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: | 811-04438 | |
| Exact name of registrant as specified in charter: | Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. | |
| Address of principal executive offices: | 800 Scudders Mill Road | |
| Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536 | ||
| Name and address of agent for service: | Mr. Christian Pittard | |
| Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. | ||
| 1735 Market Street | ||
| 37th Floor | ||
| Philadelphia, PA 19103 | ||
| Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: | 866-839-5205 | |
| Date of fiscal year end: | 10/31/06 | |
| Date of reporting period: | 4/30/06 | |
Item 1 – Reports to Stockholders.
Invests primarily in equity securities of Australian companies listed on The Australian Stock Exchange.
Semi-Annual Report
April 30, 2006
Letter to Shareholders
June 19, 2006
Dear Shareholder,
We present this Semi-Annual Report which covers the activities of Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) for the six months ended April 30, 2006. The Fund’s principal investment objective is long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in equity securities of Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is current income.
Net Asset Value Performance
The Fund’s total return based on net asset value (“NAV”) was 19.5% for the six months ended April 30, 2006, assuming reinvestment of distributions, compared with 22.3%, in U.S. dollar terms, for the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index.
Share Price Performance
The Fund’s share price rose 4.8% over the six months, from $12.99 on October 31, 2005 to $13.62 on April 30, 2006. The Fund’s share price on April 30, 2006 represented a premium of 2.8% to the NAV per share of $13.25 on that date, compared with a premium of 10.6% to the NAV per share of $11.75 on October 31, 2005. At the date of this letter, the share price was $12.61, representing a premium of 4.7% to the NAV per share of $12.04.
Managed Distribution Policy
The Fund has a managed distribution policy of paying quarterly distributions at an annual rate, set once a year, that is a percentage of the rolling average of the Fund’s prior four quarter-end net asset values. In March 2006, the Board of Directors determined the rolling distribution rate to be 10% for the 12 month period commencing with the distribution payable in April 2006. This policy will be subject to regular review by the Fund’s Board of Directors. The distributions will be made from current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
On June 7, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized a quarterly distribution of 31 cents per share, payable on July 14, 2006 to all shareholders of record as of June 30, 2006.
Fund Investment Policy
In 2002, the Board of Directors adopted a policy that, for as long as the name of the Fund remains Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., it shall be the policy of the Fund normally to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities, consisting of common stock, preferred stock and convertible stock, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. On June 7, 2006, the Board of Directors clarified this non-fundamental investment policy to provide that, for as long as the name of the Fund remains Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., it shall be the policy of the Fund normally to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities, consisting of common stock, preferred stock and
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
1
Letter to Shareholders (continued)
convertible stock, of Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. For these purposes, “Australian companies” means companies that are tied economically to Australia. This 80% investment policy is a non-fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Board of Directors upon 60 days prior written notice to shareholders.
Registration Statement for Issuance of Shares of Common Stock
On April 28, 2006, the Fund filed a registration statement for the public offering of additional shares of the Fund’s Common Stock. The registration statement has not yet been declared effective.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
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 Fund’s Forms N-Q are available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room in Washington D.C. Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 1-800-SEC-0330. The Fund’s schedule of portfolio holdings is part of the Fund’s quarterly reports to shareholders, which are available on the Fund’s website or upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-866-839-5205.
Proxy Voting
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, and information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the twelve months ended June 30, 2005, is available: (i) upon request and without charge by calling Investor Relations toll-free at 1-866-839-5205; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Investor Relations Information
For information about the Fund, daily updates of share price, NAV and details of recent distributions, please contact Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. by:
| • | Calling toll free on 1-866-839-5205 in the United States, |
| • | E-mailing to InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com, or |
| • | Visiting the website at www.aberdeeniaf.com. |
For information about the Aberdeen Group, visit the Aberdeen website at www.aberdeen-asset.com.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Gilbert
President
All amounts are U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
2
Your Board’s policy is to provide investors with a stable distribution rate. Each quarterly distribution will be paid out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
The Fund is subject to U.S. corporate, tax and securities laws. Under U.S. tax accounting rules, the amount of distributable income for each fiscal period depends on the actual exchange rates during the entire year between the U.S. dollar and the currencies in which Fund assets are denominated and on the aggregate gains and losses realized by the Fund during the entire year.
