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 811-05128
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 400
New York, New York 10020
1-888-SWISS-00
Rodolphe E. Hottinger, President
Hottinger et Cie
3 Place des Bergues
C.P. 395
CH-1201 Geneva
Switzerland
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: January 1, 2008 - June 30, 2008
Item 1. | Reports to Stockholders. |
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Directors and Officers
Samuel B. Witt III, Esq. Chairman (Non-executive) Jean-Marc Boillat Director Paul R. Brenner, Esq.1 Director Alexandre de Takacsy Director Claude Frey Director R. Clark Hooper2 Director Paul Hottinguer Director Michael Kraynak, Jr.2 Director Didier Pineau-Valencienne2,3 Director Stephen K. West, Esq.2 Director |
Eric R. Gabus Director Emeritus Baron Hottinger Director Emeritus Rodolphe E. Hottinger President Chief Executive Officer Rudolf Millisits Senior Vice President Chief Financial Officer Philippe R. Comby, CFA, FRM Vice President Edward J. Veilleux Vice President Secretary Glen Fougere Assistant Treasurer Peter R. Guarino, Esq. Chief Compliance Officer | |
1 Audit Committee Chairman 2 Audit Committee Member |
3 Governance/Nominating Committee Chairman |
Investment Advisor
Hottinger Capital Corp.
1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 400
New York, New York 10020
(212) 332-7930
Administrator
Citi Fund Services, LLC
Custodian
Citibank, N.A.
Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
Plaza Level
New York, NY 10038
Legal Counsel
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Deloitte & Touche LLP
The Investment Advisor
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is managed by Hottinger Capital Corp., which belongs to the Hottinger Group.
The Hottinger Group dates back to Banque Hottinguer, which was formed in Paris in 1786 and is one of Europes oldest private banking firms. The Hottinger Group has remained under the control of the Hottinger family through seven generations. It has offices in the Bahamas, Basel, Geneva, London, Lugano, Luxembourg, New York, Sion, Toronto, Vienna and Zurich.
Executive Offices
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
1270 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 400
New York, New York 10020
1-888-SWISS-00 (1-888-794-7700)
(212) 332-2760
For inquiries and reports:
1-888-SWISS-00 (1-888-794-7700)
Fax: (212) 332-7931
email: swz@swz.com
Website Address
www.swz.com
The Fund
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company whose objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation through investment in equity and equity-linked securities of Swiss companies. The Fund also may acquire and hold equity and equity-linked securities of non-Swiss companies in limited instances.
The Fund is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWZ.
Net Asset Value is calculated daily by 6:15 P.M. (Eastern Time). The most recent calculation is available by calling 1-888-SWISS-00 or by accessing our Website. Net Asset Value is also published weekly in Barrons, the Monday edition of The Wall Street Journal and the Sunday Edition of The New York Times.
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THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders
Global Markets Review
The credit situation has worsened in the second quarter of the year. It was however not only about issues with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac oversized balance sheet and increased provisioning for bad loans and write-downs in the whole financial sector but also about the re-coupling of the global economy. There were increasing indications that the sharp slowdown in the U.S. economy was starting to affect both European and Asian markets. In addition, several emerging market countries have to cope with double digit inflation rates. It remains to be seen whether the global slowdown will offset the acceleration in inflation.
After years of low volatility and a high level of savings flowing into debt instruments, depressing yields and encouraging risk taking, the main issue facing the global economy is the necessity to de-leverage financial institutions and consumer balance sheets in the developed markets. This process will require significant contributions from new equity investors. Sovereign funds and private equity money are expected to continue to play a major role helping financial institutions to shore up their balance sheets. Savings rate in the United States will have to increase and consumer demand from emerging markets have to continue to strengthen in order to correct the imbalances in the global economy. This is starting to show as U.S. exports are strengthening and the U.S. current account deficit is shrinking.
Swiss Market Review
Despite the turmoil that affected its banking sector, the year-to-date performance of the Swiss market, as measured in U.S. dollars, was one of the best in the world. The Swiss Performance Index (SPI) returned -6.02% as compared -11.91% for the Standard & Poors 500 Index. The Swiss franc continued to appreciate against the U.S. dollar, contributing positively to the SPIs performance in U.S. dollars. On the other hand, the weakness of the U.S. dollar has a negative impact on the local returns of numerous Swiss companies with sales exposure to the United States.
Healthcare:
During the second quarter, the healthcare sector continued to outperform the MSCI World Index and the SPI (the MSCI Healthcare Index was down -0.4%; the MSCI World Index was down -2.4%; and the SPI was down -1.88%; all in local currency). The market was driven by earnings momentum and by the defensive nature of the business in this period of economic slowdown. Although pharmaceutical companies remain exposed to specific challenges, including the expiration of patents, pressure on prices and possible U.S. regulatory reforms, Roche and Novartis stood out and have demonstrated to be safe bets in an environment of turmoil. The share price of Novartis outperformed its European peers (GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Sanofi-Aventis) in the second quarter. The Swiss company is gaining momentum and its diversified healthcare business model, including pharmaceuticals,
2
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
vaccines, generics and consumer health products, continues to be an attractive investment opportunity.
The strong fundamentals of the biotech industry and its attractive market valuation (with some companies trading very close to their cash levels) have offered interesting buying opportunities for the larger pharmaceutical players.
Just after close of the quarter, two major acquisitions confirmed this trend. On July 21st Roche, which already controlled 56% of Genentech (a U.S. company), made an offer to buy the remaining shares for $43.7 billion. Despite the fact the Genentechs product pipeline already contributes 40% of Roches revenues; this strategic acquisition would lead to synergies in research and development, improved operational efficiencies and secure full access to Genentechs innovation. At almost the same time, Novartis increased its stake in Speedel to 61% on July 10th and was required to make an offer for the remaining 130 Swiss francs per share, thus valuing the total transaction at 907 million Swiss francs. If successful, this takeover would give Novartis full commercial rights to a drug with new mechanism to combat hypertension, an important franchise for Novartis. The takeover price represents approximately a 90% premium over the last traded price at the end of the second quarter. Other than the founders of the company, the Fund was one of the largest public shareholders of Speedel.
Earlier in the quarter, Novartis announced it would buy 77% of Alcon, an eye-care company majority-owned by Nestle, in order to diversify its portfolio and focus on the growth areas of healthcare. This transaction will be done in two steps totaling $39 billion. Novartis will initially buy a 25% stake for $11 billion, and Nestle has an option to sell an additional 52% of Alcon for $28 billion between January 2010 and July 2011. With this transaction, well received by the market despite its relatively high price tag, Novartis will become the worlds largest maker of eye-care products and will reduce its reliance on pharmaceuticals.
On the medical technology front, unlike what happened in previous cycles, companies suffered from a slowdown in consumer discretionary spending in the United States Patients are postponing high-priced non-reimbursed medical procedures such as dental implants. Swiss mid-cap companies such as Nobel Biocare showed disappointing sales development with single digit top line growth. Nobel Biocare is also experiencing some management and strategy issues. The Fund had no position in these companies as of June 30th.
Food:
The performance of Nestle and Givaudan was negatively affected by the slowdown in consumer spending in the U.S. and Europe, despite the perceived defensive characteristic of their businesses. In addition Nestles ability to further raise consumer prices to compensate for price increases in raw materials could be limited or less effective, despite the strength of Nestles brands,
3
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
as retail shoppers are buying cheaper private label products. A reduction in the cost of living by way of lower prices for oil and agricultural product would provide substantial relief for food manufacturers.
Utilities:
The utilities sector has a very low free float of stock in Switzerland, as most of the companies are majority-owned by Swiss municipalities and states. As a result, price fluctuations might not always be reflective of changes in business conditions. However, the sector has been fairly stable and has outperformed the market. Increased energy prices and a favorable production profile for the majority of Swiss utilities remain very supportive. The Fund has a relatively large exposure to this sector, as management believes the lack of CO² free production capacity in Europe will continue to benefit Swiss companies.
Financials:
The financial sector (banks and insurance) had a very difficult first half of the year. The rebound in mid-March proved to be short lived as the credit markets continued to be under pressure, and concerns about capital adequacy came back to the forefront.
At its annual general meeting on April 23rd, the shareholders of UBS approved a capital increase of 15 billion Swiss francs, as well as certain management and board changes, each as proposed by its board of directors. UBS also published a fifty page shareholder report detailing its recent write-downs in an effort to show the companys efforts to identify the sources and the extent of its problems. Legacy assets, however, and concerns about UBS exposure to mono-line insurers continued to put pressure on its equity capital. When UBS released its quarterly figures, it showed the first net outflows in its asset management and wealth management franchise since 2000. On the more positive side the companys Tier 1 ratio, after its capital increase, was 11%, very high in comparison to other international companies. UBS also has reduced its risk assets by about 25% and announced that it closed a transaction to sell approximately $15 billion of, primarily, sub-prime and Alt-A U.S. residential mortgage-backed securities to a newly created distressed asset fund that will be managed by BlackRock, the global investment management firm.
