of Asia, hard-currency exposure in Pakistan, Ukraine, Nigeria, El Salvador, and the Ivory Coast enhanced Fund performance. In local-currency debt, the Fund's holdings in Uruguay contributed positively to performance, while positions in South Africa and Brazil had a negative impact.
Regarding the use of derivatives, we employ leverage strategically in the Fund in an effort to support its income-generating capacity. During the reporting period, the Fund's performance benefited from a positive interest-rate differential between the interest income on the investment portfolio and the cost of the leverage.
The Fund uses leverage strategically to support its income-generating capacity. During the course of the reporting period, the use of leverage had a small negative impact on the Fund's net asset value due primarily to the rise in bond yields. This was partially offset by the positive impact from an appreciation in several Asia-Pacific currencies in which the Fund invests. The Fund continues to benefit from a positive interest-rate differential between the interest income on the investment portfolio and cost of the leverage. Over the medium-to-longer term, leverage has contributed positively to the performance of the Fund's net asset value.
The monthly distribution reflects the Fund's current policy to provide shareholders with a relatively stable cash flow per share. This policy did not have a significant impact on the Fund's investment strategy over the reporting period.
Outlook
Towards the end of the reporting period, global bond markets experienced significant volatility as investors and central banks grapple with higher inflation and the degree to which it is transitory. There seems to be a disconnect between the markets and central banks, as the former pushes for a more imminent normalization of policies, particularly in developed markets, while central banks remain committed to policy accommodation for the near term. In September and October 2021, there was a sharp rise in short-term yields in Australia, Canada, the U.S. and the UK; however, this reversed slightly at the beginning of November.
2 | The Fund's blended benchmark comprises 35% Bloomberg AusBond Composite Index; 40% J.P. Morgan Asian Credit Diversified Index; 15% Markit iBoxx Asia Government Index; 5% Markit iBoxx Asia Government India Index; and 5% Markit iBoxx Asia Government Indonesia Index. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index. |
3 | S&P Global Ratings' credit ratings express the agency's opinion about the ability and willingness of an issuer, such as a corporation or state or city government, to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. Typically, ratings are expressed as letter grades that range, for example, from AAA to D to communicate the agency's opinion of relative level of credit risk. Ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 5 |
Report of the Investment Manager (unaudited) (continued)
In Asia, we expect the policy rate-hiking cycle to continue in South Korea and for other central banks to gradually remove policy accommodation as economic recoveries strengthen. Within the region, central banks are not being pressured by high and rising inflation, unlike EMs excluding Asia, where policymakers are being forced to act more decisively to address these risks. We see little help from commodity prices in the short term, as we do not expect an immediate dissipation of oil-price pressures, as we think that the demand for fuel is likely to remain strong with the winter approaching.
We feel that there is value in hard-currency sovereign debt in EMs outside of Asia, particularly in the high-yield segment of the market. Several key economies benefit from high oil prices due to their status as net oil exporters. Meanwhile, capital markets remain open for refinancing and international financial institutions continue to support lower-income countries through lending programs. The recent release of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights4 has boosted fiscal and external buffers.
Regarding Asia, specifically China, we believe that quarter-over-quarter economic growth momentum is likely to slow without a more assertive monetary and fiscal policy response. While we anticipate that the Chinese yuan and local-currency bonds will continue to exhibit notable resilience, we think that bonds in China's real estate sector will remain volatile. Policymakers most likely will seek to balance the need to address excessive debt levels and moral hazards in the economy with the desire to avoid a prolonged downshift in growth. While it is a difficult line to tread, we believe that policymakers should provide sufficient support to the economy and there is a greater possibility that some of the China-centric risks could start easing as we head into 2022.
Amid the China-centric risks, we feel that, due to high commodity prices, energy shortages in China and Europe, and uncertainty concerning global monetary policy, investor sentiment may remain fragile at the end of 2021. However, it is in the often-fragile sentiment and a bias for overreacting to risk that we have found and, in our view, will continue to find, value across Asian markets, though we will exercise caution and discipline.
Loan Facilities and the Use of Leverage
The amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility, the Notes and the Series A MRPS (each as defined below) may be invested to seek to return higher rates than the rates pursuant to which interests or dividends are paid under such forms of leverage. However, the cost of leverage could exceed the income earned by the Fund on the proceeds of such leverage. To the extent that the Fund is unable to
invest the proceeds from the use of leverage in assets which pay interest at a rate which exceeds the rate paid on the leverage, the yield on the Fund's common stock will decrease. In addition, in the event of a general market decline in the value of assets in which the Fund invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Fund because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the leverage.
The Fund employed leverage obtained via bank borrowing and other forms of leverage during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. On February 12, 2021, June 2, 2021, and September 14, 2021, the Fund drew an additional $6 million, $20 million and $9 million, respectively on its revolving line of credit. On August 4, 2021, the Fund executed an amendment and assignment of the Credit Agreement that extended the term of the credit agreement to August 3, 2022. On March 31, 2020, the Fund paid down the outstanding $100 million of the Fund's existing 7-year Series A senior secured notes. On June 19, 2019, the Fund entered into a note purchase agreement with institutional investors relating to the private placement of $100 million of Series E senior secured notes that were at the time rated `AAA' by Fitch Ratings. Net proceeds of the Series E notes were used to pay down $100 million of the Fund's existing 4-year Term Loan B originally maturing on December 12, 2019 (the "Term B Facility"). On August 10, 2017, the Fund entered into a note purchase agreement with institutional investors relating to the private placement of $100 million of Series D senior secured notes that were at the time rated 'AAA' by Fitch Ratings. Net proceeds of the Series D notes were used to pay down $100 million of the Fund's existing 5-year Term Loan A originally maturing on June 12, 2018 (the "Term A Facility"). On February 8, 2017, the Fund entered into a note purchase agreement with institutional investors relating to the private placement of $50 million of Series C senior secured notes that were at the time rated 'AAA' by Fitch Ratings. Net proceeds of the Series C notes were used to refinance $50 million of the Fund's existing syndicated revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). On April 7, 2017, the Fund renewed its $100 million Revolving Credit Facility for a 3-year period with a syndicate of banks. On June 12, 2013, the Fund entered into a note purchase agreement with institutional investors relating to the private placement of $200 million of Series A and Series B senior secured notes that were at the time rated `AAA' by Fitch Ratings, $100 million due June 12, 2020 and $100 million due June 12, 2023 (the "Notes"). On the same day, the Fund also entered into a term loan agreement providing for $200 million in secured term loans from Bank of America, N.A., $100 million due June 12, 2016 (on December 14, 2015, the maturity of this loan was
4 | Special Drawing Rights refer to an international type of monetary reserve currency created by the IMF in 1969 that operates as a supplement to the existing money reserves of member countries. |
6 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Report of the Investment Manager (unaudited) (continued)
extended to December 14, 2019) and $100 million due June 12, 2018 (the "Term Loan Facility"), which was refinanced as outlined above. On June 27, 2013, the Fund issued a private offering of 2 million shares of Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares due June 25, 2023 (the "Series A MRPS"). The Series A MRPS have a liquidation value of $50 million and are rated 'A' by Fitch Ratings. The Fund's revolving credit facility outstanding balance as of October 31, 2021 was $100 million and the total amount of outstanding leverage was $500 million.
The Fund's leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. The funds borrowed pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Notes may constitute a substantial lien and burden by reason of their prior claim against the income of the Fund and against the net assets of the Fund in liquidation. The Fund is limited in its ability to declare dividends or other distributions under the terms of the various forms of leverage. In the event of an event of default under the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell portfolio securities and other assets of the Fund) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well. In the event of an event of default under the Note Purchase Agreement, the holders of the Notes have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., cause the sale of portfolio securities and other assets of the Fund). A liquidation of the Fund's collateral assets in an event of default, or a voluntary paydown of the Revolving Credit Facility, Series A MRPS or the Notes in order to avoid an event of default, would typically involve administrative expenses and sometimes penalties. Additionally, such liquidations often involve selling off of portions of the Fund's assets at inopportune times which can result in losses when markets are unfavorable.
Each of the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement, and the Securities Purchase Agreement relating to the Series A MRPS includes usual and customary covenants for the applicable type of transaction. These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, Fund composition requirements and limits on certain investments, such as illiquid investments, which are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. The covenants or guidelines could impede the Fund's investment manager, investment adviser, or sub-adviser from fully managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies. Furthermore, non-compliance with such covenants or the occurrence of other events could lead to the cancellation of any and/or all of the forms of leverage. As of October 31, 2021, the Fund was in compliance with all covenants under the agreements relating to the various forms of leverage. In July 2017, the FCA announced that it will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. Such announcement indicates that the
continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. However, for U.S. dollar LIBOR, it now appears that the relevant date may be deferred to June 30, 2023 for the most common tenors (overnight and one, three, six and 12 months).
On May 14, 2020, Fitch Ratings downgraded to 'AA' from 'AAA' the ratings of the outstanding Series B-E senior secured notes issued by the Fund and has placed the outstanding Series B-E senior secured note ratings on Rating Watch Negative (RWN). On the same date, Fitch Ratings also placed the 'AA' rated Series A MRPS on RWN.
On February 12, 2021, Fitch Ratings ("Fitch"), after a review of the Fund under a revised rating criteria, downgraded the ratings assigned to the Senior Notes from 'AA' to "A' and the ratings assigned to the MRPS from 'AA' to 'A'. The ratings were also removed from Ratings Watch Negative and removed from Under Criteria Observation.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps to gain interest rate exposure and hedge interest rate risk. As of October 31, 2021 the Fund held $100 million in Interest Rate Swaps. In connection with various draw-downs of the Fund's Revolving Credit Facility the following Interest Rate Swaps were entered during the period: February 10, 2021 – $6 million, July 14, 2021 – $20 million and September 14, 2021 – $9 million. As of October 31, 2021 the Fund held $100 million in Interest Rate Swaps.
As of October 31, 2021, the Fund held interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $100 million, which represented 100% of the Fund's Revolving Credit Facility balance outstanding based upon the notional amounts set forth below.
Remaining Term as of October 31, 2021 | | Receive/(Pay) Floating Rate | | Amount (in $ millions) | | Fixed Rate Payable (%) | |
63 months | | Receive | | $ 6.0 | | 0.75% | |
67 months | | Receive | | $ 20.0 | | 0.70% | |
83 months | | Receive | | $ 9.0 | | 1.17% | |
102 months | | Receive | | $ 15.0 | | 0.62% | |
102 months | | Receive | | $ 5.0 | | 0.67% | |
115 months | | Receive | | $ 25.0 | | 0.72% | |
116 months | | Receive | | $ 20.0 | | 1.36% | |
A significant risk associated with interest rate swaps is the risk that the counterparty may default or file for bankruptcy, in which case the Fund would bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under the swap agreements. There can be no assurance that the Fund will have an interest rate swap in place at any given time nor can there be any assurance that, if an interest rate swap is in place, it will be successful in hedging the Fund's interest rate risk with respect to the loan facility. The implementation of this strategy is at the discretion of the Leverage Committee of the Board.
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 7 |
Report of the Investment Manager (unaudited) (concluded)
Risk Considerations
Past performance is not an indication of future results.
Foreign securities in which the Fund may invest may be more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to risks associated with less stringent accounting and regulatory standards, the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuation, political and economic instability, reduced information about issuers, higher transaction costs and delayed settlement. The Fund focuses its investments in the Asia-Pacific region, which may subject the Fund to more volatility and greater risk of loss than geographically diverse funds.
Fixed income securities are subject to certain risks including, but not limited to: interest rate (changes in interest rates may cause a decline in the market value of an investment), credit (changes in the financial
condition of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral), prepayment (debt issuers may repay or refinance their loans or obligations earlier than anticipated), extension (principal repayments may not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase) and issuer risk (the value of a security may decline for reasons related to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer's goods or services).
abrdn Asia Limited (formerly known as Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited)
8 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Total Investment Return (unaudited)
The following table summarizes the average annual Fund performance for the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year periods ended as of October 31, 2021.
| | 1 Year | | 3 Years | | 5 Years | | 10 Years | |
Net Asset Value (NAV)1 | | 1.7% | | 6.9% | | 3.3% | | 2.5% | |
Market Price | | 19.9% | | 11.2% | | 5.6% | | 2.9% | |
Blended Benchmark* | | 2.2% | | 6.6% | | 3.7% | | 3.0% | |
Bloomberg Asian-Pacific Aggregate Index1 | | -2.5% | | 2.9% | | 0.3% | | -1.2% | |
* The blended benchmark is summarized in the table below:
Index | Weight | |
Bloomberg AusBond Composite Index2 | 10% | |
Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index3 | 40% | |
JP Morgan Asia Credit Index – Diversified4 | 35% | |
JP Morgan GBI Emerging Market Global Diversified5 | 15% | |
Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of October 31, 2021)
This graph shows the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $10,000 in the Fund for the period indicated. For comparison, the same investment is shown in the indicated index.
The Fund changed its investment strategies effective June 24, 2020, following shareholder approval of the changes. Performance information for periods prior to June 24, 2020 does not reflect the current investment strategy. Please see Note 1 in the Notes to Financials for details.
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. All return data at NAV includes fees charged to the Fund, which are listed in the Fund's Statement of Operations under "Expenses." Total investment return at market value is based on changes in the
1 | The Bloomberg Asian-Pacific Aggregate Index contains fixed-rate, investment-grade securities denominated in Australian dollar, Chinese yuan, Hong Kong dollar, Indonesian rupiah, Japanese yen, Malaysian ringgit, New Zealand dollar, Singapore dollar, South Korean won and Thai baht. The index is composed primarily of local currency sovereign debt, but also includes government-related, corporate and securitized bonds. |
2 | The Bloomberg AusBond Composite Bond Index includes investment grade fixed interest bonds of all maturities issued in the Australian debt market under Australian law. |
3 | The Market iBoxx Asia Local Bond Indices ("iBoxx ALBI") is designed to reflect the performance of local currency bonds from 11 Asian local currency bond markets. |
4 | The JP Morgan Asian Credit Diversified Index is a variant of the JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) focuses on reducing concentration risk of the JACI index to anyparticular market. The JACI is a broad-based securities market index which consists of liquid US dollar-denominated debt securities issued out of Asia ex-Japan region. |
5 | The JP Morgan GBI Emerging Market Global Diversified tracks performance of global EM sovereign local currency bond markets. Weighting methodology is designed to deliver a diversified universe of issuers. |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 9 |
Total Investment Return (unaudited) (concluded)
market price at which the Fund's shares traded on the NYSE American during the period and assumes reinvestment of dividends and distributions, if any, at market prices pursuant to the dividend reinvestment program. The Fund's total investment return is based on the reported NAV on the financial reporting period ended October 31, 2021. Because the Fund's shares trade in the stock market based on investor demand, the Fund may trade at a price higher or lower than its NAV. Therefore, returns are calculated based on both market price and NAV. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The performance information provided does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on distributions received from the Fund. The current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the figures shown. The Fund's yield, return, market price and NAV will fluctuate. Performance information current to the most recent month-end is available at www.aberdeenfax.com or by calling 800-522-5465.
The total operating expense ratio based on the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 was 2.57%. The total operating expense ratio, excluding interest expense and distributions to Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares, based on the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 was 1.16%.
10 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Portfolio Composition (unaudited)
Quality of Investments(1)
As of October 31, 2021, 16.2% of the Fund's total investments were invested in securities where either the issue or the issuer was rated "A" or better by S&P, Moody's or Fitch or, if unrated, was judged to be of equivalent quality by the Investment Manager. The table below shows the asset quality of the Fund's portfolio as of October 31, 2021, compared to April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020:
Date | AAA/Aaa % | AA/Aa % | A % | BBB/Baa % | BB/Ba* % | B* % | CCC* % | NR** % |
October 31, 2021 | 7.7 | 2.8 | 5.7 | 26.7 | 11.3 | 9.6 | 0.8 | 35.4 |
April 30, 2021 | 7.3 | 5.7 | 3.9 | 29.0 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 0.3 | 34.8 |
October 31, 2020 | 8.7 | 4.4 | 7.1 | 27.6 | 9.3 | 9.2 | 0.2 | 33.5 |
* Below investment grade
** Not Rated
(1) | For financial reporting purposes, credit quality ratings shown above reflect the lowest rating assigned by either S & P, Moody's or Fitch if ratings differ. These rating agencies are independent, nationally recognized statistical rating organization and are widely used. Investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BBB/Baa or higher. Below investment grade ratings are credit ratings of BB/Ba or lower. Investments designated NR are not rated by either rating agency. Unrated investments do not necessarily indicate low credit quality. Credit quality ratings are subject to change. abrdn Asia Limited (or the "Investment Manager") evaluated the credit quality of unrated investments based upon, but not limited to, credit ratings for similar investments. |
Geographic Composition
The table below shows the geographical composition (with U.S. Dollar-denominated bonds issued by foreign issuers allocated into country of issuance) of the Fund's total investments as of October 31, 2021, compared to April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020:
Date | Asia (including NZ) % | Australia % | Europe % | Latin America % | United States % | Africa % |
October 31, 2021 | 75.0 | 11.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 1.7 |
April 30, 2021 | 72.0 | 13.2 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 3.1 | 2.5 |
October 31, 2020 | 75.2 | 13.6 | 4.5 | 1.6 | 2.9 | 2.2 |
Currency Composition
The table below shows the currency composition, including hedges, of the Fund's total investments as of October 31, 2021, compared to April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020:
Date | Asian Currencies (including NZ Dollar) % | US Dollar* % | Australian Dollar % | Latin American Currencies % | European Currencies % |
October 31, 2021 | 46.1 | 38.8 | 10.1 | 4.4 | 0.6 |
April 30, 2021 | 44.8 | 44.2 | 7.3 | 3.7 | 0.0 |
October 31, 2020 | 42.0 | 47.3 | 9.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| * | Includes U.S. Dollar-denominated bonds issued by foreign issuers: 51.1% of the Fund's total investments on October 31, 2021, 51.4% of the Fund's total investments on April 30, 2021, and 54.2% of the Fund's total investments on October 31, 2020. |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 11 |
Portfolio Composition (unaudited) (concluded)
Maturity Composition
As of October 31, 2021, the average maturity of the Fund's total investments was 11.5 years, compared with 9.6 years at April 30, 2021 and compared with 9.5 years at October 31, 2020. The following table shows the maturity composition of the Fund's investments as of October 31, 2021, compared to April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020:
Date | Under 3 Years % | 3 to 5 Years % | 5 to 10 Years % | 10 Years & Over % |
October 31, 2021 | 27.6 | 18.7 | 34.3 | 19.4 |
April 30, 2021 | 27.1 | 22.4 | 33.2 | 17.3 |
October 31, 2020 | 27.0 | 24.4 | 26.9 | 21.7 |
Modified Duration*
As of October 31, 2021, the modified duration of the Fund was 4.93 years. This calculation excludes the interest rate swaps that are used to manage the leverage of the overall Fund. Excluding swaps will increase portfolio duration.
* | Modified duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a bond to the fluctuations in interest rates. |
12 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Summary of Key Rates (unaudited)
The following table summarizes the movements of key interest rates and currencies from October 31, 2021 compared to April 30, 2021 and October 31, 2020.
| | | | Oct-21 | | Apr-21 | | Oct-20 | |
Australia | | 90 day Bank Bills | | 0.08 | % | | 0.04 | % | | 0.06 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 0.58 | % | | 0.08 | % | | 0.12 | % | |
| | currency local per 1 USD | | $1.33 | | | $1.30 | | | $1.43 | | |
South Korea | | 90 day commercial paper | | 1.12 | % | | 0.73 | % | | 0.63 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 2.56 | % | | 2.13 | % | | 1.55 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | ₩1,168.55 | | | ₩1,112.35 | | | ₩1,134.70 | | |
Thailand | | 3 months deposit rate | | 0.38 | % | | 0.38 | % | | 0.38 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 1.97 | % | | 1.77 | % | | 1.34 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | ฿33.18 | | | ฿31.14 | | | ฿31.17 | |
Philippines | | 90 day T-Bills | | 1.21 | % | | 4.64 | % | | 4.64 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 4.90 | % | | 7.67 | % | | 7.67 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | ₱50.41 | | | ₱48.15 | | | ₱48.40 | | |
Malaysia | | 3-month T-Bills | | 1.78 | % | | 1.77 | % | | 1.57 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 3.58 | % | | 3.11 | % | | 2.62 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | RM4.14 | | | RM4.10 | | | RM4.16 | | |
Singapore | | 3-month T-Bills | | 0.40 | % | | 0.35 | % | | 0.30 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 1.84 | % | | 1.59 | % | | 0.81 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | S$1.35 | | | S$1.33 | | | S$1.37 | | |
India | | 3-month T-Bills | | 3.52 | % | | 6.11 | % | | 6.11 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 6.39 | % | | 6.03 | % | | 5.88 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | ₹74.88 | | | ₹74.07 | | | ₹74.11 | | |
Indonesia | | 3 months deposit rate | | 3.50 | % | | 4.09 | % | | 4.97 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 6.03 | % | | 6.44 | % | | 6.58 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | Rp14,167.50 | | | Rp14,445.00 | | | Rp14,625.00 | | |
China Onshore | | 3-month Bill Yield | | 2.24 | % | | 2.63 | % | | 2.63 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 2.97 | % | | 3.15 | % | | 3.18 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | ¥6.40 | | | ¥6.47 | | | ¥6.70 | | |
Sri Lanka | | 3-month Generic Govt Yield | | 7.82 | % | | 5.11 | % | | 4.60 | % | |
| | 10 yr bond | | 11.29 | % | | 8.05 | % | | 7.27 | % | |
| | currency local per 1USD | | Rs202.00 | | | Rs197.50 | | | Rs184.30 | | |
USD Denominated Bonds | | Indonesia | | 2.20 | % | | 2.29 | % | | 1.96 | % | |
| | Sri Lanka | | 16.15 | % | | 14.78 | % | | 18.07 | % | |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 13 |
Portfolio of Investments
October 31, 2021
Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |
CORPORATE BONDS—78.3% | |
AUSTRALIA—5.6% | |
USD | 6,000 | | Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., (fixed rate to 06/15/2026, variable rate thereafter), 6.75%, 06/15/2026(a)(b) | $ | 6,900,660 | |
USD | 6,845 | | Macquarie Bank Ltd., 3.62%, 06/03/2030(a) | | 7,166,354 | |
AUD | 17,000 | | New South Wales Treasury Corp., 2.00%, 03/20/2031 | | 12,443,844 | |
USD | 4,000 | | QBE Insurance Group Ltd., (fixed rate to 05/12/2025, variable rate thereafter), 5.88%, 05/12/2025(a)(b) | | 4,370,000 | |
USD | 9,100 | | Santos Finance Ltd., 4.13%, 06/14/2027(a)(c) | | 9,657,017 | |
AUD | 410 | | Transurban Queensland Finance Pty Ltd., 3.25%, 05/07/2031(c) | | 295,571 | |
AUD | 5,000 | | Treasury Corp. of Victoria, 2.25%, 11/20/2040 | | 3,262,358 | |
AUD | 23,600 | | Wesfarmers Ltd., 2.55%, 03/23/2031(a)(c) | | 16,839,977 | |
SGD | 250 | | Westpac Banking Corp., 4.11%, 04/15/2025 | | 198,719 | |
| | 61,134,500 | |
BAHRAIN—0.3% | |
USD | 2,500 | | Oil & Gas Holding Co. BSCC, 7.50%, 10/25/2027(a) | | 2,738,660 | |
| | 2,738,660 | |
CHINA—21.9% | |
CNY | 30,000 | | Central Huijin Investment Ltd., 3.02%, 03/13/2025 | | 4,639,781 | |
CNY | 10,000 | | Central Huijin Investment Ltd., 3.67%, 01/16/2024 | | 1,583,314 | |
USD | 3,700 | | China Aoyuan Group Ltd., 6.20%, 09/24/2023(a)(c) | | 1,613,349 | |
USD | 720 | | China Aoyuan Group Ltd., 6.35%, 02/08/2023(a)(c) | | 325,072 | |
CNY | 50,000 | | China Construction Bank Corp., 3.45%, 08/10/2026(c) | | 7,739,497 | |
USD | 3,800 | | China Construction Bank Corp., (fixed rate to 02/27/2024, variable rate thereafter), 4.25%, 02/27/2024(a)(c) | | 4,012,328 | |
USD | 4,000 | | China Construction Bank Corp., (fixed rate to 06/24/2025, variable rate thereafter), 2.45%, 06/24/2025(a)(c) | | 4,014,800 | |
CNY | 120,000 | | China Development Bank, 3.34%, 07/14/2025 | | 18,955,511 | |
USD | 8,080 | | China Evergrande Group, 8.75%, 11/29/2021(a)(c) | | 1,898,864 | |
USD | 3,500 | | China Oil & Gas Group Ltd., 5.50%, 11/29/2021(a)(c) | | 3,560,385 | |
CNY | 40,000 | | China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., 2.70%, 04/01/2023 | | 6,230,571 | |