Therefore, the exact amount of distributable income for each fiscal year can only be determined as of the end of the Fund’s fiscal year, October 31. However, under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, the Fund may be required to indicate the sources of certain distributions to shareholders.
The Fund estimates that distributions for the fiscal year commencing November 1, 2005, including the distribution paid on April 17, 2006, are comprised of 40% net investment income and 60% realized capital gains.
This estimated distribution composition may vary from quarter to quarter because it may be materially impacted by future realized gains and losses on securities and fluctuations in the value of the currencies in which Fund assets are denominated.
In January 2007, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the amount and composition of distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the 2006 calendar year.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
3
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan
We invite you to participate in the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the “Plan”), which allows you to automatically reinvest your distributions in shares of the Fund’s common stock at favorable commission rates. Distributions made under the Plan are taxable to the same extent as are cash distributions. The Plan also enables you to make additional cash investments in shares of at least $100 per transaction, with a maximum of $10,000 per month, and an aggregate annual limit of $120,000. Under this arrangement, The Bank of New York (the “Plan Agent”) will purchase shares for you on the American Stock Exchange or otherwise on the open market on or before the investment date. The investment date is the 15th day of each month, but if such date is not a business day, the preceding business day.
As a Participant in the Plan, you will benefit from:
Automatic reinvestment - the Plan Agent will automatically reinvest your distributions, allowing you to gradually grow your holdings in the Fund;
Lower cost - shares are purchased on your behalf under the Plan at low brokerage rates. Brokerage on share purchases is currently 2 cents per share;
Convenience - the Plan Agent will hold your shares in non-certificated form and will provide a detailed plan account statement of your holdings at the end of each month.
To request a brochure containing information on the Plan, together with an enrollment form, please contact the Plan Agent, The Bank of New York, Shareholder Relations Department, P.O. Box 11258, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10286 or call toll free on 1-800-432-8224.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
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Portfolio Composition
The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, in industry classification standard sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. An industry classification standard sector can include more than one industry group. The Fund may invest between 25% and 35% of its total assets in the securities of any one industry group if, at the time of investment, that industry group represents 20% or more of the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index. As of April 30, 2006, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group. The financial industry sector is comprised of several groups.
As of April 30, 2006, the Fund held 97.0% of its net assets in equities and 3.0% in other assets in excess of liabilities.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
5
Top Ten Equity Holdings
The following were the Fund’s top ten holdings at April 30, 2006.
| Name of Security |
Percentage of Net Assets |
||
| BHP Billiton Limited |
9.0 | % | |
| Rio Tinto Limited |
7.8 | % | |
| Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited |
7.0 | % | |
| QBE Insurance Group Limited |
7.0 | % | |
| Westpac Banking Corporation Limited |
6.7 | % | |
| Woolworths Limited |
5.4 | % | |
| Westfield Group Limited |
4.9 | % | |
| Woodside Petroleum Limited |
4.9 | % | |
| TABCORP Holdings Limited |
4.3 | % | |
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia |
4.0 | % | |
Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited
June 2006
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
6
Portfolio of Investments (unaudited)
April 30, 2006
| Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |||
| LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS—97.0% | |||||
| Common Stocks—97.0% |
|||||
| Consumer Discretionary—8.3% | |||||