The share price of UBS is trading at a very low price-to-book ratio, which reflects short term pressure on its wealth management franchise resulting from the U.S. Department of Justice probe into the role of UBS in tax fraud schemes.
Swiss regulators have been looking at the capital adequacy of large Swiss banks and introduced the concept of a maximum leverage ratio of 5%. If Swiss authorities were to pursue this, it is estimated that UBS would either need to shrink its balance sheet by about 35% or rebuild its capital by not paying dividends for three years. Credit Suisse (CS) would either need to shrink its balance sheet by 25%
4
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
or use three years of dividends to rebuild its capital. Additional capital increases in the case of UBS and CS are not the only options. The timing for implementation of this new measure is still unclear. The Swiss Banking Commission is unlikely to be either able or willing to implement this capital rule in the short term.
The urgency to rebuild capital also is a function of the speed of the deterioration of the assets. In the worst case scenario of accelerated deterioration in the credit markets, a number of financial institutions would have to raise capital at the same time. That would keep stock market volatility at a high level. If the credit markets are able to maintain a certain degree of stability, the equity value of financial institutions will improve, reflecting the lower risk of a heavily dilutive capital increase.
Another issue is the speed with which profits could rebuild a companys capital base. Most of the earnings power of financial institutions has been negatively affected. In wealth management, for example, a lower asset base has reduced management fees; clients are paying off their secured loans and selling high margin products to move to cash; and trading activity has dropped meaningfully. Accordingly, analysts have reduced earnings expectations and stock prices have reacted negatively.
In summary, earnings will continue to trend lower than the average across economic cycles for some time, and equity valuations of trouble financial institutions will continue to remain very volatile.
Real Estate:
The Swiss real estate sector did not suffer as much as some of its European peers during the second quarter. Prices did not rise as much as previously and most of the properties owned by the listed companies are in the commercial and office sectors which have not experienced the same price pressure as residential properties. In Switzerland, residential properties are held by mutual funds or pension funds rather than real estate companies.
There were however two main exceptions. In the infrastructure/real estate area, Zurich Airport shares were under great pressure due to an expectation of a sudden drop in air traffic. In the area of development of tourism sites, Orascom shares experienced a sharp drop as well. The Funds performance was negatively affected by its relatively large position in Zurich Airport. In the long run though, the company should prosper as Europe lacks airport capacity. In addition, Zurich Airport has large land reserves available for development (hotels and offices) which would be welcome in the saturated region of Zurich.
Private Equity:
The Funds private equity investments represent about 0.9% of its total assets with investments in two limited partnerships, and a total commitment equal to approximately 3% of its total assets. The Fund has balanced
5
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
its private equity investments between a mid-market buyout fund (Zurmont Madison Private Equity, L.P) and a venture capital fund (Aravis Venture II, L.P). Zurmont Madison identifies opportunities in the large market of family owned businesses and spin off candidates from corporations. It targets companies with a turnover of between 50 million and 250 million Swiss francs. The results of the 2007 analysis conducted by Thomson Financial were released in June indicating that European private equity buyout firms have returned 16.6% over five years. Although the current credit market crisis is affecting funding activity and is influencing ability of buyout firms to leverage, opportunities are offered in late stage private equity deals such as in pre-IPO and bridge financing rounds, a profitable area for venture capital funds.
Swiss Economic Notes
The Swiss GDP slowed during the second quarter to 0.3% compared to 0.9% in the previous quarter. This was mainly due to the decline in financial market transactions. Nonetheless, the Swiss economy continues to grow at a healthy 3.1% rate year-over-year. On the demand side, exports lost momentum due to slower growth in international markets and the appreciation of the Swiss franc against the U.S. dollar and the euro. Domestic demand, however, remained strong and continues to be an important contributor of growth, helped by a strong job market (the unemployment rate reached 2.3% at the end of June) and growth in real wages (+2.9% this year). Capacity utilization in manufacturing declined from the previous quarter to 87.2%. Because this remains above the long-term average of 84%, it confirms a positive output gap. Despite the turmoil in the financial markets, healthy domestic demand caused the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to leave its growth forecasts unchanged and to continue to project real GDP growth of 1.5-2.0% for 2008.
Some inflationary pressure is being felt in Switzerland. The Consumer Price Index (all items) reached 2.9% year-over-year, due not only to oil products but also other goods and services. The SNB raised its inflation forecast for the year to 2.7% from its projection of 2.0% in March. While current inflation is above SNBs ceiling of 2.0%, it is believed to be temporary. For the longer term, the SNB is forecasting average inflation of 1.7% for 2009 and 1.3% for 2010.
The SNB left its target range for the 3-month Libor unchanged at 2.25%-3.25% at its last monetary policy assessment. The Libor target rate at 2.75% is still accommodative for the Swiss economy. The 10-year Confederation yield remained more or less flat halfway through the year, finishing the quarter at 3.28%.
Overall, Switzerland still has a noticeably healthier economy compared to the United States and the rest of Europe. Although the GDP statistics are published with considerable lag and may start to trend
6
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
down in the next quarter, the comparative inflation numbers are a relief however.
Countries |
GDP Year-over- Year Growth March 08 |
CPI Year-over- Year % June 08 |
Jobless Rate June 08 |
||||||
USA | 2.50 | % | 5.00 | % | 5.5 | % | |||
Eurozone | 2.10 | % | 4.00 | % | 7.2 | % | |||
Switzerland | 3.00 | % | 2.90 | % | 2.3 | % |
Currency
Due to sustained economic activity, Swiss interest rates are now higher than those in the United States. Not only is there little room for the U.S. Federal Reserve Board to reduce domestic interest rates, such a move would most likely be ineffective in stimulating demand because private interest rates are rising due to the increased risk spread and the higher cost of capital for banking institutions. On the other hand, the momentum in Europe, the biggest trading partner of Switzerland, is clearly showing signs of a sharp slowdown. The Swiss franc will no longer benefit from the demand coming from the unwinding of the carry trade and has begun to look expensive compared to the U.S. dollar as measured by purchasing power parity. In the short to medium term, therefore, with U.S. exports gaining strength and imports continuing to weaken, the supply-demand situation for the U.S. dollar is more favorable, despite the potential increase in the countrys budget deficit.
Fund Performance and Investments Review
The Funds year-to-date performance is in line with the SPI, despite the Funds greater exposure to small and mid-capitalization companies, which were more affected by the increase in credit risk and the economic slowdown. One example is the Funds investments in the healthcare sector, which include significant positions in small-cap bio-pharmaceutical companies and below market exposure to large-cap companies.
The Funds hedging activities (market and individual securities) have made a positive contribution to its performance even though timing was difficult given the markets tremendous volatility this year. Still, the Funds hedging transactions, along with a higher cash reserve, reduced the volatility of its net asset value. Compared to the SPI, the Fund has had an annualized volatility of 19% this year compared to 22% for the SPI.
A review of the last quarter shows that the Funds very low exposure to banks and insurance made a positive contribution to its performance in relation to the market. Other positive relative contributions came from the absence of positions in the construction industry and from the Funds high exposure to the technology and the utility sectors. On the negative side were the Funds underweight positions in large pharmaceutical companies and electrical engineering businesses.
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THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
Peer Group/Indices Performance Comparison in Swiss Francs1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total return YTD as of 6/30/08 |
Total return as of year ended December 31 |
Cumulative Performance 12/31/96- 6/30/08 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
1999 |
1998 |
1997 |
||||||||||||||||||
Swiss Helvetia Fund |
-15.46% | -2.67% | * | 20.56% | 33.20% | 7.75% | 22.54% | -20.40% | -22.91% | 14.06% | 14.70% | 15.57% | 53.99% | 149.26% | * | |||||||||||||
Swiss Performance Index (SPI) |
-15.45% | -0.05% | 20.67% | 35.61% | 6.89% | 22.06% | -25.95% | -22.03% | 11.91% | 11.69% | 15.36% | 55.19% | 133.11% | |||||||||||||||
Swiss Market Index (SMI) |
-17.99% | -3.43% | 15.85% | 33.21% | 3.74% | 18.51% | -27.84% | -21.11% | 7.47% | 5.71% | 14.28% | 58.93% | 76.50% | |||||||||||||||
iShares Switzerland2 |
-16.35% | -0.97% | 20.02% | 32.45% | 6.34% | 19.14% | -26.23% | -23.12% | 7.75% | 12.22% | 11.74% | 47.79% | 88.94% | |||||||||||||||
CS EF Swiss Blue Chips3,7 |
-16.92% | -1.66% | 18.78% | 32.27% | 2.75% | 18.13% | -28.75% | -22.12% | 10.97% | 7.57% | 14.21% | 59.90% | 88.47% | |||||||||||||||
UBS (CH) Equity Fund4,7 |
-15.99% | -2.55% | 18.98% | 33.50% | 5.00% | 18.14% | -26.02% | -22.04% | 7.42% | 6.43% | 12.75% | 55.94% | 87.01% | |||||||||||||||
Pictet (CH)-Swiss Equities5,7 |
-16.30% | 1.94% | 19.37% | 37.06% | 7.05% | 20.10% | -27.93% | -22.35% | 7.34% | 9.38% | 11.05% | 55.65% | 103.83% | |||||||||||||||
Saraswiss (Bank Sarasin)6,7 |
-16.82% | -2.86% | 18.69% | 33.05% | 2.93% | 19.64% | -28.51% | -24.45% | 9.72% | 7.10% | 14.41% | 53.57% | 75.22% |
Sources: Bloomberg, management companies' websites and Citigroup Fund Services.
