Washington, D.C. 20549
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc.
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
October 25, 2007
To Our Shareholders:
We present the Semi-Annual Report of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) for the six months ended August 31, 2007.
The Net Asset Value per share (“NAV”) of the Fund decreased by 7.4% during the six months. The Fund’s closing market price on the New York Stock Exchange was $10.57, representing a discount of 3.29% to the NAV of $10.93. The net assets of the Fund were $232,220,620 on August 31, 2007.
The Fund’s benchmark—the Russell/Nomura Small Cap™ Index (“R/N Small Cap Index”)—decreased by 8.9% in United States (“U.S.”) dollar terms. During the six months ended August 31, 2007, the Fund outperformed the R/N Small Cap Index by 1.5%. The R/N Small Cap Index declined by 10.8% in local currency terms for the six months ended August 31, 2007. The R/N Small Cap Index underperformed the broad Japanese stock market, the TOPIX, which declined by 8.2%, in local currency terms. The TOPIX, consisting of all companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (the “TSE”), decreased by 6.3% and the Nikkei Average Index, a price-weighted index of the 225 leading stocks on the TSE, decreased by 3.9% in U.S. dollar terms for the six months ended August 31, 2007. The Japanese yen (“Yen”) appreciated by 2.1% against the U.S. dollar during the period.
The Portfolio
Equity holdings represented 99.4% of the Fund’s net assets at August 31, 2007. The Fund held 108 portfolio companies, of which 85 were TSE First Section stocks, 12 were TSE Second Section stocks, 10 were JASDAQ stocks and one was other smaller capitalization stocks, comprising 81.1%, 9.2%, 8.6% and 0.5%, respectively, of net assets on August 31, 2007.
Stock attribution analysis shows that some holdings in the Services sector, such as AEON DELIGHT CO., Ltd. and MEIKO NETWORK JAPAN CO., Ltd., contributed to the relative performance. Stock holdings from other sectors, such as DTS CORPORATION, DOWA HOLDINGS CO., Ltd. and
TAIYO INK MANUFACTURING CO., Ltd., also added value to the portfolio. Some holdings in the Construction sector, such as SURUGA CORPORATION detracted from the relative return, as did some other stocks such as NITTAN VALVE CO., Ltd., MANI, INC. and RYOHIN KEIKAKU CO., Ltd..
Market Review
The Japanese small capitalization market remained almost unchanged over the period from March 2007 to June 2007. The global correction, which was initially triggered by a sharp decline in the Chinese A-share market, was later exacerbated by revelations of worsening problems in the U.S. subprime lending market that investors feared could have wider economic repercussions. Despite the recovery in global stock prices from the sharp downturn in late February, several local factors seemed to drain investor sentiment and caused the Japanese market to extend its underperformance through April. There were further indications that near-term domestic macroeconomic growth conditions were leveling off, while corporate management earnings forecasts were generally conservative— partly due to technical factors relating to changes in the tax code treatment of depreciation.
Although corporate earnings forecasts for fiscal year 2007 were generally weaker than the consensus estimates and exerted some downward pressure on the market, nascent signs emerged of a recovery in domestic macroeconomic growth. This provided some overall support for stocks through June and early July. Further weakening of the Japanese yen against other major currencies also worked in favor of the Japanese stock market, especially towards the end of June. Overseas investors were again net buyers of Japanese stocks in the wake of the Tokyo market's relatively subdued performance over the previous six months, and this helped to support stock prices.
Japanese stocks were resilient through the middle of July, but the looming concerns surrounding the U.S. subprime lending crisis later pushed investors towards safe havens, which put downward pressure on stock markets worldwide. Domestic macroeconomic conditions appeared to make no measurable progress, and indicators suggested that growth was waning and the economy had reached a plateau over the last couple of months. Earlier in August, as the extent of the subprime lending crisis in the U.S. became more apparent, credit market problems and the collapse of some hedge funds triggered steep declines in global stock prices. Meanwhile, from the middle of the month, announcements of monetary policy support for the credit markets from the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank succeeded in restoring some confidence among investors and provided solid support for the global market.
Outlook and Strategy
Possible repercussions from the credit market problems in the United States are still
being assessed. It is possible that a sudden downturn in the housing market is likely to have an impact on U.S. consumer spending, with implications for Japanese exporters, but the wide distribution of risk resulting from the securitization of mortgage debt could still have unpredictable consequences across the global financial markets. Despite the efforts of the Federal Reserve and the Euro-pean Central Bank to prevent a crisis of confidence in the credit markets, the Fund expects investors to remain cautious and the volatile investment environment to continue for the time being.
Any economic slowdown in the U.S. is likely to be offset by continuing growth elsewhere in the global economy, especially in the emerging regions. Since this is rapidly becoming the consensus view, however, the Fund expects these steady fundamentals to provide support rather than acting as a catalyst for a further stock market rally. The Fund upholds the view that steady economic growth in Japan is sustainable, as the long-term growth trend in capital spending continues, eventually to be accompanied by a return to growth in personal consumption as household incomes start to rise. Furthermore, despite domestic problems of its own, such as the lack of lending growth and narrow interest rate spreads, the Japanese financial sector appears to have limited exposure to the asset-backed commercial paper at the heart of the recent credit market turmoil in America and Europe.
Further support for the Japanese stock market could come from valuations. In the wake of the summer downturn, the average price-earnings ratio of the TOPIX has decreased to just 16 based on fiscal year 2007 projected earnings. This figure positions the market at the lower end of the medium term expected range and effectively eliminates Japan's valuation premium.
The Fund will consider this investment environment when making stock selection decisions, and intends to maintain its emphasis on stocks that can demonstrate relatively steady earnings growth, but that have remained undervalued thus far.