| 1,267,000 | APN News & Media Corporation Limited | $ | 4,758,604 | ||
| 344,000 | Billabong International Limited | 4,024,765 | |||
| 835,000 | TABCORP Holdings Limited | 9,693,390 | |||
| 18,476,759 | |||||
| Consumer Staples—10.4% | |||||
| 1,050,000 | Foster’s Group Limited | 4,684,512 | |||
| 1,028,500 | Lion Nathan Limited | 6,492,701 | |||
| 852,000 | Woolworths Limited | 12,062,824 | |||
| 23,240,037 | |||||
| Energy—4.9% |
|||||
| 306,000 | Woodside Petroleum Limited | 10,865,884 | |||
| Financials—32.4% |
|||||
| 738,000 | Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited | 15,650,778 | |||
| 168,000 | Australian Stock Exchange Limited | 4,187,380 | |||
| 402,500 | Bendigo Bank Limited | 4,229,738 | |||
| 253,000 | Commonwealth Bank of Australia | 9,022,277 | |||
| 920,000 | QBE Insurance Group Limited | 15,622,325 | |||
| 567,000 | Suncorp-Metway Limited | 8,750,478 | |||
| 780,000 | Westpac Banking Corporation Limited | 14,854,775 | |||
| 72,317,751 | |||||
| Shares | Description | Value (US$) | |||
| Industrials—10.3% |
|||||
| 919,500 | Downer EDI Limited | $ | 6,055,768 | ||
| 355,500 | Leighton Holdings Limited | 4,509,970 | |||
| 2,312,000 | Qantas Airways Limited | 6,069,623 | |||
| 232,000 | Wesfarmers Limited | 6,372,272 | |||
| 23,007,633 | |||||
| Materials—16.8% |
|||||
| 905,500 | BHP Billiton Limited | 20,130,466 | |||
| 291,000 | Rio Tinto Limited | 17,365,588 | |||
| 37,496,054 | |||||
| Property—4.9% |
|||||
| 848,000 | Westfield Group Limited | 10,893,077 | |||
| Telecommunication Services—6.1% | |||||
| 2,338,000 | Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited* | 8,497,238 | |||
| 1,759,500 | Telstra Corporation Limited | 5,259,970 | |||
| 13,757,208 | |||||
| Utilities—2.9% |
|||||
| 161,000 | Australian Gas Light Company Limited | 2,369,875 | |||
| 4,116,000 | SP Ausnet | 4,044,296 | |||
| 6,414,171 | |||||
| Total Long-Term |
216,468,574 | ||||
| Other assets in excess of liabilities—3.0% |
6,701,651 | ||||
| Net Assets—100.0% |
$ | 223,170,225 | |||
| * | Portion of security is on loan. (See Note 3) |
Forward Exchange Contracts
| Purchase/Sale |
Amount Purchased |
Amount Sold |
Purchase April 30, |
Sale April 30, |
Unrealized Depreciation |
|||||||||
| United States Dollar/Australian Dollar |
||||||||||||||
| settlement date 5/02/06 |
USD 3,000,000 | AUD 3,970,355 | $ | 3,000,000 | $ | 3,012,500 | $ | (12,500 | ) | |||||
Tax Cost of Investments
The United States federal income tax basis of the Fund’s investments and net unrealized appreciation as of April 30, 2006 were as follows:
| Tax Cost Basis |
Appreciation |
Depreciation |
Net Unrealized Appreciation | |||||||
| $ | 146,964,332 | $ | 73,028,947 | $ | 3,524,705 | $ | 69,504,242 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
7
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (unaudited)
April 30, 2006
| Assets | ||||
| Investments, at value (including $1,090,321 of securities on loan) |
$ | 216,468,574 | ||
| Foreign currency, at value (cost $6,296,563) |
6,479,705 | |||
| Cash |
824,701 | |||
| Dividends receivable |
8,430 | |||
| Other assets |
155,197 | |||
| Total assets |
223,936,607 | |||
| Liabilities | ||||
| Payable for investments purchased |
257,924 | |||
| Investment management fee payable |
137,247 | |||
| Net unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts |
12,500 | |||
| Administration fee payable |
6,528 | |||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
352,183 | |||
| Total liabilities |
766,382 | |||
| Net Assets | $ | 223,170,225 | ||
| Composition of Net Assets | ||||
| Common Stock (par value $.01 per share) |
$ | 168,375 | ||
| Paid-in capital in excess of par |
134,785,159 | |||
| Distributions in excess of net investment income |
(3,885,392 | ) | ||
| Accumulated net realized gains on investment transactions |
12,706,562 | |||
| Net unrealized appreciation on investments |
69,504,242 | |||
| Accumulated net realized foreign exchange losses |
(4,781,935 | ) | ||
| Net unrealized foreign exchange gains |
14,673,214 | |||
| Net Assets | $ | 223,170,225 | ||
| Net asset value per common share based on 16,837,444 shares issued and outstanding |
$13.25 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
8
Statement of Operations (unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2006
| Net Investment Income | ||||
| Income |
||||
| Dividends (net of foreign withholding taxes of $166,390) |
$ | 4,237,487 | ||
| Interest |
182,816 | |||
| Income from securities loaned, net |
2,530 | |||
| 4,422,833 | ||||
| Expenses |
||||
| Investment management fee |
858,830 | |||
| Directors’ fees and expenses |
106,289 | |||