1 Performance of funds is based on changes in each fund's NAV over a specified period. In each case total return is calculated assuming reinvestment of all distributions. Funds listed, other than iShares MSCI Switzerland, are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Performance and descriptive information about the funds are derived from their published investor reports and websites, which are subject to change.
2 Shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the performance of the Swiss market, as measured by the MSCI Switzerland index. These stocks represent Switzerland's largest and most established public companies, accounting for approximately 85% of the market capitalization of all Switzerland's publicly traded stocks. Performance of shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland is calculated based upon the closing prices of the period indicated using the Swiss franc/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of noon each such date, as reported by Bloomberg. Such exchange rates were as follows: 12/31/97 = 1.46, 12/31/98 = 1.38, 12/31/99 = 1.60, 12/31/00 = 1.61, 12/31/01 = 1.67, 12/31/02 = 1.39, 12/31/03 = 1.24, 12/31/04 = 1.14, 12/31/05 = 1.32, 12/31/06 = 1.22, 12/31/07 = 1.13, 6/30/08 = 1.02.
3 This fund gives investors access to the Swiss equity market. It has a broadly-diversified portfolio geared to the long-term value growth, with a preference to large cap stocks. Stock selection is based on criteria such as company valuation, business climate, market positioning and management quality.
4 This fund invests primarily in major Swiss companies. Quality criteria used for determining relative weightings of companies include: strategic orientation, strength of market position, quality of management, soundness of earnings, growth potential and potential for improving shareholder value. The investment objective seeks to provide results that are aligned with the SPI performance.
5 This fund invests in shares of companies listed in Switzerland and included in the SPI, mainly in blue chip stocks.
6 This fund invests in shares of Swiss companies. It weights individual sectors relative to the SPI on the basis of their expected relative performance. It focuses on liquid blue-chip stocks.
7 These funds are not available for U.S. residents or citizens.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
* Not including the rights offering dilution, the NAV performance of 2007 was 4.00% resulting in a cumulative performance of 166.34% as of 6/30/08 in Swiss franc terms.
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THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (continued)
Indices Performance Comparison
Year to Date December 31, 2007 Through June 30, 2008 | ||
Performance in Swiss Francs |
||
Swiss Performance Index (SPI) |
-15.45% | |
Swiss Helvetia Fund |
||
Based on Net Asset Value |
-15.46% | |
Change In U.S. Dollar vs. Swiss Franc |
-10.03% | |
Performance in U.S. Dollars |
||
Swiss Helvetia Fund Performance |
||
Based on Net Asset Value |
-6.03% | |
Based on Market Price |
-6.65% | |
S & P 500 Index |
-11.91% | |
MSCI EAFE Index |
-10.96% | |
Lipper European Fund Index (10 Largest) |
-12.69% | |
Lipper European Fund Universe Average |
-13.19% |
Sources: Citigroup Fund Services, LLC and Bloomberg
Outlook
The turmoil in the financial sector is expected to continue as the European economy is slowing sharply. The adjustment in the balance sheets of U.S. consumers will continue as the ratio of assets to liabilities climb as a result of the continued weakness in real estate values. The governments and monetary authorities are well aware of issues affecting financial systems in the developed markets and are working towards minimizing their impact. Stock markets around the world are trading at lower valuations not seen in years, especially in terms of cash flow yields and price-to-book values. These valuations may limit further downside in the markets and set the stage for improved returns as the macro-economic situation stabilizes. The recognition that these problems are well advanced at the political level and in the balance sheets of financial institutions is encouraging. With international cooperation, solutions may not be far away. In addition, over three billion new customers in emerging markets are entering the global economy with a need for products and infrastructure development, and the capacity replacement needs of the developing economies are providing a reserve for future earnings for numerous companies.
In the current environment, the outlook for private equity investment returns are superior because of lower volatility, lower prices for deals and opportunities to invest in later stage companies that would have otherwise been able to go to the capital markets.
Managements strategy is to continue to add value through good stock selection. In particular, the emphasis is on companies with rock solid balance sheets, unique assets and business models that are difficult to replicate. Quality of balance sheets and management skills will be key in the current market conditions if companies are to capture the significant opportunities arising
9
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Letter to Stockholders (concluded)
from dislocations affecting competition. The capacity to underwrite new business, which is done at much more profitable margins given the short supply of capital, will be rewarded. Management will also focus its efforts on the direct and indirect beneficiaries of renewable energies and the push for energy conservation that will come back strongly once the credit crisis subsides.
Sincerely,
Rodolphe E. Hottinger
President and Chief Executive Officer
Rudolf Millisits
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
June 30, 2008
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THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Review of Operations (Unaudited)
Trading activity for the six months ended June 30, 2008 involved changes in the following positions:
New Investments by the Fund
Adecco SA
Adecco SA Expires 09/19/08 Call Warrant
Galenica AG Expires 12/19/08 Call Warrant
Geberit AG Expires 09/19/08 Put Warrant
Kuehne & Nagel International Expires 09/19/08 Put Warrant
Nestle SA Expires 10/17/08 Call Warrant
Orascom Development Holding AG
Romande Energie Holding SA
SMIM Price Index Expires 10/17/08 Put Warrant
SMIM Price Index Expires 12/19/08 Put Warrant
Sulzer AG
SLI Swiss Leader Index Expires 10/17/08 Put Warrant
Additions to Existing Investments
Aravis Venture II Limited Partnership
Atel Holding, Ltd.
Nestle SA
Schulthess Group
Syngenta AG
Temenos Group AG
UBS AG
Zurmont Madison Private Equity Limited Partnership
Securities Disposed of
Aare-Tessin AG Fur Elektrizitat
Actelion Ltd, Expired 03/20/2008 Call Warrant
Advanced Digital Broadcast Holding SA
Credit Suisse Group, Expired 05/16/08 Call Warrant
Dufry Group
EFG International
EMS Chemie Holding AG
Partners Group
Petroplus Holdings AG
Schmolz and Bickenbach AG
Sika AG
SLI Swiss Leader Index, Expired 03/20/08 Put Warrant
SMIM Price Index, Expired 04/18/08 Put Warrant
SMIM Total Return Index, Expired 01/18/08 Put Warrant
SMIM Total Return Index, Expired 03/20/08 Put Warrant
Sonova Holding AG
Swiss Market Index, Expired 02/15/08 Call Warrant
Swiss Market Index, Expired 03/20/08 Put Warrant
Tecan Group AG
Zurich Financial Services AG
Reductions in Existing Investments
Actelion, Ltd.