We appreciate your continuing support of your Fund.
| Sincerely, |
| |
| /s/ Shigeru Shinohara |
| |
| Shigeru Shinohara |
| President |
John F. Wallace The Board of Directors of the Fund regrets that one of its members, John F. Wallace, died October 13, 2007. Mr. Wallace served as a Director for 17 years and provided valuable leadership and guidance to the Board throughout his tenure. |
AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s Web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s Forms N-Q may also be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. |
PROXY VOTING A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-800-833-0018; and (2) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. Information about how the Fund voted proxies relating to securities held in the Fund’s portfolio during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is available (1) without charge, upon request, by calling toll-free 1-800-833-0018; and (2) on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. |
SHAREHOLDERS ACCOUNT INFORMATION Shareholders whose accounts are held in their own name may contact the Fund’s transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at (800) 426-5523 for information concerning their accounts. |
INTERNET WEBSITE Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. has established an Internet website which highlights its history, investment philosophy and process and products, which includes the Fund. The Internet web address is www.nomura.com. We invite you to view the Internet website. |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
FUND HIGHLIGHTS—AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
KEY STATISTICS | | | |
Net Assets | $232,220,620 | | |
Net Asset Value per Share | $10.93 | | |
Closing NYSE Market Price | $10.57 | | |
Percentage Change in Net Asset Value per Share*† | (7.4%) | | |
Percentage Change in NYSE Market Price*† | (18.6%) | | |
| | | |
MARKET INDICES | | | |
Percentage change in market indices:* | | | |
| YEN | | US$ |
Russell/Nomura Small Cap™ Index | (10.8%) | | (8.9%) |
TOPIX | (8.2%) | | (6.3%) |
Nikkei Average | (5.9%) | | (3.9%) |
*From March 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007 | | | |
†Reflects the percentage change in share price | | | |
| | | |
ASSET ALLOCATION | | | |
Japanese Equities | | | |
TSE First Section Stocks | | 81.1% | |
JASDAQ Stocks | | 8.6% | |
TSE Second Section Stocks | | 9.2% | |
Other Smaller Capitalization Stocks | | 0.5% | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | | 0.3% | |
Total Investments | | 99.7% | |
Other Assets less Liabilities, Net | | 0.3% | |
Net Assets | | 100.0% | |
INDUSTRY DIVERSIFICATION | | | | | | | |
| | % of Net Assets | | | | % of Net Assets | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing | | | 14.8 | | Wholesale | | | 3.4 | |
Services | | | 12.7 | | Telecommunications | | | 3.4 | |
Automotive Equipment and Parts | | | 10.3 | | Electric | | | 2.6 | |
Machinery and Machine Tools | | | 9.9 | | Food Manufacturing | | | 1.9 | |
Electronics | | | 7.5 | | Textiles and Apparel | | | 1.6 | |
Banks and Finance | | | 7.3 | | Oil and Gas | | | 1.3 | |
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals | | | 6.3 | | Transportation | | | 1.2 | |
Retail | | | 5.1 | | Restaurants | | | 0.8 | |
Information and Software | | | 4.6 | | Iron and Steel | | | 0.7 | |
Real Estate and Warehouse | | | 4.0 | | | | | | |
TEN LARGEST EQUITY HOLDINGS BY MARKET VALUE
| | Market | | | % of | |
Security | | Value | | | Net Assets | |
Nichias Corporation | | $ | 9,237,170 | | | | 4.0 | |
Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. | | | 6,681,998 | | | | 2.9 | |
Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd. | | | 6,526,436 | | | | 2.8 | |
Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd. | | | 6,403,211 | | | | 2.8 | |
Aeon Delight Co., Ltd. | | | 6,108,680 | | | | 2.6 | |
Kansai Urban Banking Corporation | | | 4,570,348 | | | | 2.0 | |
Suruga Corporation | | | 4,469,351 | | | | 1.9 | |
Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. | | | 4,397,410 | | | | 1.9 | |
Eagle Industry Co., Ltd. | | | 4,233,251 | | | | 1.8 | |
Disco Corporation | | | 4,214,260 | | | | 1.8 | |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | | | | | Market | | | Net | |
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Assets | |
EQUITY SECURITIES | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Automotive Equipment and Parts | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Eagle Industry Co., Ltd. | | | 369,000 | | | $ | 3,789,191 | | | $ | 4,233,251 | | | | 1.8 | |
Valves and mechanical seals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
EXEDY Corporation | | | 105,200 | | | | 2,681,027 | | | | 3,051,250 | | | | 1.3 | |
Drivetrain products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd. | | | 253,600 | | | | 5,820,888 | | | | 6,403,211 | | | | 2.8 | |
Exhaust system parts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 239,000 | | | | 2,829,072 | | | | 2,702,663 | | | | 1.1 | |
Lighting equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nittan Valve Co., Ltd. | | | 344,200 | | | | 2,944,938 | | | | 2,195,725 | | | | 1.0 | |
Engine valves | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Teikoku Piston Ring Co., Ltd. | | | 120,300 | | | | 1,160,223 | | | | 934,611 | | | | 0.4 | |
Piston rings and cylinder liners | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tokai Rika Co., Ltd. | | | 163,800 | | | | 4,035,518 | | | | 4,397,410 | | | | 1.9 | |
Electronic parts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Automotive Equipment and Parts | | | | | | | 23,260,857 | | | | 23,918,121 | | | | 10.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Banks and Finance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Aichi Bank, Ltd. | | | 11,100 | | | | 1,211,277 | | | | 1,115,318 | | | | 0.5 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aizawa Securities Co., Ltd. | | | 167,400 | | | | 1,768,044 | | | | 1,228,279 | | | | 0.5 | |
Financial services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Bank of Iwate, Ltd. | | | 21,900 | | | | 1,276,298 | | | | 1,249,592 | | | | 0.5 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Hachijuni Bank, Ltd. | | | 348,000 | | | | 2,588,690 | | | | 2,691,597 | | | | 1.2 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iwai Securities Co., Ltd. | | | 151,300 | | | | 3,806,363 | | | | 1,917,290 | | | | 0.8 | |