USD | 10,522 | | Chinalco Capital Holdings Ltd., 4.25%, 04/21/2022(a) | | 10,632,859 | |
USD | 7,000 | | CIFI Holdings Group Co. Ltd., 6.55%, 03/28/2022(a)(c) | | 6,873,799 | |
USD | 3,405 | | CMHI Finance BVI Co. Ltd. (fixed rate to 10/09/2025 variable rate thereafter), 3.88%, 10/09/2025(a)(b) | | 3,542,494 | |
USD | 3,600 | | CNAC HK Finbridge Co. Ltd., 3.88%, 06/19/2029(a) | | 3,813,449 | |
USD | 3,320 | | CNAC HK Finbridge Co. Ltd., 5.13%, 03/14/2028(a) | | 3,761,560 | |
USD | 2,522 | | Country Garden Holdings Co. Ltd., 3.30%, 10/12/2030(a)(c) | | 2,270,411 | |
USD | 8,110 | | Country Garden Holdings Co. Ltd., 7.25%, 04/08/2023(a)(c) | | 8,350,647 | |
MYR | 10,000 | | Country Garden Real Estate Sdn Bhd, 6.40%, 05/06/2022 | | 2,447,476 | |
USD | 4,526 | | ENN Clean Energy International Investment Ltd., 3.38%, 05/12/2024(a)(c) | | 4,482,988 | |
USD | 3,600 | | Gansu Provincial Highway Aviation Tourism Investment Group Co. Ltd., 3.25%, 11/03/2023(a) | | 3,583,659 | |
USD | 3,000 | | Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., 3.63%, 01/25/2023(a) | | 3,054,780 | |
USD | 4,200 | | Geely Sweden Finance AB, 4.88%, 11/15/2021(a) | | 4,203,864 | |
USD | 3,962 | | GLP China Holdings Ltd., 2.95%, 03/29/2026(a) | | 3,920,849 | |
USD | 5,400 | | HBIS Group Hong Kong Co. Ltd., 3.75%, 12/18/2022(a) | | 5,380,721 | |
USD | 3,470 | | Health & Happiness H&H International Holdings Ltd., 5.63%, 11/29/2021(a)(c) | | 3,509,113 | |
USD | 2,300 | | Huarong Finance 2017 Co. Ltd., (Fixed rate to 01/24/2022, variable rate thereafter), 4.50%, 01/24/2022(a)(b) | | 2,236,750 | |
USD | 2,400 | | Huarong Finance II Co. Ltd., 5.00%, 11/19/2025(a) | | 2,370,000 | |
USD | 6,700 | | Huarong Finance II Co. Ltd., 5.50%, 01/16/2025(a) | | 6,707,370 | |
CNY | 50,000 | | Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. Series A, 4.15%, 11/16/2025(c) | | 7,973,786 | |
USD | 700 | | Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd., 9.75%, 09/28/2022(a)(c) | | 211,814 | |
USD | 4,603 | | Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd., 10.88%, 11/29/2021(a)(c) | | 1,364,789 | |
USD | 3,941 | | Kaisa Group Holdings Ltd., 11.95%, 11/29/2021(a)(c) | | 1,142,890 | |
14 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) | |
CHINA (continued) | |
USD | 6,650 | | Longfor Group Holdings Ltd., 3.95%, 09/16/2029(a) | $ | 6,792,580 | |
USD | 4,083 | | MCC Holding Hong Kong Corp. Ltd., (fixed rate to 04/20/2024, variable rate thereafter), 2.95%, 04/20/2024(a)(b) | | 4,117,828 | |
USD | 12,883 | | Seazen Group Ltd., 6.00%, 08/12/2024(a) | | 11,466,666 | |
USD | 2,310 | | Seazen Group Ltd., 6.45%, 06/11/2022(a) | | 2,151,762 | |
USD | 2,040 | | Shandong Iron And Steel Xinheng International Co. Ltd., 4.80%, 07/28/2024(a) | | 2,035,618 | |
USD | 3,754 | | Shandong Iron And Steel Xinheng International Co., Ltd., 6.50%, 11/05/2023(a) | | 3,849,015 | |
USD | 7,300 | | Shanghai Port Group BVI Development 2 Co. Ltd., 2.38%, 04/13/2030(a)(c) | | 7,240,974 | |
USD | 11,800 | | Shimao Group Holdings Ltd., 5.60%, 07/15/2023(a)(c) | | 10,914,680 | |
USD | 1,100 | | Shimao Group Holdings Ltd., 4.60%, 07/13/2025(a)(c) | | 956,436 | |
USD | 3,500 | | Shui On Development Holding Ltd., 6.15%, 08/24/2022(a)(c) | | 3,333,322 | |
USD | 2,807 | | SPIC Luxembourg Latin America Renewable Energy Investment Co. Sarl, 4.65%, 10/30/2023(a) | | 2,962,114 | |
USD | 690 | | Sunac China Holdings Ltd., 5.95%, 01/26/2023(a)(c) | | 498,902 | |
USD | 5,714 | | Sunac China Holdings Ltd., 6.80%, 10/20/2023(a)(c) | | 4,056,153 | |
USD | 1,786 | | Sunac China Holdings Ltd., 7.00%, 07/09/2023(a)(c) | | 1,278,799 | |
USD | 7,100 | | Times China Holdings Ltd., 6.20%, 09/22/2023(a)(c) | | 5,406,430 | |
USD | 7,000 | | Wuhan Metro Group Co. Ltd., (fixed rate to 12/05/2021, variable rate thereafter), 5.98%, 12/05/2021(a)(b) | | 7,010,911 | |
USD | 3,180 | | Xiaomi Best Time International Ltd., 2.88%, 04/14/2031(a)(c) | | 3,152,949 | |
USD | 6,920 | | Yango Justice International Ltd., 7.88%, 09/04/2023(a)(c) | | 1,640,924 | |
USD | 7,457 | | Zhenro Properties Group Ltd., 6.63%, 01/07/2024(a)(c) | | 5,204,688 | |
USD | 4,000 | | Zhenro Properties Group Ltd., 7.88%, 01/14/2023(a)(c) | | 2,834,311 | |
USD | 4,156 | | Zhongsheng Group Holdings Ltd., 3.00%, 12/13/2025(a)(c) | | 4,144,841 | |
| | 237,459,443 | |
GERMANY—0.8% | |
AUD | 10,000 | | Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank, 4.75%, 04/08/2024 (d) | | 8,141,804 | |
HONG KONG—2.6% | |
USD | 7,000 | | CAS Capital No 1 Ltd. (fixed rate to 07/12/2026, variable rate thereafter), 4.00%, 07/12/2026(a)(b) | | 7,014,000 | |
USD | 15,500 | | Hutchison Whampoa Finance CI Ltd., 7.50%, 08/01/2027(a) | | 19,953,258 | |
USD | 980 | | Hutchison Whampoa International 03/33 Ltd., 7.45%, 11/24/2033(a) | | 1,445,419 | |
| | 28,412,677 | |
INDIA—17.3% | |
USD | 7,302 | | Adani Electricity Mumbai Ltd., 3.95%, 02/12/2030(a) | | 7,217,040 | |
USD | 6,910 | | Adani Green Energy UP Ltd. / Prayatna Developers Pvt Ltd. / Parampujya Solar Energy Pvt Ltd., 6.25%, 12/10/2024(a) | | 7,413,739 | |
USD | 3,050 | | Adani Transmission Ltd., 4.00%, 08/03/2026(a) | | 3,211,073 | |
USD | 3,750 | | Adani Transmission Ltd., 4.25%, 05/21/2036(a)(e) | | 3,797,382 | |
INR | 200,000 | | Axis Bank Ltd., 7.60%, 10/20/2023 | | 2,785,576 | |
INR | 500,000 | | Axis Bank Ltd., 8.85%, 12/05/2024 | | 7,252,663 | |
USD | 10,900 | | Axis Bank Ltd. (fixed rate to 09/8/2026, variable rate thereafter), 4.10%, 09/08/2026(a)(b) | | 10,691,940 | |
USD | 7,030 | | Azure Power Solar Energy Pvt Ltd., 5.65%, 09/24/2022(a)(c) | | 7,381,500 | |
USD | 3,300 | | Bharti Airtel International Netherlands BV, 5.35%, 05/20/2024(a) | | 3,584,526 | |
USD | 800 | | CA Magnum Holdings, 5.38%, 10/31/2023(a)(c) | | 820,321 | |
USD | 1,200 | | GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., 4.75%, 02/02/2026(a) | | 1,206,346 | |
USD | 5,173 | | GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., 5.38%, 04/10/2024(a) | | 5,316,025 | |
INR | 750,000 | | HDFC Bank Ltd., 7.95%, 09/21/2026 | | 10,620,987 | |
USD | 7,304 | | HDFC Bank Ltd., (Fixed rate to 08/25/2026, variable rate thereafter), 3.70%, 08/25/2026(a)(b) | | 7,285,740 | |
INR | 100,000 | | Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd., 7.90%, 08/24/2026 | | 1,428,853 | |
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 15 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) | |
INDIA (continued) | |
INR | 100,000 | | ICICI Bank Ltd., 7.60%, 10/07/2023 | $ | 1,391,685 | |
INR | 250,000 | | ICICI Bank Ltd., 9.15%, 08/06/2024 | | 3,655,788 | |
USD | 5,732 | | IIFL Finance Ltd., 5.88%, 04/20/2023(a) | | 5,559,968 | |
USD | 7,072 | | India Green Power Holdings, 4.00%, 02/22/2024(a) | | 7,080,840 | |
USD | 4,000 | | Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd., 6.38%, 05/28/2022(a) | | 3,931,326 | |
INR | 100,000 | | Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd., 9.00%, 04/29/2026 | | 1,160,148 | |
INR | 300,000 | | Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd., 9.08%, 12/31/2021 | | 4,009,094 | |
INR | 50,000 | | Indian Railway Finance Corp. Ltd., 8.45%, 12/04/2028 | | 735,454 | |
INR | 150,000 | | National Highways Authority of India, 7.70%, 09/13/2029 | | 2,113,386 | |
INR | 50,000 | | NTPC Ltd., 8.05%, 05/05/2026 | | 723,313 | |
INR | 250,000 | | NTPC Ltd., 8.10%, 05/27/2026 | | 3,626,502 | |
USD | 3,280 | | Periama Holdings LLC, 5.95%, 04/19/2026(a) | | 3,545,877 | |
USD | 7,112 | | Power Finance Corp. Ltd., 6.15%, 12/06/2028(a) | | 8,313,585 | |
INR | 250,000 | | Power Finance Corp. Ltd., 8.39%, 04/19/2025 | | 3,586,302 | |
INR | 400,000 | | Power Finance Corp. Ltd., 8.65%, 12/28/2024 | | 5,773,819 | |
INR | 150,000 | | Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd., 8.13%, 04/25/2027 | | 2,174,856 | |
INR | 500,000 | | Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd., 8.13%, 04/25/2028 | | 7,318,307 | |
USD | 3,689 | | REC Ltd., 4.75%, 05/19/2023(a) | | 3,856,444 | |
INR | 150,000 | | REC Ltd., 8.10%, 06/25/2024 | | 2,118,554 | |
INR | 150,000 | | REC Ltd., 9.34%, 08/25/2024 | | 2,189,300 | |
INR | 70,000 | | REC Ltd., 9.35%, 06/15/2022 | | 962,622 | |
INR | 800,000 | | Reliance Industries Ltd., 8.30%, 03/08/2022 | | 10,842,202 | |
USD | 8,000 | | Shriram Transport Finance Co. Ltd., 4.40%, 03/13/2024(a) | | 8,032,000 | |
INR | 300,000 | | State of Maharashtra India, 7.20%, 08/09/2027 | | 4,155,179 | |
USD | 3,327 | | UPL Corp. Ltd., 4.63%, 06/16/2030(a) | | 3,494,297 | |
USD | 7,000 | | Vedanta Resources Ltd., 6.38%, 07/30/2022(a) | | 6,944,000 | |
| | 187,308,559 | |
INDONESIA—4.8% | |
IDR | 20,000,000 | | Adira Dinamika Multi Finance Tbk PT, 7.80%, 10/04/2022 | | 1,457,420 | |
IDR | 10,000,000 | | Astra Sedaya Finance PT, 8.80%, 02/13/2022 | | 716,217 | |
USD | 2,198 | | Bank Mandiri Persero Tbk PT, 4.75%, 05/13/2025(a) | | 2,409,002 | |
IDR | 10,000,000 | | Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero Tbk PT, 8.25%, 08/24/2024 | | 756,097 | |
USD | 7,300 | | Bank Tabungan Negara Persero Tbk PT, 4.20%, 01/23/2025(a) | | 7,374,577 | |
IDR | 10,000,000 | | Federal International Finance PT, 8.80%, 03/12/2022 | | 718,052 | |
USD | 5,326 | | FPC Treasury Ltd., 4.50%, 04/16/2023(a) | | 5,538,719 | |
USD | 3,766 | | Hutama Karya Persero PT, 3.75%, 02/11/2030(a)(c)(d) | | 4,016,294 | |
USD | 4,283 | | Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk PT, 3.40%, 12/09/2030(a)(c) | | 4,258,010 | |
IDR | 20,000,000 | | Lembaga Pembiayaan Ekspor Indonesia, 8.45%, 07/09/2022 | | 1,457,420 | |
USD | 5,492 | | LLPL Capital Pte Ltd., 6.88%, 02/04/2039(a)(e) | | 6,288,669 | |
USD | 4,565 | | Medco Oak Tree Pte Ltd., 7.38%, 05/14/2023(a)(c) | | 4,895,962 | |
USD | 3,129 | | Perusahaan Perseroan Persero PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara, 6.15%, 05/21/2048(a) | | 3,862,156 | |
IDR | 12,000,000 | | Perusahaan Perseroan Persero PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara, 8.25%, 07/05/2023 | | 904,045 | |
USD | 7,181 | | Tower Bersama Infrastructure Tbk PT, 2.75%, 12/20/2025(a)(c) | | 7,234,994 | |
| | 51,887,634 | |
JAPAN—0.5% | | |
USD | 4,850 | | Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., 4.81%, 06/17/2030(a)(c) | | 5,390,265 | |
16 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) | |
KAZAKHSTAN—0.7% | |
KZT | 3,265,000 | | Development Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, 10.95%, 05/06/2026(a) | $ | 7,623,930 | |
| | 7,623,930 | |
KUWAIT—0.7% | | |
USD | 6,759 | | MEGlobal Canada ULC, 5.00%, 05/18/2025(a) | | 7,400,010 | |
MACAO—0.6% | | |
USD | 3,575 | | MGM China Holdings Ltd., 5.25%, 06/18/2022(a)(c) | | 3,534,781 | |
USD | 3,500 | | MGM China Holdings Ltd., 5.88%, 05/15/2022(a)(c) | | 3,498,250 | |
| | 7,033,031 | |
MALAYSIA—1.8% | | |
MYR | 5,000 | | CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, 4.95%, 03/29/2023(c) | | 1,238,816 | |
MYR | 5,000 | | DRB-Hicom Bhd, 5.10%, 12/12/2029 | | 1,208,547 | |
MYR | 5,000 | | Malayan Banking Bhd, (fixed rate to 09/25/2024, variable rate thereafter), 4.08%, 09/25/2024(b) | | 1,224,112 | |
MYR | 5,000 | | Pengerang LNG Two Sdn Bhd, 2.86%, 10/20/2028 | | 1,123,171 | |
MYR | 5,000 | | Pengerang LNG Two Sdn Bhd, 2.92%, 10/19/2029 | | 1,111,326 | |
MYR | 10,000 | | Petroleum Sarawak Exploration & Production Sdn Bhd, 4.10%, 03/19/2031 | | 2,398,153 | |
USD | 2,600 | | Petronas Capital Ltd., 3.50%, 01/21/2030(a)(c) | | 2,789,960 | |
MYR | 5,000 | | Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd, 4.00%, 08/15/2025 | | 1,197,875 | |
USD | 7,000 | | TNB Global Ventures Capital Bhd, 3.24%, 10/19/2026(a) | | 7,339,920 | |
| | 19,631,880 | |
MEXICO—0.6% | | |
MXN | 145,000 | | Petroleos Mexicanos, 7.19%, 09/12/2024(a) | | 6,704,217 | |
NORWAY—0.5% | | |
AUD | 7,000 | | Kommunalbanken AS, 4.50%, 04/17/2023(a) | | 5,546,992 | |
| | 5,546,992 | |
PHILIPPINES—4.6% | |
USD | 5,420 | | AC Energy Finance International Ltd., 5.10%, 11/25/2025(a)(b) | | 5,560,715 | |
USD | 4,097 | | Globe Telecom, Inc., (Fixed rate to 08/02/2026, variable rate thereafter), 4.20%, 08/02/2026(a)(b) | | 4,158,455 | |
USD | 7,000 | | ICTSI Treasury BV, 5.88%, 09/17/2025(a) | | 8,029,077 | |
USD | 11,000 | | Manila Water Co., Inc., 4.38%, 07/30/2025(a)(c) | | 11,507,843 | |
USD | 13,086 | | Megaworld Corp., 4.25%, 04/17/2023(a) | | 13,657,714 | |
USD | 7,000 | | Royal Capital BV, (fixed rate to 05/05/2024, variable rate thereafter), 4.88%, 05/05/2024(a)(b) | | 7,216,300 | |
| | 50,130,104 | |
SAUDI ARABIA—1.0% | | |
USD | 7,000 | | Dar Al-Arkan Sukuk Co. Ltd., 6.88%, 03/21/2023(a) | | 7,271,600 | |
USD | 2,976 | | Saudi Electricity Global Sukuk Co. 3, 5.50%, 04/08/2044(a) | | 3,801,816 | |
| | 11,073,416 | |
SINGAPORE—2.4% | |
USD | 4,300 | | DBS Group Holdings Ltd., (fixed rate to 02/27/2025, variable rate thereafter), 3.30%, 02/27/2025(a)(b) | | 4,364,801 | |
USD | 2,400 | | DBS Group Holdings Ltd., (fixed rate to 12/11/2023, variable rate thereafter), 4.52%, 12/11/2023(a)(c) | | 2,556,903 | |
USD | 4,538 | | GLP Pte Ltd. (fixed rate to 05/17/2026, variable rate thereafter), 4.50%, 05/17/2026(a)(b) | | 4,379,170 | |
USD | 3,800 | | Parkway Pantai Ltd., (fixed rate to 07/27/2022, variable rate thereafter), 4.25%, 07/27/2022(a)(b) | | 3,801,900 | |
USD | 3,682 | | Singapore Airlines Ltd., 3.00%, 06/20/2026(a)(c) | | 3,749,236 | |
USD | 7,000 | | Vena Energy Capital Pte Ltd., 3.13%, 02/26/2025(a) | | 7,126,425 | |
| | 25,978,435 | |
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 17 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) | |
SOUTH KOREA—2.7% | |
USD | 11,400 | | Busan Bank Co. Ltd., 3.63%, 07/25/2026(a) | $ | 11,874,181 | |
USD | 3,300 | | Hanwha Total Petrochemical Co. Ltd., 3.88%, 01/23/2024(a) | | 3,481,010 | |
USD | 2,000 | | Kookmin Bank, 2.50%, 11/04/2030(a) | | 1,964,985 | |
USD | 5,900 | | Shinhan Bank Co. Ltd., 4.50%, 03/26/2028(a) | | 6,626,937 | |
USD | 2,071 | | SK Hynix, Inc., 2.38%, 01/19/2031(a) | | 1,989,679 | |
USD | 3,650 | | Tongyang Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (fixed rate to 09/22/2025 variable rate thereafter), 5.25%, 09/22/2025(a)(b) | | 3,821,185 | |
| | 29,757,977 | |
TAIWAN—0.2% | |
USD | 2,191 | | TSMC Arizona Corp., 2.50%, 07/25/2031(c) | | 2,218,308 | |
| | 2,218,308 | |
THAILAND—2.7% | |
USD | 1,200 | | Bangkok Bank PCL, 9.03%, 03/15/2029(a) | | 1,635,972 | |
USD | 6,900 | | Bangkok Bank PCL, (fixed rate to 09/25/2029, variable rate thereafter), 3.73%, 09/25/2029(a)(c) | | 7,014,609 | |
USD | 7,000 | | Krung Thai Bank PCL, (fixed rate to 03/25/2026, variable rate thereafter), 4.40%, 03/25/2026(a)(b) | | 6,966,680 | |
USD | 5,800 | | Minor International PCL, (fixed rate to 06/29/2023, variable rate thereafter), 3.10%, 06/29/2023(a)(b) | | 5,886,875 | |
USD | 3,342 | | PTTEP Treasury Center Co. Ltd., 3.90%, 12/06/2059(a) | | 3,450,526 | |
USD | 3,800 | | TMB Bank PCL, (fixed rate to 12/02/2024, variable rate thereafter), 4.90%, 12/02/2024(a)(b) | | 3,799,479 | |
| | 28,754,141 | |
TURKEY—0.3% | |
USD | 3,460 | | Turk Telekomunikasyon AS, 6.88%, 02/28/2025(a) | | 3,693,052 | |
| | 3,693,052 | |
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES—3.2% | |
MYR | 10,000 | | Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. PJSC, 4.65%, 03/03/2022 | | 2,426,723 | |
USD | 2,700 | | DP World PLC, 6.85%, 07/02/2037(a) | | 3,557,250 | |
USD | 7,100 | | Esic Sukuk Ltd., 3.94%, 07/30/2024(a) | | 7,330,750 | |
USD | 7,237 | | Galaxy Pipeline Assets Bidco Ltd., 2.63%, 03/31/2036(a)(e) | | 7,050,406 | |
USD | 6,500 | | MAF Global Securities Ltd., (fixed rate to 03/20/2026, variable rate thereafter), 6.38%, 03/20/2026(a)(b) | | 7,102,602 | |
USD | 6,400 | | Tabreed Sukuk Spc Ltd., 5.50%, 10/31/2025(a) | | 7,280,000 | |
| | 34,747,731 | |
UNITED KINGDOM—1.4% | |
USD | 6,999 | | Standard Chartered PLC, 3.95%, 01/11/2023(a) | | 7,221,227 | |
USD | 5,000 | | Standard Chartered PLC, 4.05%, 04/12/2026(a) | | 5,424,370 | |
USD | 2,759 | | Standard Chartered PLC, (fixed rate to 04/02/2023, variable rate thereafter), 7.75%, 04/02/2023(a)(b) | | 2,945,232 | |
| | 15,590,829 | |
UNITED STATES—0.7% | |
USD | 5,600 | | Hyundai Capital America, 6.38%, 01/08/2030(a)(c) | | 7,102,566 | |
| | 7,102,566 | |
VIETNAM—0.4% | |
USD | 4,310 | | Mong Duong Finance Holdings BV, 5.13%, 05/07/2023(a) | | 4,277,675 | |
| | 4,277,675 | |
| | | Total Corporate Bonds—78.3% (cost $872,861,990) | | 849,737,836 | |
18 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
| Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) |
GOVERNMENT BONDS—62.1% |
AUSTRALIA—9.5% | |
AUD | 2,300 | Australia Government Bond, 2.75%, 11/21/2029(a) | $ | 1,836,969 | |
AUD | 54,000 | Australia Government Bond, 3.25%, 06/21/2039(a) | | 44,402,715 | |
AUD | 13,500 | New South Wales Treasury Corp., 3.00%, 02/20/2030(a) | | 10,754,115 | |
AUD | 7,500 | New South Wales Treasury Corp., 4.00%, 05/20/2026(a) | | 6,204,700 | |
AUD | 15,000 | New South Wales Treasury Corp., 6.00%, 03/01/2022 | | 11,496,578 | |
AUD | 300 | Queensland Treasury Corp., 3.50%, 08/21/2030(a) | | 247,930 | |
AUD | 22,000 | Queensland Treasury Corp., 4.25%, 07/21/2023(a) | | 17,483,557 | |
AUD | 13,000 | Treasury Corp. of Victoria, 6.00%, 10/17/2022 | | 10,316,329 | |
| | 102,742,893 | |
BRAZIL—2.0% | |
BRL | 103,000 | Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional, 10.00%, 01/01/2029 | | 16,426,707 | |
BRL | 31,000 | Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F, 10.00%, 01/01/2027 | | 5,064,115 | |
| | 21,490,822 | |
CHINA—7.8% | |
CNY | 30,000 | China Government Bond, 2.20%, 02/13/2022 (f) | | 4,687,169 | |
CNY | 40,000 | China Government Bond, 2.36%, 07/02/2023 (f) | | 6,231,119 | |
CNY | 130,000 | China Government Bond, 2.68%, 05/21/2030 (f) | | 19,699,998 | |
CNY | 30,000 | China Government Bond, 3.02%, 10/22/2025 (f) | | 4,727,111 | |
CNY | 60,000 | China Government Bond, 3.02%, 05/27/2031 (f) | | 9,416,608 | |
CNY | 250,000 | China Government Bond, 3.27%, 11/19/2030 (f) | | 39,889,129 | |
| | 84,651,134 | |
GHANA—0.7% | |
USD | 3,200 | Ghana Government International Bond, 7.88%, 03/26/2027(a)(e) | | 2,968,000 | |
USD | 4,419 | Ghana Government International Bond, 8.13%, 01/18/2026(a)(e) | | 4,241,861 | |
| | 7,209,861 | |
INDIA—5.5% | |
INR | 500,000 | India Government Bond, 6.19%, 09/16/2034 | | 6,325,306 | |
INR | 735,000 | India Government Bond, 6.79%, 05/15/2027 | | 10,158,104 | |
INR | 550,000 | India Government Bond, 7.17%, 01/08/2028 | | 7,692,012 | |
INR | 1,340,000 | India Government Bond, 7.26%, 01/14/2029 | | 18,838,067 | |
INR | 880,000 | India Government Bond, 7.72%, 05/25/2025 | | 12,572,226 | |
INR | 300,000 | India Government Bond, 8.15%, 11/24/2026 | | 4,375,728 | |
INR | 9,590 | India Government Bond, 9.20%, 09/30/2030 | | 150,001 | |
| | 60,111,444 | |
INDONESIA—13.7% | |
USD | 5,314 | Indonesia Government International Bond, 5.35%, 02/11/2049 | | 6,793,824 | |
USD | 6,000 | Indonesia Government International Bond, 7.75%, 01/17/2038(a) | | 8,974,470 | |
USD | 9,880 | Indonesia Government International Bond, 8.50%, 10/12/2035(a) | | 15,491,874 | |
IDR | 271,570,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 6.13%, 05/15/2028 | | 19,599,811 | |
IDR | 21,000,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 6.50%, 02/15/2031 | | 1,517,396 | |
IDR | 629,200,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 8.13%, 05/15/2024 | | 48,519,569 | |
IDR | 197,000,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 8.38%, 04/15/2039 | | 15,684,913 | |
IDR | 300,000,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 8.75%, 05/15/2031 | | 24,743,250 | |
IDR | 30,000,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 9.00%, 03/15/2029 | | 2,475,384 | |
IDR | 16,000,000 | Indonesia Treasury Bond, 9.50%, 07/15/2031 | | 1,370,492 | |
USD | 3,770 | Perusahaan Penerbit SBSN Indonesia III, 4.15%, 03/29/2027(a) | | 4,188,206 | |
| | 149,359,189 | |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 19 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
| Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |
GOVERNMENT BONDS (continued) | |
IRAQ—0.8% | |
USD | 4,062 | Iraq International Bond, 5.80%, 12/13/2021(a) | $ | 3,948,994 | |
USD | 4,500 | Iraq International Bond, 6.75%, 03/09/2023(a) | | 4,591,350 | |
| | 8,540,344 | |
MALAYSIA—6.8% | |
MYR | 46,000 | Malaysia Government Bond, 2.63%, 04/15/2031 | | 10,248,969 | |
MYR | 158,300 | Malaysia Government Bond, 3.48%, 06/14/2024 | | 38,958,773 | |
MYR | 17,500 | Malaysia Government Bond, 3.73%, 06/15/2028 | | 4,294,916 | |
MYR | 13,800 | Malaysia Government Bond, 3.76%, 05/22/2040 | | 3,135,276 | |
MYR | 20,500 | Malaysia Government Bond, 4.18%, 07/15/2024 | | 5,134,839 | |
MYR | 30,500 | Malaysia Government Bond, 4.92%, 07/06/2048 | | 7,819,963 | |
MYR | 18,000 | Malaysia Government Investment Issue, 3.45%, 07/15/2036 | | 3,999,269 | |
| | 73,592,005 | |
MALDIVES—0.2% | |
USD | 2,200 | Maldives Sukuk Issuance Ltd., 9.88%, 04/08/2026(a) | | 2,220,963 | |
| | 2,220,963 | |
MEXICO—2.2% | |
MXN | 469,000 | Mexican Bonos, 8.50%, 05/31/2029 | | 24,133,408 | |
| | 24,133,408 | |
NIGERIA—1.4% | |
USD | 14,100 | Nigeria Government International Bond, 8.75%, 01/21/2031(a) | | 15,175,125 | |
OMAN—0.6% | |
USD | 6,120 | Oman Government International Bond, 7.38%, 10/28/2032(a) | | 7,066,336 | |
| | 7,066,336 | |
PAKISTAN—4.8% | |
USD | 26,890 | Pakistan Government International Bond, 6.88%, 12/05/2027(a) | | 27,466,306 | |
USD | 7,495 | Pakistan Government International Bond, 8.25%, 04/15/2024(a) | | 8,000,913 | |
USD | 5,209 | Pakistan Government International Bond, 8.25%, 09/30/2025(a) | | 5,658,276 | |
PKR | 1,940,000 | Pakistan Investment Bond, 7.00%, 08/20/2023 | | 10,834,546 | |
| | 51,960,041 | |
SOUTH KOREA—0.7% | |
KRW | 9,900,000 | Korea Treasury Bond, 1.88%, 03/10/2051 | | 7,357,582 | |
SUPRANATIONAL—1.7% | |
AUD | 14,000 | Asian Development Bank, 5.00%, 03/09/2022 | | 10,716,752 | |
AUD | 10,000 | International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, 4.25%, 06/24/2025 | | 8,207,512 | |
| | 18,924,264 | |
UKRAINE—2.3% | |
UAH | 210,000 | Ukraine Government Bond, 15.84%, 02/26/2025 | | 8,574,293 | |
USD | 15,600 | Ukraine Government International Bond, 7.38%, 09/25/2032(a)(e) | | 16,044,288 | |
| | 24,618,581 | |
URUGUAY—1.4% | |
UYU | 674,024 | Uruguay Government International Bond, 8.25%, 05/21/2031 | | 15,142,482 | |
| | 15,142,482 | |
| Total Government Bonds—62.1% (cost $683,395,289) | | 674,296,474 | |
20 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
| Principal Amount (000) or Shares | Description | Value (US$) |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT—2.1% |
UNITED STATES—2.1% |
USD | 23,023,053 | State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, Premier Class, 0.03%(g) | $ | 23,023,053 | |
| | 23,023,053 | |
| Total Short-Term Investment—2.1% (cost $23,023,053) | | 23,023,053 | |
| Total Investments—142.5% (cost $1,579,280,332)(h) | | 1,547,057,363 | |
| Long Term Debt Securities | | (450,000,000 | ) |
| Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock at Liquidation Value | | (50,000,000 | ) |
| Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities—3.5% | | 38,326,607 | |
| Net Assets—100.0% | $ | 1,085,383,970 | |
AUD—Australian Dollar
BRL—Brazilian Real
CNH—Chinese Yuan Renminbi Offshore
CNY—Chinese Yuan Renminbi
IDR—Indonesian Rupiah
INR—Indian Rupee
KRW—South Korean Won
KZT—Kazakhstan tenge
MXN—Mexican Peso
MYR—Malaysian Ringgit
PHP—Philippine Peso
PKR—Pakistan rupee
SGD—Singapore Dollar
THB—Thai Baht
UAH—Ukraine hryvna
USD—U.S. Dollar
UYU—Uruguayan Peso
(a) | Denotes a restricted security. |
(b) | Perpetual bond. This is a bond that has no maturity date, is redeemable and pays a steady stream of interest indefinitely. The maturity date presented for these instruments represents the next call/put date. |
(c) | The maturity date presented for these instruments represents the next call/put date. |
(d) | This security is government guaranteed. |
(f) | China A securities. These securities are issued in local currency, traded in the local markets and are held through a qualified foreign institutional investor license. |
(g) | Registered investment company advised by State Street Global Advisors. The rate shown is the 7 day yield as of October 31, 2021. |
(h) | See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements for tax unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) of securities. |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 21 |
Portfolio of Investments (continued)
October 31, 2021
At October 31, 2021, the Company held the following futures contracts:
Futures Contracts | | Number of Contracts Long/(Short) | | Expiration Date | | Notional Amount | | Market Value | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Long Contract Positions |
United States Treasury Note 6%—Ultra Bond | | 268 | | | 12/21/2021 | | $ | 52,995,104 | | | $ | 52,636,875 | | | $ | (358,229 | ) |
United States Treasury Note 6%—10 year | | 14 | | | 12/21/2021 | | | 1,821,553 | | | | 1,829,844 | | | | 8,291 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | (349,938 | ) |
Short Contract Positions |
United States Treasury Note 6%—5 year | | (45 | ) | | 12/31/2021 | | $ | (5,559,575 | ) | | $ | (5,478,751 | ) | | $ | 80,824 | |
United States Treasury Note 6%—10 year | | (998 | ) | | 12/21/2021 | | | (133,130,074 | ) | | | (130,441,718 | ) | | | 2,688,356 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,769,180 | |
| | | | | | | | | | $ | 2,419,242 | |
At October 31, 2021, the Fund's open forward foreign currency exchange contracts were as follows:
Purchase Contracts Settlement Date* | Counterparty | | Amount Purchased | | Amount Sold | | Fair Value | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi Offshore/United States Dollar |
12/21/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | CNH | 450,000,000 | | USD | 69,170,113 | | $ | 69,966,461 | | $ | 796,348 | |
Indian Rupee/United States Dollar |
11/01/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | INR | 1,641,817,568 | | USD | 21,933,323 | | | 21,925,616 | | | (7,707 | ) |
11/01/2021 | UBS AG | | INR | 1,215,246,894 | | USD | 16,109,812 | | | 16,228,988 | | | 119,176 | |
01/21/2022 | Citibank N.A. | | INR | 213,285,337 | | USD | 2,820,123 | | | 2,818,424 | | | (1,699 | ) |
Indonesian Rupiah/United States Dollar |
12/06/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | IDR | 37,245,708,943 | | USD | 2,582,902 | | | 2,609,362 | | | 26,460 | |
Philippine Peso/United States Dollar |
12/06/2021 | Royal Bank of Canada | | PHP | 1,518,933,310 | | USD | 29,619,634 | | | 30,028,208 | | | 408,574 | |
Singapore Dollar/United States Dollar |
12/17/2021 | Royal Bank of Canada | | SGD | 95,419,581 | | USD | 70,108,823 | | | 70,746,162 | | | 637,339 | |
South Korean Won/United States Dollar |
12/06/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | KRW | 100,153,584,747 | | USD | 85,816,998 | | | 85,229,931 | | | (587,067 | ) |
Thai Baht/United States Dollar |
12/15/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | THB | 61,351,731 | | USD | 1,818,050 | | | 1,848,429 | | | 30,379 | |
12/15/2021 | State Street Bank and Trust Company | | THB | 2,878,063,657 | | USD | 87,274,084 | | | 86,711,419 | | | (562,665 | ) |
| | | | | | | $ | 388,113,000 | | $ | 859,138 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sale Contracts Settlement Date* | Counterparty | | Amount Purchased | | Amount Sold | | Fair Value | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
United States Dollar/Australian Dollar |
01/24/2022 | UBS AG | | USD | 8,807,269 | | AUD | 11,700,000 | | $ | 8,803,310 | | $ | 3,959 | |
United States Dollar/Chinese Yuan Renminbi Offshore |
12/21/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | USD | 42,013,367 | | CNH | 273,326,361 | | | 42,497,063 | | | (483,696 | ) |
12/21/2021 | Standard Chartered Bank | | USD | 1,767,586 | | CNH | 11,466,403 | | | 1,782,808 | | | (15,222 | ) |
22 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Portfolio of Investments (concluded)
October 31, 2021
Sale Contracts Settlement Date* | Counterparty | | Amount Purchased | | Amount Sold | | Fair Value | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | |
United States Dollar/Indian Rupee |
11/01/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | USD | 22,101,081 | | INR | 1,641,817,568 | | $ | 21,925,616 | | $ | 175,465 | |
11/01/2021 | UBS AG | | USD | 16,241,926 | | INR | 1,215,246,894 | | | 16,228,988 | | | 12,938 | |
01/21/2022 | Citibank N.A. | | USD | 2,813,375 | | INR | 213,285,337 | | | 2,818,424 | | | (5,049 | ) |
United States Dollar/Indonesian Rupiah |
12/06/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | USD | 36,220,068 | | IDR | 522,297,000,000 | | | 36,591,115 | | | (371,047 | ) |
United States Dollar/Malaysian Ringgit |
11/18/2021 | BNP Paribas S.A. | | USD | 41,770,125 | | MYR | 174,642,815 | | | 42,143,589 | | | (373,464 | ) |
United States Dollar/Mexican Peso |
11/22/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | USD | 988,201 | | MXN | 20,295,023 | | | 982,902 | | | 5,299 | |
United States Dollar/Philippine Peso |
12/06/2021 | Royal Bank of Canada | | USD | 11,796,941 | | PHP | 604,962,500 | | | 11,959,669 | | | (162,728 | ) |
United States Dollar/South Korean Won |
12/06/2021 | Citibank N.A. | | USD | 5,598,461 | | KRW | 6,601,704,503 | | | 5,618,000 | | | (19,539 | ) |
| | | | | | | $ | 191,351,484 | | $ | (1,233,084 | ) |
| | | | | | | $ | 579,464,484 | | $ | (373,946 | ) |
Total unrealized appreciation on open forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | | $ | 2,215,937 | |
Total unrealized depreciation on open forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | | $ | (2,589,883 | ) |
* Certain contracts with different trade dates and like characteristics have been shown net.