Basilea Pharmaceutica
Credit Suisse Group
Galenica AG
Komax Holding AG
Lindt & Sprüngli AG
OC Oerlikon Corp. AG
BKW FMB Energie AG
Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG
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THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) | June 30, 2008 |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Common Stocks 91.50% | ||||||||
Banks 6.29% | ||||||||
43,000 | Bank Sarasin & Cie AG Registered Shares |
$ | 1,939,770 | 0.33 | % | |||
Offers private banking, asset management, investment advisory, and institutional banking services. (Cost $1,611,112) |
||||||||
302,500 | Credit Suisse Group1 Registered Shares |
13,928,186 | 2.34 | % | ||||
A global diversified financial service company with significant activity in private banking, investment banking, asset management and insurance service. (Cost $8,810,069) |
||||||||
1,021,075 | UBS AG1,2 Registered Shares |
21,492,095 | 3.62 | % | ||||
A global diversified financial service company with significant activity in private banking, investment banking, and asset management. (Cost $16,262,840) |
||||||||
37,360,051 | 6.29 | % | ||||||
Basic Resources 2.32% | ||||||||
117,236 | Precious Woods Holding AG2 Registered Shares |
12,257,642 | 2.06 | % | ||||
Through subsidiaries, manages tropical forests using ecologically sustainable forest management methods. Harvests tropical trees and processed them into lumber. (Cost $10,847,127) |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Basic Resources (continued) | ||||||||
75,000 | UMS Schweizerische Metallwerke Holding AG2 Bearer Shares |
$ | 1,546,240 | 0.26 | % | |||
Produces profiles and large dimension rods for electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and construction companies, lead-free brass wire for batteries, billets and small diameter wire and rods
for the consumer goods and electronics industries. (Cost $1,655,849) |
||||||||
13,803,882 | 2.32 | % | ||||||
Biotechnology 7.22% | ||||||||
264,655 | Actelion, Ltd.1,2 Registered Shares |
14,212,280 | 2.39 | % | ||||
Biotechnology company that develops and markets synthetic small-molecule drugs against diseases related to the endothelium. (Cost $5,788,475) |
||||||||
288,360 | Addex Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.2 Registered Shares |
9,342,117 | 1.57 | % | ||||
Bio-pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, and markets therapeutic compounds for the treatment of addiction and other neuropsychiatric conditions. (Cost $15,078,778) |
||||||||
10,000 | Bachem Holding AG Registered Shares |
894,365 | 0.15 | % | ||||
Manufactures ingredients for pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, and research supplies. (Cost $833,329) |
12
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued) | June 30, 2008 |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||
Biotechnology (continued) | ||||||||
72,250 | Basilea Pharmaceutica1,2 Registered Shares |
$ | 11,802,867 | 1.99 | % | |||
Conducts research into the development of drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases and dermatological problems. (Cost $8,806,795) |
||||||||
10,000 | Santhera Pharmaceuticals2 Registered Shares |
780,483 | 0.13 | % | ||||
Drug discovery and development company. (Cost $948,284) |
||||||||
91,903 | Speedel Holding AG2 Registered Shares |
5,909,725 | 0.99 | % | ||||
Researches and develops therapies for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. (Cost $12,460,344) |
||||||||
42,941,837 | 7.22 | % | ||||||
Chemicals 9.57% | ||||||||
174,331 | Syngenta AG1 Registered Shares |
56,863,808 | 9.57 | % | ||||
Produces herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, and seeds for field crops, vegetables, and flowers. (Cost $27,788,674) | ||||||||
56,863,808 | 9.57 | % | ||||||
Construction & Materials 0.20% | ||||||||
1,141 | Belimo Holding AG Registered Shares |
1,186,255 | 0.20 | % | ||||
World market leader in damper and volume control actuators for ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. (Cost $222,726) |
||||||||
1,186,255 | 0.20 | % |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Food & Beverages 17.00% | ||||||||
2,690 | Barry Callebaut AG Registered Shares |
$ | 1,754,865 | 0.30 | % | |||
Manufactures cocoa, chocolate, and confectionery products. (Cost $1,374,087) |
||||||||
290 | Lindt & Sprungli AG Registered Shares |
8,746,122 | 1.47 | % | ||||
Major manufacturer of premium Swiss chocolates. (Cost $1,141,585) |
||||||||
1,997,000 | Nestle SA1 Registered Shares |
90,498,252 | 15.23 | % | ||||
Largest food and beverage processing company in the world. (Cost $27,020,121) |
||||||||
100,999,239 | 17.00 | % | ||||||
Industrial Goods & Services 8.93% | ||||||||
646,457 | ABB, Ltd.2 Registered Shares |
18,443,001 | 3.10 | % | ||||
The holding company for ABB Group, which is one of the largest electrical engineering firms in the world. (Cost $9,612,320) |
||||||||
287,000 | Adecco SA Registered Shares |
14,285,195 | 2.40 | % | ||||
Supplies personnel and temporary help, and offers permanent placement services for professionals and specialists in a range of occupations. (Cost $17,224,202) |
13
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued) | June 30, 2008 |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||
Industrial Goods & Services (continued) | ||||||||
6,440 | Inficon Holding AG Registered Shares |
$ | 1,036,874 | 0.17 | % | |||
Manufactures and markets vacuum instruments used to monitor and control production processes. Manufactures on-site chemical detection and monitoring system. (Cost $581,616) |
||||||||
27,001 | Komax Holding AG Registered Shares |
3,618,335 | 0.61 | % | ||||
Manufactures wire processing machines. Produces machines for cutting and tripping round and flat wire, crimping and insertion machines for processing single wires and equipment for processing wire
harnesses. (Cost $4,208,809) |
||||||||
22,700 | OC Oerlikon Corp. AG1,2 Registered Shares |
6,317,936 | 1.06 | % | ||||
Manufactures coating machinery, semiconductor assembly equipment, and satellite components. (Cost $6,935,172) |
||||||||
74,000 | Sulzer AG Registered Shares |
9,422,541 | 1.59 | % | ||||
Manufactures and sells surface coatings, pumps, process engineering equipment, and fuel cells. (Cost $9,929,809) |
||||||||
53,123,882 | 8.93 | % |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Personal & Household Goods 2.40% | ||||||||
30,700 | Schulthess Group Registered Shares |
$ | 1,799,322 | 0.30 | % | |||
Develops, manufactures, and sells household appliances and heating equipment. (Cost $3,031,407) |
||||||||
49,816 | Swatch Group AG Bearer Shares |
12,483,344 | 2.10 | % | ||||
Manufactures finished watches, movements and components. Produces components necessary to its eighteen watch brand companies. Also operates retail boutiques. (Cost $13,753,331) |
||||||||
14,282,666 | 2.40 | % | ||||||
Pharmaceuticals 18.31% | ||||||||
781,300 | Novartis AG1 Registered Shares |
43,145,617 | 7.26 | % | ||||
One of the leading manufacturers of branded and generic pharmaceutical products. Manufactures nutrition products. (Cost $8,326,468) |
||||||||
363,600 | Roche Holding AG1 Non-voting equity securities |
65,680,738 | 11.05 | % | ||||
Worldwide pharmaceutical company. (Cost $6,578,721) |
||||||||
108,826,355 | 18.31 | % |
14
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued) | June 30, 2008 |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||
Real Estate & Infrastructure 2.63% | ||||||||
38,100 | Flughafen Zuerich AG Registered Shares |
$ | 13,895,690 | 2.34 | % | |||
Constructs, leases, and maintains airport structures and equipment. (Cost $16,195,531) | ||||||||
15,000 | Orascom Development Holding AG2 | |||||||
Through its subsidiary, offers real estate, infrastructure, and leisure services. (Cost $2,407,421) |
1,752,405 | 0.29 | % | |||||
15,648,095 | 2.63 | % | ||||||
Retailers 1.96% | ||||||||
17,550 | Galenica AG1 Registered Shares |
6,211,246 | 1.04 | % | ||||
Manufactures and distributes prescription and over-the-counter drugs, toiletries and hygiene products. (Cost $2,147,767) |
||||||||
2,100 | Jelmoli Holding AG Bearer Shares |
5,453,073 | 0.92 | % | ||||
Owns and operates department and retail stores and provides mail-order catalog and real estate leasing services. (Cost $3,707,265) |
||||||||
11,664,319 | 1.96 | % | ||||||
Technology 4.21% | ||||||||
806,200 | Temenos Group AG2 Registered Shares |
25,050,295 | 4.21 | % | ||||
Provides integrated software for the banking sector. (Cost $19,332,896) |
||||||||
25,050,295 | 4.21 | % |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Utility Suppliers 10.46% | ||||||||
32,023 | Atel Holding, Ltd.2 | |||||||
Generates, transmits and distributes electricity throughout Europe. (Cost $14,940,612) |
$ | 22,336,875 | 3.76 | % | ||||
137,258 | BKW FMB Energie AG Registered Shares |
18,865,227 | 3.17 | % | ||||
Produces electricity using nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, biomass and wind energy. (Cost $7,144,874) |
||||||||
28,095 | Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke AG Registered Shares |
15,611,398 | 2.63 | % | ||||
Supplies electric power, operates and maintains distribution network facilities, constructs and installs equipment, and offers consulting services to its clients. (Cost $8,416,552) |
||||||||
1,500 | Electrizitaets-Gesellschaft Laufenburg AG Bearer Shares |
2,135,284 | 0.36 | % | ||||
Operates nuclear and hydroelectric generating plants and sells excess power throughout Europe. (Cost $1,970,883) |
||||||||
311 | Romande Energie Holding SA Registered Shares |
758,723 | 0.13 | % | ||||
Distributes electricity in the Canton of Vaud, provides repair and other electrical services to its customers. (Cost $767,226) |
15
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (continued) | June 30, 2008 |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Common Stocks (continued) | ||||||||
Utility Suppliers (continued) | ||||||||
5,000 | Raetia Energie AG Participation Certificate |
$ | 2,429,805 | 0.41 | % | |||
Generates and distributes electric power from its own hydroelectric stations, as well as from outside nuclear power suppliers of electric power. (Cost $2,035,541) |
||||||||
62,137,312 | 10.46 | % | ||||||
Total Common Stocks (Cost $299,898,618)* |
$ | 543,887,996 | 91.50 | % | ||||
Private Equity Investments 0.92% | ||||||||
Aravis Venture II - Limited Partnership (420,000 Euro)2,3 | 661,730 | 0.11 | % | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, Limited Partnership (4,869,229 CHF)2,3 |
4,781,724 | 0.80 | % | |||||
Total Private Equity Investments (Cost $5,120,650) | 5,443,454 | 0.92 | % | |||||
Call Warrants 0.12% | ||||||||
4,900,000 | Adecco SA Expires 09/19/08 at 65.00 CHF |
48,105 | 0.01 | % | ||||
1,250,000 | Galenica AG Expires 12/19/08 at 400.00 CHF |
196,348 | 0.03 | % |
No. of Shares |
Security | Fair Value | Percent of Net Assets |
|||||
Call Warrants (continued) | ||||||||
3,200,000 | Nestle SA Expires 10/17/08 at 500.00 CHF |
$ | 502,651 | 0.08 | % | |||
Total Call Warrants (Cost $2,113,147) |
747,104 | 0.12 | % | |||||
Put Warrants 1.44% | ||||||||
3,000,000 | Geberit AG Expires 09/19/08 at 150.00 CHF |
559,591 | 0.09 | % | ||||
3,100,000 | Kuehne & Nagel International Expires 09/19/08 at 100.00 CHF | 578,245 | 0.10 | % | ||||