| Legal fees and expenses |
99,475 | |||
| Custodian’s fees and expenses |
92,204 | |||
| Insurance expense |
58,746 | |||
| Reports to shareholders and proxy solicitation |
53,863 | |||
| Administration fee |
40,669 | |||
| Independent auditors’ fees and expenses |
38,451 | |||
| Investor relations fees and expenses |
35,951 | |||
| Transfer agent’s fees and expenses |
17,542 | |||
| Miscellaneous |
22,936 | |||
| Total operating expenses |
1,424,956 | |||
| Net investment income |
2,997,877 | |||
| Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Investments |
||||
| Net realized gain on: |
||||
| Investment transactions |
12,706,567 | |||
| Foreign currency transactions |
2,356,044 | |||
| 15,062,611 | ||||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on: |
||||
| Investments |
19,941,528 | |||
| Foreign currency translation |
(73,755 | ) | ||
| 19,867,773 | ||||
| Net gain on investments and foreign currencies |
34,930,384 | |||
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations | $ | 37,928,261 | ||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
9
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
| For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2006 (unaudited) |
For the Year Ended October 31, 2005 |
|||||||
| Increase in Net Assets | ||||||||
| Operations |
||||||||
| Net investment income |
$ | 2,997,877 | $ | 6,265,995 | ||||
| Net realized gains on investment transactions |
12,706,567 | 16,748,538 | ||||||
| Net realized gains on foreign currency transactions |
2,356,044 | 9,143,219 | ||||||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation on investments |
19,941,528 | 13,120,091 | ||||||
| Net change in unrealized appreciation on foreign currency translation |
(73,755 | ) | (9,088,461 | ) | ||||
| Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting From Operations |
37,928,261 | 36,189,382 | ||||||
| Distributions to Shareholders: |
||||||||
| From net investment income |
(1,332,604 | ) | (8,487,831 | ) | ||||
| In excess of net investment income |
(3,885,392 | ) | — | |||||
| From long-term capital gains |
(7,390,788 | ) | (9,131,890 | ) | ||||
| Total decrease in net assets from distributions to shareholders |
(12,608,784 | ) | (17,619,721 | ) | ||||
| Common Stock Transactions |
||||||||
| Reinvestment of dividends resulting in the issuance of 33,934 and 26,212 shares of common stock, respectively |
429,920 | 300,532 | ||||||
| Total increase in net assets resulting from operations |
25,749,397 | 18,870,193 | ||||||
| Net Assets |
||||||||
| Beginning of period |
197,420,828 | 178,550,635 | ||||||
| End of period (including distributions in excess of net investment income of ($3,885,392) and ($1,665,273), respectively) |
$ | 223,170,225 | $ | 197,420,828 | ||||
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
10
Financial Highlights
| For the Six Months Ended April 30, 2006 (unaudited) |
||||
| PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(1): | ||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 11.75 | ||
| Net investment income |
0.18 | |||
| Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments and foreign currencies |
2.07 | |||
| Total from investment operations |
2.25 | |||
| DISTRIBUTIONS: | ||||
| From net investment income |
(0.08 | ) | ||
| In excess of net investment income |
(0.23 | ) | ||
| From long-term capital gains |
(0.44 | ) | ||
| From tax return of capital |
— | |||
| Total distributions |
(0.75 | ) | ||
| Increase resulting from Fund share repurchase |
— | |||
| Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 13.25 | ||
| Market value, end of period |
$ | 13.62 | ||
| TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN BASED ON(2): | ||||
| Market value |
11.14 | % | ||
| Net asset value |
19.54 | % | ||
| RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: | ||||
| Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ | 223,170 | ||
| Average net assets (000 omitted) |
$ | 207,321 | ||
| Operating expenses |
1.39 | %(4) | ||
| Net investment income |
2.92 | %(4) | ||
| Portfolio turnover |
10 | % | ||
| (1) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Total Investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
| (3) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
| (4) | Annualized. |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
11
Financial Highlights (concluded)
| For the Year Ended October 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
||||||||||||||||
| PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE(1): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, beginning of period |