At October 31, 2021, the Fund held the following centrally cleared interest rate swaps:
Currency | Notional Amount | | Expiration Date | | Counterparty | | Receive (Pay) Floating Rate | | Floating Rate Index | | Fixed Rate | | Premiums Paid (Received) | | Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) | | Value | |
USD | 6,000,000 | | 02/12/2027 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 0.75 | % | | $ | – | | | $ | 147,249 | | $ | 147,249 | |
USD | 20,000,000 | | 06/10/2027 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 0.70 | % | | | – | | | | 583,272 | | | 583,272 | |
USD | 9,000,000 | | 09/21/2028 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 1.17 | % | | | – | | | | 123,569 | | | 123,569 | |
USD | 15,000,000 | | 05/06/2030 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 0.62 | % | | | (7,556 | ) | | | 1,028,275 | | | 1,020,719 | |
USD | 5,000,000 | | 05/11/2030 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 0.67 | % | | | – | | | | 321,494 | | | 321,494 | |
USD | 25,000,000 | | 06/02/2031 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 0.72 | % | | | – | | | | 1,809,048 | | | 1,809,048 | |
USD | 20,000,000 | | 07/16/2031 | | Citigroup | | Receive | | 3-month LIBOR | | | 1.36 | % | | | – | | | | 261,438 | | | 261,438 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | $ | (7,556 | ) | | $ | 4,274,345 | | $ | 4,266,789 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 23 |
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
As of October 31, 2021
Assets | | | | |
Investments, at value (cost $1,556,257,279) | | $ | 1,524,034,310 | |
Short-term investments, at value (cost $23,023,053) | | | 23,023,053 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $11,213,824) | | | 11,255,759 | |
Cash | | | 5,570,685 | |
Cash at broker for interest rate swaps | | | 4,104,161 | |
Cash at broker for futures contracts | | | 2,342,437 | |
Cash at broker for forward foreign currency contracts | | | 470,000 | |
Interest receivable | | | 24,223,727 | |
Variation margin receivable for futures contracts | | | 2,777,471 | |
Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 2,215,937 | |
Prepaid expenses in connection with revolving credit facility, senior secured notes, term loans and Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares | | | 2,098,642 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 64,411 | |
Total assets | | | 1,602,180,593 | |
Liabilities | | | | |
Senior secured notes payable (Note 8) | | | 350,000,000 | |
Revolving credit facility payable (Note 9) | | | 100,000,000 | |
Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares ($25.00 liquidation value per share; 2,000,000 shares outstanding) (Note 7) | | | 50,000,000 | |
Payable for investments purchased | | | 6,312,560 | |
Interest payable on revolving credit facility, senior secured notes and term loans | | | 4,591,989 | |
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 2,589,883 | |
Investment management fees payable (Note 3) | | | 891,865 | |
Deferred foreign capital gains tax | | | 597,036 | |
Variation margin payable for futures contracts | | | 358,229 | |
Cash due to broker for forward foreign currency contracts | | | 230,000 | |
Dividend payable on Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares | | | 217,709 | |
Administration fees payable (Note 3) | | | 187,496 | |
Variation margin payable for centrally cleared swaps | | | 98,918 | |
Investor relations fees payable (Note 3) | | | 22,789 | |
Other accrued expenses | | | 698,149 | |
Total liabilities | | | 516,796,623 | |
| | | | |
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders | | $ | 1,085,383,970 | |
Composition of Net Assets | | | | |
Common stock (par value $0.01 per share) (Note 5) | | $ | 2,476,958 | |
Paid-in capital in excess of par | | | 1,148,365,409 | |
Distributable accumulated loss | | | (65,458,397) | |
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders | | $ | 1,085,383,970 | |
Net asset value per share based on 247,695,769 shares issued and outstanding | | $ | 4.38 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
24 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended October 31, 2021
Net Investment Income: |
Income | | | | |
Interest and amortization of discount and premium and other income (net of foreign withholding taxes of $1,990,149) | | $ | 73,638,669 | |
Total Investment Income | | | 73,638,669 | |
Expenses: | | | | |
Investment management fee (Note 3) | | | 9,017,792 | |
Administration fee (Note 3) | | | 1,893,558 | |
Revolving credit facility, senior secured notes, term loans and Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares fees and expenses | | | 900,072 | |
Custodian's fees and expenses | | | 353,915 | |
Investor relations fees and expenses (Note 3) | | | 271,736 | |
Directors' fees and expenses | | | 249,897 | |
Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation | | | 236,447 | |
Legal fees and expenses | | | 174,890 | |
Insurance expense | | | 137,581 | |
Transfer agent's fees and expenses | | | 119,155 | |
Independent auditors' fees and expenses | | | 94,168 | |
Miscellaneous | | | 67,100 | |
Total operating expenses, excluding interest expense | | | 13,516,311 | |
Interest expense (Notes 8 & 9) | | | 14,325,100 | |
Distributions to Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares (Note 7) | | | 2,091,146 | |
Net operating expenses | | | 29,932,557 | |
| | | | |
Net investment income applicable to common shareholders | | | 43,706,112 | |
Net Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) from Investments and Foreign Currency Related Transactions: | | | | |
Net realized gain/(loss) from: | | | | |
Investment transactions (including $432,970 capital gains tax) | | | (2,680,496 | ) |
Futures contracts | | | (1,994,178 | ) |
Interest rate swaps | | | (315,115 | ) |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | (9,842,110 | ) |
Foreign currency transactions | | | (2,767,328 | ) |
| | | (17,599,227 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: | | | | |
Investments (including $(27,648) change in deferred capital gains tax) | | | (43,008,866 | ) |
Interest rate swaps | | | 3,640,047 | |
Futures contracts | | | 3,152,544 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | (1,252,822 | ) |
Foreign currency translation | | | 26,638,771 | |
| | | (10,830,326 | ) |
Net (loss) from investments, interest rate swaps, futures contracts, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, and foreign currencies | | | (28,429,553 | ) |
Net Increase in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations | | $ | 15,276,559 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 25 |
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
| | For the Year Ended October 31, 2021 | | | For the Year Ended October 31, 2020 | |
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders: | | | | | | | |
Operations: | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ 43,706,112 | | | $ 37,700,172 | | |
Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, interest rate swaps and futures contracts | | (4,989,789 | ) | | 34,410,347 | | |
Net realized loss from foreign currency transactions and forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | (12,609,438 | ) | | (65,392,613 | ) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments, interest rate swaps and futures contracts | | (36,216,275 | ) | | (41,131,289 | ) | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translation and forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | 25,385,949 | | | 59,846,425 | | |
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations | | 15,276,559 | | | 25,433,042 | | |
Distributions to Common Shareholders From: | | | | | | | |
Distributable earnings | | (43,575,028 | ) | | (20,774,928 | ) | |
Tax return of capital | | (38,164,598 | ) | | (60,964,698 | ) | |
Net decrease in net assets applicable to common shareholders from distributions | | (81,739,626 | ) | | (81,739,626 | ) | |
Change in net assets applicable to common shareholders | | (66,463,067 | ) | | (56,306,584 | ) | |
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders: | | | | | | | |
Beginning of year | | 1,151,847,037 | | | 1,208,153,621 | | |
End of year | | $ 1,085,383,970 | | | $ 1,151,847,037 | | |
Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
26 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended October 31, 2021
Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 15,276,559 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | |
Investments purchased | | | (719,445,063 | ) |
Investments sold and principal repayments | | | 726,056,394 | |
Decrease in short-term investments, excluding foreign government securities | | | 17,718,851 | |
Net amortization/accretion of premium (discount) | | | 6,962,730 | |
Decrease in cash due to broker for forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | (1,630,000 | ) |
Increase in interest and dividends receivable | | | (1,356,224 | ) |
Net change unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | | | 1,252,822 | |
Decrease in prepaid expenses | | | 472,138 | |
Increase in interest payable on bank loan | | | 150,410 | |
Increase in accrued investment management fees payable | | | 16,325 | |
Increase in other accrued expenses | | | 119,560 | |
Decrease in variation margin payable for futures contracts | | | (3,152,544 | ) |
Net change in unrealized depreciation from investments | | | 43,008,866 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation from foreign currency translations | | | (26,638,771 | ) |
Net realized loss on investment transactions | | | 2,680,496 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 61,492,549 | |
Cash Flows from Financing Activities | | | | |
Decrease in payable due to custodian | | | (289,269 | ) |
Proceeds from revolving credit facility | | | 35,000,000 | |
Distributions paid to shareholders | | | (81,739,626 | ) |
Net cash paid (received) for swap contracts | | | 285,306 | |
Net cash used in financing activities | | $ | (46,743,589 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate on cash | | | 29,349 | |
Net change in cash | | | 14,778,309 | |
Unrestricted and restricted cash and foreign currency, beginning of year | | | 8,964,733 | |
Unrestricted and restricted cash and foreign currency, end of year | | $ | 23,743,042 | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | |
Cash paid for interest and fees on borrowings: | | $ | 14,174,690 | |
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 27 |
Statement of Cash Flows (concluded)
For the Year Ended October 31, 2021
Reconciliation of unrestricted and restricted cash to the statements of assets and liabilities
| | Year Ended | | | Year Ended |
| | October 31, 2021 | | | October 31, 2020 |
Cash | | $ 5,570,685 | | | $ – | |
Foreign currency, at value | | 11,255,759 | | | 2,799,034 | |
Cash at broker for interest rate swaps | | 4,104,161 | | | 3,268,953 | |
Cash at broker for futures contracts | | 2,342,437 | | | 2,434,016 | |
Cash at broker for forward foreign currency contracts | | 470,000 | | | 160,000 | |
Cash at broker for China A shares | | – | | | 13,461 | |
Due from broker | | – | | | 289,269 | |
| | $ 23,743,042 | | | $ 8,964,733 | |
Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
28 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
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Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 29 |
Financial Highlights
| | For the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, | |
| | 2021 | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | |
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(a): | |
Net asset value per common share, beginning of year | | $4.65 | | $4.88 | | $4.59 | | $5.43 | | $5.69 | |
Net investment income | | 0.18 | | 0.15 | | 0.18 | | 0.21 | | 0.23 | |
Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments, interest rate swaps, futures contracts and foreign currency transactions | | (0.12 | ) | (0.05 | ) | 0.48 | | (0.64 | ) | (0.07 | ) |
Total from investment operations applicable to common shareholders | | 0.06 | | 0.10 | | 0.66 | | (0.43 | ) | 0.16 | |
Distributions to common shareholders from: | |
Net investment income | | (0.18 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.12 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.26 | ) |
Net realized gains | | – | | (0.01 | ) | – | | – | | – | |
Tax return of capital | | (0.15 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.25 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.16 | ) |
Total distributions to shareholders | | (0.33 | ) | (0.33 | ) | (0.37 | ) | (0.42 | ) | (0.42 | ) |
Capital Share Transactions: | |
Impact due to open market repurchase policy (Note 7) | | – | | – | | – | | 0.01 | | – | |
Total capital share transactions | | – | | – | | – | | 0.01 | | – | |
Net asset value per common share, end of year | | $4.38 | | $4.65 | | $4.88 | | $4.59 | | $5.43 | |
Market value, end of year | | $4.22 | | $3.80 | | $4.25 | | $3.93 | | $5.03 | |
Total Investment Return Based on(b): | |
Market value | | 19.87 | % | (2.82% | ) | 18.12 | % | (14.29% | ) | 11.19 | % |
Net asset value | | 1.67 | % | 3.56% | | 16.13 | % | (7.27% | ) | 3.79 | % |
Ratio to Average Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders/Supplementary Data(c): | |
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, end of year (000 omitted) | | $1,085,384 | | $1,151,847 | | $1,208,154 | | $1,142,604 | | $1,369,104 | |
Average net assets applicable to common shareholders (000 omitted) | | $1,165,019 | | $1,145,806 | | $1,194,235 | | $1,290,606 | | $1,382,050 | |
Net operating expenses | | 2.57 | % | 2.87 | % | 2.84 | % | 2.67 | % | 2.42 | % |
Net operating expenses without reimbursement | | 2.57 | % | 2.87 | % | 2.84 | % | 2.67 | % | 2.42 | % |
Net operating expenses, excluding interest expense and distributions to Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares | | 1.16 | % | 1.32 | % | 1.22 | % | 1.17 | % | 1.15 | % |
Net investment income | | 3.75 | % | 3.29 | % | 3.68 | % | 4.14 | % | 4.17 | % |
Portfolio turnover | | 44 | % | 88 | % | 46 | % | 44 | % | 57 | % |
Leverage (senior securities) outstanding (000 omitted) | | $450,000 | | $415,000 | | $531,000 | | $505,000 | | $550,000 | |
Leverage (preferred stock) outstanding (000 omitted) | | $50,000 | | $50,000 | | $50,000 | | $50,000 | | $50,000 | |
Asset coverage ratio on long-term debt obligations at year end(d) | | 352 | % | 390 | % | 337 | % | 336 | % | 358 | % |
Asset coverage per $1,000 on long-term debt obligations at year end | | $3,523 | | $3,896 | | $3,369 | | $3,362 | | $3,580 | |
Asset coverage ratio on total leverage at year end(e) | | 317 | % | 348 | % | 308 | % | 306 | % | 328 | % |
Asset coverage per share on total leverage at year end | | $3,171 | | $3,477 | | $3,079 | | $3,059 | | $3,282 | |
(a) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(b) | Total investment return based on market value is calculated assuming that shares of the Fund's 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 Fund's 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 Fund's net asset value is substituted for the closing market value. |
30 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Financial Highlights (concluded)
(c) | Ratios calculated on the basis of income, expenses and preferred share dividends applicable to both the common and preferred shares relative to the average net assets of common shareholders. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the ratios of net investment income before preferred stock dividends to average net assets of common shareholders were 3.93%, 3.47%, 3.85%, 4.30% and 4.32% respectively. |
(d) | Asset coverage ratio is calculated by dividing net assets plus the amount of any borrowings, including Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares, for investment purposes by the amount of any long-term debt obligations, which includes the senior secured notes and revolving credit facility. |
(e) | Asset coverage ratio is calculated by dividing net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes by the amount of any borrowings. |
Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 31 |
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2021
1. Organization
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated in Maryland on March 14, 1986 as a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The Fund's principal investment objective is to seek current income. The Fund may also achieve incidental capital appreciation. To achieve its investment objectives, the Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in "Asia-Pacific debt securities," which include: (1) debt securities of Asia-Pacific Country issuers, including securities issued by Asia-Pacific Country governmental entities, as well as by banks, companies and other entities which are located in Asia-Pacific Countries, whether or not denominated in an Asia-Pacific Country currency; (2) debt securities of other issuers, denominated in, or linked to, the currency of an Asia-Pacific Country, including securities issued by supranational issuers, such as The World Bank and derivative debt securities that replicate, or substitute for, the currency of an Asia-Pacific Country; (3) debt securities issued by entities which, although not located in an Asia-Pacific Country, derive at least 50% of their revenues from Asia-Pacific Countries or have at least 50% of their assets located in Asia-Pacific Countries; and (4) debt securities issued by a wholly-owned subsidiary of an entity located in an Asia-Pacific Country, provided that the debt securities are guaranteed by the parent entity located in the Asia-Pacific Country (the "80% Policy"). With reference to items (3) and (4) above, Asia-Pacific debt securities may be denominated in an Asia-Pacific Country currency or U.S. dollars. "Asia-Pacific Countries" (each, an "Asia-Pacific Country") means countries included in "Asia" and "Oceania" in the United Nations ("UN") geographic regions used by the UN Statistics Division. The 80% Policy, which went into effect on June 24, 2020, is fundamental and may not be changed without a vote of shareholders. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by the Fund to meet their obligations may be affected by economic developments in a specific industry, country or region.
Prior to June 24, 2020, the Fund normally invested up to 80% of its total assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in Asian debt securities, Australian debt securities and New Zealand debt securities (the "prior 80% policy"). Under the prior 80% policy "Asian debt securities" included: (1) debt securities of Asian Country (as defined below) issuers, including securities issued by Asian Country governmental entities, as well as by banks, companies and other entities which are located in Asian Countries, whether or not denominated in an Asian Country currency; (2) debt securities of other issuers denominated in, or linked to, the currency of an Asian Country, including securities issued by supranational issuers, such as The World Bank and derivative debt securities that replicate, or substitute for, the
currency of an Asian Country; (3) debt securities issued by entities which, although not located in an Asian Country, derive at least 50% of their revenues from Asian Countries or have at least 50% of their assets located in Asian Countries; and (4) debt securities issued by a wholly-owned subsidiary of an entity located in an Asian Country, provided that the debt securities are guaranteed by the parent entity located in the Asian Country. With reference to items (3) and (4) above, Asian debt securities may be denominated in an Asian Country currency or in Australian, New Zealand or U.S. Dollars.
Additionally, prior to June 24, 2020, the maximum country exposure to any one Asian Country (other than Korea) was limited to 20% of the Fund's total assets and the maximum currency exposure to any one Asian Country currency (other than Korea) was limited to 10% of the Fund's total assets. Also, prior to June 24, 2020, the maximum country exposure for Korea was limited to 40% of the Fund's total assets, and the maximum currency exposure for Korea was limited to 25% of the Fund's total assets. Although the Fund eliminated these fundamental country limits, it replaced them with non-fundamental country limits. Effective June 24, 2020, the maximum exposure to any one "Investment Grade Country" (other than the U.S.) is limited to 25% of the Fund's total assets and the maximum exposure to any one "Non-Investment Grade Country" is limited to 15% of the Fund's total assets. Investment Grade Countries are those countries whose sovereign debt is rated not less than Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BBB- by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") or BBB- by Fitch or comparably rated by another appropriate nationally or internationally recognized ratings agency. Non-Investment Grade Countries are those that are not Investment Grade Countries.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services-Investment Companies.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States of America. 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 and the U.S. Dollar is used as both the functional and reporting currency. However, the Australian Dollar is the functional currency for U.S. federal tax purposes.
32 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
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 Fund's 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 transact at the measurement date.
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, the highest level, 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 similar assets, and Level 3, the lowest level, measurements to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
Long-term debt and other fixed-income securities are valued at the last quoted or evaluated bid price on the valuation date provided by an independent pricing service provider approved by the Board. If there are no current day bids, the security is valued at the previously applied bid. Pricing services generally price debt securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional "round lot" size and the strategies employed by the Fund's investment manager generally trade in round lot sizes. In certain circumstances, some trades may occur in smaller "odd lot" sizes which may be effected at lower or higher prices than institutional round lot trades. Short-term debt securities (such as commercial paper and U.S. treasury bills) having a remaining maturity
of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, if it represents the best approximation of fair value. Debt and other fixed-income securities are generally determined to be Level 2 investments.
Short-term investments are comprised of cash and cash equivalents invested in short-term investment funds which are redeemable daily. The Fund sweeps available cash into the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund; which has elected to qualify as a "government money market fund" pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, and has an objective, which is not guaranteed, to maintain a $1.00 per share net asset value ("NAV"). Generally, these investment types are categorized as Level 1 investments.
Derivatives are valued at fair value. Exchange traded derivatives are generally Level 1 investments and over-the-counter and centrally cleared derivatives are generally Level 2 investments. Forward foreign currency contracts are generally valued based on the bid price of the forward rates and the current spot rate. Forward exchange rate quotations are available for scheduled settlement dates, such as 1-, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month periods. An interpolated valuation is derived based on the actual settlement dates of the forward contracts held. Futures contracts are valued at the settlement price or at the last bid price if no settlement price is available. Interest rate swaps agreements are generally valued by an approved pricing agent based on the terms of the swap agreement (including future cash flows).