8,300,000 | SMIM Price Index Expires 10/17/08 at 1,365.00 CHF | 2,526,016 | 0.43 | % | ||||
10,200,000 | SMIM Price Index Expires 12/19/08 at 1,300.00 CHF | 2,803,848 | 0.47 | % | ||||
8,500,000 | SLI Swiss Leader Index Expires 10/17/08 at 1,020.00 CHF | 2,086,197 | 0.35 | % | ||||
Total Put Warrants (Cost $9,261,501) |
8,553,897 | 1.44 | % | |||||
Total Investments (Cost $316,393,916)* |
558,632,451 | 93.98 | % | |||||
Other Assets less Other Liabilities, net | 35,755,257 | 6.02 | % | |||||
Net Assets | $ | 594,387,708 | 100.0 | % | ||||
16
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (Unaudited) (concluded) | June 30, 2008 |
1 |
One of the ten largest portfolio holdings. |
2 |
Non-income producing security. |
3 |
Restricted security not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 other than Rule 144A securities. At the end of the period, the value of these securities amounted to $5,286,150 or 0.89% of net assets. Additional information on the restricted securities is as follows: |
Security |
Acquisition Date |
Acquisition Cost |
Acquisition Value | |||||
Aravis Venture II, LP | July 31, 2007 | $ | 205,328 | $ | 1.00 | |||
Aravis Venture II, LP | February 21, 2008 | 399,343 | 1.00 | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP | August 9, 2007 | 79,022 | 1.00 | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP | September 13, 2007 | 778,342 | 1.00 | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP | December 17, 2007 | 109,210 | 1.00 | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP | February 28, 2008 | 3,225,332 | 1.00 | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP | April 14, 2008 | 169,431 | 1.00 | |||||
Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP | June 26, 2008 | 154,642 | 1.00 | |||||
$ | 5,120,650 | |||||||
* | Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $316,393,916 and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) consists of: |
Gross Unrealized Appreciation |
$ | 270,706,172 | ||
Gross Unrealized Depreciation |
(25,265,573 | ) | ||
Net Unrealized Appreciation |
$ | 245,440,599 | ||
See Notes to Financial Statements. |
17
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited) | June 30, 2008 |
Assets: |
|||||
Investments, at value (cost $316,393,916) |
$ | 558,632,451 | |||
Cash |
2,066,863 | ||||
Foreign currency (cost $26,278,565) |
29,305,751 | ||||
Dividends receivable |
45,940 | ||||
Tax reclaims receivable |
3,636,019 | ||||
Receivable for securities sold |
2,519,182 | ||||
Receivable from Administrator |
145,162 | ||||
Prepaid expenses |
31,183 | ||||
Total assets |
596,382,551 | ||||
Liabilities: |
|||||
Payable for securities purchased |
1,021,009 | ||||
Capital shares payable |
227,227 | ||||
Advisory fees payable (Note 2) |
335,062 | ||||
Directors fees and expenses |
145,200 | ||||
Other fees payable |
266,345 | ||||
Total liabilities |
1,994,843 | ||||
Net assets |
$ | 594,387,708 | |||
Composition of Net Assets: |
|||||
Paid-in capital |
316,124,168 | ||||
Distributable earnings |
|||||
Undistributed net investment income |
4,484,773 | ||||
Accumulated net realized gain from investment and foreign currency transactions |
28,180,865 | ||||
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency |
245,597,902 | ||||
Total distributable earnings |
278,263,540 | ||||
Net assets |
$ | 594,387,708 | |||
Net Asset Value Per Share: |
|||||
($594,387,708 ÷ 33,184,757 shares outstanding, 50 million shares authorized) |
$ | 17.91 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
18
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Operations (Unaudited) | For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 |
Investment Income: |
||||
Dividends (less foreign taxes withheld of $1,172,610) |
$ | 7,503,947 | ||
Interest |
190,935 | |||
Total income |
7,694,882 | |||
Expenses: |
||||
Investment advisory fees (Note 2) |
2,143,066 | |||
Directors fees & expenses |
298,965 | |||
Professional fees |
230,111 | |||
Administration fees |
183,029 | |||
Custody fees |
40,263 | |||
Printing and shareholder reports |
139,790 | |||
Accounting fees |
57,469 | |||
Transfer agent fees |
13,104 | |||
Excise tax fee |
144,582 | |||
Miscellaneous |
116,868 | |||
Total expenses before reductions |
3,367,247 | |||
Less expenses waived/reimbursed |
(145,162 | ) | ||
Net expenses |
3,222,085 | |||
Net investment income |
4,472,797 | |||
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency: |
||||
Net realized gain from: |
||||
Investment transactions |
25,878,913 | |||
Foreign currency transactions |
2,292,660 | |||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from: |
(71,059,761 | ) | ||
Foreign currency |
2,129,137 | |||
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments and Foreign Currency |
(40,759,051 | ) | ||
Net Decrease in Net Assets from Operations |
$ | (36,286,254 | ) | |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
19
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets |
For the |
For the Year Ended |
|||||||
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets: |
||||||||
Operations: |
||||||||
Net investment income |
$ | 4,472,797 | $ | 697,073 | ||||
Net realized gain (loss) from: |
||||||||
Investment transactions |
25,878,913 | 52,453,003 | ||||||
Foreign currency transactions |
2,292,660 | 865,367 | ||||||
Written options |
| (103,985 | ) | |||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from: |
||||||||
Investments |
(71,059,761 | ) | (842,085 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency |
2,129,137 | 1,171,537 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations |
(36,286,254 | ) | 54,240,910 | |||||
Distributions to Stockholders from: |
||||||||
Net investment income and net realized gains from foreign currency transactions |
(1,395,242 | ) | | |||||
Net realized capital gains |
(6,278,591 | ) | (58,616,416 | ) | ||||
Total distributions to stockholders |
(7,673,833 | ) | (58,616,416 | ) | ||||
Capital Share Transactions: |
||||||||
Value of shares issued in connection with rights offering |
| 135,360,705 | ||||||
Offering costs on rights issuance |
| (5,081,422 | ) | |||||
Value of shares issued in reinvestment of dividends and distributions |
19,177,589 | | ||||||
Value of shares repurchased through stock buyback |
(2,745,249 | ) | (6,803,424 | ) | ||||
Total increase from capital share transactions |
16,432,340 | 123,475,859 | ||||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets |
(27,527,747 | ) | 119,100,353 | |||||
Net Assets: |
||||||||
Beginning of period |
621,915,455 | 502,815,102 | ||||||
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $4,484,773 and $1,407,218, respectively) |
$ | 594,387,708 | $ | 621,915,455 | ||||
1 |
Unaudited |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
20
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 20081 |
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Per Share Operating Performance: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value at the beginning of period |
$ | 19.34 | $ | 20.61 | $ | 17.47 | $ | 16.79 | $ | 15.31 | $ | 11.82 | ||||||||||||
Income from Investment Operations: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (expenses in excess of income) |
0.14 | 2 | 0.02 | 2 | 0.02 | 2 | 0.05 | 2 | (0.01 | ) | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments3 |
(1.30 | ) | 1.98 | 5.14 | 2.24 | 2.41 | 4.24 | |||||||||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
(1.16 | ) | 2.00 | 5.16 | 2.29 | 2.40 | 4.23 | |||||||||||||||||
Gain from capital share repurchases |
0.04 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||||||
Capital charge resulting from the issuance of fund shares |
(0.08 | ) | (1.36 | )4 | (0.07 | ) | (0.04 | ) | | (0.06 | ) | |||||||||||||
Less Distributions: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income and net realized gains from foreign currency transactions |
(0.04 | ) | | (0.03 | ) | (0.02 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.14 | ) | |||||||||||||
Dividends in excess of net investment income |
| | | | (0.01 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||
Distributions from net realized capital gains |
(0.19 | ) | (1.95 | ) | (1.95 | ) | (1.59 | ) | (0.83 | ) | (0.56 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total distributions |
(0.23 | ) | (1.95 | ) | (1.98 | ) | (1.61 | ) | (0.94 | ) | (0.70 | ) | ||||||||||||
Net asset value at end of period |
$ | 17.91 | $ | 19.34 | $ | 20.61 | $ | 17.47 | $ | 16.79 | $ | 15.31 | ||||||||||||
Market value per share at end of period |
$ | 15.18 | $ | 16.50 | $ | 19.10 | $ | 15.31 | $ | 14.95 | $ | 12.92 | ||||||||||||
Total Investment Return5: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Based on market value per share9 |
(6.65 | )% | (3.39 | )% | 37.64 | % | 13.11 | % | 23.65 | % | 41.76 | % | ||||||||||||
Based on net asset value per share9 |
(6.03 | )% | 4.95 | %6 | 30.16 | % | 14.92 | % | 17.19 | % | 37.00 | % | ||||||||||||
Ratios to Average Net Assets: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross expenses7 |
1.12 | % | 1.10 | % | 1.17 | % | 1.19 | % | 1.14 | % | 1.30 | % | ||||||||||||
Net expenses |
1.07 | % | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Net investment income (expenses in excess of income)7 |
1.45 | % | 0.12 | % | 0.09 | % | 0.27 | % | (0.08 | )% | (0.07 | )% | ||||||||||||
Supplemental Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Assets at end of period (000s) |
$ | 594,388 | $ | 621,915 | $ | 502,815 | $ | 419,814 | $ | 401,514 | $ | 368,986 | ||||||||||||
Average net assets during period (000s) |
$ | 607,049 | $ | 599,573 | $ | 484,631 | $ | 415,074 | $ | 378,205 | $ | 306,563 | ||||||||||||
Stockholders of record8 |
717 | 736 | 794 | 740 | 926 | 964 | ||||||||||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate9 |
21 | % | 26 | % | 34 | % | 37 | % | 41 | % | 89 | % |
1 |
Unaudited. |
2 |
Calculated using the average shares method. |
3 |
Includes net realized and unrealized currency gain (loss). |
4 |
Issued in connection with rights offering. |
5 |
Total investment return based on market value differs from total investment return based on net asset value due to changes in relationship between the Funds market price and its net asset value per share. |
6 |
Not including the rights offering dilution, the NAV performance as of 12/31/07 was 12.14% in US dollar terms. This calculation was determined by adjusting the beginning NAV in the total return calculation by the per share capital change resulting from the issuance of Fund shares. |
7 |
Annualized for periods less than one year. |
8 |
Not audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP. |
9 |
Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
21
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 10rganization and Significant Accounting Policies
A. Organization
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the Act), as a non-diversified. closed-end investment management company. The Fund is organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital through investment in equity and equity-linked securities of Swiss companies. The Fund may also acquire and hold equity and equity-linked securities of non-Swiss companies in limited instances. as fully described in its prospectus.