Financial services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kansai Urban Banking Corporation | | | 1,386,000 | | | | 5,407,813 | | | | 4,570,348 | | | | 2.0 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The Mie Bank, Ltd. | | | 240,000 | | | | 1,196,664 | | | | 1,182,960 | | | | 0.5 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The San-in Godo Bank, Ltd. | | | 213,000 | | | | 2,001,743 | | | | 1,737,537 | | | | 0.8 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sapporo Hokuyo Holdings, Inc. | | | 118 | | | | 1,096,704 | | | | 1,263,067 | | | | 0.5 | |
General banking services | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Banks and Finance | | | | | | | 20,353,596 | | | | 16,955,988 | | | | 7.3 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—Continued
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | | | | | Market | | | Net | |
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Assets | |
Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | | | 433,000 | | | $ | 1,844,327 | | | $ | 2,209,012 | | | | 1.0 | |
Chemical manufacturer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | | 143,500 | | | | 3,997,820 | | | | 3,939,143 | | | | 1.7 | |
Salonpas brand pharmaceuticals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Koatsu Gas Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 218,000 | | | | 1,223,320 | | | | 1,353,032 | | | | 0.6 | |
High-pressured gases and chemicals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd. | | | 93,000 | | | | 1,154,135 | | | | 1,164,055 | | | | 0.5 | |
Chemical producer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sakata Inx Corporation | | | 232,000 | | | | 1,287,097 | | | | 1,231,646 | | | | 0.5 | |
Printing inks | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taiyo Ink Mfg Co., Ltd. | | | 88,100 | | | | 2,377,463 | | | | 2,502,042 | | | | 1.1 | |
Resist inks for printed circuit boards | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. | | | 42,400 | | | | 1,298,516 | | | | 2,126,497 | | | | 0.9 | |
Generic medicine | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals | | | | | | | 13,182,678 | | | | 14,525,427 | | | | 6.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electric | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mirai Co., Ltd. | | | 271,600 | | | | 2,603,714 | | | | 3,458,155 | | | | 1.5 | |
Plastic molded electric materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SMK Corporation | | | 347,000 | | | | 2,399,805 | | | | 2,588,010 | | | | 1.1 | |
Switches and connectors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Electric | | | | | | | 5,003,519 | | | | 6,046,165 | | | | 2.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Electronics | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daishinku Corp. | | | 427,000 | | | | 2,581,311 | | | | 2,838,189 | | | | 1.2 | |
Monolithic crystal filters | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Enplas Corporation | | | 128,500 | | | | 1,984,281 | | | | 1,853,541 | | | | 0.8 | |
Electronic plastic products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Espec Corp. | | | 150,500 | | | | 2,007,455 | | | | 1,795,425 | | | | 0.8 | |
Meteorological testing devices | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iriso Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | 48,500 | | | | 1,692,877 | | | | 1,172,256 | | | | 0.4 | |
Electronic connectors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
JEOL Ltd. | | | 207,000 | | | | 1,268,749 | | | | 922,025 | | | | 0.4 | |
Electronic optics instruments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kanaden Corporation | | | 31,000 | | | | 199,824 | | | | 185,446 | | | | 0.1 | |
Components and devices | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Macnica, Inc. | | | 93,700 | | | | 2,757,685 | | | | 2,329,457 | | | | 1.0 | |
Semiconductors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Roland Corporation | | | 70,700 | | | | 1,673,836 | | | | 1,898,028 | | | | 0.8 | |
Keyboards and synthesizers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sanshin Electronics Co., Ltd. | | | 169,300 | | | | 2,162,564 | | | | 2,389,447 | | | | 1.0 | |
Semiconductors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—Continued
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | | | | | Market | | | Net | |
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Assets | |
Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | | | 261,000 | | | $ | 1,192,499 | | | $ | 1,076,939 | | | | 0.5 | |
Semiconductor equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tomen Devices Corporation | | | 59,600 | | | | 1,243,523 | | | | 1,039,251 | | | | 0.5 | |
Semiconductors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Electronics | | | | | | | 18,764,604 | | | | 17,500,004 | | | | 7.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Food Manufacturing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DyDo Drinco, Inc. | | | 27,600 | | | | 1,061,691 | | | | 1,088,800 | | | | 0.4 | |
Coffee, green tea and other beverages | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ozeki Co., Ltd. | | | 119,600 | | | | 3,487,592 | | | | 3,375,994 | | | | 1.5 | |
Supermarket chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Food Manufacturing | | | | | | | 4,549,283 | | | | 4,464,794 | | | | 1.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Information and Software | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daiwabo Information System Co., Ltd. | | | 129,000 | | | | 1,758,160 | | | | 1,612,430 | | | | 0.7 | |
Information system and software | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fujitsu Business Systems, Ltd. | | | 73,900 | | | | 1,192,883 | | | | 1,224,809 | | | | 0.5 | |
Business systems network | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sorun Corporation | | | 558,700 | | | | 4,330,752 | | | | 3,872,727 | | | | 1.7 | |
Computer software development | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SRA Holdings, Inc. | | | 246,100 | | | | 3,178,424 | | | | 3,866,390 | | | | 1.7 | |
Business application software | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Information and Software | | | | | | | 10,460,219 | | | | 10,576,356 | | | | 4.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iron and Steel | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Osaka Steel Co., Ltd. | | | 93,700 | | | | 1,729,670 | | | | 1,596,649 | | | | 0.7 | |
Electric furnace steelmaker | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Machinery and Machine Tools | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Disco Corporation | | | 71,900 | | | | 4,566,437 | | | | 4,214,260 | | | | 1.8 | |
Cutting and grinding industrial machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. | | | 81,100 | | | | 2,072,643 | | | | 2,856,299 | | | | 1.2 | |
Construction machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kato Works Co., Ltd. | | | 331,000 | | | | 1,357,892 | | | | 1,837,222 | | | | 0.8 | |