In the event that a security's market quotations are not readily available or are deemed unreliable (for reasons other than because the foreign exchange on which they trade closed before the "Valuation Time" (as defined below)), the security is valued at fair value as determined by the Fund's Pricing Committee, taking into account the relevant factors and surrounding circumstances using valuation policies and procedures approved by the Board. Under normal circumstances the Valuation Time is as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (usually 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time). A security that has been fair valued by the Fund's Pricing Committee may be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 depending on the nature of the inputs. 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 Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 33 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
A summary of standard inputs is listed below:
| Security Type | Standard Inputs |
| Debt and other fixed-income securities | Reported trade data, broker-dealer price quotations, benchmark yields, issuer spreads on comparable securities, credit quality, yield, and maturity. |
| Forward foreign currency contracts | Forward exchange rate quotations. |
| Swap agreements | Market information pertaining to the underlying reference assets, i.e., credit spreads, credit event probabilities, fair values, forward rates, and volatility measures. |
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2021 in valuing the Fund's investments and other financial instruments at fair value. The inputs or methodologies 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 – Quoted Prices ($) | | | Level 2 – Other Significant Observable Inputs ($) | | | Level 3 – Significant Unobservable Inputs ($) | | | Total ($) | | |
Assets | |
Investments in Securities | |
Fixed Income Investments | |
Corporate Bonds | $– | | | $849,737,836 | | | $– | | | $849,737,836 | | |
Government Bonds | – | | | 674,296,474 | | | – | | | 674,296,474 | | |
Total Fixed Income Investments | – | | | 1,524,034,310 | | | – | | | 1,524,034,310 | | |
Short-Term Investment | 23,023,053 | | | – | | | – | | | 23,023,053 | | |
Total Investments | $23,023,053 | | | $1,524,034,310 | | | $– | | | $1,547,057,363 | | |
Other Financial Instruments | |
Centrally Cleared Interest Rate Swap Agreements | $– | | | $4,274,345 | | | $– | | | $4,274,345 | | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | – | | | 2,215,937 | | | – | | | 2,215,937 | | |
Futures Contracts | 2,777,471 | | | – | | | – | | | 2,777,471 | | |
Total Other Financial Instruments | $2,777,471 | | | $6,490,282 | | | $– | | | $9,267,753 | | |
Total Assets | $25,800,524 | | | $1,530,524,592 | | | $– | | | $1,556,325,116 | | |
Liabilities | |
Other Financial Instruments | |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | $– | | | $(2,589,883 | ) | | $– | | | $(2,589,883 | ) | |
Futures Contracts | (358,229 | ) | | – | | | – | | | (358,229 | ) | |
Total Liabilities | $(358,229 | ) | | $(2,589,883 | ) | | $– | | | $(2,948,112 | ) | |
Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, there were no significant changes to the fair valuation methodologies.
34 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
b. Restricted Securities:
Restricted securities are privately-placed securities whose resale is restricted under U.S. securities laws. The Fund may invest in restricted securities, including unregistered securities eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A and privately-placed securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers offered outside the U.S. without registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Rule 144A securities may be freely traded among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Fund, but resale of such securities in the U.S. is permitted only in limited circumstances.
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 current daily rates of exchange at the Valuation Time; and |
| (ii) | purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses – at the relevant rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. |
The Fund isolates that portion of the results of operations arising from changes in the foreign exchange rates due to the fluctuations in the market prices of the securities held at the end of the reporting period. Similarly, the Fund isolates the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of portfolio securities sold during the reporting period.
Net exchange gain/(loss) is realized from sales and maturities of portfolio securities, sales of foreign currencies, settlement of securities transactions, dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund's books. Net unrealized foreign exchange appreciation/(depreciation) includes changes in the value of portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities arising as a result of changes in the exchange rate. The net realized and unrealized foreign exchange gain/(loss) shown in the composition of net assets represents foreign exchange gain/(loss) for book purposes that may not have been recognized for tax purposes.
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 Fund's 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. Derivative Financial Instruments:
The Fund is authorized to use derivatives to manage currency risk, interest rate risk and credit risk and to replicate, or use as a substitute for, physical securities. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of derivative instruments involves, to varying degrees, elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts:
A forward foreign currency exchange contract ("forward contract") involves an obligation to purchase and sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are used to manage the Fund's currency exposure in an efficient manner. They are used to sell unwanted currency exposure that comes with holding securities in a market, or to buy currency exposure where the exposure from holding securities is insufficient to give the desired currency exposure either in absolute terms or relative to a particular benchmark or index. The use of forward contracts allows for the separation of investment decision-making between foreign exchange holdings and their currencies.
The forward contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Forward contracts' prices are received daily from an independent pricing provider. When the forward contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. These realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported on the Statement of Operations. The Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts or from unanticipated movements in exchange rates. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund used forward contracts to hedge and manage Australian and certain Asian currency exposure.
While the Fund may enter into forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions in such contracts involve certain risks. The Fund could be exposed to risks if the counterparties to the contracts are unable to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated movements in exchange rates. Thus, while the Fund may benefit from such transactions, unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 35 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
it had not engaged in any such transactions. Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between the Fund's portfolio holdings or securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward contracts entered into by the Fund. Such imperfect correlation may prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge, which will expose the Fund to the risk of foreign exchange loss.
Forward contracts are subject to the risk that a counterparty to such contracts may default on their obligations. Since a forward foreign currency exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearing house, a default on the contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the market price at the time of the default.
Futures Contracts:
The Fund may invest in financial futures contracts ("futures contracts") for the purpose of hedging its existing portfolio securities, or securities that the Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing market interest rates or prices. Futures contracts may also be entered into for non-hedging purposes, however, in those instances, (a) either the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish the Fund's position may not exceed 5% of the Fund's NAV after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contract into which it has entered into, or (b) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund's position may not exceed 100% of the Fund's NAV after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contract which it has entered into.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This payment is known as initial margin. Subsequent payments, known as "variation margin," are calculated each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value/market value of the underlying assets. An unrealized gain/(loss) equal to the variation margin is recognized on a daily basis. When the contract expires or is closed, the gain/(loss) is realized and is presented in the Statement of Operations as a net realized gain/(loss) on futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued daily at their last quoted sale price on the exchange on which they are traded.
A "sale" of a futures contract means a contractual obligation to deliver the securities or foreign currency called for by the contract at a fixed price at a specified time in the future. A "purchase" of a futures contract means a contractual obligation to acquire the securities or foreign currency at a fixed price at a specified time in the future. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund used U.S. Treasury futures to manage U.S. interest rate exposure and hedge the U.S. interest rate risk.
There are significant risks associated with the Fund's use of futures contracts, including the following: (1) the success of a hedging strategy may depend on the ability of the Fund's investment manager and/or sub-adviser to predict movements in the prices of individual securities, fluctuations in markets and movements in interest rates; (2) there may be an imperfect or no correlation between the movement in the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the value/market value of the securities held by the Fund; (3) there may not be a liquid secondary market for a futures contract; (4) trading restrictions or limitations may be imposed by an exchange; and (5) government regulations may restrict trading in futures contracts. In addition, should market conditions change unexpectedly, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss.
Swaps:
A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows and/or meet certain obligations at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates (interest rates in the case of interest rate swaps, currency exchange rates in the case of currency swaps) or the occurrence of a credit event with respect to an underlying reference obligation (in the case of a credit default swap) for a specified amount of an underlying asset or notional principal amount. The Fund will enter into swaps only on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the amount of the difference between the two payments. Except for currency swaps and credit default swaps, the notional principal amount is used solely to calculate the payment streams but is not exchanged. With respect to currency swaps, actual principal amounts of currencies may be exchanged by the counterparties at the initiation, and again upon the termination of the transaction.
Traditionally, swaps were customized, privately negotiated agreements executed between two parties ("OTC Swaps") but since 2013, certain swaps are required to be cleared pursuant to rules and regulations related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd Frank") and/or Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 on OTC Derivatives, Central Counterparties and Trade Repositories ("EMIR") ("Cleared Swaps"). Like OTC Swaps, Cleared Swaps are negotiated bilaterally. Unlike OTC Swaps, the act of clearing results in two swaps executed between each of the parties and a central counterparty ("CCP"), and thus the counterparty credit exposure of the parties is to the CCP rather than to one another. Upon entering into a Cleared Swap, the Fund is required to pledge an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This payment is known as "initial margin". Subsequent payments, known as "variation margin," are calculated each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value/market value of the underlying assets. An unrealized
36 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
gain or loss equal to the variation margin is recognized on a daily basis. When the contract matures or is terminated, the gain or loss is realized and is presented in the Statements of Operations as a net realized gain or loss on swap contracts. As of March 2017, the Fund may be required to provide variation and/or initial margin for OTC Swaps pursuant to further rules and regulations related to Dodd Frank and EMIR. The margin requirements associated with OTC Swaps and Cleared Swaps may not be the same.
The rights and obligations of the parties to a swap are memorialized in either an International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement ("ISDA") for OTC Swaps or a futures agreement with an OTC addendum for Cleared Swaps ("Clearing Agreement"). These agreements are with certain counterparties whose creditworthiness is monitored on an ongoing basis by risk professionals. Both the ISDA and Clearing Agreement maintain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral, and events of default or termination. The occurrence of a specified event of default or termination by one party may give the other party the right to terminate and settle all of its contracts.
Entering into swap agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit, market and interest risk in excess of the amounts reported on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the
counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform and that there may be unfavourable changes in the value of the index or securities underlying the agreement. The Fund's maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk related to swaps is the fair value of the contract. This risk is mitigated by the posting of collateral by the counterparties to the Fund to cover the Fund's exposure to the counterparty.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Fund uses interest rate swap contracts to manage its exposure to interest rates. Interest rate swap contracts typically represent the exchange between the Fund and a counterparty of respective commitments to make variable rate and fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal. Interest rate swap contracts may have a term that is greater than one year, but typically require periodic interim settlement in cash, at which time the specified value of the variable interest rate is reset for the next settlement period. Net payments of interest are recorded as realized gains or losses. During the period that the swap contract is open, the contract is marked-to-market as the net amount due to or from the Fund and changes in the value of swap contracts are recorded as unrealized gains or losses. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund used interest rate swaps to hedge the interest rate risk on the Fund's Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Note 9 below).
Summary of Derivative Instruments:
The Fund may use derivatives for various purposes as noted above. The following is a summary of the fair value of derivative instruments, not accounted for as hedging instruments, as of October 31, 2021:
| Asset Derivatives | | Liability Derivatives | |
Derivatives Not Accounted For as Hedging Instruments and Risk Exposure | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value | | | Statement of Assets and Liabilities Location | Fair Value | |
Interest rate swaps (interest rate risk) | Unrealized appreciation on centrally cleared interest rate swaps | $4,274,345 | | | Unrealized depreciation on centrally cleared interest rate swaps | $– | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (foreign exchange risk) | Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $2,215,937 | | | Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | $2,589,883 | |
Futures contracts (interest rate risk) | Variation margin receivable for futures contracts | $2,777,471 | | | Variation margin payable for futures contracts | $358,229 | |
Total | | $9,267,753 | | | | $2,948,112 | |
| * | The values shown reflect unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) and the values shown in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects variation margin. |
Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 37 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
The Fund has transactions that may be subject to enforceable master netting agreements. A reconciliation of the gross amounts on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of October 31, 2021 to the net amounts by broker and derivative type, including any collateral received or pledged, is included in the following tables:
| | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | | | Gross Amounts Not Offset in Statement of Assets and Liabilities | |
Description | | Gross Amounts of Assets Presented in Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | Financial Instruments | | Collateral Received(1) | | Net Amount(3) | | Gross Amounts of Liabilities Presented in Statement of Assets and Liabilities | | Financial Instruments | | Collateral Pledged(1) | | Net Amount(3) | |
| | Assets | | Liabilities | |
Forward foreign currency(2) | |
BNP Paribas S.A. | | $– | | | $– | | | $– | | | $– | | | $373,464 | | | $– | | | $– | | | $373,464 | | |
Citibank N.A. | | 1,033,951 | | | (1,033,951 | ) | | – | | | – | | | 1,475,804 | | | (1,033,951 | ) | | (441,853 | ) | | – | | |
Royal Bank of Canada | | 1,045,913 | | | (162,728 | ) | | (120,000 | ) | | 763,185 | | | 162,728 | | | (162,728 | ) | | – | | | – | | |
Standard Chartered Bank | | – | | | – | | | – | | | – | | | 15,222 | | | – | | | – | | | 15,222 | | |
State Street Bank and Trust Company | | – | | | – | | | – | | | – | | | 562,665 | | | – | | | – | | | 562,665 | | |
UBS AG | | 136,073 | | | – | | | (110,000 | ) | | 26,073 | | | – | | | – | | | – | | | – | | |
| (1) | In some instances, the actual collateral received and/or pledged may be more than the amount shown here due to overcollateralization. |
| (2) | Includes financial instruments (swaps and forwards) which are not subject to a master netting arrangement across funds, or another similar arrangement. |
| (3) | Net amounts represent the net receivable/(payable) that would be due from/to the counterparty in the event of default. Exposure from financial derivative instruments can only be netted across transactions governed under the same master netting arrangements with the same legal entity. |
The effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021:
Derivatives Not Accounted For as Hedging Instruments | Location of Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | Realized Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives | | Change in Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) on Derivatives | |
Interest rate swaps (interest rate risk) | Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) from Interest Rate Swaps, Futures Contracts and Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts | $(315,115 | ) | $3,640,047 | |
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts (foreign exchange risk) | | (9,842,110 | ) | (1,252,822 | ) |
Futures contracts (interest rate risk) | | (1,994,178 | ) | 3,152,544 | |
Total | | $(12,151,403 | ) | $5,539,769 | |
38 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
Information about derivatives reflected as of the date of this report is generally indicative of the type of activity during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. The table below summarizes the weighted average values of derivatives holdings for the Fund during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021.
Derivative | | Average Notional Value |
Purchase Forward Foreign Currency Contracts | | $423,341,033 |
Sale Forward Foreign Currency Contracts | | 252,429,072 |
Long Futures Contracts | | 86,865,132 |
Short Futures Contracts | | 135,570,648 |
Interest Rate Swaps | | 72,666,667 |
e. Bank Loans:
The Fund may invest in bank loans. Bank loans include floating and fixed-rate debt obligations. Floating rate loans are debt obligations issued by companies or other entities with floating interest rates that reset periodically. Bank loans may include, but are not limited to, term loans, delayed funding loans, bridge loans and revolving credit facilities. Loan interest will primarily take the form of assignments purchased in the primary or secondary market but may include participations. Floating rate loans are secured by specific collateral of the borrower and are senior to most other securities of the borrower (e.g., common stock or debt instruments) in the event of bankruptcy. Floating rate loans are often issued in connection with recapitalizations, acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and refinancings. Floating rate loans are typically structured and administered by a financial institution that acts as the agent of the lenders participating in the floating rate loan. Floating rate loans may be acquired directly through the agent, as an assignment from another lender who holds a direct interest in the floating rate loan, or as a participation interest in another lender's portion of the floating rate loan.
The Fund may also enter into, or acquire participation in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are borrowings in which the Fund agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the borrowing issuer for a specified term. A revolving credit facility differs from a delayed funding loan in that as the borrowing issuer repays the loan, an amount equal to the repayment is again made available to the borrowing issuer under the facility. The borrowing issuer may at any time borrow and repay amounts so long as, in the aggregate, at any given time the amount borrowed does not exceed the maximum amount established by the loan agreement. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities usually provide for floating or variable rates of interest.
See "Bank Loan Risk" under "Portfolio Investment Risks" for information regarding the risks associated with an investment in bank loans.
f. Security Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses:
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and foreign currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Interest income and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Discounts and premiums on securities purchased are accreted or amortized on an effective yield basis over the estimated lives of the respective securities.
g. Distributions:
The Fund has a managed distribution policy to pay distributions from net investment income supplemented by net realized foreign exchange gains, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital distributions, if necessary, on a monthly basis. The managed distribution policy is subject to regular review by the Board. The Fund will also declare and pay distributions at least annually from net realized gains on investment transactions and net realized foreign exchange gains, if any. 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 and loss deferrals.
Distributions to Series A Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Shares (the "Series A MRPS") shareholders are accrued daily and paid quarterly based on an annual rate of 4.125%. The Fund may not pay distributions to its preferred shareholders unless (i) the pro forma asset coverage ratios for the Series A MRPS, as calculated in accordance with the Fitch Ratings total and net overcollateralization tests per the 'A' rating guidelines outlined in Fitch Rating's closed-end fund criteria, is in excess of 100%, and (ii) the Fund's asset coverage ratios for the Series A MRPS, as calculated in accordance with the 1940 Act, is in excess of 225%. The character of distributions to Series A MRPS shareholders made during the fiscal year may differ from their ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. For tax purposes, the Fund's distributions to Series A MRPS shareholders for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 were 100% net investment income.
h. Federal Income Taxes:
For U.S. federal income purposes, the Fund includes a separately identifiable unit called a Qualified Business Unit ("QBU") (see Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("IRC") section 987). The Fund has operated with a QBU for U.S. federal income purposes since 1990. The home office of the Fund is designated as the United States and of the QBU is Australia with a functional currency of Australian dollar. The securities held within the Fund reside within either the QBU or the home office. Australian dollar denominated securities within the Australian QBU generate capital gain/loss (which are translated for
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 39 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
U.S. federal income tax purposes into U.S. Dollars based on the weighted average exchange rate for the period) but not currency gain/loss. If a non AUD denominated security were to sit in the AUD QBU and was sold, the sale would generate capital gain/loss as well as currency gain/loss based on the currency exchange between the currency the security is denominated in and the Australian dollar.
Currency gain/loss related to currency exchange between the U.S. Dollar and the QBU functional currency is generated when money is transferred from a QBU to the home office. The currency gain/loss would result from the difference between the current exchange rate and the fiscal year to date average exchange rate until which profits are repatriated to U.S. Dollar basis in the QBU (which is generally computed based on the currency exchange rates from when money was transferred into such QBU and from gain/losses generated within such QBU based on the weighted average exchange rates for the periods such gain/loss was recognized). Based on the QBU structure, there may be sizable differences in the currency gain/loss recognized for U.S. federal income tax purposes and what is reported within the financial statements under GAAP. As of the Fund's fiscal year-end, the calculation of the composition of distributions to shareholders is finalized and reported in the Fund's annual report to shareholders.
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 IRC, 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 Fund's U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the most recent four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 are subject to such review.
i. 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.
In addition, when the Fund sells securities within certain countries in which it invests, the capital gains realized may be subject to tax. Based on these market requirements and as required under GAAP, the Fund
accrues deferred capital gains tax on securities currently held that have unrealized appreciation within these countries. The amount of deferred capital gains tax accrued, if any, is reported on the Statement of Asset and Liabilities.
j. Cash Flow Information:
The Fund invests in securities and distributes dividends from net investment income and net realized gains on investment and currency transactions which are paid in cash or are reinvested at the discretion of shareholders. These activities are reported in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets and additional information on cash receipts and cash payments is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. Cash includes domestic and foreign currency as well as cash in segregated accounts for financial futures, swaps, and forward contracts which has been designated as collateral.
3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates
a. Investment Manager, Investment Sub-Adviser, and Fund Administration:
abrdn Asia Limited ("abrdn Asia" or the "Investment Manager"), formerly known as Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited, serves as investment manager to the Fund, pursuant to a management agreement. Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited ("AAML" or the "Sub-Adviser") serves as the sub-adviser pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with the Investment Manager. The Fund and Investment Manager previously had an advisory agreement with abrdn Australia Limited (formerly known as Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Limited), which was terminated on August 4, 2021. abrdn Australia was paid by the Investment Manager, not the Fund, for the securities recommendations and research provided to the Investment Manager. The Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser (collectively, the "Advisers") are wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of abrdn plc, formerly known as Standard Life Aberdeen plc. In rendering advisory services, the Advisers may use the resources of investment advisor subsidiaries of abrdn plc. These affiliates have entered into procedures pursuant to which investment professionals from affiliates may render portfolio management and research services as associated persons of the Advisers.
The Investment Manager manages the Fund's investments and makes investment decisions on behalf of the Fund including the selection of and the placement of orders with brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund. The Sub-Adviser manages the portion of the Fund's assets that the Investment Manager allocates to it. The Sub-Adviser is paid by the Investment Manager, not the Fund.
The management agreement provides the Investment Manager with a fee, payable monthly by the Fund, at the following annual rates: 0.65% of the Fund's average weekly Managed Assets up to $200 million, 0.60% of Managed Assets between $200 million and $500 million, 0.55% of Managed Assets between $500 million and $900 million,
40 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
0.50% of Managed Assets between $900 million and $1.75 billion and 0.45% of Managed Assets in excess of $1.75 billion. Managed Assets is defined in the management agreement to mean total assets of the Fund, including any form of investment leverage, minus all accrued expenses incurred in the normal course of operations, but not excluding any liabilities or obligations attributable to investment leverage obtained through (i) indebtedness of any type (including, without limitation, borrowing through a credit facility or the issuance of debt securities), (ii) the issuance of preferred stock or other similar preference securities, (iii) the reinvestment of collateral received for securities loaned in accordance with the Fund's investment objectives and policies, and/or (iv) any other means.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, abrdn Asia earned $9,017,792 from the Fund for investment management fees.
Aberdeen Standard Investments, Inc. ("ASII") (to be renamed abrdn Inc. effective January 1, 2022), an affiliate of the Investment Manager and Sub-Adviser, is the Fund's Administrator pursuant to an agreement under which ASII receives a fee, payable monthly by the Fund, at an annual fee rate of 0.125% of the Fund's average weekly Managed Assets up to $1 billion, 0.10% of the Fund's average weekly Managed Assets between $1 billion and $2 billion, and 0.075% of the Fund's average weekly Managed Assets in excess of $2 billion. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, ASII earned $1,893,558 from the Fund for administration fees.
b. Investor Relations:
Under the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, ASII provides and/or engages third parties to provide investor relations services to the Fund and certain other funds advised by abrdn Asia or its affiliates as part of an Investor Relations Program. Under the Investor Relations Services Agreement, the Fund owes a portion of the fees related to the Investor Relations Program (the "Fund's Portion"). However, investor relations services fees are limited by ASII so that the Fund will only pay up to an annual rate of 0.05% of the Fund's average weekly net assets. Any difference between the capped rate of 0.05% of the Fund's average weekly net assets and the Fund's Portion is paid for by ASII.
Pursuant to the terms of the Investor Relations Services Agreement, ASII (or third parties hired by ASII), among other things, provides objective and timely information to stockholders based on publicly available information; provides information efficiently through the use of technology while offering stockholders 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, publishes white papers, magazine articles and other relevant
materials discussing the Fund's investment results, portfolio positioning and outlook; develops and maintains effective communications with large institutional shareholders; responds to specific shareholder questions; and reports activities and results to the Board and management detailing insight into general shareholder sentiment.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund incurred investor relations fees of approximately $271,736. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, ASII did not bear any portion of to the investor relations fees for the Fund because the Fund's contribution was below 0.05% of the Fund's average weekly net assets on an annual basis.
4. Investment Transactions
Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, were $697,322,525 and $708,591,135, respectively.
5. Capital
The authorized capital of the Fund is 400 million shares of $0.01 par value per share of common stock. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund repurchased no shares pursuant to its Open Market Repurchase Program, see Note 6 for further information. As of October 31, 2021, there were 247,695,769 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
6. Open Market Repurchase Program
On March 1, 2001, the Board approved a stock repurchase program. The Board amended the program on December 12, 2007. The stock repurchase program allows the Fund to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding common stock in the open market during any 12-month period. The Fund reports repurchase activity on the Fund's website on a monthly basis.
7. Preferred Shares
At October 31, 2021, the Fund had 2,000,000 shares of Series A MRPS, rated 'A' by Fitch ratings, outstanding with an aggregate liquidation preference of $50,000,000 ($25 per share). On May 14, 2020, Fitch Ratings announced the ratings of the Series A MRPS had been placed on Ratings Watch Negative ("RWN"). On February 12, 2021, Fitch, after a review of the Fund under a revised rating criteria, downgraded the ratings assigned to the MRPS from 'AA' to 'A'. The following table shows the mandatory redemption date, annual fixed rate, aggregate liquidation preference and estimated fair value of the Series A MRPS at October 31, 2021.
Mandatory Redemption Date | | Annual Fixed Rate | | Aggregate Liquidation Preference | | Estimated Fair Value |
June 25, 2023 | | 4.125% | | $50,000,000 | | $51,982,005 |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 41 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
Holders of the Series A MRPS are entitled to receive quarterly cumulative cash dividend payments on the first business day following each calendar quarter at an annual fixed rate of 4.125% until maturity. The Series A MRPS were issued in private placement offerings to institutional investors and are not listed on any exchange or automated quotation system. Distributions are accrued daily and paid quarterly and are presented in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a dividend payable to preferred shareholders. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund paid $2,091,146 in distributions to preferred shareholders.
The Series A MRPS rank senior to all of the Fund's outstanding shares of common stock and on a parity with shares of any other series of preferred stock as to the payment of dividends to which the shares are entitled and the distribution of assets upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the affairs of the Fund.
The estimated fair value of Series A MRPS was calculated, for disclosure purposes, by discounting future cash flows by a rate equal to the current U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date, plus the spread between the U.S. insurance and financial debt rate and the U.S. Treasury rate plus a market spread for the issuance of preferred shares.
The Series A MRPS are redeemable in certain circumstances at the option of the Fund. The Series A MRPS are also subject to mandatory redemption, unless otherwise prohibited by the 1940 Act, if the Fund fails to maintain (1) asset coverage, as determined in accordance with Section 18(h) of the 1940 Act, of at least 225%, with respect to all outstanding preferred stock, as of the last day of any month or (2) eligible assets with an aggregate agency discounted value at least equal to the basic maintenance amount as provided in the Fund's rating agency guidelines. As of October 31, 2021, the Fund was in compliance with the asset coverage and basic maintenance requirements of the Series A MRPS.
Except for matters which do not require the vote of the holders of the Series A MRPS under the 1940 Act and except as otherwise provided in the Fund's Charter or Bylaws, or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of the Series A MRPS have one vote per share and generally vote together with holders of common stock as a single class on all
matters submitted to the Fund's stockholders. The holders of the Series A MRPS, voting separately as a single class, have the right to elect at least two directors of the Fund.
8. Senior Secured Notes
At October 31, 2021, the Fund had $350,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes rated 'A' by Fitch Ratings outstanding ($100,000,000 in 3.69% Series B Senior Secured Notes due June 12, 2023, $50,000,000 in 3.87% Series C Senior Secured Notes due February 8, 2032, $100,000,000 in 3.70% Series D Senior Secured Notes due August 10, 2032 and $100,000,000 in 3.73% Series D Senior Secured Notes due June 19, 2034) (collectively, the "Notes"). On February 12, 2021, Fitch, after a review of the Fund under a revised rating criteria, downgraded the ratings assigned to the Senior Notes from 'AA' to 'A'. The ratings were also removed from Ratings Watch Negative and removed from Under Criteria Observation. The Notes are secured obligations of the Fund and, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, will rank senior to all unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness and senior to any common or preferred stock pari passu in priority and security with all other secured indebtedness. Holders of the Notes are entitled to receive cash interest payments semi-annually until maturity. The Series B Notes, the Series C Notes, the Series D Notes and the Series E Notes accrue interest at annual fixed rates of 3.69%, 3.87%, 3.70% and 3.73%, respectively.
The Notes were issued in private placement offerings to institutional investors and are not listed on any exchange or automated quotation system.
The estimated fair value of each series of fixed-rate Notes was calculated, for disclosure purposes, by discounting future cash flows by a rate equal to the current U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date, plus either 1) the spread between the interest rate on recently issued debt and the U.S. Treasury rate with a similar maturity date or 2) if there has not been a recent debt issuance, the spread between the AAA corporate finance debt rate and the U.S. Treasury rate with an equivalent maturity date. The following table shows the maturity date, interest rate, notional/carrying amount and estimated fair value for each series of Notes outstanding at October 31, 2021.
Series | Maturity Date | | Interest Rate | | Notional/ Carrying Amount | | Estimated Fair Value |
Series B | June 12, 2023 | | 3.69% | | $100,000,000 | | $103,985,305 |
Series C | February 8, 2032 | | 3.87% | | $50,000,000 | | $56,725,409 |
Series D | August 10, 2032 | | 3.70% | | $100,000,000 | | $112,425,358 |
Series E | June 19, 2034 | | 3.73% | | $100,000,000 | | $114,590,988 |
42 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
9. Credit Facility
On August 4, 2021, the Fund executed an amendment and assignment of the $100,000,000 senior secured revolving credit loan facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with a syndicate of banks with The Bank of Nova Scotia, acting as administrative agent. On October 31, 2021, the Fund had $100,000,000 outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Agreement and applicable regulations, the Fund is required to maintain certain asset coverage ratios for the amount of its outstanding borrowings.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the average interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 1.44% and the average balance of the Revolving Credit Facility was $78,506,849. The balance as of October 31, 2021 was $100,000,000.