B. Valuation at Securities
The Fund values its investments at fair value.
When valuing listed equity securities, the Fund uses the last sale price prior to the calculation of the Funds net asset value. When valuing equity securities that are not listed or that are listed but have not traded, the Fund uses the mean between the bid and asked prices for that day.
When valuing fixed income securities, the Fund uses the last bid price prior to the calculation of the Funds net asset value. If a current bid price is not available, the Fund uses the mean between the latest quoted bid and asked prices. When valuing fixed income securities that mature within sixty days, the Fund uses amortized cost.
It is the responsibility of the Funds Board of Directors (the Board) to establish fair valuation procedures. When valuing securities for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the market quotations that are available are considered unreliable, the Fund determines a fair value in good faith in accordance with these procedures. The Fund may use these procedures to establish the fair value of securities when, for example, a significant event occurs between the time the market closes and the time the Fund values its investments. After consideration of various factors, the Fund may value the securities at their last reported price or at some other value. As of June 30, 2008, Aravis Venture II and Zurmont Madison Private Equity, LP are restricted securities priced at fair value as determined by the Boards Valuation Committee pursuant to the Boards valuation procedures. Listed warrants with no trading are valued using the bid option price. If no bid prices are available, then Management uses a theoretical bid price based on the Black-Scholes model, which is a method of valuing securities by reference to the value of other securities with similar characteristics such as rating, interest rate and maturity.
C. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined by comparing the proceeds of a sale or the cost of a purchase with a specific offsetting transaction.
Dividend income, net of any foreign taxes withheld, is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, is accrued daily. Estimated expenses are also accrued daily.
The Fund records Swiss withholding tax as a reduction of dividend income, net of any amount reclaimable from Swiss tax authorities in accordance with the tax treaty between the United States and Switzerland.
D. Distributions
The Fund pays dividends at least annually to the extent it has any net investment income and net realized gains from foreign currency transactions and makes distributions of any net realized capital gains to the extent they exceed any capital loss carryforwards. The Fund determines the size and nature of these distributions in accordance with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Distributions may be paid either in cash or in stock with an option to take cash. The Fund records dividends and distributions on its books on the ex-dividend date.
E. Federal Income Taxes
The Funds policy is to continue to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all its taxable income to its stockholders. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. See Note 5 for Federal income tax treatment of foreign currency gain/losses.
22
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
The Fund files U.S. federal, Delaware state and foreign tax returns. No income tax returns are currently under examination. As of June 30, 2008 the Fund did not have any liability for unrecognized tax expenses. The Fund recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to tax liabilities as income tax expense in the Statement of Operations. The Funds U.S. federal tax returns remain open for examination for the years ended December 31, 2004 through December 31, 2007. The Funds Delaware state tax returns remain open for examination for the years ended December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2007. In addition, the Fund holds investments in Switzerland and other foreign tax jurisdictions that remain open subject to examination based on varying statutes of limitations.
F. Securities Lending Income
The Fund may lend securities to financial institutions. The Fund retains beneficial ownership of the securities it has loaned and continues to receive amounts equivalent to the dividends paid on these securities and to participate in any changes in their market value. For the initial transaction, the Fund requires the borrowers of the securities to establish collateral with the Fund in the form of cash and/or government securities equal to 105% of the value of the securities loaned. Subsequent to the initial transaction, the Fund requires the borrowers to maintain collateral with the Fund equal to 100% of the value of the securities loaned. The Fund receives fees as compensation for lending its securities. Either the Fund or the borrower may terminate the securities loan at any time. There were no securities on loan during the period ended June 30, 2008.
G. Foreign Currency Translation
The Fund maintains its accounting records in U.S. dollars. The Fund determines the U.S. dollar value of foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities and transactions by using prevailing exchange rates. The cost basis of foreign denominated assets & liabilities is determined on the date that they are first recorded within the Fund and translated to U.S. dollars. These assets and liabilities are subsequently valued each day at prevailing exchange rates. The difference between the original cost and current value denominated in U.S. dollars is recorded as Unrealized Currency Gain/Loss. In valuing assets and liabilities, the Fund uses the prevailing exchange rate on the valuation date. In valuing securities transactions, the receipt of income and the payment of expenses, the Fund uses the prevailing exchange rate on the transaction date.
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translations shown on the Funds financial statements result from the sale of foreign currencies, from currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and from the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Funds books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.
When calculating realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments in equity securities, the Fund does not separate the gain or loss attributable to changes in the foreign currency price of the security from the gain or loss attributable to the change in the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency. Other foreign currency transactions resulting in realized and unrealized gain (loss) are disclosed separately.
H. Estimates
In preparing its financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, management makes estimates and assumptions. Actual results may be different.
Note 2Fees and Transactions with Affiliates
Hottinger Capital Corp. (HCC), which is owned jointly by Hottinger U.S., Inc. and Hottinger & Cie (Zurich), is the Funds advisor (the Advisor). The Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee based on its month-end net assets which is calculated and paid monthly at the following annual rates: 1.00% of the first $60 million, 0.90% of the next $40 million, 0.80% of the next $100 million, 0.70% of the next $100 million, 0.65% of the next $100 million, 0.60% of the next $100 million, 0.55% of the next $100 million, 0.50% of next $200 million, and 0.45% of such assets in excess of $800 million. The Fund paid the Advisor $2,143,066 in investment advisory fees for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The Fund paid Hottinger & Cie (Zurich) $60,613 in brokerage commissions for the six months ended June 30, 2008.
The Fund and the Advisor have agreed to share certain common expenses subject to review and allocation by the Audit Committee (the Committee) of the Board. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Committee allocated
23
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
$10,261 of expenses incurred in connection with publicizing the Fund as follows: $5,310.50 to the Fund and $5,310.50 to the Advisor.
Certain officers and directors of the Fund are also officers or directors of HCC, Hottinger U.S., Inc. and Hottinger & Cie (Zurich). These persons are not paid by the Fund for serving in these capacities.
Note 30ther Fees
Citi Fund Services, LLC (Citi) provides certain administration and portfolio accounting services to the Fund. During the period, Citi reimbursed the Fund $145,162.
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is the Funds transfer agent. The Fund pays the transfer agent an annual fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly.
Citibank. N.A. serves as the Funds custodian (the Custodian), and the Fund pays the custodian an annual fee.
The Fund pays each director who is not an interested person (as such term is defined in the Act) of the Fund or its Advisor approximately $30,268 per annum in compensation, except for the Chairman of the Board to whom the fund pays an annual fee of approximately $42,568 and for the Chairmen of the Audit Committee and the Governance/Nominating Committee to each of whom the Fund pays an annual fee of approximately $35,567. In addition, the Fund pays each disinterested Director $1,300 for each Board meeting attended, and pays each disinterested Director who is a member of a Committee a fee of $750 for each Committee meeting attended. Committee meeting fees are paid for only those meetings held separately from other meetings. In addition, the Fund reimburses directors who are not employees of or affiliated with the Advisor for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in conjunction with attendance at meetings.