Construction and industrial machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Makino Milling Machine Co., Ltd. | | | 175,000 | | | | 2,115,266 | | | | 1,824,852 | | | | 0.8 | |
Industrial machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nippei Toyama Corporation | | | 116,000 | | | | 1,235,774 | | | | 986,318 | | | | 0.4 | |
Industrial machinery | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NS Tool Co., Ltd. | | | 7,300 | | | | 390,403 | | | | 294,911 | | | | 0.1 | |
Industrial cutting tools | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
O-M Ltd. | | | 265,000 | | | | 1,340,202 | | | | 2,058,785 | | | | 0.9 | |
Automatic packaging equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—Continued
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | | | | | Market | | | Net | |
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Assets | |
Sanyo Denki Co., Ltd. | | | 234,000 | | | $ | 1,763,362 | | | $ | 1,337,201 | | | | 0.6 | |
Small precision motors | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senshu Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 38,400 | | | | 967,268 | | | | 855,212 | | | | 0.4 | |
Electric wire and cables | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 84,700 | | | | 1,200,762 | | | | 1,145,711 | | | | 0.5 | |
Metal forgings | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yamatake Corporation | | | 101,400 | | | | 2,505,062 | | | | 3,299,909 | | | | 1.4 | |
Industrial automation equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yuken Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 626,000 | | | | 2,226,520 | | | | 2,226,354 | | | | 1.0 | |
Hydraulic equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Machinery and Machine Tools | | | | | | | 21,741,591 | | | | 22,937,034 | | | | 9.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dainichi Co., Ltd. | | | 87,800 | | | | 827,223 | | | | 681,360 | | | | 0.3 | |
Oil heating equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dowa Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 346,000 | | | | 3,392,928 | | | | 3,864,854 | | | | 1.7 | |
Various metal-related products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fujikura, Ltd. | | | 385,000 | | | | 2,610,849 | | | | 2,289,827 | | | | 0.9 | |
Wires and cables | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fujikura Rubber, Ltd. | | | 23,300 | | | | 174,808 | | | | 154,066 | | | | 0.1 | |
Rubber products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fujimi Incorporated | | | 85,600 | | | | 2,110,396 | | | | 2,009,859 | | | | 0.8 | |
Silicon wafer polishing materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. | | | 78,000 | | | | 967,882 | | | | 976,305 | | | | 0.4 | |
Marine equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Japan Digital Laboratory Co., Ltd. | | | 76,200 | | | | 965,088 | | | | 990,610 | | | | 0.4 | |
Computers for accounting and financial use | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd. | | | 480,000 | | | | 2,193,043 | | | | 1,632,526 | | | | 0.6 | |
Passenger trains | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mani, Inc. | | | 52,200 | | | | 1,609,130 | | | | 2,748,673 | | | | 1.2 | |
Medical goods and equipment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. | | | 9,100 | | | | 128,875 | | | | 114,923 | | | | 0.1 | |
Writing instruments | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nichias Corporation | | | 880,000 | | | | 5,682,632 | | | | 9,237,170 | | | | 4.0 | |
Building and construction materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nichiha Corporation | | | 30,400 | | | | 549,820 | | | | 342,458 | | | | 0.2 | |
Ceramic exterior walls and fiber boards | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sanyo Special Steel Co., Ltd. | | | 279,000 | | | | 1,866,844 | | | | 2,331,322 | | | | 1.0 | |
Specialty steel products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Takiron Co., Ltd. | | | 112,000 | | | | 393,509 | | | | 348,051 | | | | 0.2 | |
Construction materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—Continued
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | | | | | Market | | | Net | |
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Assets | |
Tokai Rubber Industries | | | 359,200 | | | $ | 5,670,667 | | | $ | 6,681,998 | | | | 2.9 | |
Rubber and plastic products | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Miscellaneous Manufacturing | | | | | | | 29,143,694 | | | | 34,404,002 | | | | 14.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Oil and Gas | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
AOC Holdings, Inc. | | | 202,700 | | | | 3,154,340 | | | | 2,965,829 | | | | 1.3 | |
Refines crude oil, natural gas and minerals | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Real Estate and Warehouse | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daibiru Corporation | | | 259,700 | | | | 2,493,469 | | | | 3,201,274 | | | | 1.4 | |
Leases office buildings, apartments and hotels | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
First Juken Co., Ltd. | | | 41,500 | | | | 403,751 | | | | 215,301 | | | | 0.1 | |
Residential buildings | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Noel Co., Ltd. | | | 534 | | | | 1,281,305 | | | | 590,030 | | | | 0.2 | |
Maintains real estate property | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sanyo Housing Nagoya Co., Ltd. | | | 505 | | | | 732,126 | | | | 640,813 | | | | 0.3 | |
Interior and exterior design | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Suruga Corporation | | | 253,800 | | | | 5,703,228 | | | | 4,469,351 | | | | 1.9 | |
Multi-unit commercial and residential building | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Takara Leben Co., Ltd. | | | 25,300 | | | | 353,469 | | | | 229,097 | | | | 0.1 | |
Condominiums | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Real Estate and Warehouse | | | | | | | 10,967,348 | | | | 9,345,866 | | | | 4.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Restaurants | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hiday Hidaka Corp. | | | 222,100 | | | | 1,981,615 | | | | 2,049,505 | | | | 0.8 | |
Chinese restaurant chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Retail | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cawachi Limited | | | 27,800 | | | | 823,293 | | | | 770,323 | | | | 0.3 | |
Drug store chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Felissimo Corporation | | | 60,200 | | | | 1,750,732 | | | | 1,088,687 | | | | 0.5 | |
Catalog shopping | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
IK Co., Ltd. | | | 891 | | | | 1,129,201 | | | | 742,212 | | | | 0.3 | |