The Revolving Credit Facility has a term of one year and is not a perpetual form of leverage; there can be no assurance that the Revolving Credit Facility will be available for renewal on acceptable terms, if at all. Bank loan fees and expenses included in the Statement of Operations include fees for the renewal of the Revolving Credit Facility as well as commitment fees for any portion of the loan facility not drawn upon at any time during the period.
10. Risks of Leveraged Capital Structure
The Fund may use leverage to the maximum extent permitted by the 1940 Act, which permits leverage to exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets (including the amount obtained through leverage) in certain market conditions.
The amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Notes and other funds obtained through various forms of leverage, including the Series A MRPS, may be invested to return higher rates than the rates pursuant to which interests or dividends are paid under such forms of leverage. However, the cost of leverage could exceed the income earned by the Fund on the proceeds of such leverage. To the extent that the Fund is unable to invest the proceeds from the use of leverage in assets which pay interest at a rate which exceeds the rate paid on the leverage, the yield on the Fund's common stock will decrease. In addition, in the event of a general market decline in the value of assets in which the Fund invests, the effect of that decline will be magnified in the Fund because of the additional assets purchased with the proceeds of the leverage.
The Fund's leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. The funds borrowed pursuant to the Revolving Credit Facility and the Notes may constitute a substantial lien and burden by reason of their prior claim against the income of the Fund and against the net assets of the Fund in liquidation. The Fund is limited in its ability to declare dividends or other distributions under the terms of the various forms of leverage. In the event of an event of default under the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders have the right to cause a
liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell portfolio securities and other assets of the Fund) and, if any such default is not cured, the lenders may be able to control the liquidation as well. In the event of an event of default under the Note Purchase Agreement, the holders of the Notes have the right to cause a liquidation of the collateral (i.e., sell portfolio securities and other assets of the Fund). If there exists an event of default under the Securities Purchase Agreement that has not been cured, the holders of the Series A MRPS have the right to cause the Fund's outstanding borrowings to be immediately due and payable and proceed to protect and enforce their rights by an action at law, suit in equity or other appropriate proceeding. A liquidation of the Fund's collateral assets in an event of default, or a voluntary paydown of the Revolving Credit Facility, Series A MRPS or the Notes in order to avoid an event of default, would typically involve administrative expenses and sometimes penalties. Additionally, such liquidations often involve selling off of portions of the Fund's assets at inopportune times which can result in losses when markets are unfavorable.
Each of the Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, the Note Purchase Agreement or the Securities Purchase Agreement relating to the Series A MRPS includes usual and customary covenants for the applicable type of transaction. These covenants impose on the Fund asset coverage requirements, Fund composition requirements and limits on certain investments, such as illiquid investments, which are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. The covenants or guidelines could impede the Investment Manager or Sub-Adviser from fully managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies. Furthermore, non-compliance with such covenants or the occurrence of other events could lead to the cancellation of any and/or all of the forms of leverage. As of October 31, 2021, the Fund was in compliance with all covenants under the agreements relating to the various forms of leverage.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $800,544 for the Revolving Credit Facility and Notes.
11. Portfolio Investment Risks
a. Credit and Market Risk:
A debt instrument's price depends, in part, on the credit quality of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral and can decline in response to changes in the financial condition of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral, or changes in specific or general market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, or other conditions. Funds that invest in high yield and emerging market instruments are subject to certain additional credit and market risks. The yields of high yield and emerging market debt obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit risk. The Fund's investments in securities rated below investment grade typically involve risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk of not receiving timely and/or ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility, and less liquid secondary market trading.
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 43 |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
b. Interest Rate Risk:
The prices of fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, the Fund's fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk.
The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to current interest rate environment and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives.
c. 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. Foreign securities may also be harder to price than U.S. securities.
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.
The value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar fluctuates in response to market, economic, political, regulatory, geopolitical or other conditions. A decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. Dollar reduces the value in U.S. Dollars of investments denominated in that foreign currency. This risk may impact the Fund more greatly to the extent the Fund does not hedge its currency risk, or hedging techniques used by the Investment Manager are unsuccessful.
d. Focus Risk:
The Fund may have elements of risk not typically associated with investments in the United States due to focused investments in a limited number of countries or regions subject to foreign securities or currency risks. Such focused investments may subject the Fund to additional risks resulting from political or economic conditions in such countries or regions and the possible imposition of adverse governmental laws or currency exchange restrictions could cause the securities and their markets to be less liquid and their prices to be more volatile than those of comparable U.S. securities.
e. Risks Associated with Mortgage-backed Securities:
The value of mortgage-backed securities can fall if the owners of the underlying mortgages default or pay off their mortgages sooner than expected, which could happen when interest rates fall.
f. High-Yield Bonds and Other Lower-Rated Securities Risk:
The Fund's investments in high-yield bonds (commonly referred to as "junk bonds") and other lower-rated securities will subject the Fund to substantial risk of loss. Investments in high-yield bonds are speculative and issuers of these securities are generally considered to be less financially secure and less able to repay interest and principal than issuers of investment-grade securities. Prices of high-yield bonds tend to be very volatile. These securities are less liquid than investment-grade debt securities and may be difficult to price or sell, particularly in times of negative sentiment toward high-yield securities.
g. Bank Loan Risk:
There are a number of risks associated with an investment in bank loans including credit risk, interest rate risk, illiquid securities risk, and prepayment risk. There is also the possibility that the collateral securing a loan, if any, may be difficult to liquidate or be insufficient to cover the amount owed under the loan. These risks could cause the Fund to lose income or principal on a particular investment, which in turn could affect the Fund's returns. In addition, bank loans may settle on a delayed basis, resulting in the proceeds from the sale of such loans not being readily available to make additional investments or distributions. To the extent the extended settlement process gives rise to short-term liquidity needs, the Fund may hold additional cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow from banks or other lenders.
h. LIBOR Risk:
Under the revolving credit facility, the Fund is charged interest on amounts borrowed at a variable rate, which may be based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread. The Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR as a "benchmark" or "reference rate" for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced a desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. However, subsequent announcements by the FCA, the LIBOR administrator and other regulators indicate that it is possible that the most widely used LIBOR rates may continue until mid-2023. It is anticipated that LIBOR ultimately will be discontinued or the regulator will announce that it is no longer sufficiently robust to be representative of its underlying market around that time. Although financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as European Interbank Offered Rate ("EURIBOR"), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate ("SONIA") and Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), global consensus on alternative rates is lacking and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition away from LIBOR remains unclear. The elimination of LIBOR or changes to other
44 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
October 31, 2021
reference rates or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of reference rates could have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any securities or payments linked to those reference rates, which may adversely affect the Fund's performance and/or net asset value. Uncertainty and risk also remain regarding the willingness and ability of issuers and lenders to include revised provisions in new and existing contracts or instruments. Consequently, the transition away from LIBOR to other reference rates may lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets that are tied to LIBOR, fluctuations in values of LIBOR-related investments or investments in issuers that utilize LIBOR, increased difficulty in borrowing or refinancing and diminished effectiveness of hedging strategies, adversely affecting a Fund's performance. Furthermore, the risks associated with the expected
discontinuation of LIBOR and transition may be exacerbated if the work necessary to effect an orderly transition to an alternative reference rate is not completed in a timely manner. Because the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to the end of 2021.
12. Contingencies
In the normal course of business, the Fund may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund, and therefore, cannot be estimated; however, the Fund expects the risk of loss from such claims to be remote.
13. Tax Information
The U.S. federal income tax basis of the Fund's investments (including derivatives, if applicable) and the net unrealized appreciation as of October 31, 2021, were as follows:
Tax Basis of Investments | | Appreciation | | Depreciation | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ (Depreciation) |
$1,569,688,589 | | $39,120,894 | | $(61,752,120) | | $(22,631,226) |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and October 31, 2020 was as follows:
| October 31, 2021 | | October 31, 2020 | |
Distributions paid from: | |
Ordinary Income | $43,575,028 | | $18,507,649 | |
Net long-term capital gains | – | | 2,267,279 | |
Tax return of capital | 38,164,598 | | 60,964,698 | |
Total tax character of distributions | $81,739,626 | | $81,739,626 | |
As of October 31, 2021, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed ordinary income – net | $– | |
Undistributed long-term capital gains – net | – | |
Total undistributed earnings | $– | |
Capital loss carryforward | (9,911,871 | )* |
Other currency gains | (10,472,393 | ) |
Other temporary differences | (618,281 | ) |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) – securities | (21,575,263 | )** |
Unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) – currency | (22,880,589 | )** |
Total accumulated earnings/(losses) – net | $(65,458,397 | ) |
* | On October 31, 2021, the Fund had a net capital loss carryforward of $(9,911,871) which will be available to offset like amounts of any future taxable gains. The Fund is permitted to carry forward capital losses for an unlimited period and capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses. The breakdown of capital loss carryforwards are as follows: |
Amounts | | Expires |
$ | (9,911,871 | ) | | Unlimited (Long-Term) |
| ** | The difference between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable to the difference between book and tax amortization methods for premiums and discounts on fixed income securities, differing treatments for foreign currencies, the tax deferral of wash sales and straddles, the realization of unrealized gains on certain futures and forward contracts, and other timing differences. |
| | |
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 45 |
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
October 31, 2021
14. Recent Rulemaking
In October 2020, the SEC adopted new regulations governing the use of derivatives by registered investment companies. Rule 18f-4 will impose limits on the amount of derivatives a fund could enter into, eliminate the asset segregation framework currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act, and require funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure to establish and maintain a derivatives risk management program and appoint a derivatives risk manager. While the new rule became effective February 19, 2021, funds will not be required to fully comply with the new rule until August 19, 2022. It is not currently clear what impact, if any, the new rule will have on the availability, liquidity or performance of derivatives. Management is assessing the impact of Rule 18f-4 on the Fund.
In December 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") adopted Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act, which establishes requirements for determining fair value in good faith for purposes of the 1940 Act, including related oversight and reporting requirements. The rule also defines when market quotations are "readily available" for purposes of the 1940 Act, the threshold for determining whether a fund must fair value a security. The SEC also adopted new Rule 31a-4 under the 1940 Act, which sets forth the recordkeeping requirements associated
with fair value determinations. Finally, the SEC is rescinding previously issued guidance on related issues, including the role of a board in determining fair value and the accounting and auditing of fund investments. Rule 2a-5 and Rule 31a-4 became effective on March 8, 2021, with a compliance date of September 8, 2022. Management is currently evaluating this guidance.
15. 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 and/or adjustments were required to the financial statements as of October 31, 2021.
On November 9, 2021 and December 9, 2021, the Fund announced that it will pay on November 30, 2021 and January 11, 2022, a distribution of US $0.0275 per share to all shareholders of record as of November 19, 2021 and December 30, 2021, respectively.
On November 16, 2021, the Fund executed an amendment of the Credit Agreement that increased the Revolving Credit Facility to $150,000,000. On November 22, 2021, the Fund drew down an addition $10 million bringing the total outstanding to $110 million.
46 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund), including the portfolio of investments, as of October 31, 2021, the related statement of operations and cash flows for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements) and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of October 31, 2021, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the years in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements and financial highlights, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and financial highlights. Such procedures also included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2021, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures when replies from brokers were not received. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and financial highlights. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more Aberdeen investment companies since 2009.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 28, 2021
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 47 |
Federal Tax Information: Dividends and Distributions (unaudited)
The following information is provided with respect to the distributions paid by the Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021:
Common Shareholders
Payable Date | Foreign Taxes Paid†* | | Foreign Source Income** |
11/30/20 – 1/8/21 | 6.972 | % | | 93.40 | % |
1/8/21 – 10/29/21 | 7.578 | % | | 92.96 | % |
| † | Expressed as a percentage of the distributions paid. |
| * | 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. |
| ** | Expressed as a percentage of ordinary distributions paid grossed-up for foreign taxes paid. |
Supplemental Information (unaudited)
Board of Directors' Consideration of Management, Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements
At a regularly scheduled quarterly meeting (the "Quarterly Meeting") of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Fund, Inc. ("FAX" or the "Fund") held on June 16, 2021, the Board, including a majority of the Directors who are not considered to be "interested persons" of the Fund (the "Independent Directors") under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), approved for an annual period the continuation of the Fund's management agreement with Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Limited (the "Investment Manager"), the investment advisory agreement among the Fund, the Investment Manager and Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Limited (the "Investment Adviser"), and the investment sub-advisory agreement among the Fund, the Investment Manager and Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (the "Sub-Adviser"). In addition, the Independent Directors of the Fund held a separate meeting via videoconference on June 9, 2021 (together with the in-person Quarterly Meeting held on June 16, 2021, the "Meetings") to review the materials provided and the relevant legal considerations. The Investment Manager, the Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are referred to collectively herein as the "Advisers" and the aforementioned agreements with the Advisers are referred to as the "Advisory Agreements." The Investment Adviser and the Sub-Adviser are affiliates of the Investment Manager.
In connection with their consideration of whether to approve the continuation of the Fund's Advisory Agreements, the Board members received and reviewed a variety of information provided by the Advisers relating to the Fund, the Advisory Agreements and the Advisers, including comparative performance, fee and expense information, and other information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Advisers under their respective Advisory Agreements. The materials provided to the Board generally included, among other items: (i) information on the Fund's advisory fees and other expenses, including information comparing the Fund's expenses to those of a peer group of funds and information about any applicable expense limitations and fee "breakpoints"; (ii) information on the investment performance of the Fund and the performance of peer groups of funds and the Fund's performance benchmark; (iii) a report prepared by the Advisers in response to a request submitted by the Independent Directors' independent legal counsel on behalf of such Directors; (iv) information about the profitability of the Advisory Agreements to the Advisers; and (v) a memorandum from the Independent Directors' independent legal counsel on the responsibilities of the Board in considering for approval the investment advisory and investment sub-advisory arrangements under the 1940 Act and Maryland law.
The Independent Directors were advised by separate independent legal counsel throughout the process and consulted in executive sessions with their independent legal counsel regarding their consideration of the renewal of the Advisory Agreements. The Directors also considered the recommendation of the Board's Contract Review Committee, which consists solely of the Board's Independent Directors, that the Advisory Agreements be renewed. In considering whether to approve the continuation of the Advisory Agreements, the Board, including the Independent
48 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)
Directors, did not identify any single factor as determinative. Individual Directors may have evaluated the information presented differently from one another, giving different weights to various factors. Matters considered by the Board, including the Independent Directors, in connection with its approval of the continuation of the Advisory Agreements included the factors listed below.
The Board, including the Fund's Independent Directors, also considered other matters such as: (i) the Fund's investment objective and strategies; (ii) the resources devoted to, and the record of compliance with, the Fund's investment policies and restrictions, policies on personal securities transactions and other compliance policies; (iii) the Advisers' investment personnel and operations; (iv) the Advisers' financial results and financial condition; (v) the procedures employed to value the Fund's assets; (vi) the allocation of the Fund's brokerage, if any, including, if applicable, allocations to brokers affiliated with the Advisers and the use, if any, of "soft" commission dollars to pay Fund expenses and to pay for research and other similar services; and (vii) possible conflicts of interest. Throughout the process, the Board had the opportunity to ask questions of and request additional information from the Advisers.
In addition to the materials requested by the Directors in connection with their annual consideration of the continuation of the Advisory Agreements, the Directors received and reviewed materials in advance of each regular quarterly meeting of the Board that contained information about the Fund's investment performance and information relating to the services provided by the Advisers.
The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund under the Advisory Agreements. The Board considered, among other things, the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Advisers to the Fund and the resources dedicated to the Fund by the Advisers. The Directors took into account the Advisers' investment experience and considered the allocation of responsibilities between the Advisers. The Board also considered the Advisers' risk management processes. The Board considered the background and experience of the Advisers' senior management personnel and the qualifications, background and responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management services for the Fund. The Board also considered information regarding the Advisers' compliance with applicable laws and Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and other regulatory inquiries or audits of the Fund and the Advisers. The Board considered that they received information on a regular basis from the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer regarding the Advisers' compliance policies and procedures and considered the Advisers' brokerage policies and practices. Management reported to the Board on, among other things, its business plans and organizational changes. The Directors took into account their knowledge of management and the quality of the performance of management's duties through Board meetings, discussion and reports during the preceding year.
After reviewing these and related factors, the Board concluded that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided supported the renewal of the Advisory Agreements.
Investment performance of the Fund and the Advisers. The Board received and reviewed with management, among other performance data, information that compared the Fund's return to comparable investment companies focused on non-U.S. regions. The Board also received and considered performance information compiled by Strategic Insight Mutual Fund Research and Consulting, LLC ("SI"), an independent third-party provider of investment company data as to the Fund's total return, as compared with the funds in the Fund's Morningstar category (the "Morningstar Group").
In addition, the Board received and reviewed information for each of the last five fiscal years regarding the Fund's total return on a gross and net basis and relative to the Fund's benchmark, the impact of foreign currency movements on the Fund's performance and the Fund's share performance and premium/discount information. The Board also received and reviewed information on the Fund's total return for each of the last five fiscal years as compared with the total returns of its Morningstar Group average, and other comparable Aberdeen-managed funds and one separate account. The Board took into account information about the Fund's discount/premium ranking relative to its Morningstar Group and considered management's discussion of the Fund's performance. Additionally, the Directors considered management's discussion of the factors contributing to differences in performance, including differences in the investment strategies of each of these other funds and accounts.
The Board also considered the Advisers' performance and reputation generally, the historical responsiveness of the Investment Manager to Director concerns about performance, and the willingness of the Advisers to take steps intended to improve performance.
Fees and expenses. The Board reviewed with management the effective annual fee rate paid by the Fund to the Investment Manager for investment management services. The Board also received and considered information compiled at the request of the Fund by SI that compared the Fund's effective annual management fee rate with the fees paid by a peer group consisting of other comparable closed-end funds (each such group, a
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 49 |
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (concluded)
"Peer Group"). The Directors took into account the management fee structure, including that management fees for the Fund were based on the Fund's total managed assets, whether attributable to common stock or borrowings, if any. The Directors also considered information from management about the fees charged by the Advisers to other U.S. clients investing primarily in an asset class similar to that of the Fund. The Board reviewed and considered additional information about the Investment Adviser's fees, including the amount of the management fees retained by the Investment Manager after payment of the advisory fees. The Board considered that the compensation paid to the Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser was paid by the Investment Manager, and, accordingly that the retention of the Investment Adviser and Sub-Adviser did not increase the fees or expenses otherwise incurred by the Fund's shareholders. The Board considered the fee comparisons in light of the differences in resources and costs required to manage the different types of accounts.
The Board also took into account management's discussion of the Fund's expenses, including the factors that impacted the Fund's expenses.
Economies of Scale. The Board considered management's discussion of the Fund's management fee structure and determined that the management fee structure was reasonable. The Board based this determination on various factors, including how the Fund's management fee compared to its Peer Group at higher asset levels and that the Fund's management fee schedule provides breakpoints at higher asset levels.
The Directors also considered other factors, which included but were not limited to the following:
| • | whether the Fund has operated in accordance with its investment objective and the Fund's record of compliance with its investment restrictions, and the compliance programs of the Advisers. The Directors also considered the compliance-related resources the Advisers and their affiliates were providing to the Fund. |
| • | the effect of any market and economic volatility on the performance, asset levels and expense ratios of the Fund. |
| • | the nature, quality, cost and extent of administrative services provided by Aberdeen Standard Investments, Inc. ("ASII"), an affiliate of the Adviser, under a separate agreement covering administrative services. |
| • | so-called "fallout benefits" to the Advisers and their affiliates, including indirect benefits. The Directors considered any possible conflicts of interest associated with these fallout and other benefits, and the reporting, disclosure and other processes in place to disclose and monitor such possible conflicts of interest. |
* * *
Based on their evaluation of all factors that they deemed to be material, including those factors described above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the Directors, including the Independent Directors, concluded that renewal of the Advisory Agreements would be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. In approving the continuation of the Advisory Agreements, the Directors noted that management had informed them that the Investment Adviser would cease to provide fixed income advisory services, and that the Fund's investments would be overseen by the Investment Manager and the Sub-Adviser. In light of this development, the Directors approved the termination of the investment advisory agreement with the Investment Adviser at a future date to be set by management.
50 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited)
Recent Changes
The following information is a summary of certain changes during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. This information may not reflect all of the changes that have occurred since you purchased the Fund.
During the applicable period, there have been: (i) no material changes to the Fund's investment objectives and policies that constitute its principal portfolio emphasis that have not been approved by shareholders, (ii) no material changes to the Fund's principal risks, (iii) no changes to the persons primarily responsible for day-to-day management of the Fund; and (iv) no changes to the Fund's charter or by-laws that would delay or prevent a change of control that have not been approved by shareholders; except as follows:
Changes to Persons Primarily Responsible for Day-to-Day Management of the Fund
The Fund is managed by the Asia-Pacific fixed income team. The Asia-Pacific fixed income team works in a truly collaborative fashion; all team members have both portfolio management and research responsibilities. The team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Effective February 28, 2021, upon David Choi's departure from the team, Tai Lin-Yian was named as a member of the team having the most significant responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio, which team also includes Kenneth Akintewe, Mark Baker, Paul Lukaszewski and Adam McCabe. Tai Li Yian is an Investment Manager on the Asia Pacific Fixed Income team at abrdn. Li Yian is responsible for undertaking fundamental research and making investment recommendations on Asian corporate credits. Li Yian joined the firm in 2014 as a Graduate Trainee. Li Yian graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford. Li-Yian is a CFA® Charterholder.
Investment Objective and Policies
The Fund's investment objective is to seek current income. The Fund may also achieve incidental capital appreciation. The Fund's investment objective may not be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock and the Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, as well as by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund's Preferred Stock voting as a separate class without regard to series. A majority vote, as defined by the 1940 Act, means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the relevant shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of such shares are represented, or (ii) more than 50% of the relevant shares.
Fundamental Investment Policies
To achieve its investment objective, the Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes in "Asia-Pacific debt securities," which include: (1) debt securities of Asia-Pacific Country issuers, including securities issued by Asia-Pacific Country governmental entities, as well as by banks, companies and other entities which are located in Asia-Pacific Countries, whether or not denominated in an Asia-Pacific Country currency; (2) debt securities of other issuers, denominated in, or linked to, the currency of an Asia-Pacific Country, including securities issued by supranational issuers, such as The World Bank and derivative debt securities that replicate, or substitute for, the currency of an Asia-Pacific Country; (3) debt securities issued by entities which, although not located in an Asia-Pacific Country, derive at least 50% of their revenues from Asia-Pacific Countries or have at least 50% of their assets located in Asia-Pacific Countries; and (4) debt securities issued by a wholly-owned subsidiary of an entity located in an Asia-Pacific Country, provided that the debt securities are guaranteed by the parent entity located in the Asia-Pacific Country. With reference to items (3) and (4) above, Asia-Pacific debt securities may be denominated in an Asia-Pacific Country currency or U.S. dollars.
"Asia-Pacific Countries" (each, an "Asia-Pacific Country") means countries included in "Asia" and "Oceania" in the United Nations ("UN") geographic regions used by the UN Statistics Division.
Non-Fundamental Investment Policies
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in the debt securities of any one country other than the U.S. or an Asia-Pacific Country ("Other Country" debt securities). The maximum exposure to any one Other Country currency (excluding U.S. dollars) is limited to 10% of the Fund's total assets.
The maximum exposure to any one Investment Grade Country (other than the U.S.) is limited to 25% of the Fund's total assets and the maximum exposure to any one Non-Investment Grade Country is limited to 15% of total assets. Investment Grade Countries are those countries whose sovereign debt is rated not less than Baa3 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BBB- by S&P Global Ratings ("S&P") or BBB- by Fitch or comparably rated by another appropriate nationally or internationally recognized ratings agency. Non-Investment Grade Countries are those that are not Investment Grade Countries.
The maximum currency exposure to any one Investment Grade Country currency (other than U.S. currency) is limited to 25% of the Fund's total assets, the maximum currency exposure to any one Non-Investment Grade Country currency is limited to 15% of total assets.
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 51 |
Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
During periods when, in the Investment Manager's judgment, economic conditions warrant a temporary defensive investment policy, the Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in U.S. cash and debt securities.
In order to accommodate investment in Asia-Pacific markets, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in Asia-Pacific debt securities rated below BBB- by S&P, Baa3 by Moody's or BBB- by Fitch (also known as "junk bonds"), or judged by the Investment Manager to be below investment grade at the time of investment, provided that, with the approval of the Fund's Board of Directors, the ratings of other recognized rating services may be used. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in Asia-Pacific debt securities which may be deemed to be illiquid.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in securities rated by S&P, Moody's, Fitch, or judged by the Investment Manager to be, below B- at the time of investment, provided that, with the approval of the Fund's Board of Directors, the ratings of other recognized ratings services may be used.
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers pursuant to which the Fund may acquire a security for a relatively short period (usually no more than a week) subject to the obligations of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by the Fund's Board of Directors, i.e., banks or broker-dealers which have been determined by the Fund's Investment Manager to present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the period contemplated by the repurchase transaction.
A maximum of 20% of the Fund's total assets in Asia-Pacific debt securities can be denominated in any combination of Yen, Euro and British pound.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in secondary market bank loans, and up to an additional 10% of its total assets in convertible securities and other hybrid securities, and up to an additional 10% of its total assets in asset-backed securities.
The Fund currently utilizes and in the future expects to continue to utilize leverage through borrowings or through other transactions, such as reverse repurchase agreements, which have the effect of leverage. The Fund may also utilize leverage through the issuance of debt securities or preferred stock. The Fund generally will not utilize leverage if it anticipates that the Fund's leveraged capital structure would result in a lower return to shareholders than that obtainable over time with an unleveraged capital structure. Use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased income and capital appreciation for
shareholders but, at the same time, creates special risks, and there can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.
Consistent with its investment objective, the Fund may invest in a broad array of financial instruments and securities in which the value of the instrument or security is "derived" from the performance of an underlying asset or a "benchmark" such as a security index, an interest rate or a foreign currency ("derivatives"). The Fund may use derivatives to manage currency, interest rate and credit risk and as a substitute for physical securities. The Fund may use interest rate swaps to hedge the Fund's liability with respect to its leverage. There is no limit on the amount of interest rate swap transactions that may be entered into by the Fund. Derivative debt securities that replicate, or substitute for, the currency of a particular country will be counted toward the limitations applicable with respect to issuers in that country. The Fund may invest in over-the-counter or exchange traded derivatives. The Fund may invest in derivatives up to the limits allowed under the 1940 Act. The following guidelines apply with respect to the Fund's derivative investments:
| (a) | The Fund will only use counterparty institutions rated A- or better by recognized international rating agencies for all over the counter ("OTC") derivatives transactions. |
| (b) | A maximum of 20% of the Fund's total assets may have exposure to currency-linked notes. |
| (c) | A maximum of 10% of the Fund's total assets may be at risk to any single counterparty (aggregate interest rate, currency and credit derivatives). |
| (d) | Exchange-traded derivatives may only be traded on regulated derivative exchanges and a maximum of 35% of the Fund's total assets may have exposure to exchange-traded derivatives. |
| (e) | A maximum of 20% of the Fund's total assets may have exposure to derivatives traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. |
The Fund may invest in securities issued by investment companies registered as such under the 1940 Act and unregistered, private funds (each, an "acquired company"), subject to the limitations below (which are to be applied immediately after the acquisition of such securities).
The Fund may not acquire securities issued by an acquired company:
| • | if the value of such securities exceeds 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of the acquired company; |
| • | if the aggregate value of such securities would exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund; or |
52 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
| • | if the aggregate value of such securities, together with all other acquired company securities in the Fund's portfolio, would exceed 10% of the value of the total assets of the Fund. |
As a non-diversified company, there is no investment restriction on the percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested at any time in the securities of any issuer. However, the Fund intends to limit its investments in the securities of any issuer, except for securities issued or guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by Asia-Pacific Country or Other Country governmental entities, to 5% of its total assets at the time of purchase. The Fund intends to invest in a variety of debt securities, with differing issuers, maturities and interest rates, and to comply with the diversification and other requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies so that the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes on its net investment income. The average U.S. dollar weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio is not expected to exceed 10 years.