Directors fees and expenses payable of $145,200 shown on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities represents total dollars owed to Directors that have been accrued and not paid. Directors fees and expenses of $298,965 shown on the Statement of Operations represent the portion of Directors fees and expenses accrued during the period January 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008. These fees are calculated by projecting Directors fees contractually owed and adding estimates of reimbursable expenses based on historical activity.
Note 4Capital Share Transactions
The Fund is authorized to issue up to 50 million shares of capital stock. HCC owned 190,887 of the 33,184,757 shares outstanding on June 30, 2008. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
For the Six Months |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
|||||||||||||
Shares |
Amount |
Shares |
Amount |
|||||||||||
Sale of Shares |
| $ | | 8,149,552 | $ | 135,360,705 | ||||||||
Dividends Reinvested |
1,198,150 | 19,177,589 | ||||||||||||
Repurchased |
(170,000 | ) | (2,745,249 | ) | (390,600 | ) | (6,803,424 | ) | ||||||
Net increase |
1,028,150 | $ | 16,432,340 | 7,758,952 | $ | 128,557,281 | ||||||||
Note 5Federal Income Tax and Investment Transactions
Reclassifications are made to the Funds capital accounts to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital loss carryforward) under income tax regulations. The tax character of distributions paid during the year and the tax components of net assets will be updated at the Funds fiscal year-end.
At December 31,2007, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed Ordinary Income |
$ | 4,473,493 | |
Undistributed Long-Term Gain |
3,221,608 | ||
Unrealized Appreciation |
314,528,526 | ||
Total |
$ | 322,223,627 | |
Gains from foreign currency transactions are to be treated as ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes.
The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the period ended June 30, 2008 were $113,668,228 and $155,809,228, respectively.
Note 6Stock Repurchase Program
Pursuant to authorization by the Board, the Fund began open market purchases of its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 1999 and has continued purchases in
24
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
each subsequent year. The principal purpose of the stock repurchase program is to enhance stockholder value by increasing the Funds net asset value per share without creating a meaningful adverse effect upon the Funds expense ratio. The Board had authorized the Fund to repurchase up to 500,000 shares during 2008. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Fund repurchased and retired 170,000 shares at an average price of $16.18 per share (including brokerage commissions) and a weighted average discount of 12.78%. These repurchases, which had a total cost of $2,731,037, resulted in an increase of $404,331 to the Funds net asset value. This gain is the result of the difference between the Funds net asset value and the price of the repurchase.
Note 7Line of Credit
The Fund has entered into a line of credit arrangement with the Custodian to be used for temporary purposes. The initial agreement expired on December 13, 2007 and, based on the Funds request, was renewed until December 13, 2008. The agreement provides that the Fund may borrow up to an aggregate amount not to exceed $45,000,000 at any one time outstanding. The Fund pays interest on the unpaid principal amount of each advance made to it from the day of such advance until such principal amount is paid in full. The interest is payable in arrears on demand, or if no demand has been made, on the last day of the interest period for such advance, pursuant to the agreement.
During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Fund did not draw on in its line of credit.
Note 8Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157.) This standard establishes a single authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to fair value measurements already required or permitted by existing standards. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The changes to current GAAP from the application of this Statement relate to the definition of fair value, the methods used to measure fair value, and the expanded disclosures about fair value measurements.
One key component of the implementation of SFAS 157 includes the development of a three-tier fair value hierarchy. The basis of the tiers is dependant upon the various inputs used to determine the value of the Funds investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1quoted prices in active markets for identical assets
Level 2other significant inputs (including quoted prices of similar securities, interest rates, prepayments speeds, credit risk, etc.)
Level 3significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Funds net assets as of June 30, 2008:
Valuation Inputs |
Investments In Securities | ||
Level 1Quoted Prices |
$ | 553,188,997 | |
Level 2Other Significant Observable Inputs |
| ||
Level 3Significant Unobservable |
5,286,150 | ||
Total Investments |
$ | 558,475,147 | |
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets (at either the beginning or the ending of the period) for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.
Investments In Securities | |||
Balance as of 12/31/2007 |
$ | 219,308 | |
Accrued Accretion/(Amortization) |
| ||
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation |
452,266 | ||
Net Purchase/(Sales) |
169,431 | ||
Transfers In/(Out) of Level 3 |
4,445,145 | ||
Balance as of 6/30/2008 |
$ | 5,286,150 | |
In March 2008, FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (FAS 161). FAS 161 requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for us-
25
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
ing derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. FAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of adopting FAS 161 and its impact on the financial statements and the accompanying notes.
Note
9Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement
At a meeting on May 22, 2008 the Funds Independent Directors met in executive session to consider the proposal to approve a renewal of the Funds Investment Advisory Agreement (the Agreement) with HCC. They carefully evaluated information that they deemed necessary to enable them to determine that the Agreement would be in the best interests of the Fund and its stockholders. Their evaluation included information concerning the Funds performance and expenses (including the fees paid to HCC for its services), the nature, extent and quality of the services HCC provided to the Fund, the financial position and profitability of HCC, and other benefits that HCC or its parent derived from managing the Fund. The Directors considered the possible impact of a recent court decision on board responsibilities on considering investment advisory agreements and after consultation with counsel determined that the decision, while interesting, was not a controlling precedent for their decision. They concluded they would continue to watch judicial developments and the industrys reaction to the existence of two somewhat conflicting decisions concerning Director responsibilities.
The Independent Directors reviewed the Funds investment performance, determining that the relevant measures should be in terms of its net asset value as measured in Swiss francs because the Funds portfolio securities and cash were denominated in Swiss francs and because, as a matter of policy, the Fund did not hedge its currency exposure. On that basis, the Independent Directors compared the Funds one- and three-year investment performance as well as its longer term performance with the Swiss Performance Index (SPI), with the performance of the Swiss iShares traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and with the performance of a peer group of equity investment funds of comparable or larger size managed by Swiss advisers with publicly available performance information. In comparing the Funds performance with the performance of the SPI, the Independent Directors considered the fact that, unlike the Fund, the performance of the SPI did not include the impact of any expenses. As a result of this evaluation, the Independent Directors concluded that, while the Fund had not performed as well as its benchmark for the first three months of 2008, its investments were consistent with its management philosophy and that the Fund had outperformed its benchmark and peer group for each of the nine years ended 2007 and for the cumulative period from December 31, 1996 to March 31, 2008. The Independent Directors determined that the Funds overall performance was very good.
While the Independent Directors noted the extent to which the market price per share of the Fund was lower than its net asset value per share, they determined that this was essentially unrelated to HCCs investment performance.
The Independent Directors also evaluated the fees HCC charged the Fund for investment advisory services as compared to the fees paid by U.S. registered closed-end European country funds. The Independent Directors determined that the fees paid to HCC, even when combined with the seven basis point administration fee paid to the Funds unaffiliated Administrator, were among the lowest in each group. The Independent Directors determined that the combined investment advisory fee and administration fee was also lower than the fees HCCs parent charged to its private advisory clients and to a Luxembourg-based fund it managed with similar investment objectives and strategies.
The Independent Directors separately considered the fees charged by HCC including breakpoints at various asset levels. They discussed the increase in the Funds net assets that had resulted from the 2007 rights offering, the related increase in advisory fees payable to HCC and where the new asset level had fallen on the breakpoint schedule. They noted that the breakpoints (which were voluntarily adjusted by HCC in 1995 to the benefit of the Fund) allowed the Fund to share in economies of scale as its asset base grew. They further noted that HCC had voluntarily offered to further adjust the breakpoints in its fees by introducing a new breakpoint of 0.45% of month-end net assets in excess of $800 million.
The Independent Directors evaluated the nature of the Fund, the creativity of HCC in developing the Funds investment
26
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (concluded)
strategies, and the complexity of the Swiss securities market. The Independent Directors acknowledged that the 2006 change in the Funds investment policies to permit investments in private equity and real estate and the need to invest the rights offering proceeds accordingly had required additional effort on the part of HCC. The Independent Directors determined that HCCs services to the Fund were highly professional and that the qualifications and number of HCC personnel, the availability of company research and market and financial information from HCCs parent in Switzerland, and the continuity of HCC personnel over time were all desirable factors. The Independent Directors considered that HCC had announced its intention to add to its staff, including expertise in health care, biotechnology and private equity investments.
The Independent Directors considered the financial condition of HCC, noting that the advisory fees it received from the Fund comprised the majority of its income. The Independent Directors concluded that HCCs financial condition was sound and that its profitability was reasonable for the services it provided to the Fund. The Independent Directors considered other benefits that HCC or its parent could be considered to derive from its relationship with the Fund including limited brokerage commissions from executing Fund transactions, the marketing value of the Funds performance in attracting other clients, and the cost benefits to HCC of soft dollar research and portfolio and financial information services. The Independent Directors determined that these benefits were relatively minor and did not affect their overall assessment of the reasonableness of the relationship.