Used motorcycles dealer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Seijo Corporation | | | 56,800 | | | | 1,305,866 | | | | 1,272,355 | | | | 0.5 | |
Drug store chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shimamura Co., Ltd. | | | 36,300 | | | | 3,540,257 | | | | 3,365,376 | | | | 1.5 | |
Clothing chain | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Village Vanguard Co., Ltd. | | | 452 | | | | 2,484,059 | | | | 2,071,837 | | | | 0.9 | |
Books, cd’s, videos and office supplies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yaoko Co., Ltd. | | | 96,200 | | | | 2,295,147 | | | | 2,458,043 | | | | 1.1 | |
Supermarkets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Retail | | | | | | | 13,328,555 | | | | 11,768,833 | | | | 5.1 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—Continued
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | | | | | | | | | | % of | |
| | | | | | | | Market | | | Net | |
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Value | | | Assets | |
Services | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Aeon Delight Co., Ltd. | | | 172,600 | | | $ | 3,878,007 | | | $ | 6,108,680 | | | | 2.6 | |
Building management | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Asahi Net, Inc. | | | 206,000 | | | | 678,270 | | | | 517,467 | | | | 0.2 | |
Internet access | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Chintai Corporation | | | 2,227 | | | | 1,858,376 | | | | 1,007,336 | | | | 0.5 | |
Real estate information magazines | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
DTS Corporation | | | 93,200 | | | | 3,314,244 | | | | 3,298,546 | | | | 1.4 | |
System and network engineering | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Human Holdings Co., Ltd. | | | 485 | | | | 810,302 | | | | 281,341 | | | | 0.1 | |
Exam preparation classes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Maeda Corporation | | | 293,000 | | | | 1,351,304 | | | | 1,130,571 | | | | 0.5 | |
General contractor | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Meiko Network Japan Co., Ltd. | | | 568,700 | | | | 3,205,585 | | | | 3,264,582 | | | | 1.4 | |
Private schools and academic tutoring | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nippo Corporation | | | 293,000 | | | | 2,337,173 | | | | 2,311,727 | | | | 1.0 | |
Heavy construction | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nissay Dowa General Insurance Company, Limited | | | 216,000 | | | | 1,229,322 | | | | 1,288,412 | | | | 0.6 | |
Automobile, fire, accident, and marine insurance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Relo Holdings, Inc. | | | 59,000 | | | | 1,182,242 | | | | 1,196,858 | | | | 0.5 | |
Housing maintenance | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Resorttrust, Inc. | | | 97,700 | | | | 2,271,350 | | | | 2,146,541 | | | | 0.9 | |
Timeshare resort hotels | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Tempstaff Co., Ltd. | | | 2,049 | | | | 3,162,781 | | | | 2,741,551 | | | | 1.2 | |
Employment and outsourcing | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Totetsu Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 89,000 | | | | 573,925 | | | | 551,616 | | | | 0.2 | |
Civil engineering work | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yahagi Construction Co., Ltd. | | | 540,000 | | | | 3,175,552 | | | | 2,023,048 | | | | 0.9 | |
General contractor | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Yoshimoto Kogyo Co., Ltd. | | | 113,600 | | | | 1,729,473 | | | | 1,651,365 | | | | 0.7 | |
Television and radio producer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Services | | | | | | | 30,757,906 | | | | 29,519,641 | | | | 12.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Telecommunications | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Daimei Telecom Engineering Corp. | | | 120,000 | | | | 1,297,772 | | | | 1,311,408 | | | | 0.6 | |
Wire installations and related works | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jupiter Telecommunications Co., Ltd.† | | | 8,495 | | | | 6,453,413 | | | | 6,526,436 | | | | 2.8 | |
Cable television broadcasting | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Telecommunications | | | | | | | 7,751,185 | | | | 7,837,844 | | | | 3.4 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS—Continued
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
| | Shares | | | Cost | | | Market Value | | | % of Net Assets | |
Textiles and Apparel | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Workman Co., Ltd. | | | 90,900 | | | $ | 1,968,253 | | | $ | 3,844,879 | | | | 1.6 | |
Uniforms | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Transportation | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Alps Logistics Co., Ltd.. | | | 108,100 | | | | 1,173,720 | | | | 1,286,805 | | | | 0.6 | |
Trucking | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Iino Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd.. | | | 115,200 | | | | 1,038,021 | | | | 1,462,810 | | | | 0.6 | |
Oil tankers | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Transportation | | | | | | | 2,211,741 | | | | 2,749,615 | | | | 1.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Wholesale | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Kondotec, Inc. | | | 244,500 | | | | 1,949,575 | | | | 2,032,487 | | | | 0.9 | |
Construction materials | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nagase & Company, Ltd. | | | 318,000 | | | | 4,037,450 | | | | 3,865,027 | | | | 1.7 | |
Dyestuff | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Ryoden Trading Company, Ltd. | | | 242,000 | | | | 1,814,081 | | | | 1,873,831 | | | | 0.8 | |
Electronic components. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | 7,801,106 | | | | 7,771,345 | | | | 3.4 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN EQUITY SECURITIES | | | | | | $ | 228,111,760 | | | $ | 230,777,897 | | | | 99.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hong Kong Shanghai Bank-Tokyo | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Non-interest bearing account | JPY 73,955,719 | | | $ | 638,402 | | | $ | 638,402 | | | | 0.3 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN CURRENCY | | | | | | $ | 638,402 | | | $ | 638,402 | | | | 0.3 | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS | | | | | | $ | 228,750,162 | | | $ | 231,416,299 | | | | 99.7 | |
OTHER ASSETS LESS LIABILITIES, NET | | | | | | | | | | | 804,321 | | | | 0.3 | |
NET ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | $ | 232,220,620 | | | | 100.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
† Non-income producing security.
Portfolio securities and foreign currency holdings were translated at the following exchange rate as of August 31, 2007.