Risk Factors
The Fund is designed as a long-term investment vehicle and not as a trading tool. An investment in the Fund's common shares should not constitute a complete investment program for any investor and involves a high degree of risk. Due to the uncertainty in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The value of an investment in the Fund's common shares could decline substantially and cause you to lose some or all of your investment. Before investing in the Fund's common shares you should consider carefully the following principal risks of investing in the Fund.
Market events risk
The market values of securities or other assets will fluctuate, sometimes sharply and unpredictably, due to changes in general market conditions, overall economic trends or events, governmental actions or intervention, actions taken by the U.S. Federal Reserve or foreign central banks, market disruptions caused by trade disputes or other factors, political developments, investor sentiment and other factors that may or may not be related to the issuer of the security or other asset. Economies and financial markets throughout the world are increasingly interconnected. Economic, financial or political events, trading and tariff arrangements, terrorism, natural disasters and other circumstances in one country or region could have profound impacts on global economies or markets. As a result, whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to the countries directly affected, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected.
Libor Transition. Under the revolving credit facility, the Fund is charged interest on amounts borrowed at a variable rate, which may be based
on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a spread. Additionally, the Fund may invest in certain debt securities, derivatives or other financial instruments that utilize LIBOR as a "benchmark" or "reference rate" for various interest rate calculations. In July 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), which regulates the LIBOR administrator, announced that the FCA will no longer persuade or compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. Such announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. However, for U.S. dollar LIBOR, it now appears that the relevant date may be deferred to June 30, 2023 for the most common tenors (overnight and one, three, six and 12 months). As to those tenors, the LIBOR administrator has published a consultation regarding its intention to cease publication of U.S. dollar LIBOR as of June 30, 2023 (instead of December 31, 2021, as previously expected), apparently based on continued rate submissions from banks. The FCA and other regulators have stated that they welcome the LIBOR Administrator's action. An extension to 2023 would mean that many legacy U.S. dollar LIBOR contracts would terminate before related LIBOR rates cease to be published. However, the same regulators emphasized that, despite any continued publication of U.S. dollar LIBOR through June 30, 2023, no new contracts using U.S. dollar LIBOR should be entered into after December 31, 2021. Moreover, the LIBOR Administrator's consultation also relates to the LIBOR Administrator's intention to cease publication of non-U.S. dollar LIBOR after December 31, 2021. Although the foregoing may provide some sense of timing, there is no assurance that LIBOR, of any particular currency and tenor, will continue to be published until any particular date, and it appears highly likely that LIBOR will be discontinued or modified after December 31, 2021 or June 30, 2023, depending on the currency and tenor.
Although the financial regulators and industry working groups have suggested alternative reference rates, such as the European Interbank Offer Rate ("EURIBOR"), Sterling Overnight Interbank Average Rate ("SONIA") and Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), global consensus on alternative rates is incomplete, and the process for amending existing contracts or instruments to transition from LIBOR remains unclear.
It is not possible to predict the effect that these announcements or any such discontinuance will have on LIBOR or on floating rate securities linked to LIBOR ("LIBOR-linked securities"). Many, but not all, LIBOR-linked securities have provisions that will change their interest rate basis upon the occurrence of certain benchmark transitions events. If the calculation agent (or other party in certain cases) for such a security determines that a benchmark transition event and its related benchmark replacement date have occurred with
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 53 |
Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
respect to LIBOR for particular LIBOR-linked securities, then a benchmark replacement may be selected by the calculation agent (or other party) in accordance with the benchmark transition provisions of the relevant securities.
The selection of a benchmark replacement, and any decisions, determinations or elections made by the calculation agent (or other party) in connection with implementing a benchmark replacement with respect to LIBOR-linked securities in accordance with the relevant benchmark transition provisions could result in adverse consequences to the interest rate, which could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for LIBOR-linked securities held by the Fund. Further, there is no assurance that the characteristics of any benchmark replacement will be similar to LIBOR, or that any benchmark replacement will produce the economic equivalent of LIBOR. In addition, these announcements and any additional regulatory or market changes, or any substitute reference rate and any pricing adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect the Fund's performance and/or net asset value ("NAV"). Until then, the Fund may continue to invest in instruments that reference such rates or otherwise use such reference rates due to favorable liquidity or pricing.
COVID-19. Beginning in the first quarter of 2020, the illness caused by a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has resulted in a global pandemic and major disruption to economies and markets around the world, including the United States. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses. Some sectors of the economy and individual issuers have experienced particularly large losses. These circumstances may continue for an extended period of time, and as a result may affect adversely the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments. To the extent the impacts of COVID-19 continue, the Fund may experience negative impacts to its business that could exacerbate other risks described in this prospectus, including:
| • | significant mark-downs in the fair value of the Fund's investments and decreases in NAV per share; |
| • | the Fund's investments may require a workout, restructuring, recapitalization or reorganizations that involve additional investment from the Fund and/or that result in greater risks and losses to the Fund; |
| • | operational impacts on and availability of key personnel of the Advisers, custodian, and/or any of the Fund's other third-party service providers, vendors and counterparties as they face changed circumstances and/or illness related to the pandemic; |
| • | difficulty in valuing the Fund's assets in light of significant changes in the financial markets, including difficulty in forecasting discount rates and making market comparisons, and circumstances affecting the Advisers and the Fund's service providers' personnel during the pandemic; |
| • | significant changes to the valuations of pending or prospective investments; and |
| • | limitations on the Fund's ability to make distributions or dividends, as applicable, to the Fund's common shareholders. |
The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of COVID-19 on economic and market conditions, and, as a result, present uncertainty and risk with respect to the Fund and the performance of its investments and ability to pay distributions. The full extent of the impact and effects of COVID-19 will depend on future developments, including, among other factors, the duration and spread of the outbreak, along with related travel advisories, quarantines and restrictions, the recovery time of the disrupted supply chains and industries, the impact of labor market
Brexit Risk. In addition, the United Kingdom left the European Union on January 31, 2020 ("Brexit"). The ongoing negotiations surrounding the future relationship between the UK and the EU following UK's exit from the EU have yet to provide clarity on what the outcome will be for the UK, Europe, and the worldwide economy. During a prescribed period (the "Transition Period"), which ended on December 31, 2020, certain transitional arrangements were in effect, such that the United Kingdom continued to be treated, in most respects, as if it were still a member of the European Union, and generally remained subject to European Union law. On December 24, 2020, the European Union and the United Kingdom reached an agreement in principle on the terms of certain agreements and declarations governing the ongoing relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom, including the European Union-United Kingdom Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the "TCA"). The TCA is limited in its scope primarily to the trade of goods, transport, energy links and fishing; in particular the TCA does not make any meaningful provision for the financial services sector. Uncertainties remain relating to certain aspects of the United Kingdom's future economic, trading and legal relationships with the European Union and with other countries. However, the EU has not yet provided much material cushion from the effects of Brexit for financial services as a matter of EU law. The TCA came into full force on May 1, 2021. Even under the TCA, many aspects of the United Kingdom-EU trade relationship remain subject to further negotiation. Due to political uncertainty, it is not possible to anticipate the form or
54 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
nature of the future trading relationship between the United Kingdom and the EU. The Fund may face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to potential volatility in exchange rates and interest rates. Whether or not the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe (whether the EU, Eurozone or UK) or with significant exposure to European, EU, Eurozone or UK issuers or countries, the unavoidable uncertainties and events related to Brexit could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments, increase taxes and costs of business and cause volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates. Brexit could adversely affect the performance of contracts European, UK or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Brexit could also lead to legal uncertainty and politically divergent national laws and regulations as a new relationship between the UK and EU is defined and the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others that cannot be anticipated, could adversely affect the Fund's business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the risk that abrdn plc (formerly known as Standard Life Aberdeen plc), the parent of the companies that provide investment advisory, sub-advisory and administration services to the Fund and which is headquartered in the UK, fails to adequately respond to Brexit could have significant customer, reputation and capital impacts for abrdn plc and its subsidiaries, including those providing services to the Fund; however, abrdn plc has detailed contingency planning in place to seek to manage the consequences of Brexit on the Fund and to manage any disruption to the Fund and to the services its subsidiaries provide. Given the fluidity and complexity of the situation, however, it cannot assure that the Fund will not be adversely impacted despite preparations.
Leverage Risks
The Fund generally seeks to enhance its total returns through the use of leverage. The Fund currently utilizes and in the future expects to continue to utilize leverage through borrowings (including through the issuance of debt securities) and through the issuance of preferred stock. The Fund may seek to enhance returns through other transactions, such as reverse repurchase agreements, which have the effect of leverage. The Fund is currently leveraged through a revolving loan facility, senior secured notes and preferred stock.
With respect to asset coverage for preferred shares, under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund's total net assets (as defined below) is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares and the newly issued preferred shares plus the
aggregate amount of any senior securities of the Fund representing indebtedness (i.e., such liquidation value plus the aggregate amount of senior securities representing indebtedness may not exceed 50% of the Fund's total net assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the value of the Fund's total net assets (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) satisfies the above-referenced 200% coverage requirement.
The 1940 Act generally prohibits the Fund from engaging in most forms of leverage representing indebtedness other than preferred shares unless immediately after such incurrence the Fund's total assets less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities (for these purposes, "total net assets") is at least 300% of the aggregate senior securities representing indebtedness (i.e., the use of leverage through senior securities representing indebtedness may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total net assets (including the proceeds from leverage)). Additionally, under the 1940 Act, the Fund generally may not declare any dividend or other distribution upon any class of its capital shares, or purchase any such capital shares, unless at the time of such declaration or purchase, this asset coverage test is satisfied.
The Fund may also enter into certain transactions that create leverage, such as reverse repurchase agreements, which are not subject to the asset coverage requirements set out above so long as the Fund establishes in a segregated account cash or other liquid securities equal to the Fund's obligations in respect of such transactions or enters into other transactions offsetting the Fund's obligations in respect to such transactions.
The Fund seeks a leverage ratio, based on a variety of factors including market conditions and the Advisers' market outlook, where the rate of return, net of applicable Fund expenses, on the Fund's investment portfolio investments purchased with leverage exceeds the costs associated with such leverage.
The Fund may engage in additional borrowings in order to maintain the Fund's desired leverage ratio. Leverage creates a greater risk of loss, as well as a potential for more gain, for the common stock than if leverage were not used. Interest on borrowings may be at a fixed or floating rate, and the interest at a floating rate generally will be based on short-term rates. The costs associated with the Fund's use of leverage, including the issuance of such leverage and the payment of dividends or interest on such leverage, will be borne entirely by the holders of common stock. As long as the rate of return, net of applicable Fund expenses, on the Fund's investment portfolio investments purchased with leverage exceeds the costs associated with
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Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
such leverage, the Fund will generate more return or income than will be needed to pay such costs. In this event, the excess will be available to pay higher dividends to holders of common stock. Conversely, if the Fund's return on such assets is less than the cost of leverage and other Fund expenses, the return to the holders of the common stock will diminish. To the extent that the Fund uses leverage, the net asset value and market price of the common stock and the yield to holders of common stock will be more volatile. The Fund's leveraging strategy may not be successful.
Other Risks
The value of the Fund's assets, as well as the market price of its shares, will fluctuate. You can lose money on your investment. Investing in the Fund involves other risks, including the following:
General. The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company designed primarily as a long-term investment and not as a trading tool. The Fund invests primarily in fixed income securities. An investment in the Fund's common stock may be speculative and involves a high degree of risk. The Fund should not constitute a complete investment program. Due to the uncertainty in all investments, there can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives.
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in the Fund's Shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. Your investment in Shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably, and these fluctuations are likely to have a greater impact on the value of the Shares during periods in which the Fund utilizes a leveraged capital structure. If the current global economic downturn continues into a prolonged recession or deteriorates further, the ability of issuers of the corporate fixed-income securities and other securities in which the Fund invests to service their obligations could be materially and adversely affected. The value of the securities in which the Fund invests will affect the value of the Shares. Your Shares at any point in time may be worth less than your original investment, even after taking into account the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Asian-Pacific Region Risk. Parts of the Asian-Pacific region may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States and Europe. Some Asian-Pacific countries can be characterized as emerging markets or newly industrialized and may experience more volatile economic cycles than developed countries. The developing nature of securities markets in many countries in the Asian-Pacific region may lead to a lack of liquidity while some countries have restricted the flow of money in and out of the country. Some countries in Asia-Pacific have historically
experienced political uncertainty, corruption, military intervention and social unrest.
Additionally, the Fund may be more volatile than a fund which is broadly diversified geographically. Focusing on a single geographical region involves increased currency, political, regulatory and other risks. Market swings in the targeted geographical region (Asia-Pacific) likely will have a greater effect on portfolio performance than they would in a more geographically diversified fixed income fund.
Australian Risk. Because the Fund invests a significant portion of its assets in Australian securities, the Fund is particularly vulnerable to loss in the event of adverse political, economic, financial and other developments that affect Australia, including fluctuations of Australian currency versus the U.S. dollar. Also, Australia is located in a part of the world that has historically been prone to natural disasters such as drought and wildfires and is economically sensitive to environmental events and climate change. Any such event could result in a significant adverse impact on the Australian economy.
Terrorism and Cybersecurity Risk. Infrastructure-related issuers are subject to disruption as a result of terrorist activities and other geopolitical events, including upheaval in the Middle East or other energy-producing regions. Cyber hacking could also cause significant disruption and harm to infrastructure-related issuers. The U.S. government has issued warnings that certain infrastructure assets, specifically those related to energy infrastructure, including exploration and production facilities, pipelines and transmission and distribution facilities, might be specific targets of terrorist activity. Additionally, digital and network technologies (collectively, "cyber networks") might be at risk of cyberattacks that could potentially seek unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes such as misappropriating sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Cyberattacks might potentially be carried out by persons using techniques that could range from efforts to electronically circumvent network security or overwhelm websites to intelligence gathering and social engineering functions aimed at obtaining information necessary to gain access.
In addition, the Fund is subject to direct cybersecurity risk. Cybersecurity incidents may allow an unauthorized party to gain access to Fund assets, customer data (including private shareholder information), or proprietary information, or cause the Fund, the Adviser and/or the Fund's service providers (including, but not limited to, Fund accountants, custodians, sub-custodians and transfer agents) to suffer data breaches, data corruption or lose operational functionality.
Credit Risk. Investments in debt securities expose the Fund to credit risk. Credit risk is the risk that one or more of the Fund's investments in debt securities or other instruments will decline in price, or fail to
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pay interest, liquidation value or principal when due, because the issuer of the obligation or the issuer of a reference security experiences an actual or perceived decline in its financial status. Credit risk is influenced by changes in general economic and political conditions and changes in the financial condition of the issuers. During periods of economic downturn or rising interest rates, issuers of securities with a low credit rating may experience financial weakness that could affect their ability to make payments of interest and principal.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the value and liquidity of securities with low credit ratings, especially in markets characterized by a low volume of trading.
Interest Rate Risk. Generally, when market interest rates rise, the prices of debt obligations fall, and vice versa. Interest rate risk is the risk that debt obligations and other instruments in the Fund's portfolio will decline in value because of increases in market interest rates. This risk may be particularly acute when market interest rates are at low levels. The prices of long-term debt obligations generally fluctuate more than prices of short-term debt obligations as interest rates change. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended due to slower than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security's duration and reduce the security's value. The Fund's use of leverage will tend to increase interest rate risk.
Investments in floating rate debt instruments, although generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer duration fixed rate instruments, may nevertheless decline in value in response to rising interest rates if, for example, the rates at which they pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Conversely, floating rate instruments will not generally increase in value if interest rates decline. Inverse floating rate debt securities may also exhibit greater price volatility than a fixed rate debt obligation with similar credit quality. To the extent the Fund holds floating rate instruments, a decrease (or, in the case of inverse floating rate securities, an increase) in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities and the net asset value of the Fund's common shares.
Foreign Securities Risk. Investing in foreign securities involves certain special considerations that are not typically associated with investments in the securities of U.S. issuers. Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and may have policies that are not comparable to those of domestic issuers. As a result, there may be less information available about foreign issuers than about domestic issuers. Securities
of some foreign issuers may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities markets, brokers and issuers than in the United States. In addition, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political and social instability, or diplomatic developments, which could affect the value of investments in those countries. The costs of investing in foreign countries frequently are higher than the costs of investing in the United States. Although the Advisers endeavor to achieve the most favorable execution costs in portfolio transactions, trading costs in non-U.S. securities markets are generally higher than trading costs in the United States.
Investments in securities of foreign issuers often will be denominated in foreign currencies. Accordingly, the value of the Fund's assets, as measured in U.S. dollars, may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and in exchange control regulations. The Fund may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories approved by State Street Bank and Trust Company, the Fund's Foreign Custody Manager (as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act). Some foreign banks and securities depositories may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business. There may be limited or no regulatory oversight over their operations. Also, the laws of certain countries may put limits on the Fund's ability to recover its assets if a foreign bank, depository or issuer of a security, or any of their agents, goes bankrupt. In addition, it is often more expensive for the Fund to buy, sell and hold securities in certain foreign markets than in the United States. The increased expense of investing in foreign markets reduces the amount the Fund can earn on its investments and typically results in a higher operating expense ratio for the Fund than for investment companies invested only in the United States.
Certain foreign governments levy withholding or other taxes on dividend and interest income. Although in some countries a portion of these taxes are recoverable, the non-recovered portion of foreign withholding taxes will reduce the income received from investments in such countries.
From time to time, the Fund may have invested in certain sovereign debt obligations that are issued by, or certain companies that operate in or have dealings with, countries that become subject to sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and the United Nations and/or countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. Investments in such countries may be adversely affected
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because, for example, the credit rating of the sovereign debt security may be lowered due to the country's instability or unreliability or the company may suffer damage to its reputation if it is identified as a company which operates in, or has dealings with, such countries. As an investor in such companies, the Fund will be indirectly subject to those risks.
Developing and Emerging Markets Risk. Investing in the securities of issuers located in developing and emerging market countries (and to a certain extent non-U.S. developed market countries) involves special considerations not typically associated with investing in the securities of U.S. issuers and other developed market issuers, including heightened risks of expropriation and/or nationalization, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on transfers of assets, lack of uniform accounting and auditing standards, difficulties in dividend withholding reclaims procedures, less publicly available financial and other information and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
The economies of individual developing and emerging market countries may differ favourably or unfavorably from the United States economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, currency depreciation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Governments of many developing and emerging market countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. In some cases, the government owns or controls many companies, including some of the largest in the country.
Accordingly, government actions could have a significant effect on economic conditions in a developing or emerging market country and on market conditions, prices and yields of securities in the Fund's portfolio. Moreover, the economies of developing and emerging market countries generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be adversely affected by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue to be adversely affected by economic conditions in the countries with which they trade. Many developing and emerging market economies are considered to be more politically volatile than the developed markets. Investments in securities of issuers in countries other than the U.S. may involve greater political risk, including in some countries, the possibility of nationalization of assets, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, restrictions on repatriation, and the establishment of foreign exchange controls, political changes, government regulation, overburdened and obsolete or unseasoned financial systems, environmental problems, less developed legal systems, economic or social instability or diplomatic developments
(including war) which could affect adversely the economies of such countries or the value of the Fund's investments in those countries. Central authorities also tend to exercise a high degree of control over the economies and in many cases have ownership over core productive assets.
The legal systems in many developing and emerging market countries are less developed than those in more developed countries, with the administration of laws and regulations often subject to considerable discretion. Non-U.S. markets may offer less protection to investors than U.S. or other developed markets. It also may be difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment in a court outside of the United States.
Adequate public information on non-U.S. issuers may not be available, and it may be difficult to secure information regarding corporate actions on a timely basis. In general, there is less overall governmental supervision and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers, and listed companies than in the United States or other developed market countries.
Due to their strong reliance on international trade, most developing and emerging market economies tend to be sensitive both to economic changes in their own region and to changes affecting their major trading partners. These include changes in growth, inflation, foreign exchange rates, current account positions, government policies, taxation and tariffs.
Investments in developing and emerging market countries may entail purchasing securities issued by or on behalf of entities that are insolvent, bankrupt, in default or otherwise engaged in an attempt to reorganize or reschedule their obligations or in entities that have little or no proven credit rating or credit history. In any such case, the issuer's poor or deteriorating financial condition may increase the likelihood that the Fund will experience losses or diminution in available gains due to bankruptcy, insolvency or fraud.
Foreign Currency Risk. The Fund may invest all of its assets in debt securities which are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange rates can fluctuate significantly over short periods and can be subject to unpredictable changes based on a variety of factors including political developments and currency controls by governments. A change in the value of a currency in which a security is denominated against the U.S. dollar will generally result in a change in the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets.
The currencies of developing and emerging markets, in particular, have experienced periods of steady declines or even sudden devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar. Some developing and emerging market currencies may not be internationally traded or may be subject to strict controls by local governments, resulting in undervalued or overvalued
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currencies. Some developing and emerging markets have experienced balance of payment deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves. Governments have responded by restricting currency conversions. Future restrictive exchange controls could prevent or restrict a company's ability to make dividend or interest payments in the original currency of an obligation (often U.S. dollars). In addition, even though the currencies of some developing and emerging markets may be convertible into U.S. dollars, the conversion rates may be artificial to their actual market values.
Sovereign Debt Risk. Investments in sovereign debt involve special risks. Foreign governmental issuers of debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or pay interest when due. In the event of default, there may be limited or no legal recourse in that, generally, remedies for defaults must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party. Political conditions, especially a sovereign entity's willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, are of considerable significance. The ability of a foreign sovereign issuer, especially an emerging market country, to make timely payments on its debt obligations will also be strongly influenced by the sovereign issuer's balance of payments, including export performance, its access to international credit facilities and investments, fluctuations of interest rates and the extent of its foreign reserves.
Corporate Debt Risk. The Fund may invest in debt securities of non-governmental issuers. Like all debt securities, corporate debt securities generally represent an issuer's obligation to repay to the investor (or lender) the amount borrowed plus interest over a specified time period. A typical corporate bond specifies a fixed date when the amount borrowed (principal) is due in full, known as the maturity date, and specifies dates when periodic interest (coupon) payments will be made over the life of the security.
Corporate debt securities come in many varieties and may differ in the way that interest is calculated, the amount and frequency of payments, the type of collateral, if any, and the presence of special features (e.g., conversion rights). The Fund's investments in corporate debt securities may include, but are not limited to, senior, junior, secured and unsecured bonds, notes and other debt securities, and may be fixed rate, floating rate, zero coupon and inflation linked, among other things.
Prices of corporate debt securities fluctuate and, in particular, are subject to several key risks including, but not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, prepayment risk and spread risk. The market value of a corporate bond may be affected by the credit rating of the corporation, the corporation's performance and perceptions of the corporation in
the market place. There is a risk that the issuers of the corporate debt securities in which the Fund may invest may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal payments at the time called for by an instrument.
Below Investment Grade Securities Risk. Among other things, investment in securities which are rated below investment grade requires skilled credit analysis and reduces the overall credit quality of the Fund's portfolio.
Investments in securities rated below investment grade are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than investments in securities with investment grade credit ratings. The former will generally provide higher yields due to the higher premiums required by investors for taking the associated credit risk.
Liquidity Risk. While the Fund ordinarily invests in debt securities for which there is an active secondary market, the Fund may invest in debt securities for which there is no established secondary market. The securities markets that exist in developing and emerging market countries are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the United States and other more developed countries. In addition, the markets for below investment grade securities may be substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the markets for prime rated securities, which may make obtaining accurate market quotations for financial reporting purposes and for calculating net asset values more difficult. Market quotations on many non-U.S. debt and sub-investment grade securities may only be available from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm bids from those dealers or prices for actual sales. The Fund may not be able readily to dispose of illiquid securities at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such securities if they were more widely traded and, as result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. Illiquid securities generally trade at a discount.
Bank Loans Risk. Bank loans are generally subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Bank loans are not currently listed on any securities exchange or automatic quotation system. As a result, there may not be a recognized, liquid public market for bank loan interests and it may be difficult for the Fund to value bank loans. Purchasers of loans and other forms of direct indebtedness depend primarily upon the creditworthiness of the borrower for payment of principal and interest. The borrower may be in financial distress or may default or have a right to borrow additional cash from the owners of direct debt. If the Fund does not receive scheduled interest or principal payments on such indebtedness, the Fund's share price and yield could be
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Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
adversely affected. Direct debt instruments may involve a risk of insolvency of the lending bank or intermediary. In addition, there may be fewer legal protections for owners of direct debt than conventional debt securities. If the Fund acquires a participation interest in a loan, the Fund may not be able to control the exercise of any remedies that the lender would have under the loan. In addition, the Fund normally will have to rely on the participating lender to demand and receive payments in respect of the loans, and to pay those amounts on to the Fund; the Fund will be subject to the risk that the lender may be unwilling or unable to do so. In such a case, the Fund would not likely have any rights against the borrower directly.
Convertible Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in convertible securities, which include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that entitle the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all debt securities, the market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. Convertible securities also tend to reflect the market price of the underlying stock in varying degrees, depending on the relationship of such market price to the conversion price in the terms of the convertible security. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in an issuer's capital structure and consequently entail less risk than the issuer's common stock.
Asset-Backed Securities Risk. Payment of interest and repayment of principal on asset-backed securities is largely dependent upon the cash flows generated by the assets backing the securities and, in certain cases, supported by letters of credit, surety bonds or other credit enhancements. Asset-backed security values may also be affected by the creditworthiness of the servicing agent for the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables and any entities providing the credit enhancement. In addition, the underlying assets are subject to prepayments that shorten the securities' weighted average maturity and may lower their return.
Derivatives Risk. The primary risk of derivatives is the same as the risk of the underlying asset, namely that the value of the underlying asset may increase or decrease. Adverse movements in the value of the underlying asset can expose the Fund to losses. In addition, risks in the use of derivatives include:
• | an imperfect correlation between the price of derivatives and the movement of the securities prices, interest rates or currency exchange rates being hedged or replicated; |
• | the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular derivative at any time; |
• | the potential loss if the counterparty to the transaction does not perform as promised; |
• | the possible need to defer closing out certain positions to avoid adverse tax consequences, as well as the possibility that derivative transactions may result in acceleration of gain, deferral of losses or a change in the character of gain realized; |
• | the risk that the financial intermediary "manufacturing" the over-the-counter derivative, being the most active market maker and offering the best price for repurchase, will not continue to create a credible market in the derivative; |
• | because certain derivatives are "manufactured" by financial institutions, the risk that the Fund may develop a substantial exposure to financial institution counterparties; and |
• | the risk that a full and complete appreciation of the complexity of derivatives and how future value is affected by various factors including changing interest rates, exchange rates and credit quality is not attained. |
There is no guarantee that derivatives will provide successful results and any success in their use depends on a variety of factors including the ability of the Advisers to predict correctly the direction of interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange rates and other factors.
The Fund may use interest rate swaps to hedge up to 100% of its leverage. A significant type of risk associated with interest rate swaps is the risk that the counterparty may default or file for bankruptcy, in which case the Fund would bear the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under the swap agreement. There can be no assurance that the Fund will have an interest rate swap in place at any given time, nor can there be any assurance that, if an interest rate swap is in place, it will be successful in hedging the Fund's interest rate risk with respect to the Fund's leverage.
In October 2020, the SEC adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act governing a registered investment company's use of derivatives, short sales, reverse repurchase agreements, and certain other instruments. Rule 18f-4 could limit the Fund's ability to engage in certain derivatives and other transactions and/or increase the costs of such transactions, which could adversely affect the value or performance of the Fund. Under Rule 18f-4, a fund's derivatives exposure is limited through a value-at-risk test and requires the adoption and implementation of a derivatives risk management program for certain derivatives users. However, subject to certain conditions, funds that do not invest heavily in derivatives may be deemed limited derivatives users and would not be subject to the full requirements of Rule 18f-4. In connection with the adoption of Rule 18f-4, the SEC also eliminated the asset segregation and cover framework arising from prior SEC guidance for
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covering derivatives and certain financial instruments. Compliance with Rule 18f-4 will be required on August 19, 2022.