Based on the evaluation of these factors and the assistance of independent legal counsel, the Independent Directors concluded that the Funds advisory fee rate, with the new breakpoint, was reasonable in relation to the service rendered by HCC and therefore approved the Agreement.
27
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Additional Information (Unaudited)
This report is sent to the stockholders of The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.
Results of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on May 22, 2008 shares were voted as follows on the proposals presented to the Stockholders:
1. To elect three Class II Directors to serve for a three year term were as follows:
Nominee |
For |
Withheld | ||
Paul R. Brenner, Esq. |
23,872,695 | 3,945,694 | ||
Didier Pineau-Valencienne |
23,812,702 | 4,005,676 | ||
Samuel B Witt, III |
23,817,299 | 3,999,090 |
2. To ratify the selection by the Board of Directors of Deloitte as the Funds independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 were as follows:
For |
Against |
Abstentions | ||
26,811,218 | 822,036 | 185,139 |
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-888-SWISS-00 and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds proxy voting record for the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge and upon request, by calling 1-888-SWISS-00 and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds Form N-Q is available, without charge and upon request, on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov or may be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.
Certifications
The Funds chief executive officer has certified to the NYSE, pursuant to the requirements of Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, that, as of May 23, 2008, he was not aware of any violation by the Fund of applicable NYSE corporate governance listing standards. The Funds reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form N-CSR and Form N-Q contain certifications by the Funds chief executive officer and chief financial officer as required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Act, including certifications regarding the quality of the Funds disclosures in such reports and certifications regarding the Funds disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors of the Fund and the Advisor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Codes). The Codes apply to the personal investing activities of various individuals including directors and officers of the Fund and designated officers, directors and employees of the Advisor. The provisions of the Codes place restrictions on individuals who are involved in
28
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Additional Information (Unaudited) (concluded)
managing the Funds portfolio, who help execute the portfolio managers decisions or who come into possession of contemporaneous information concerning the investment activities of the Fund.
The fundamental principle of the Codes is that the individuals covered by the Codes have a fiduciary responsibility to the Fund and its stockholders. They are therefore required at all times to place the interests of the Fund and the stockholders first and to conduct all personal securities transactions in a manner so as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or abuse of their position of trust.
Portfolio managers and other individuals with knowledge of Fund investment activities are prohibited from purchasing or selling a security during a blackout period of 30 calendar days before and after the date on which the Fund effects a trade in the same or a similar security. They are also prohibited from engaging in short term trading of Swiss equity or equity linked securities.
Additionally, the Funds portfolio managers are prohibited from participating in any initial public offering or private placement of Swiss equity and equity linked securities and other covered individuals must obtain prior clearance before doing so.
Any individual who violates the provisions of the Codes is required to reverse the transaction and to turn over any resulting profits to the Fund. The Fund and the Advisor have adopted compliance procedures and have appointed compliance officers to ensure that all covered individuals comply with the Codes.
29
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)
The Plan
The Funds Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan) offers a convenient way for you to reinvest capital gains distributions and ordinary income dividends, payable in whole or in part in cash, in additional shares of the Fund.
Some of the Plan features are:
| Once you enroll in the Plan, all of your future distributions and dividends payable in whole or in part in cash will be automatically reinvested in Fund shares in accordance with the terms of the Plan. |
| You will receive shares valued at the lower of the Funds net asset value or the Funds market price as described below. The entire amount of your distribution or dividend will be reinvested automatically in additional Fund shares. For any balance that is insufficient to purchase full shares of the Fund, your account will be credited with fractional shares. |
| Your shares will be held in an account with the Plan agent. You will be sent regular statements for your records. |
| You may terminate participation in the Plan at any time. |
The following are answers to frequently asked questions about the Plan.
How do I enroll in the Plan?
If you are holding certificates for your shares, contact American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (AST) at the address shown below. If your shares are held in a brokerage account, contact your broker. Not all brokerage firms permit their clients to participate in dividend reinvestment plans such as the Plan and, even if your brokerage firm does permit participation, you may not be able to transfer your Plan shares to another broker who does not permit participation. Your brokerage firm will be able to advise you about its policies.
How does the Plan work?
The cash portion of any dividends or distributions you receive, payable in whole or in part in cash, will be reinvested in shares of the Fund. The number of shares credited to your Plan account as a result of the reinvestment will depend upon the relationship between the Funds market price and its net asset value per share on the record date of the distribution or dividend, as described below:
| If the net asset value is greater than the market price (the Fund is trading at a discount), AST, as Plan Agent, will buy Fund shares for your account on the open market on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere. Your dividends or distributions will be reinvested at the average price AST pays for those purchases. |
| If the net asset value is equal to the market price (the Fund is trading at parity), the Fund will issue for your account new shares at net asset value. |
| If the net asset value is less than but within 95% of the market price (the Fund is trading at a premium of less than 5%), the Fund will issue for your account new shares at net asset value. |
| If the net asset value is less than 95% of the market price (the Fund is trading at a premium of 5% or more), the Fund will issue for your account new shares at 95% of the market price. |
If AST begins to buy Fund shares for your account at a discount to net asset value but, during the course of the purchases, the Funds market price increases to a level above the net asset
30
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited) (concluded)
value, AST will complete its purchases, even though the result may be that the average price paid for the purchases exceeds net asset value.
Will the entire amount of my distribution or dividend be reinvested?
The entire amount of your distribution or dividend, payable in cash, will be reinvested in additional Fund shares. If a balance remains after the purchase of whole shares, your account will be credited with any fractional shares (rounded to three decimal places) necessary to complete the reinvestment.
How can I sell my shares?
You can sell any or all of the shares in your Plan account by contacting AST. AST charges $15 for the transaction plus $.10 per share for this service. You can also withdraw your shares from your Plan account and sell them through your broker.
Does participation in the Plan change the tax status of my distributions or dividends?
No. The distributions and dividends are paid in cash and their taxability is the same as if you received the cash. It is only after the payment of distributions and dividends that AST reinvests the cash for your account.
Can I get certificates for the shares in the Plan?
AST will issue certificates for whole shares upon your request. Certificates for fractional shares will not be issued.
Is there any charge to participate in the Plan?
There is no charge to participate in the Plan. You will, however, pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to ASTs open market purchases of shares for your Plan account.
How can I discontinue my participation in the Plan?
Contact your broker or AST in writing. If your shares are in a Plan account, AST will send you a certificate for your whole shares and a check for any fractional shares.
Where can I direct my questions and correspondence?
Contact your broker, or contact AST as follows:
By mail:
American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company
PO Box 922
Wall Street Station
New York, NY 10269-0560
Through the Internet:
www.amstock.com
Through ASTs automated voice response System:
1-888-556-0425
AST will furnish you with a copy of the Terms and Conditions of the Plan without charge.
31
A Swiss Investments Fund
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Executive Offices
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
1270 Avenue of the Americas
Suite 400
New York, New York 10020
1-888-SWISS-00
(212) 332-2760
www.swz.com
THE SWISS
HELVETIA
FUND, INC.
www.swz.com
Semi-Annual Report
For the
Period Ended
June 30, 2008
Item 2. | Code of Ethics. |
Not applicable.
Item 3. | Audit Committee Financial Expert. |
Not applicable.
Item 4. | Principal Accountant Fees and Services. |
Not applicable.
Item 5. | Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. |
Not applicable.
Item 6. | Investments. |
Not applicable.
Item 7. | Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable
Item 8. | Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. |
Not applicable.
Item 9. | Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. |
Period |
(a) Total Number of Shares Purchased |
(b) Average Price Paid per Share |
(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs | ||||
01/01/08 - 01/31/08 |
500,000 | |||||||
02/01/08 - 02/29/08 |
500,000 | |||||||
03/01/08 - 03/31/08 |
43,500 | 16.3300 | 43,500 | 456,500 | ||||
04/01/08 - 04/30/08 |
72,500 | 16.2791 | 72,500 | 384,000 | ||||
05/01/08 - 05/31/08 |
18,700 | 16.1940 | 18,700 | 365,300 | ||||
06/01/08 - 06/30/08 |
35,300 | 15.5493 | 35,300 | 330,000 | ||||
Total |
170,000 | 16.1836 | 170,000 | 330,000 | ||||
Item 10. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
No material changes to procedures.
Item 11. | Controls and Procedures. |
(a) The registrants principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded, based on their evaluation of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures as conducted within 90 days of the filing date of this report, that these disclosure controls and procedures are adequately designed and are operating effectively to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant on Form N-CSR is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms.
(b) There were no changes in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. | Exhibits. |
(a)(1) | Not applicable | |
(a)(2) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) are attached hereto. | |
(a)(3) | Not applicable. | |
(b) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) are furnished herewith. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. | ||
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Rodolphe E. Hottinger | |
Rodolphe E. Hottinger | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Date 08/29/08
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Rodolphe E. Hottinger | |
Rodolphe E. Hottinger | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
Date 08/29/08
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Rudolf Millisits | |
Rudolf Millisits | ||
Chief Financial Officer |
Date 08/29/08