$ | 10.64 | $ | 9.38 | $ | 6.84 | $ | 5.97 | $ | 6.86 | ||||||||||
| Net investment income |
0.37 | 0.28 | 0.12 | 0.15 | 0.12 | |||||||||||||||
| Net realized and unrealized gains/(losses) on investments and foreign currencies |
1.79 | 1.76 | 2.58 | 0.93 | (0.33 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total from investment operations |
2.16 | 2.04 | 2.70 | 1.08 | (0.21 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| DISTRIBUTIONS FROM: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net investment income |
(0.51 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.15 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Long-term capital gains |
(0.54 | ) | (0.36 | ) | (0.07 | ) | (0.07 | ) | — | |||||||||||
| Tax return of capital |
— | (0.12 | ) | — | — | (0.68 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Total distributions |
(1.05 | ) | (0.78 | ) | (0.17 | ) | (0.22 | ) | (0.68 | ) | ||||||||||
| Increase resulting from Fund share repurchase |
— | — | 0.01 | 0.01 | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||
| Net asset value, end of period |
$ | 11.75 | $ | 10.64 | $ | 9.38 | $ | 6.84 | $ | 5.97 | ||||||||||
| Market value, end of period |
$ | 12.99 | $ | 10.25 | $ | 8.40 | $ | 5.73 | $ | 5.29 | ||||||||||
| TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN BASED ON(2): | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Market value |
38.98 | % | 32.53 | % | 50.40 | % | 12.55 | % | 1.06 | % | ||||||||||
| Net asset value |
21.11 | % | 23.19 | % | 40.69 | % | 19.04 | % | (2.32 | )% | ||||||||||
| RATIO TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS/SUPPLEMENTARY DATA: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net assets, end of period (000 omitted) |
$ | 197,421 | $ | 178,551 | $ | 157,419 | $ | 115,490 | $ | 102,361 | ||||||||||
| Average net assets (000 omitted) |
$ | 194,946 | $ | 166,284 | $ | 128,662 | $ | 114,213 | $ | 115,051 | ||||||||||
| Operating expenses |
1.48 | % | 1.75 | % | 2.55 | % | 1.76 | % | 1.80 | % | ||||||||||
| Net investment income |
3.21 | % | 2.85 | % | 1.66 | % | 2.33 | % | 1.77 | % | ||||||||||
| Portfolio turnover |
28 | % | 23 | % | 32 | % | 56 | % | 50 | % | ||||||||||
| (1) | Based on average shares outstanding. |
| (2) | Total Investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and a sale on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment return does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
| (3) | Less than $0.005 per share. |
| (4) | Annualized |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
12
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company incorporated in Maryland on September 30, 1985. The Fund’s principal investment objective is long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in equity securities of Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is current income. In order to comply with a rule adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 regarding fund names, the Board of Directors has adopted an investment policy that, for as long as the name of the Fund remains Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., it shall be the policy of the Fund normally to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities, consisting of common stock, preferred stock and convertible stock, of Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. For these purposes, “Australian companies” means companies that are tied economically to Australia. This 80% investment policy is a non-fundamental policy of the Fund and may be changed by the Board of Directors upon 60 days prior written notice to shareholders.
Note 1. Accounting Policies
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Basis of Presentation:
The financial statements of the Fund are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America using the United States dollar as both the functional and reporting currency. However, the Australian dollar is the functional currency for Federal tax purposes (see Taxes below).
Securities Valuation:
The Fund’s Board of Directors has adopted Pricing and Valuation Procedures (the “Procedures”) to be used in determining the value of the assets held by the Fund. In accordance with the Procedures, investments are stated at value. Investments for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last trade price on the date of determination as obtained from a pricing source. If no such trade price is available, such investments are valued at the quoted bid price or the mean between the quoted bid and asked price on the date of determination as obtained from a pricing source.
Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are valued at current market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (including investments which are subject to limitations as to their sale) are to be valued at fair value. As a general rule, whether or not the Fund is required to “fair value price” an asset is dependent on the ready availability of current market quotes or, even if readily available, the reliability of
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
13
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
such quotes. Any assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which available prices are not reliable, shall be determined in a manner that most fairly reflects the asset’s (or group of assets) “fair value” (i.e., the amount that the Fund might reasonably expect to receive for the asset upon its current sale) on the valuation date, based on a consideration of all available information.
The Procedures provide that in certain instances, including without limitation, if there is a “stale price” for a portfolio security, in an emergency situation, or if a significant event occurs after the close of trading of a portfolio security, but before the calculation of the Fund’s net asset value, the security may be valued at its fair value.
Repurchase Agreements:
In connection with transactions in repurchase agreements with U.S. financial institutions, it is the Fund’s policy that its custodian/counterparty segregate the underlying collateral securities, the value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the collateral is valued on a daily basis to determine its adequacy. If the seller defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
Foreign Currency Translation:
Australian dollar (“A$”) amounts are translated into United States dollars (“US$”) on the following basis:
(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities—at the exchange rates at the end of the reporting period; and
(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses—at the rate of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
The Fund isolates that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held at the end of the reporting period. Similarly, the Fund isolates the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of portfolio securities sold during the reporting period.
Net realized exchange gains/(losses) include realized foreign exchange gains/(losses) from sales and maturities of portfolio securities, sales of foreign currencies, currency gains/(losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the US$ equivalent amounts actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains/(losses) include changes in the value of portfolio securities and other assets and liabilities arising as a result of changes in the exchange rate. Accumulated net
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
14
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
realized and unrealized foreign exchange gains/(losses) shown in the composition of net assets represent foreign exchange gains/(losses) for book purposes that may not have been recognized for tax purposes.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin, including unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currency relative to the US$.
Securities Transactions and Net Investment Income:
Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date and interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis.
Forward Currency Contracts:
A forward currency contract involves an obligation to purchase and sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. The foreign currency contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the forward currency contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. These instruments may involve market risk and credit risk. These risks arise from unanticipated movements in the value of the foreign currencies involved in the transaction and from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
Securities Lending:
The Fund’s investment policies permit the Fund to lend to banks and broker-dealers, portfolio securities with an aggregate market value of up to one-third of the Fund’s total assets when it deems advisable. Pursuant to a securities lending agreement (“Agreement”) between the Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), any loans made under the Agreement must be secured by collateral (consisting of any combination of U.S. currency and securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, or irrevocable bank letters of credit) in an amount at least equal (on a daily marked-to-market basis) to the current market value of the securities loaned.
The Agreement also provides that the Fund may terminate the loans at any time and demand the return of the securities, and that the Fund will continue to receive all interest, dividends and other distributions obtained on any of the loaned securities and will continue to have voting rights with respect to the securities.
In the event the Fund lends its portfolio securities, the Fund may be exposed to counterparty risk, which may result in the delay in recovery of the loaned securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower become insolvent.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
15
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
Distributions:
The Fund has a managed distribution policy of paying quarterly distributions at an annual rate, set once a year, that is a percentage of the rolling average of the Fund’s prior four quarter-end net asset values. In March 2006, the Board of Directors determined the rolling distribution rate to be 10%, for the 12 month period commencing with the distribution payable in April 2006. This policy is subject to regular review by the Fund’s Board of Directors. Under the policy, distributions will be made from current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital.
On an annual basis, the Fund intends to distribute its net realized capital gains, if any, by way of a final distribution to be declared during the calendar quarter ending December 31. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Income distributions and capital and currency gains distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments for foreign currencies.
Taxes:
For federal income and excise tax purposes, substantially all of the Fund’s transactions are accounted for using the Australian dollar as the functional currency. Accordingly, only realized currency gains/(losses) resulting from the repatriation of Australian dollars into U.S. dollars are recognized for U.S. tax purposes.
No provision has been made for United States of America federal income taxes because it is the Fund’s policy to meet the requirements of the United States Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of its taxable income to shareholders.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Note 2. Agreements
Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (the “Investment Manager”) serves as investment manager to the Fund and Aberdeen Asset Management Limited (the “Investment Adviser”) serves as investment adviser to the Fund, pursuant to a management agreement and an advisory agreement, respectively. The Investment Adviser is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager, which is a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.