Japanese Yen JPY ¥ 115.85 = $1.00
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
ASSETS: | | | |
Investments in securities, at market value (cost—$228,111,760) | | $ | 230,777,897 | |
Investments in foreign currency, at market value (cost—$638,402) | | | 638,402 | |
Receivable for investments sold | | | 1,565,377 | |
Receivable for dividends and interest, net of withholding taxes | | | 170,566 | |
Prepaid expenses | | | 39,852 | |
Cash or cash equivalents | | | 232,934 | |
Total Assets | | | 233,425,028 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES: | | | | |
Payable for investments purchased | | | 763,730 | |
Accrued management fees | | | 189,236 | |
Other accrued expenses | | | 251,442 | |
Total Liabilities | | | 1,204,408 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | |
Capital stock (par value of 21,242,170 shares of capital stock outstanding, authorized | | | | |
100,000,000, par value $0.10 each) | | | 2,124,217 | |
Paid-in capital | | | 236,685,938 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions | | | (9,331,074 | ) |
Unrealized net appreciation on investments and foreign exchange | | | 2,665,085 | |
Accumulated net investment income | | | 76,454 | |
Net Assets | | $ | 232,220,620 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 10.93 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
INCOME: | | | | | | |
Dividend income (less $126,906 withholding taxes) | | $ | 1,686,034 | | | | |
Interest income | | | 9,913 | | | | |
Total Income | | | | | | $ | 1,695,947 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
EXPENSES: | | | | | | | | |
Management fees | | | 1,125,254 | | | | | |
Custodian fees | | | 214,805 | | | | | |
Legal fees | | | 70,895 | | | | | |
Directors’ fees and expenses | | | 65,568 | | | | | |
Auditing and tax reporting fees | | | 48,080 | | | | | |
Shareholder reports | | | 32,649 | | | | | |
Registration fees | | | 25,482 | | | | | |
Annual meeting expenses | | | 16,192 | | | | | |
Miscellaneous fees | | | 7,544 | | | | | |
Transfer agency fees | | | 6,624 | | | | | |
Insurance | | | 6,400 | | | | | |
Total Expenses | | | | | | | 1,619,493 | |
INVESTMENT INCOME—NET | | | | | | | 76,454 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: | | | | | |
Realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency transactions: | | | | | | | | |
Net realized loss on investments | | | | | | | (5,484,955 | ) |
Net realized loss on foreign exchange | | | | | | | (57,027 | ) |
Net realized loss on investments and foreign exchange | | | | | | | (5,541,982 | ) |
Change in net unrealized appreciation on translation of foreign currency | | | | | | | | |
and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency | | | | | | | 6,532,080 | |
Change in net unrealized depreciation on investments | | | | | | | (19,449,672 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized loss on investments and foreign exchange | | | | | | | (18,459,574 | ) |
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | | | | | $ | (18,383,120 | ) |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
| | For the Six | | | | |
| | | | | For the Year |
| | August 31, | | | |
| | 2007 | | | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | 2007 |
| | | | | | |
FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Net investment income (loss) | | $ | 76,454 | | | $ | (536,696 | ) |
Net realized gain (loss) on investments | | | (5,484,955 | ) | | | 13,228,041 | |
Net realized loss on foreign exchange | | | (57,027 | ) | | | (109,655 | ) |
Change in net unrealized depreciation on investments | | | | | | | | |
and foreign exchange | | | (12,917,592 | ) | | | (50,309,049 | ) |
Decrease in net assets derived from investment activities and | | | | | | | | |
net decrease in net assets | | | (18,383,120 | ) | | | (37,727,359 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FROM CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | |
Reinvestment of 113,658 shares | | | 0 | | | | 1,432,387 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions | | | 0 | | | | 1,432,387 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | |
From net capital gains | | | 0 | | | | (35,126,187 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Decrease in net assets | | | 0 | | | | (35,126,187 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of period | | | 250,603,740 | | | | 322,024,899 | |
End of period (including accumulated net investment income of | | | | | | | | |
$76,454 in 2007) | | $ | 232,220,620 | | | $ | 250,603,740 | |
See notes to financial statements
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
August 31, 2007 (Unaudited)
1. | Significant Accounting Policies |
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on January 25, 1990 and investment operations commenced on March 21,1990. The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
(a) Valuation of Securities—Investments traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the last reported sales price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or, if none is available, at the mean of the bid and offer price at the close of business on such day or, if none is available, the last reported sales price. Portfolio securities which are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sales price on the principal market on which securities are traded or lacking any sales, at the last available bid price. Short-term debt securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if their original maturity at the date of purchase was 60 days or less, or by amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity if their term to maturity at the date of purchase exceeded 60 days. Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund.
(b) Foreign Currency Transactions—Transactions denominated in Japanese yen (“Yen”) are recorded in the Fund’s records at the current prevailing rate at the time of the transaction. Asset and liability accounts that are denominated in Yen are adjusted to reflect the current exchange rate at the end of the period. Transaction gains or losses resulting from changes in the exchange rate during the reporting period or upon settlement of foreign currency transactions are included in operations for the current period.
The net assets of the Fund are presented at the exchange rate and market values at the end of the period. The Fund does not isolate that portion of the change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) included in the statement of operations arising as a result of changes in Yen rates at August 31, 2007 on investments and other assets and liabilities. Net realized foreign exchange gains or losses includes gains or losses arising from sales of portfolio securities, sales and maturities of short-term securities, currency gains or losses realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest, and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or paid.
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
(c) Security Transactions, Investment Income and Distributions to Shareholders — Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Dividend income and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are calculated on the first in—first out basis.
Distributions from net investment income and net realized gains are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles. To the extent these “book/tax” differences are permanent in nature (i.e., that they result from other than timing of recognition—“temporary”), such accounts are reclassified within the capital accounts based on their Federal tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and distributions which exceed net realized gains for financial reporting purposes, but not for tax purposes, are reported as distributions in excess of net realized gains.
(d) Income Taxes — A provision for United States income taxes has not been made since it is the intention of the Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code and to distribute within the allowable time limit all taxable income to its shareholders.
Under Japanese tax laws, a withholding tax is imposed on dividends at a rate of 7% (7% effective 1/1/04 to 3/31/08) and on interest at a rate of 10% and such withholding taxes are reflected as a reduction of the related revenue. There is no withholding tax on realized gains.
At February 28, 2007, the components of accumulated earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Accumulated capital and other | | | |
loss deferrals | | $ | (3,661,505 | ) |
Unrealized appreciation on | | | | |
investments | | | 15,455,090 | |
Total accumulated earnings | | $ | 11,793,585 | |
The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal years ended February 28, 2007 and February 28, 2006 were as follows:
| | February-07 | | | February-06 | |
Ordinary Income | | $ | 1,127,165 | | | | — | |
Capital Gains | | $ | 33,999,022 | | | | — | |
In accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations, the Fund has elected to defer $3,578,679 and $82,826 of net realized capital and currency losses, respectively, arising after October 31, 2006. Such losses are treated for tax purposes as arising on March 1, 2007.
(e) Capital Account Reclassification — For the year ended February 28, 2007, the Fund’s accumulated net investment loss was decreased by $453,870, the accumulated net realized loss was $360,758 and paid in capi-
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
tal was decreased by $814,628. This adjustment was primarily the result of the reclassification of foreign currency gains and the net operating loss. These differences were primarily due to the result of the reclassification of foreign currency gains, taxable overdistributions and the net operating losses.