Hedging Strategy Risk. Certain of the investment techniques that the Fund may employ for hedging will expose the Fund to additional or increased risks.
There may be an imperfect correlation between changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio holdings and hedging positions entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, the Fund's success in using hedge instruments is subject to the Advisers' ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund's portfolio holdings, and there can be no assurance that the Advisers' judgment in this respect will be accurate. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if the Fund had not hedged its portfolio holdings.
The Advisers are under no obligation to engage in any hedging strategies, and may, in their discretion, choose not to engage in hedging strategies. Even if the Advisers desire to hedge some of the Fund's risks, suitable hedging transactions may not be available or, if available, attractive. A failure to hedge may result in losses to the value of the Fund's investments.
Counterparty Risk. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased or sold by the Fund. Recently, several broker-dealers and other financial institutions have experienced extreme financial difficulty, sometimes resulting in bankruptcy of the institution. Although the Investment Manager monitors the creditworthiness of the Fund's counterparties, there can be no assurance that the Fund's counterparties will not experience similar difficulties, possibly resulting in losses to the Fund.
If a counterparty becomes bankrupt, or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund's common stock and dividends can decline.
Management Risk. The Advisers' judgment about the attractiveness, relative value or potential appreciation of a particular security or investment strategy may prove to be incorrect.
Conflicts of Interest Risk. The Investment Manager's, the Investment Adviser's and the Sub-Adviser's advisory fees are based on net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. Consequently, the Advisers will benefit from an increase in the Fund's net assets resulting from an offering. In addition, a Director who is an "interested person" (as such term is defined under the 1940 Act) of the Fund or a portfolio manager of the Fund could benefit indirectly from this offering because of such affiliations.
Net Asset Value Discount. Shares of the Fund, a closed-end investment company, may trade in the market at a discount from their net asset value.
Distribution Rate. It is the Fund's current policy to pay distributions on a monthly basis. If the Fund's investments do not generate sufficient income, the Fund may be required to liquidate a portion of its portfolio to fund these distributions, and therefore a portion or all of such distributions may represent a reduction of the shareholders' principal investment. Such liquidation might be at a time when independent investment judgment would not dictate such action, increasing the Fund's overall portfolio turnover (and related transaction costs) and making it more difficult for the Fund to achieve its investment objective.
Non-Diversification Risk. As a "non-diversified" investment company, the Fund can invest more of its assets in fewer issuers than an investment company that is "diversified," exposing the Fund to greater risk. The Fund, however, intends to comply with the diversification requirements imposed by the Code, for qualification as a regulated investment company.
Anti-takeover Charter Provisions. The Fund's charter and bylaws contain several provisions that may be regarded as "anti-takeover" because they have the effect of maintaining continuity of management.
Repurchase Agreements Risk. These transactions involve risks in the event of counterparty default or insolvency.
Securities Lending Risk. In connection with its loans of portfolio securities, the Fund may be exposed to the risk of delay in recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent. The Fund also bears the risk of loss on the investment of cash collateral. There is also the risk that, in the event of default by the borrower, the collateral might not be sufficient to cover any losses incurred by the Fund. There can be no assurance that the return to the Fund from a particular loan, or from its loans overall, will exceed the related costs and any related losses.
Tax Risk. The Fund may invest in securities of which the federal income tax treatment may not be clear or may be subject to recharacterization by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"). It could be more difficult
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for the Fund to comply with the United States tax requirements applicable to regulated investment companies, or with other tax requirements applicable to foreign investors, if the tax characterization of the Fund's investments or the tax treatment of the income from such investments were successfully challenged by the IRS.
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
| A. | The Fund has elected to be classified as a non-diversified closed-end management investment company and will invest its assets only in a manner consistent with this classification under applicable law. |
| (1) | issue senior securities, except (a) insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have issued a senior security in connection with any repurchase or securities lending agreement or any borrowing agreement permitted by these investment restrictions and (b) that the Fund may issue one or more series of its preferred stock, if permitted by its Articles of Incorporation, including Articles of Amendment and Articles Supplementary thereto; |
| (2) | borrow money, except as permitted under, or to the extent not prohibited by, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time; |
| (3) | engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities; |
| (4) | purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of companies that deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured by real estate or interests therein, except that the Fund reserves freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund's ownership of securities; |
| (5) | purchase physical commodities or contracts relating to physical commodities; |
| (6) | make loans to other persons, except as permitted under, or to the extent not prohibited by, the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and as interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time; |
| (7) | concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries, as those terms are used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction from time to time, except that at any time the Fund has invested more than 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers of a particular country, the Fund |
may invest more than 25% of its assets, and up to the amount of its total assets invested in securities of issuers of that country, in securities issued or guaranteed, as to payment of principal and interest, by the government (including governmental subdivisions) or governmental entities or instrumentalities of that country.
For purposes of Restriction 7, above, "securities of issuers of a particular country" shall include: (a) securities of issuers located in that country; (b) securities that are denominated in, or linked to, the currency of that country, including securities of supranational issuers and derivative securities that replicate, or substitute for, the currency of that country; (c) securities of issuers that derive at least 50% of their revenues from that country or have at least 50% of their assets located in that country; (d) securities issued by a parent or subsidiary of, and guaranteed by, an entity located in that country; (e) securities issued by the government (including governmental subdivisions) or governmental entities or instrumentalities of that country; and (f) repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing securities.
Portfolio Investments
The principal types of debt securities in which the Fund is permitted to invest include those described below. The list is not exclusive, but is indicative of the kinds of securities which the Fund's investment objective, policies and restrictions permit it to buy.
Debt Securities
Local Currency Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Bonds. The Fund is permitted to invest in securities issued or guaranteed by governmental entities, including sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities, whether or not denominated in the currency of the country where such entity is located. The available maturities for these types of securities vary from country to country.
Commercial Banks. The Fund may also invest in securities issued by banks, whether or not denominated in the currency of the country where such bank is located.
U.S. Dollar-Denominated Debt Securities. The Fund is also permitted to invest in U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities in order to gain exposure to certain foreign debt markets without exposing the Fund to local currency risk. Such debt securities may be issued by issuers in developed markets, investment grade developing or emerging markets, or sub-investment grade developing or emerging markets and may be issued and/or registered in the United States. U.S. dollar-denominated debt securities are subject to credit risk relating primarily to the issuer of the bond and liquidity risk relating to the maintenance of a
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sufficiently liquid market for the specific issue. Such securities are also affected by movements in U.S. interest rates.
External Debt. The Fund may invest in external debt obligations, which are often longer maturity (up to 30 years) securities, registered in London or globally, that are generally issued in U.S. dollars, but are increasingly issued in euros and occasionally in yen. External debt is typically issued in bearer form, carry a fixed or floating rate of interest, and amortize principal through a bullet payment with semi-annual interest payments in the currency in which the bond was issued.
Supranational Debt Obligations. The Fund may invest in debt issued by supranational entities. Supranational entities are entities constituted by the national governments of several countries to promote economic development, such as the World Bank, the IMF, the European Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Obligations of these entities are supported by appropriated but unpaid commitments of their member countries, and there can be no assurances that these commitments will be undertaken or met in the future.
Companies. The Fund is permitted to invest in publicly-traded notes and debentures or bills of exchange issued or guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest by companies domiciled in a developed market, an investment grade developing or emerging market or a sub-investment grade developing or emerging market.
U.S. Securities
Government. The Fund is permitted to invest in U.S. government securities, including obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities, some of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury (such as direct pass-through certificates of the Government National Mortgage Association), some of which are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. government (such as obligations of Federal Home Loan Banks), and some of which are backed only by the credit of the issuer itself. Government obligations do not generally involve the credit risks associated with other types of interest bearing securities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S. government obligations are generally lower than the yields available from corporate interest bearing securities. Like other interest bearing securities, however, the value of Government obligations changes as interest rates fluctuate.
Corporations and Banks. The Fund is permitted to invest for defensive and other temporary purposes in U.S. corporate debt instruments rated at the time of investment Aa or better by Moody's Investor Services ("Moody's") or AA or better by Standard & Poor's Ratings Service ("S&P"), finance company and corporate commercial paper, and other short-term obligations, in each case rated at the time of investment
Prime-2 or better by Moody's or A-2 or better by S&P. The Fund is also permitted to invest in obligations of U.S. Federal or state chartered banks and bank holding companies rated at the time of investment Aa or better by Moody's or AA or better by S&P (including certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and other short-term obligations).
Bank Loans
The Fund may acquire privately held loans from banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, or other lenders, as well as claims held by trade or other creditors, and may originate these types of loans. The bank loans in which the Fund invests may be structured and administered by a third party that acts as agent for a group of lenders that make or hold interests in the loan. The Fund may acquire interests in such loans by taking an assignment of all or a portion of a direct interest in a loan previously held by another institution or by acquiring a participation in an interest in a loan that continues to be held by another institution.
Convertible Securities
Convertible securities include bonds, debentures, notes, preferred stocks and other securities that entitle the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. Convertible securities have general characteristics similar to both debt and equity securities. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest or preferred dividends paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt obligations. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a debt obligation. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund would be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to underlying common stock, or would sell the convertible security to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective. The price of a convertible security often reflects variations in the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt may not. The value of a convertible security is a function of (i) its yield in comparison to the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (ii) its worth if converted into the underlying common stock.
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Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
Asset-Backed Securities
Asset-backed securities are a form of structured debt obligation. Asset-backed securities are payment claims that are securitized in the form of negotiable paper that is issued by a financing company (generally called a special purpose vehicle). Collateral assets brought into a pool according to specific diversification rules. A special purpose vehicle is founded for the purpose of securitizing these payment claims and the assets of the special purpose vehicle are the diversified pool of collateral assets. The special purpose vehicle issues marketable securities which are intended to represent a lower level or risk than an underlying collateral asset individually, due to the diversification in the pool. The redemption of the securities issued by the special purpose vehicle takes place out of the cash flow generated by the collected assets. A special purpose vehicle may issue multiple securities with different priorities to the cash flows generated and the collateral assets. The collateral for asset-backed securities may include home equity loans, automobile and credit card receivables, boat loans, computer leases, airplane leases, mobile home loans, recreational vehicle loans and hospital account receivables. The Fund may invest in these and other types of asset-backed securities that may be developed in the future. There is the possibility that recoveries on the underlying collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments on these securities.
Derivatives
With respect to all of its portfolio, the Fund will invest in derivatives for two main purposes: (1) to modify interest rate risk, modify credit risk and adjust currency risk within the portfolio, and (2) to enable the Fund to replicate or substitute for a particular security in order to gain access to a particular foreign market or security, where either the physical security is judged by the Advisers to be too expensive, or the Advisers believe there is an insufficient supply of the particular security or no security fitting the precise needs of the Fund exists. The types of derivatives which may be used include, but are not limited to, futures, options, forwards, forwards that can only be settled in U.S. dollars, swaps, and securities with structured cash flows, whether traded on an exchange or over-the-counter, that have as their underlying security reference to a fixed income security or currency. In general, derivatives will not be utilized to leverage the Fund; however, the Board has authorized the use of reverse repurchase agreements as a form of leverage.
Investment in fixed income securities may at certain times be more efficiently achieved using derivative securities to replicate physical securities. These types of derivatives carry identical market price risks to the equivalent physical securities but provide a number of transactional benefits. For example, by using derivatives, the Fund may be able to implement investment decisions at lower costs, increase the
after-tax yield, obtain prices that are not available in the underlying cash market, or settle in U.S. dollars. In less developed markets, liquidity and credit quality can be enhanced and transaction costs reduced by using derivatives rather than the underlying securities. In certain circumstances, due to lack of available direct investment opportunity or government regulations, the only means of gaining exposure to particular countries is through derivatives.
The derivatives used for adjusting currency exposures or replicating underlying securities are usually OTC securities. OTC securities carry credit risk associated with the counterparty institution. See "Risk Factors and Special Considerations – Use of Derivatives." To manage this risk, the Fund will only use counterparty institutions rated A- or better by recognized international rating agencies. Only up to 10% of total assets may be put at risk in derivatives transactions with any single counterparty (aggregate interest rate, credit and currency derivatives exposure). A maximum of 20% of total assets may be at risk in currency-linked notes.
The types of derivatives used by the Fund and the techniques employed may change over time as new derivatives and strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur. The Fund will not use derivatives where it would contravene the guidelines set by the lending banks for the Fund's bank loan.
Derivatives may be used to hedge the interest rate risk associated with the Fund's outstanding leverage. The Fund may use interest rate swaps to hedge the Fund's liability with respect to its bank loan. At present, the Fund has been authorized by its Board of Directors to hedge up to 100% of the Fund's liability with respect to its bank loan. See "Portfolio Securities – Derivative Securities – Swaps" and "Risk Factors and Special Considerations – Use of Derivatives." The following guidelines apply with respect to the Fund's derivative instruments:
(a) | The Fund will only use counterparty institutions rated A- or better by recognized international rating agencies, except with respect to Korean futures. In Korea, brokerage houses with Korean futures exchanges require deposits into margin accounts, and in many cases, these accounts are with unrated entities. |
(b) | A maximum of 20% of the Fund's total assets may have exposure to currency-linked notes. |
(c) | A maximum of 10% of the Fund's total assets may be at risk to any single counterparty (aggregate interest rate, currency and credit derivatives). |
(d) | Exchange-traded derivatives may only be traded on regulated derivative exchanges and a maximum of 35% of the Fund's total assets may have exposure to exchange-traded derivatives. |
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(e) | The Fund's maximum gross exposure (long plus short positions) to derivatives traded on the Sydney Futures Exchange is 20% of its total assets and the maximum net exposure (long positions minus short positions) to derivatives traded on the Sydney Futures Exchange is 15% of the Fund's total assets. |
(f) | A maximum of 20% of the Fund's total assets may have exposure to derivatives traded on the Chicago Board of Trade. |
Forward Currency Contracts. The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward currency contracts will vary with factors such as the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward currency contracts are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved, although the price charged in the transaction includes a dealer's markup. The use of forward currency contracts in this manner is intended to fix a rate of exchange that can be achieved at a certain time in the future.
Foreign Currency Options. The Fund may purchase and write options on foreign currencies for hedging and non-hedging purposes to achieve objectives similar to those achieved utilizing foreign currency futures or forward contracts. The potential benefit to the Fund derived from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the expected direction, the Fund could sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options. Where currency exchange rates move in the expected direction, but not to the extent anticipated, the Fund could still sustain losses on transactions in foreign currency options.
Futures Contracts. The Fund may enter into futures contracts in U.S. domestic markets or on exchanges located outside the United States for both hedging and non-hedging purposes. Foreign markets may offer advantages such as trading opportunities or arbitrage possibilities not available in the United States. Foreign markets, however, may have greater risk potential than domestic markets. For example, some foreign exchanges are principal markets so that no common clearing facility exists and an investor may look only to the broker for performance of the contract. In addition, any profits the Fund might realize in trading could be eliminated by adverse changes in the exchange rate, or the Fund could incur losses as a result of those changes. Transactions on foreign exchanges may include both underlying assets which are traded on U.S. commodities exchanges
and those which are not. Unlike trading on U.S. exchanges, trading on foreign commodities exchanges is not regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
Engaging in these transactions involves risk of loss to the Fund which could adversely affect the value of the Fund's net assets. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. Many futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit or trading may be suspended for specified periods during the trading day. Futures contract prices could move to the limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and potentially subjecting the Fund to substantial losses.
Successful use of futures by the Fund also is subject to the Advisers' ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant market, and, to the extent the transaction is entered into for hedging purposes, to ascertain the appropriate correlation between the transaction being hedged and the price movements of the futures contract.
The Fund also may purchase and write options to buy or sell those futures contracts in which it may invest. Such investment strategies will be used for hedging purposes and for non-hedging purposes, subject to applicable law. An option on a futures contract provides the holder with the right to enter into a "long" position in the underlying futures contract, in the case of a call option, or a "short" position in the underlying futures contract, in the case of a put option, at a fixed exercise price up to a stated expiration date or, in the case of certain options, on such date. Upon exercise of the option by the holder, the contract market clearinghouse establishes a corresponding short position for the writer of the option, in the case of a call option, or a corresponding long position in the case of a put option. In the event that an option is exercised, the parties will be subject to all the risks associated with the trading of futures contracts, such as payment of initial and variation margin deposits. In addition, the writer of an option on a futures contract, unlike the holder, is subject to initial and variation margin requirements on the option position.
A position in an option on a futures contract may be terminated by the purchaser or seller prior to expiration by effecting an offsetting purchase or sale transaction, subject to the continued availability of a liquid secondary market, which is the purchase or sale of an option of the same type (i.e., the same exercise price and expiration date) as the option previously purchased or sold. The difference between the
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premiums paid and received represents the Fund's profit or loss on the transaction. Options on futures contracts that are written or purchased by the Fund on U.S. exchanges are traded on the same contract market as the underlying futures contract, and, like futures contracts, are subject to regulation by the CFTC and the performance guarantee of the exchange clearinghouse.
The Investment Manager has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") pursuant to Rule 4.5 under the CEA with respect to the Fund. The Investment Manager is not, therefore, subject to registration or regulation as a "commodity pool operator" under the CEA in respect of the Fund.
Swaps. The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, currency swaps, credit default swaps and other types of available swap agreements, including swaps on securities, financial assets and indices, and related types of derivatives, such as caps, collars and floors. A swap is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which each party agrees to make one or more payments to the other on regularly scheduled dates over a stated term, based on different interest rates, currency exchange rates, security or financial asset prices, the prices or rates of other types of financial instruments or assets or the levels of specified indices. Under a typical swap, one party may agree to pay a fixed rate or a floating rate determined by reference to a specified instrument, rate or index, multiplied in each case by a specified amount (the "notional amount"), while the other party agrees to pay an amount equal to a different floating rate multiplied by the same notional amount. On each payment date, the obligations of parties are netted, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other. All swap agreements entered into by the Fund with the same counterparty are generally governed by a single master agreement, which provides for the netting of all amounts owed by the parties under the agreement upon the occurrence of an event of default, thereby reducing the credit risk to which such party is exposed.
Swap agreements are typically individually negotiated and structured to provide exposure to a variety of different types of investments or market factors. Swap agreements may be entered into for hedging or non-hedging purposes and, therefore, may increase or decrease the Fund's exposure to the underlying instrument, rate, asset or index. Swap agreements can take many different forms and are known by a variety of names. The Fund is not limited to any particular form or variety of swap agreement if the Advisers determine it is consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
Asset Coverage for Certain Derivative Transactions. The Fund will comply with guidelines established by the SEC with respect to coverage of certain derivative transactions. These guidelines may, in certain instances, require segregation by the Fund of cash or liquid securities
with its custodian or a designated sub-custodian to the extent the Fund's obligations with respect to these transactions are not otherwise "covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or currency or by other portfolio positions or by other means consistent with applicable regulatory policies. Generally, under current law, the Fund must set aside liquid assets equal to the full notional value for certain derivatives, such as futures and forward contracts that are not contractually required to be "cash-settled." For certain other derivatives, such as cash-settled futures and forward contracts or swap agreements, the Fund only needs to set aside liquid assets in an amount equal to the Fund's daily marked-to-market net obligation rather than the futures or forward contract's or the swap agreement's full notional value. The Fund reserves the right to alter its asset segregation policies in the future to comply with changes in the law or interpretations thereunder.
Private Placements
Certain debt securities purchased by the Fund may have been placed privately. These securities are somewhat less liquid than securities which are widely traded by the public and there may be contractual restrictions on their resale to the public. Therefore, although these securities may be resold in privately negotiated transactions, the prices realized from such sales may be less than what might have been realized on a more active public trading market.
Other Investment Companies
Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 12(d) of the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in securities issued by other investment companies that invest primarily in fixed-income securities. As a shareholder of another investment company, the Fund will bear its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses would be in addition to the expenses, including advisory fees, that the Fund bears in connection with its own operations.
Repurchase and Securities Lending Agreements
The Fund is permitted to invest in repurchase agreements with banks and broker-dealers. A repurchase agreement is a contract under which the Fund acquires a security for a relatively short period (usually no more than one week) subject to the obligations of the seller to repurchase and the Fund to resell such security at a fixed time and price (representing the Fund's cost plus interest). The Investment Manager monitors the value of such securities daily to determine that the value equals or exceeds the repurchase price. Under the 1940 Act, repurchase agreements are considered to be loans made by the Fund which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. Repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. The Fund will
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enter into repurchase agreements only with parties who meet creditworthiness standards approved by the Board of Directors, i.e., banks or broker-dealers which have been determined by the Investment Manager to present no serious risk of becoming involved in bankruptcy proceedings within the time frame contemplated by the repurchase transaction.
The Fund may also lend to banks and broker-dealers portfolio securities with an aggregate market value of up to one-third of its total assets when it deems advisable. Any such loans must be secured by collateral (consisting of any combination of cash, U.S. Government securities, irrevocable letters of credit or other high-quality debt securities) in an amount at least equal (on a daily marked-to-market basis) to the current market value of the securities loaned. The Fund may terminate the loans at any time and obtain the return of the securities. The Fund will continue to receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities and will continue to have voting rights with respect to the securities. In connection with the lending of its portfolio securities, the Fund is exposed to the risk of delay in recovery of the securities loaned or possible loss of right in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent.
Issuers of irrevocable letters of credit used as collateral for securities lending agreements must meet the same or similar creditworthiness standards approved by the Board of Directors as banks or broker-dealers.
Firm Commitment Agreements and When-Issued Securities
The Fund may purchase debt securities on a firm commitment or when-issued basis. New issues of certain debt securities are often offered on a when-issued basis; that is, the payment obligation and the interest rate are fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment, but delivery and payment for the securities normally take place after the date of the commitment to purchase. Firm commitment agreements call for the purchase of securities at an agreed-upon price on a specified future date. The transactions are entered into in order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to the Fund and not for purposes of leveraging the Fund's assets. The Fund will not earn any income on these securities prior to delivery. The value of when-issued securities and firm commitment agreements may vary prior to and after delivery depending on market conditions and changes in interest rate levels. There is a risk that a party with whom the Fund has entered into such transactions will not perform its commitment, which could result in a gain or loss to the Fund. The Fund will maintain in a segregated account with its custodian cash or high-quality debt securities equal (on a daily marked-to-market basis) to the amount of its commitment to purchase the securities on a when-issued or firm commitment basis.
Effects of Leverage
The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to, among other things, illustrate the effects of leverage through the use of senior securities, as that term is defined under Section 18 of the 1940 Act, on Common Share total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (consisting of income and changes in the value of investments held in a Fund's portfolio) of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. The table below reflects the Fund's continued use of senior securities, Preferred Shares, the revolving credit facility and reverse repurchase agreements, as applicable, as of October 31, 2021 as a percentage of total managed assets (including assets attributable to such leverage), the estimated annual effective Preferred Share dividend rate and interest expense rate payable by the Fund on such instruments (based on market conditions as of October 31, 2021), and the annual return that the Fund's portfolio must experience (net of expenses) in order to cover such costs. The information below does not reflect the Fund's use of certain other forms of economic leverage achieved through the use of other instruments or transactions not considered to be senior securities under the 1940 Act, such as covered reverse repurchase agreements, covered credit default swaps or other derivative instruments, if any.
The assumed investment portfolio returns in the table below are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Fund. Your actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing below. In addition, actual borrowing expenses associated with borrowings used by the Fund may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate used for the example below.
Assumed annual returns on the Fund's portfolio (net of expenses) | | (10 | )% | (5 | )% | 0 | % | 5 | % | 10 | % |
Corresponding return to common shareholder | | (16.1 | )% | (8.8 | )% | (1.5 | )% | 5.8 | % | 13.1 | % |
Based on estimated indebtedness of $500,000,000 (representing approximately 31.5% of the Fund's Managed Assets as of October 31, 2021), and an weighted annual interest rate of 3.29% (effective interest rate as of October 31, 2021 on the senior securities and preferred shares), the Fund's investment portfolio at fair value would have to
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Additional Information Regarding the Fund (unaudited) (concluded)
produce an annual return of approximately 1.04% to cover annual interest payments on the estimated debt.
Common Share total return is composed of two elements – the distributions paid by the Fund to holders of Common Shares (the amount of which is largely determined by the net investment income of the Fund after paying dividend payments on any preferred shares issued by the Fund and expenses on any forms of leverage outstanding) and gains or losses on the value of the securities and other instruments the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy capital appreciation. For example, to assume a total return of 0%, the Fund must assume that the income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by losses in the value of those investments. This table reflects
hypothetical performance of the Fund's portfolio and not the actual performance of the Fund's Common Shares, the value of which is determined by market forces and other factors.
Should the Fund elect to add additional leverage to its portfolio, any benefits of such additional leverage cannot be fully achieved until the proceeds resulting from the use of such leverage have been received by the Fund and invested in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies. As noted above, the Fund's willingness to use additional leverage, and the extent to which leverage is used at any time, will depend on many factors, including, among other things, the Adviser's assessment of the yield curve environment, interest rate trends, market conditions and other factors.
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Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)
The Fund intends to distribute to stockholders substantially all of its net investment income and to distribute any net realized capital gains at least annually. Net investment income for this purpose is income other than net realized long-term and short-term capital gains net of expenses. Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan (the "Plan"), stockholders whose shares of common stock are registered in their own names will be deemed to have elected to have all distributions automatically reinvested by Computershare Trust Company N.A. (the "Plan Agent") in the Fund shares pursuant to the Plan, unless such stockholders elect to receive distributions in cash. Stockholders who elect to receive distributions in cash will receive such distributions paid by check in U.S. Dollars mailed directly to the stockholder by the Plan Agent, as dividend paying agent. In the case of stockholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the stockholders as representing the total amount registered in such stockholders' names and held for the account of beneficial owners that have not elected to receive distributions in cash. Investors that own shares registered in the name of a bank, broker or other nominee should consult with such nominee as to participation in the Plan through such nominee and may be required to have their shares registered in their own names in order to participate in the Plan. Please note that the Fund does not issue certificates so all shares will be registered in book entry form. The Plan Agent serves as agent for the stockholders in administering the Plan. If the Directors of the Fund declare an income dividend or a capital gains distribution payable either in the Fund's common stock or in cash, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive common stock, to be issued by the Fund or purchased by the Plan Agent in the open market, as provided below. If the market price per share (plus expected per share fees) on the valuation date equals or exceeds NAV per share on that date, the Fund will issue new shares to participants at NAV; provided, however, that if the NAV is less than 95% of the market price on the valuation date, then such shares will be issued at 95% of the market price. The valuation date will be the payable date for such distribution or dividend or, if that date is not a trading day on the New York Stock Exchange, the immediately preceding trading date. If NAV exceeds the market price of Fund shares at such time, or if the Fund should declare an income dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent for the participants, buy Fund shares in the open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts on, or shortly after, the payment date. If, before the Plan Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the NAV of a Fund share, the average per share purchase price paid by the Plan Agent may exceed the NAV of the Fund's shares,
resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund on the dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to open-market purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Agent is unable to invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Agent will cease making open-market purchases and will receive the uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly issued shares at the close of business on the last purchase date.
Participants have the option of making additional cash payments of a minimum of $50 per investment (by check, one-time online bank debit or recurring automatic monthly ACH debit) to the Plan Agent for investment in the Fund's common stock, with an annual maximum contribution of $250,000. The Plan Agent will wait up to three business days after receipt of a check or electronic funds transfer to ensure it receives good funds. Following confirmation of receipt of good funds, the Plan Agent will use all such funds received from participants to purchase Fund shares in the open market on the 25th day of each month or the next trading day if the 25th is not a trading day.