The Investment Manager makes investment decisions on behalf of the Fund on the basis of recommendations and information furnished to it by the Investment Adviser, including the
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
16
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (continued)
selection of, and responsibility for the placement of orders with, brokers and dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of the Fund.
The management agreement provides the Investment Manager with a fee, payable monthly, at the following annual rates: 1.10% of the Fund’s average weekly Managed Assets up to $50 million, 0.90% of Managed Assets between $50 million and $100 million and 0.70% of Managed Assets in excess of $100 million. Managed Assets are defined in the management agreement as net assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.
The Investment Manager pays fees to the Investment Adviser for its services rendered. The Investment Manager informed the Fund that it paid $217,236 to the Investment Adviser during the six months ended April 30, 2006.
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (“AAMI”), an affiliate of the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser, is the Fund’s Administrator, pursuant to an agreement under which AAMI receives a fee, payable monthly, at an annual rate of 0.04% of the Fund’s average weekly net assets, computed based on the net asset value applicable to the shares of common stock and the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes.
Under terms of an Investor Relations Services Agreement, AAMI serves as the Fund’s investor relations services provider. This agreement provides AAMI with a monthly retainer fee of $5,000 plus out-of-pocket expenses. During the six months ended April 30, 2006, the Fund incurred fees of approximately $29,088 for the services of AAMI. Investor relations fees and expenses in the Statement of Operations include certain out-of-pocket expenses.
Note 3. Portfolio Securities
Purchases and sales of investment securities, other than short-term investments, for the six months ended April 30, 2006 aggregated $19,259,671 and $27,713,256, respectively.
As of April 30, 2006, the Fund had securities on loan with an aggregate market value of $1,090,321. The Fund received $1,125,000 in securities as collateral for securities on loan in accordance with the Fund’s securities lending procedures. The collateral consisted of United States Treasury bonds and notes.
Note 4. Capital
There are 20 million shares of $0.01 par value common stock authorized. At April 30, 2006, there were 16,837,444 shares issued and outstanding.
On March 1, 2001, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. The stock repurchase program allows the Fund to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding common stock in the open market during any 12 month period if and when the discount to NAV is at least 10%. For the six months ended April 30, 2006 and the fiscal year ended October 31, 2005, the Fund did not repurchase any shares through this program.
Based upon filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on April 20, 2006, Bankgesellschaft Berlin (A.G.) (“BGB”) deemed itself to be the beneficial owner of
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
17
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) (concluded)
3,697,750 shares of common stock. Of such shares, BGB indicated that it had economic beneficial ownership of, and exercised sole voting and dispositional authority over, 477,750 shares (constituting approximately 2.8% of the Fund’s shares then outstanding) and deemed itself to be the beneficial owner of an additional 3,220,000 shares of the Fund’s common stock (constituting approximately 19.1% of the Fund’s shares then outstanding) which BGB has the right to acquire pursuant to options.
Note 5. Subsequent Event
Subsequent to April 30, 2006, the Fund declared on June 19, 2006 a quarterly distribution of 31 cents per share, payable on July 14, 2006 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2006.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
18
Supplemental Information (unaudited)
Results of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at 1735 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The description of the proposal and number of shares voted at the meeting are as follows:
To elect two directors to serve as Class III directors for a three-year term expiring in 2009:
| Votes For |
Votes Withheld | |||
| William J. Potter |
12,795,496 | 301,172 | ||
| John T. Sheehy |
12,792,902 | 303,766 |
Directors whose term of office continued beyond this meeting are as follows: Anthony E. Aaronson, David L. Elsum, Neville J. Miles, Peter D. Sacks, Moritz Sell, and Hugh Young.