(f) Use of Estimates in Financial Statement Preparation — The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
(g) Concentration of Risk — A significant portion of the Fund’s net assets consists of Japanese securities which involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with investments in the United States. In addition to the smaller size, and greater volatility, there is often substantially less publicly available information about Japanese issuers than there is about U.S. issuers. Future economic and political developments in Japan could adversely affect the value of securities in which the Fund is invested. Further, the Fund may be exposed to currency devaluation and other exchange rate fluctuations.
(h) Indemnifications—Under the Fund’s organizational documents, its officers and directors are indemnified against certain liabilities arising from the performance of their duties to the Fund. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of representations which provide general indemnifications. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these agreements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
2. | Management Agreement and Transactions With Affiliated Persons |
Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. (the “Manager”) acts as the manager of the Fund pursuant to a management agreement. Under the agreement, the Manager provides all office space, facilities and personnel necessary to perform its duties. Pursuant to such management agreement, the Manager has retained its parent company, Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.. (the “Investment Adviser”), to act as investment adviser for the Fund.
As compensation for its services to the Fund, the Manager receives a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.10% of the value of the Fund’s average weekly net assets not in excess of $50 million, 1.00% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $50
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
million but not exceeding $100 million, .90% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $100 million but not exceeding $175 million, .80% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $175 million but not exceeding $250 million, .70% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $250 million but not exceeding $325 million, .60% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $325 million, but not exceeding $425 million and .50% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets in excess of $425 million. Under the Management Agreement, the Fund accrued fees to the Manager of $1,125,254 for the six months ended August 31, 2007. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Manager informed the Fund that the Investment Adviser earned fees of $491,486 for the six months ended August 31, 2007. At August 31, 2007, the fee payable to the Manager, by the Fund, was $189,236.
Certain officers and/or directors of the Fund are officers and/or directors of the Manager. Affiliates of Nomura Holdings, Inc. (the Manager’s indirect parent) earned no commissions on the execution of portfolio security transactions for the six months ended August 31, 2007. The Fund pays each Director not affiliated with the Manager an annual fee of $10,000 plus $1,000 per meeting attended, together with such Director’s actual expenses related to attendance at meetings. Mr. Barker who had been designated by the Directors not affiliated with the Manager to serve as lead Director, is paid an additional annual fee of $5,000. Such fees and expenses for unaffiliated Directors aggregated $65,568 for the six months ended August 31, 2007.
3. | Purchases and Sales of Investments |
Purchases and sales of investments, exclusive of investments in foreign currencies and short-term securities, for the six months ended August 31, 2007 were $68,475,839 and $67,998,455, respectively.
As of August 31, 2007, net unrealized appreciation on investments, exclusive of investments in foreign currency and short-term securities, for Federal income tax purposes was $2,666,137 of which $21,380,210 related to appreciated securities and $18,714,073 related to depreciated securities. The aggregate cost of investments, exclusive of investments in foreign currencies of $638,402, at August 31, 2007 for Federal income tax purposes was $228,111,760.
4. | Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) released FASB Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for how uncertain tax posi-
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued
(Unaudited)
tions should be recognized, measured, presented and disclosed in the financial statements. FIN 48 requires the evaluation of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in the course of preparing the Fund’s tax returns to determine whether the tax positions are “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Tax positions not deemed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold would be recorded as a tax benefit or expense in the current year. Adoption of FIN 48 is required for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006 and is to be applied to all open tax years as of the effective date. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FIN 48 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
On September 20, 2006, the FASB released Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements” (“FAS 157”). FAS 157 establishes an authoritative definition of fair value, sets out a framework for measuring fair value, and requires additional disclosures about fair value measurements. The application of FAS 157 is required for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. At this time, management is evaluating the implications of FAS 157 and its impact on the financial statements has not yet been determined.
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected per share data and ratios for a share of common stock outstanding throughout the period.
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | August 31, 2007 | | | February 28, | | | February 29, | | | February 28, | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | 2005 | | | 2004 | | | 2003 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | | $ | 11.80 | | | $ | 15.24 | | | $ | 11.59 | | | $ | 9.40 | | | $ | 5.74 | | | $ | 5.86 | |
Net investment income (loss)@ | | | 0.00# | | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) | | | (0.06 | ) | | | (0.03 | ) | | | (0.05 | ) |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
on investments and foreign currency | | | (0.87 | ) | | | (1.75 | ) | | | 4.14 | | | | 2.25 | | | | 3.69 | | | | (0.07 | ) |
Total from investment operations | | | (0.87 | ) | | | (1.78 | ) | | | 4.09 | | | | 2.19 | | | | 3.66 | | | | (0.12 | ) |
Distributions from net realized capital gains | | | — | | | | (1.66 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Fund Share Transactions | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dilutive effect of Rights Offering* | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Offering costs charged to paid-in capital in | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
excess of par | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.22 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Total Fund share transactions | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.44 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net asset value, end of period | | $ | 10.93 | | | $ | 11.80 | | | $ | 15.24 | | | $ | 11.59 | | | $ | 9.40 | | | $ | 5.74 | |
Market value, end of period | | $ | 10.57 | | | $ | 12.98 | | | $ | 15.75 | | | $ | 12.20 | | | $ | 10.79 | | | $ | 6.38 | |
Total investment return† | | | (18.6 | %) | | | (6.4 | %) | | | 29.1 | % | | | 13.1 | % | | | 69.1 | % | | | 15.4 | % |
Ratio to average net assets/supplemental data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of period (in 000) | | $ | 232,221 | | | $ | 250,604 | | | $ | 322,025 | | | $ | 183,717 | | | $ | 149,012 | | | $ | 90,930 | |
Operating expenses | | | 1.33 | %** | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.32 | % | | | 1.54 | % | | | 1.47 | % | | | 1.63 | % |
Net investment income (loss) | | | 0.06 | %** | | | (0.19 | %) | | | (0.37 | %) | | | (0.57 | %) | | | (0.41 | %) | | | (0.75 | %) |
Portfolio turnover | | | 29 | % | | | 86 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 86 | % | | | 28 | % | | | 28 | % |
† | Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of income dividends and long term capital gain distributions, and capital share transactions. Total return does not reflect sales commissions. |
@ | Based on average shares outstanding. |
* | Decrease is due to the Rights Offering. |
# | Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. |
JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
Board Review of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements
The Board of Directors of the Fund (the “Board”) consists of six directors, five of whom are independent or non-interested, directors (the “Independent Directors”). The Board considers matters relating to the Fund's management and investment advisory agreements throughout the year. On an annual basis, the Board specifically considers whether to approve the continuance of these agreements for an additional one-year period. The specific agreements (the “Agreements”) consist of the Fund’s management agreement with Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. (the “Manager”) and the investment advisory agreement between the Manager and its parent, Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.. (the “Investment Adviser”).