If the participant sets up recurring automatic monthly ACH debits, funds will be withdrawn from his or her U.S. bank account on the 20th of each month or the next business day if the 20th is not a banking business day and invested on the next investment date. The Plan Agent maintains all stockholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in an account, including information needed by stockholders for personal and tax records. Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in the name of the participant, and each stockholder's proxy will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to common shares issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a per share fee of $0.02 incurred with respect to the Plan Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of dividends, capital gains distributions and voluntary cash payments made by the participant. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Plan Agent is required to pay.
Participants also have the option of selling their shares through the Plan. The Plan supports two types of sales orders. Batch order sales are submitted on each market day and will be grouped with other sale requests to be sold. The price will be the average sale price obtained by Computershare's broker, net of fees, for each batch order and will be sold generally within 2 business days of the request during regular open market hours. Please note that all written sales requests are always processed by Batch Order. ($10 and $0.12 per share). Market
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 69 |
Dividend Reinvestment and Optional Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited) (concluded)
Order sales will sell at the next available trade. The shares are sold real time when they hit the market, however an available trade must be presented to complete this transaction. Market Order sales may only be requested by phone at 1-800-647-0584 or using Investor Center through www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen. ($25 and $0.12 per share).
The receipt of dividends and distributions under the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax that may be payable on such dividends or distributions. The Fund or the Plan Agent may terminate the Plan as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice of the termination sent to
members of the Plan at least 30 days prior to the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended by the Fund or the Plan Agent, but (except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority) only by mailing a written notice at least 30 days' prior to the effective date to the participants in the Plan. All correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent by phone at 1-800-647-0584, using Investor Center through www.computershare.com/buyaberdeen or in writing to Computershare Trust Company N.A., P.O. Box 505000, Louisville, KY 40233-5000.
70 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Management of the Fund (unaudited)
The names, years of birth and business addresses of the directors and officers of the Fund as of October 31, 2021, their principal occupations during the past five years, the number of portfolios each Trustee oversees and other directorships they hold 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 Fund's investment 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." Aberdeen Standard Investments, Inc. ("ASII"), its parent company abrdn plc, and its advisory affiliates are collectively referred to as "abrdn" in the tables below.
| Name, Address and Year of Birth | | Position(s) Held with the Fund | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | | Number of Funds in Fund Complex* Overseen by Director | | Other Directorships Held by Director** |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Interested Directors | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Stephen Bird*** c/o Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc. 1900 Market St., Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1967 | | Class III Director; Vice President | | Term as Director expires 2023; Director since 2021 | | Mr. Bird joined the Board of SLA plc in July 2020 as Chief Executive-Designate, and was formally appointed Chief Executive Officer in September 2020. Previously, Mr. Bird served as chief executive officer of global consumer banking at Citigroup from 2015, retiring from the role in November 2019. His responsibilities encompassed all consumer and commercial banking businesses in 19 countries, including retail banking and wealth management, credit cards, mortgages, and operations and technology supporting these businesses. Prior to this, Mr. Bird was chief executive for all of Citigroup's Asia Pacific business lines across 17 markets in the region, including India and China. Mr. Bird joined Citigroup in 1998, and during his 21 years with the company he held a number of leadership roles in banking, operations and technology across its Asian and Latin American businesses. Before this, he held management positions in the UK at GE Capital – where he was director of UK operations from 1996 to 1998 – and at British Steel. | | 26 | | None. |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Independent Directors | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| P. Gerald Malone c/o Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1950 | | Chairman of the Board; Class II Director | | Term expires 2023; Director since 2001 | | Mr. Malone is, by profession, a lawyer of over 40 years. Currently, he is a non-executive director of a number of U.S. companies, including Medality Medical (medical technology company) and Bionik Laboratories Corp. (US healthcare company) since 2018. He is also Chairman of many of the open and closed end funds in the Fund Complex. He previously served as Independent Chairman of UK companies Crescent OTC Ltd (pharmaceutical services) until February 2018; and fluidOil Ltd. (oil services) until June 2018; U.S. company Rejuvenan llc (wellbeing services) until September 2017 and as chairman of UK company Ultrasis plc (healthcare software services company) until October 2014. Mr. Malone was previously a Member of Parliament in the U.K. from 1983 to 1997 and served as Minister of State for Health in the U.K. government from 1994 to 1997. | | 26 | | Director of Bionik Laboratories Corporation (U.S. healthcare company) since 2018. |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Neville J. Miles c/o Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc. 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1946 | | Class I Director | | Term expires 2022; Director since 1999 | | Mr. Miles is a non-executive director of a number of Australian and overseas companies and serves as Chairman of Ballyshaw Pty. Ltd. (share trading, real estate development and investment). | | 20 | | None. |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 71 |
Management of the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
| Name, Address and Year of Birth | | Position(s) Held with the Fund | | Term of Office and Length of Time Served | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | | Number of Funds in Fund Complex* Overseen by Director | | Other Directorships Held by Director** |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| William J. Potter c/o Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1948 | | Preferred Share Director | | Term expires 2024; Director since 1992 | | Mr. Potter has been the Chairman of Arsenal Square Holdings (consulting and advisory) since 2018, a Director of Alexandria Bancorp (international banking and trustee services) since 1989, a Director of the National Foreign Trade Council (international trade) 1983-2017, director of Howell Biopharma Ltd (healthcare) since 2018, director and chairman of Arrow Robotics Ltd (technology) since 2018, and advisory board member of Nuvve Holding Corporation (technology) since 2020. He also serves on the boards or advisory boards of a number of private companies and charities including the Queen Elizabeth September 11th Garden and the National Foundation for Cancer Research. | | 3 | | None. |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Moritz Sell c/o Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1967 | | Class I Director | | Term expires 2022; Director since 2018 | | Mr. Sell currently serves as a Principal at Edison Holdings GmbH (commercial real estate and venture capital) (since October 2015). an independent investment manager (since January 2014). | | 3 | | Swiss Helvetia Fund (since June 2017) and High Income Securities Fund (since June 2018). |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Radhika Ajmera c/o Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1964 | | Class III Director | | Term expires 2024; Director since 2021 | | Ms. Ajmera was appointed Chair of Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund Inc in 2017, having served as a director since 2014. She has been an independent non-executive director of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Investment Co Ltd since 2015. She is also an independent non-executive director of Aberdeen Funds since 2020 and Aberdeen Global Income Fund Inc, Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund Inc and Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund Inc since 2021. She has over 20 years' experience in fund management, predominantly in emerging markets. She has also held a number of UK closed end fund non-executive directorships. Ms Ajmera is a graduate of the London School of Economics. | | 21 | | None |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| * | As of October 31, 2021, the Fund Complex consists of: Aberdeen Income Credit Strategies Fund, Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Emerging Markets Equity Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Japan Equity Fund, Inc., The India Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Dynamic Dividend Fund, Aberdeen Total Dynamic Dividend Fund, Aberdeen Global Premier Properties Fund, Aberdeen Standard Global Infrastructure Income Fund, Aberdeen Investment Funds (which consists of 3 portfolios), Aberdeen Funds (which consists of 17 portfolios) and abdrn ETFs (which consists of 3 portfolios). |
| ** | Current directorships (excluding Fund Complex) as of October 31, 2021 held in (1) any other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, (2) any company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act") or (3) any company subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. |
| *** | Mr. Bird is considered to be an "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act because of his affiliation with the Adviser. |
72 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Management of the Fund (unaudited) (continued)
Information Regarding Officers
| Name, Address and Year of Birth | | Position(s) Held with the Fund | | Term of Office* and Length of Time Served | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Kenneth Akintewe** abrdn Asia Limited 21 Church Street #01-01 Capital Square Two Singapore 049480 Year of Birth: 1980 | | Vice President | | Since 2014 | | Currently, Head of Asian Sovereign Debt on the Asian Fixed Income Team at abrdn. Mr. Akintewe joined abrdn in 2002. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Joseph Andolina** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1978 | | Chief Compliance Officer; Vice President – Compliance | | Since 2017 | | Currently, Chief Risk Officer – Americas and serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for ASII. Prior to joining the Risk and Compliance Department, he was a member of ASII's Legal Department, where he served as U.S. Counsel since 2012. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Mark Baker** abrdn Asia Limited 21 Church Street #01-01 Capital Square Two Singapore 049480 Year of Birth: 1981 | | Vice President | | Since 2019 | | Currently, Head of Fixed Income – Hong Kong on the Asian Fixed Income Team at abrdn. Mr. Baker joined abrdn in 2012. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Chris Demetriou** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1983 | | Vice President | | Since 2020 | | Currently, Chief Executive Officer – UK, EMEA and Americas, Mr. Demetriou joined ASII in 2013, as a result of the acquisition of SVG, a FTSE 250 private equity investor based in London. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Sharon Ferrari** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1977 | | Assistant Treasurer | | Since 2009 | | Currently, Senior Product Manager – US for ASII. Ms. Ferrari joined ASII as a Senior Fund Administrator in 2008. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Alan Goodson** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1974 | | Vice President | | Since 2009 | | Currently, Director, Vice President and Head of Product &Client Solutions – Americas for ASII, overseeing Product Management & Governance , Product Development and Client Solutions for registered and unregistered investment companies in the U.S., Brazil and Canada. Mr. Goodson is Director and Vice President of ASII and joined ASII in 2000. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Bev Hendry** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1953 | | Vice President | | Since 2015 | | Currently, Chairman – Americas for abrdn (2018-present), Mr. Hendry was Chief Executive Officer – Americas for Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (2014-2018). | |
| | | | | | | | |
Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | 73 |
Management of the Fund (unaudited) (concluded)
| Name, Address and Year of Birth | | Position(s) Held with the Fund | | Term of Office* and Length of Time Served | | Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Megan Kennedy** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1974 | | Vice President and Secretary | | Since 2008 | | Currently, Director, Product Governance for ASII. Ms. Kennedy joined ASII in 2005. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Adam McCabe** abrdn Asia Limited 21 Church Street #01-01 Capital Square Two Singapore 049480 Year of Birth: 1979 | | Vice President | | Since 2011 | | Currently, Head of Fixed Income – Asia Pacific at abrdn. Mr. McCabe joined abrdn in 2009 following the acquisition of certain asset management businesses from Credit Suisse. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Andrea Melia** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1969 | | Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer | | Since 2009 | | Currently, Vice President and Director, Product Management for ASII. Ms. Melia joined ASII in September 2009. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Jim O'Connor** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1976 | | Vice President | | Since 2020 | | Currently, Chief Operating Officer – Americas for ASII. Mr. O'Connor joined ASII as US Counsel in 2010. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Christian Pittard** Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street London United Kingdom Year of Birth: 1973 | | President | | Since 2009 | | Currently, Group Head of Product Opportunities and Director of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC since 2010. Mr. Pittard joined abrdn from KPMG in 1999. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Lucia Sitar** Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc., 1900 Market St, Suite 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 Year of Birth: 1971 | | Vice President | | Since 2008 | | Currently, Vice President and Head of Product Management and Governance for ASII since 2020. Previously, Ms. Sitar was Managing U.S. Counsel for ASII. She joined ASII as U.S. Counsel in July 2007. | |
| | | | | | | | |
| * | Officers hold their positions with the Fund until a successor has been duly elected and qualifies. |
| ** | As of October 31, 2021, each officer may hold officer position(s) in one or more other funds which are part of the Fund Complex. |
During the year the Independent Directors of the Fund engaged Mr. Martin Gilbert as an advisory consultant to provide ongoing insight into the asset management industry given his long standing experience in both this sector and the closed end funds arena. The position was not remunerated, although travel and expenses were reimbursed across all the funds related to the consultancy. Effective December 15, 2021 the consultant agreement was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties.
Further information about the Fund's Directors and Officers is available in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information, which can be obtained without charge by calling (800) 522-5465.
74 | Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. |
Corporate Information
Directors
P. Gerald Malone, Chairman
Radhika Ajmera
Stephen Bird
Neville J. Miles
William J. Potter
Moritz Sell
Investment Manager
abrdn Asia Limited
21 Church Street
#01-01 Capital Square Two
Singapore 049480
Investment Sub-Adviser
Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited
Bow Bells House, 1 Bread Street
London United Kingdom
EC4M 9HH
Administrator
Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc.
1900 Market Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company
1 Lincoln Street
Boston, MA 02111
Transfer Agent
Computershare Trust Company N.A.
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
KPMG LLP
1601 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Legal Counsel
Dechert LLP
1900 K Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Investor Relations
Aberdeen Standard Investments Inc.
1900 Market Street, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-800-522-5465
Investor.Relations@abrdn.com
abrdn Asia
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.
The common shares of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. are traded on the NYSE American equities exchange under the symbol "FAX". Information about the Fund's net asset value and market price is available at www.aberdeenfax.com.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income 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.
FAX ANNUAL
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
(a) | As of October 31, 2021, Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. (the “Fund” or the “Registrant”) had adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Registrant’s 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) | There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the Code of Ethics. |
(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 Registrant's Board of Directors has determined that Moritz Sell, a member of the Board of Directors’ Audit and Valuation Committee, possesses the attributes, and has acquired such attributes through means, identified in instruction 2 of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” and has designated Mr. Sell as the Audit and Valuation Committee’s financial expert. Mr. Sell is considered to be an “independent” director, as such term is defined in 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) Audit Fees1 | | | (b) Audit-Related Fees2 | | | (c) Tax Fees3 | | | (d) All Other Fees4 | |
October 31, 2021 | | $ | 85,587 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 7,980 | | | $ | 0 | |
Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception5 | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
October 31, 2020 | | $ | 83,095 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 7,720 | | | $ | 0 | |
Percentage approved pursuant to pre-approval exception5 | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % | | | 0 | % |
1 “Audit Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for the audit of the Fund’s annual financial statements and services provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements.
2 “Audit Related Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial statements that are not reported under “Audit Fees”. These fees include offerings related to the Fund’s common shares.
3 “Tax Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for professional services for tax advice, tax compliance, and tax planning. These fees include: federal and state income tax returns, review of excise tax distribution calculations and federal excise tax return.
4 “All Other Fees” are the aggregate fees billed for products and services other than “Audit Fees”, “Audit-Related Fees” and “Tax Fees”.
5 Pre-approval exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X. The pre-approval exception for services provided directly to the Fund waives the pre-approval requirement for services other than audit, review or attest services if: (A) the aggregate amount of all such services provided constitutes no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by the Fund to its accountant during the fiscal year in which the services are provided; (B) the Fund did not recognize the services as non-audit services at the time of the engagement; and (C) the services are promptly brought to the Audit Committee’s attention, and the Committee (or its delegate) approves the services before the audit is completed.
(e)(1) | The Registrant’s Audit and Valuation Committee (the “Committee”) has adopted a Charter that provides that the Committee shall annually select, retain or terminate, and recommend to the Independent Directors for their ratification, the selection, retention or termination, the Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s investment adviser (the “Adviser”) or any sub-adviser, and to receive the independent auditor’s 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 Registrant and its related entities that in the auditor’s 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 Registrant within the meaning of the Securities Acts administered by the SEC; and (3) discuss the auditor’s 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 Adviser that the Registrant, the 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 auditor’s 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 Registrant. 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 Registrant’s 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. |
(e)(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 Committee pursuant to Rule 2-01 (c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation S-X. |
The following table shows the amount of fees that KPMG LLP billed during the Fund’s last two fiscal years for non-audit services to the Registrant, and to the Adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Fund Service Provider”):
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fiscal Year Ended | | Total Non-Audit Fees Billed to Fund | | | Total Non-Audit Fees billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (engagements related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund) | | | Total Non-Audit Fees billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (all other engagements) | | | Total | |
October 31, 2021 | | $ | 7,980 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 401,745 | | | $ | 409,725 | |
October 31, 2020 | | $ | 7,720 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 357,225 | | | $ | 364,945 | |
“Non-Audit Fees billed to Fund” for both fiscal years represent “Tax Fees” and “All Other Fees” billed to Fund in their respective amounts from the previous table.
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)). |
As of the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Audit Committee members were:
Radhika Ajmera
P. Gerald Malone
Neville J. Miles
Moritz Sell
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 Registrant's Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures, the Registrant has delegated responsibility for its proxy voting to its Adviser, provided that the Registrant's Board of Directors has the opportunity to periodically review the Adviser's proxy voting policies and material amendments thereto.
The proxy voting policies of the Registrant are included herewith as Exhibit (d) and policies of the Adviser are included as Exhibit (e).
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
(a)(1) PORTFOLIO MANAGER BIOGRAPHIES
The Fund is managed by abrdn’s Asia-Pacific fixed income team which also draws on the expertise of abrdn’s fixed income team globally. The Asia-Pacific fixed income team works in a collaborative fashion; all team members have both portfolio management and research responsibilities. The team is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund. As of the date of filing this report, the following individuals have primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio:
Individual & Position | Past Business Experience |
Kenneth Akintewe Head of Asian Sovereign Debt | Kenneth Akintewe is the Head of Asian Sovereign Debt on the Asian Fixed Income team at abrdn, based in Singapore. Kenneth is responsible for coordinating Asian interest rate and foreign exchange strategy. He is also a Vice President and Officer for the Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Aberdeen Global Income Fund and Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Investment Company Limited. Following a graduate traineeship in 2002 with the Global Equities team in Glasgow, Kenneth joined the Global Fixed Income team in London in 2003. In his role as assistant fund manager he transferred to abrdn's Singapore office in 2004, in order to facilitate the incorporation of Asian fixed income into global bond portfolios, before joining the Asian Fixed Income team in 2005 to focus on developing the team's Asian local currency investment process and strategy. Kenneth sits on and contributes to a number of the company's global investment committees, representing Asia and seeking to disseminate best ideas in rates and FX across the company. He is a member of the Diversity and Inclusion team in Singapore, as well as the global Diverse Interviewer Pool. Kenneth graduated with an MA in Economics and an MSc in International Banking and Financial Studies from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK. |
Mark Baker Head of Fixed Income – Hong Kong | Mark Baker is a portfolio manager within the Asian Fixed Income team, holding the position of Head of Fixed Income - Hong Kong. As part of the team, he is responsible for sovereign debt portfolio management and country macro research. After graduating from university in 2003, he joined Citibank, before moving to Threadneedle Investments in 2006, where he was part of the Emerging Market Debt team. In 2012, he joined the abrdn Emerging Market Debt team in London and moved to Hong Kong 2016. He graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from London Southbank University. Mark also holds the IMC and is a CFA charterholder. |
Paul Lukaszewski Head of Corporate Debt, Asia Pacific | Paul Lukaszewski is the Head of Corporate Debt - Asia Pacific on the Asian Fixed Income team at abrdn, a role he assumed in December 2017. Paul also continues to serve as Head of Emerging Market Credit Research, a role he first assumed while based in London with the EM corporates team from 2014-2017. Paul joined abrdn via the acquisition of SWIP in 2014 where he was a Senior Analyst on the US High Yield team in New York since the team’s formation in 2011. He began his investment career with Barclays Capital in 2001 and was part of the bank’s proprietary special situations and distressed debt investment team for 5 years. Afterwards, he spent 5 years working with Claren Road Asset Management and Brownstone Asset Management, two credit hedge funds based in New York. Paul has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Yale University and undergraduate degrees in Accounting and International Business from Loyola Marymount University. |
Tai Li-Yan Investment Manager | Tai Li Yian is an Investment Manager on the Asia Pacific Fixed Income team at abrdn. Li Yian is responsible for undertaking fundamental research and making investment recommendations on Asian corporate credits. Li Yian joined the firm in 2014 as a Graduate Trainee. Li Yian graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and an MSc in Financial Economics from the University of Oxford. Li-Yian is a CFA® Charterholder. |
Adam McCabe Head of Fixed Income Asia Pacific | Adam McCabe is the Head of Fixed Income - Asia Pacific at abrdn and is the chair of its regional investment management committee. Adam joined abrdn via the acquisition of certain asset management businesses from Credit Suisse in 2009. Adam worked for Credit Suisse from 2001, where he was a director/investment manager responsible for the development and implementation of its Asian currency and interest rate strategies. Before that, he was a member of Credit Suisse's Australian fixed income team, where he was responsible for interest rate and currency strategies. Adam was also Head of Fixed Income for Woori Credit Suisse Asset Management, Korea, where he was responsible for the fixed income and money market portfolio management, investment strategy and processes. Adam graduated with a BComm (First Class Honours and University Medal) from the University of Sydney, Australia and a Diploma in Global Finance from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. |
(a)(2) OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY PORTFOLIO MANAGERS.
The following chart summarizes information regarding other accounts for which each portfolio manager has day-to-day management responsibilities. Accounts are grouped into the following three categories: (1) registered investment companies; (2) other pooled investment vehicles; and (3) other accounts. To the extent that any of these accounts pay advisory fees that are based on account performance (“performance-based fees”), information on those accounts is provided separately. The figures in the chart below for the category of “registered investment companies” do not include the Fund. The “Other Accounts Managed” represents the accounts managed by the teams of which the portfolio manager is a member. The information in the table below is as of October 31, 2021 .
Name of Portfolio Manager | | Type of Accounts | | Other Accounts Managed | | Total Assets ($M) | | Number of Accounts Managed for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance | | Total Assets for Which Advisory Fee is Based on Performance ($M) | |
Kenneth Akintewe | | Registered Investment Companies | | 4 | | $ | 304.97 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Pooled Investment Vehicles | | 32 | | $ | 4,343.88 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Other Accounts | | 33 | | $ | 4,984.82 | | 2 | | $ | 209.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mark Baker | | Registered Investment Companies | | 4 | | $ | 1,163.04 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Pooled Investment Vehicles | | 32 | | $ | 4,343.88 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Other Accounts | | 33 | | $ | 4,984.82 | | 2 | | $ | 209.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Paul Lukaszewski | | Registered Investment Companies | | 4 | | $ | 304.97 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Pooled Investment Vehicles | | 32 | | $ | 4,343.88 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Other Accounts | | 33 | | $ | 4,984.82 | | 2 | | $ | 209.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tai Li-Yan | | Registered Investment Companies | | 4 | | $ | 304.97 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Pooled Investment Vehicles | | 32 | | $ | 4,343.88 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Other Accounts | | 33 | | $ | 4,984.82 | | 2 | | $ | 209.03 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adam McCabe | | Registered Investment Companies | | 4 | | $ | 304.97 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Pooled Investment Vehicles | | 32 | | $ | 4,343.88 | | 0 | | $ | 0 | |
| | Other Accounts | | 33 | | $ | 4,984.82 | | 2 | | $ | 209.03 | |
POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The Adviser and its affiliates (collectively referred to herein as “abrdn”) serve as investment advisers for multiple clients, including the Registrant and other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act and private funds (such clients are also referred to below as “accounts”). The portfolio managers’ management of “other accounts” may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their management of the Registrant’s 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 the Registrant. 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, the Adviser 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, the Adviser 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-based fees with qualified clients. The existence of such a performance-based fee 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 the Registrant also may be appropriate for other investment accounts managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities for the Registrant and one or more of the other accounts simultaneously, the Adviser 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 Registrant 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 the Registrant from time to time, it is the opinion of the Adviser that the benefits from the policies outweigh any disadvantage that may arise from exposure to simultaneous transactions. The Registrant 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.
With respect to non-discretionary model delivery accounts, abrdn will deliver model changes subsequent to commencing trading on behalf of discretionary accounts. Model changes are typically delivered on a security by security basis. The timing of such delivery is determined by abrdn and will depend on the anticipated market impact of trading. Market impact includes, but is not limited to, factors such as liquidity and price impact. When minimal market impact is anticipated, abrdn typically delivers security level model changes after such time when approximately two-thirds of the full discretionary order has been executed. Although abrdn anticipates delivering model changes of such securities after approximately two-thirds of the discretionary order has been executed, abrdn may deliver model changes prior to or substantially after two-thirds have been executed depending on prevailing market conditions and trader discretion. With respect to securities for which abrdn anticipates a more significant market impact, abrdn intends to withhold model deliver changes until such time when the entire discretionary order has been fully executed. Anticipated market impact on any given security is determined at the sole discretion of abrdn based on prior market experience and current market conditions. Actual market impact may vary significantly from anticipated market impact. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, abrdn may provide order instructions simultaneously or prior to completion of trading for other accounts if the trade represents a relatively small proportion of the average daily trading volume of the particular security or other instrument.
abrdn does not trade for non-discretionary model delivery clients. Because model changes may be delivered to non-discretionary model clients prior to the completion of abrdn’s discretionary account trading, abrdn may compete against these clients in the market when attempting to execute its orders for its discretionary accounts. As a result, discretionary clients may experience negative price and liquidity impact due to multiple market participants attempting to trade in a similar direction on the same security.
Timing delays or other operational factors associated with the implementation of trades may result in non-discretionary and model delivery clients receiving materially different prices relative to other client accounts. This may create performance dispersions within accounts with the same or similar investment mandate.
(a)(3)
DESCRIPTION OF COMPENSATION STRUCTURE
abrdn’s 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 abrdn’s clients and shareholders. abrdn operates in a highly competitive international employment market, and aims to maintain its strong track record of success in developing and retaining talent.
abrdn’s policy is to recognize corporate and individual achievements each year through an appropriate annual bonus scheme. The bonus is a single, fully discretionary variable pay award. The aggregate value of awards in any year is dependent on the group’s 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.
The variable pay award is composed of a mixture of cash and a deferred award, the portion of which varies based on the size of the award. Deferred awards are by default abrdn plc shares, with an option to put up to 50% of the deferred award into funds managed by abrdn. Overall compensation packages are designed to be competitive relative to the investment management industry.
Base Salary
abrdn’s policy is to pay a fair salary commensurate with the individual’s 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 abrdn employees; any other increases must be justified by reference to promotion or changes in responsibilities.
Annual Bonus
The Remuneration Committee determines the key performance indicators that will be applied in considering the overall size of the bonus pool. In line with practices 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 group’s 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.
abrdn has a deferral policy which is intended to assist in the retention of talent and to create additional alignment of executives’ interests with abrdn’s sustained performance and, in respect of the deferral into funds managed by abrdn, to align the interest of portfolio 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 abrdn, 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 team’s bonus, abrdn 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 through key performance indicator scorecards. 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 manager’s 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 team’s and individual’s performance is considered and evaluated.
Although performance is not a substantial portion of a portfolio manager’s compensation, abrdn also recognizes that fund performance can often be driven by factors outside one’s 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 abrdn environment. Additionally, if any of the aforementioned undue risks were to be taken by a portfolio manager, such trend would be identified via abrdn’s dynamic compliance monitoring system.
In rendering investment management services, the Adviser may use the resources of additional investment adviser subsidiaries of abrdn plc. These affiliates have entered into a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) pursuant to which investment professionals from each affiliate may render portfolio management, research or trading services to abrdn clients. Each investment professional who renders portfolio management, research or trading services under a MOU or personnel sharing arrangement (“Participating Affiliate”) must comply with the provisions of the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act, the Securities Act of 1933, the Exchange Act, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the laws of states or countries in which the Adviser does business or has clients. No remuneration is paid by the Fund with respect to the MOU/personnel sharing arrangements.
(a)(4)
Dollar Range of Equity Securities in the Registrant Beneficially Owned by the Portfolio Manager as of October 31, 2021 | | | | |
Kenneth Akintewe | | | None | |
Mark Baker | | | None | |
Paul Lukaszewski | | | $10,001-$50,000 | |
Tai Li-Yan | | | None | |
Adam McCabe | | | $10,001-$50,000 | |
(b) Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
No such purchases were made by or on behalf of the Registrant during the period covered by the report.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
During the period ended October 31, 2021, there were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Directors.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | The Registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s 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 second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable
Item 13. Exhibits.
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 Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc.
| |
By: | /s/ Christian Pittard | |
| Christian Pittard, | |
| Principal Executive Officer of | |
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
| |
Date: January 10, 2022 | |
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 Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
| |
Date: January 10, 2022 | |
By: | /s/ Andrea Melia | |
| Andrea Melia, | |
| Principal Financial Officer of | |
| Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. | |
| |
Date: January 10, 2022 | |