The Board, including the Independent Directors, most recently approved the continuance of the Agreements at a meeting held on August 16, 2007. In connection with their deliberations at that meeting and at separate meetings of the Independent Directors held on July 17, 2007, July 25, 2007 and August 16, 2007, the Independent Directors received materials that included, among other items, information provided by the Manager regarding (i) the investment performance of the Fund, performance of other investment companies and performance of the Fund’s benchmark, (ii) expenses of the Fund and the management fee paid by the Fund to the Manager and the advisory fee paid by the Manager to the Investment Adviser, and (iii) the profitability of the Agreements to the Manager and the Investment Adviser. The lndependent Directors sought and received additional information from the Investment Adviser. The Independent Directors were advised by independent counsel in considering these materials and the continuance of the Agreements.
In considering the continuance of the Agreements at the meeting held on August 16, 2007, the Board, including the Independent Directors, did not identify any single factor as determinative. Matters considered by the Directors in connection with their review of the Agreements included the following:
The nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund under the Agreements. The Board considered the nature, extent and quality of the services provided to the Fund by the Manager and the Investment Adviser and the resources dedicated by the Manager and the Investment Adviser. These services included both investment advisory services and related services such as the compliance oversight provided by the Manager.
lnvestment performance. The Board considered performance information provided by the Manager regarding the Fund’s investment performance over a number of time periods, including the one-year, three-year and five-year periods recently ended. In response to requests by the Independent Directors, the Manager provided information about the performance of the Fund compared to the Fund’s benchmark index, data on the Fund’s expense ratio and components thereof, and comparative fee, expense ratio and performance information for other funds investing primarily in Japanese stocks. In connection with their presentation, the Manager and the Investment Advisor noted that the Fund outperformed its performance benchmark for the most recent quarter and for the period since the Firm’s inception but underperformed the benchmark for the most recent one-year and certain longer time
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JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC.
Board Review of the Management and Investment Advisory Agreements—Continued
periods. The Manager and the Investment Adviser attributed the negative performance differential primarily to the Investment Adviser’s investment process that focuses on long-term prospects for higher quality smaller capitalization companies that was reflected in the information provided to the Board.
The costs of the services to be provided and the profits to be realized by the Manager and its affiliates from their advisory relationships with the Funds. The Board considered the fee payable under the Fund’s management agreement in connection with other information provided for the Directors’ consideration. The Manager and its affiliates also act as advisers to one additional investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Board of Directors of the Fund compared the advisory arrangements and fees for these two companies. The Board of Directors of the Fund recognized that the nature of the services provided by the Manager and the Investment Adviser to other investment vehicles and separate accounts differed from the range of services provided to the two registered investment companies.
The Manager also provided the Board with information prepared by the Manager and the Investment Adviser indicating the profitability of the Agreements to these respective advisors. The Independent Directors reviewed this information with the Manager and requested and received certain supplemental information from the Manager and the Investment Adviser with respect to the methodologies used to charge and allocate expenses to the Fund.
Economies of scale. The Board also considered whether the Manager realizes economies of scale as the Fund grows larger and the extent to which any economies of scale are shared with the Fund and its shareholders. The Board noted that the management agreement contains seven separate breakpoints in the management fee for net assets above $50 million, with the last breakpoint applicable to net assets in excess of $425 million. The Fund had net assets of approximately $234 million at August 16, 2007 (the date the Agreements were most recently considered).
At the conclusion of its review of the Agreements at the August 16, 2007 meeting, the Board, including the Independent Directors, determined that the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Manager and the Investment Adviser and the performance record of the Fund supported the continuance of the Agreements. However, the Board determined to request the Manager to consider possible adjustments to the fee schedules in the Agreements and to provide a report to the Board prior to the Board meeting scheduled to be held in November 2007. The Board also determined to consider the continuance of the Agreements at the August 16, 2007 meeting for a three-month period ending November 30, 2007 to permit the Independent Directors to consider the Manager’s response prior to considering the extension of the Agreements through June 30, 2008.
Based on an evaluation of all factors deemed relevant, including the factors described above, the Board, including each of the Independent Directors, concluded that each of the Agreements should be continued through November 30, 2007.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS William G. Barker, Jr. Rodney A. Buck David B. Chemidlin Chor Weng Tan John F. Wallace OFFICERS Shigeru Shinohara, President Kenneth L. Munt, Vice President Jun Arima, Vice President Rita Chopra-Brathwaite, Treasurer Neil A. Daniele, Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer MANAGER Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. Two World Financial Center, Building B New York, New York 10281 Internet Address www.nomura.com INVESTMENT ADVISER Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd.. 1-12,1-Chome, Nihombashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8260, Japan DIVIDEND PAYING AGENT, TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 250 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021 CUSTODIAN Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. 40 Water Street Boston, Massachusetts 02109 COUNSEL Sidley Austin LLP 787 Seventh Avenue New York, New York 10019 INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP 5 Times Square New York, New York 10036 JAPAN SMALLER CAPITALIZATION FUND, INC. TWO WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER, BUILDING B NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10281
This Report, including the Financial Statements, is transmitted to the Shareholders of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any securities mentioned in the Report. The accompanying Financial Statements, including the Schedule of Investments, have not been examined by the Fund’s independent accountants, Ernst & Young, LLP, and accordingly, they express no opinion thereon. | | JAPAN Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
AUGUST 31, 2007 |
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
(b) Not applicable.
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
There were no changes in the Registrant’s 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 Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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.
Korea Equity Fund, Inc.
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.