Considerations in Approving Renewal of Management Agreement and Investment Advisory Agreement (collectively “Agreements”)
In December 2005, at an in-person meeting, the Board of Directors, including all of the directors who are not parties to the Agreements or “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of any such party (“Independent Directors”), considered and approved the renewal of the Agreements for an additional term of twelve months. At this meeting, the Directors reviewed an extensive report prepared by the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser (collectively, the “Advisers”) in response to a request submitted by the Independent Directors’ independent legal counsel on behalf of such Directors, and discussed this report with representatives of the Advisers. The Independent Directors also consulted in executive session with counsel to the Independent Directors regarding the renewal of the Agreements. The Directors also considered the recommendation of the Contract Review Committee of the Board (the “Committee”), consisting solely of Independent Directors, that the Agreements be renewed, noting that the Committee had discussed, in executive session with independent counsel, the nature, extent and quality of the management and advisory services provided to the Fund by the Advisers, the level of the management and advisory fees, the costs of the services provided and the profits realized by the Advisers, the Fund’s expense ratio, its relative and absolute performance, any economies of scale with respect to the management of the Fund, any ancillary benefits received by the Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund, and various other matters included within the report of the Advisers. Given the fact that (i) all management fees payable by the Fund are payable only to the Investment Manager, and the Investment Manager pays a portion of those fees to the Investment Adviser, an affiliated entity which is under common ownership by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, and (ii) the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser use a team approach to the making of investment decisions, the Board of Directors did not separately consider the renewal of the Management Agreement and the Investment Advisory Agreement, but rather viewed the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser as providers of a unified service. However, the Board was provided, and did consider, information as to the services provided by each of the
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
19
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (continued)
Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser, the fees payable by the Fund to the Investment Manager and by the Investment Manager to the Investment Adviser and, as noted below, certain pro forma estimates as to the profitability of each in respect of their services to the Fund. The Board’s consideration of investment performance, expenses and economies of scale, as further discussed below, was focused at the Fund level without any separate attribution of those factors to the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser given the impracticalities inherent in attempting any such attribution.
In approving (or, in the case of the Committee, recommending) the renewal of the Agreements, the Committee, the Independent Directors and the entire Board of Directors, concluded that:
| • | The effective annual management fee rate paid by the Fund to the Investment Manager for investment management services was within a reasonable range relative to the effective advisory fee rates of a comparison group consisting of a 22-fund category of closed-end Pacific region equity funds compiled by Lipper Inc. at the request of the Fund (the “Peer Group”). The Lipper data (computed based upon net asset values as at September 30, 2005) indicated that the Fund’s effective management fee rate was within the lowest quintile of the Peer Group, and was the lowest of a subset of seven funds in the Peer Group (relatively comparable in size to the Fund at the time of their initial inclusion in the subset). The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board assumed that the Lipper compilation of funds represented a reasonably comparable group and that the compilation provided a reasonably reliable general indication of relative fees. Additionally, the Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board noted that the Fund’s effective management fee rate of 0.885% contained in the Lipper data was higher than the annual fee rate of 0.726% paid to the Investment Adviser by an Australian-domiciled open-ended trust that invests principally in Australian equities. However, that trust is not subject to the same investment restrictions or diversification requirements and the Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board determined that the absence of this additional complexity could justify a lower fee. |
| • | They were satisfied with the nature, quality and extent of services provided by the Advisers. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board reviewed, among other things, the Advisers’ investment experience, including their growing capabilities in Australia. The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board received information regarding the Advisers’ compliance with applicable laws and SEC and other regulatory inquiries or audits of the Fund and the Advisers. The Committee also received and considered a report from the Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC in regard to, among other matters, the financial capacity of the Advisers’ parent company to support the services provided by its subsidiaries to the Fund and the strengthening of the parent company’s balance sheet during the last year. The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board also considered the background and experience of the Advisers’ senior management and the qualifications, background and |
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
20
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (concluded)
| responsibilities of the portfolio managers primarily responsible for the day-to-day portfolio management services for the Fund. In addition to the other elements noted, the Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board considered the Fund’s absolute and relative performance and its expense ratio, all of which they found to have a direct bearing on a determination of the quality of the advisory services provided. Based on these materials, they determined that the advisory services provided were extensive in nature and of high quality. |
| • | The Fund experienced above-average investment performance, based on an analysis of total return, as compared to the funds within the Peer Group, and comparable performance to the Australian-domiciled open-ended trust advised by the Investment Adviser. The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board received and considered information regarding the Fund’s total return in U.S. dollar terms for each of the last five fiscal years on a gross and net basis and relative to the Fund’s benchmark, the Fund’s share performance and premium/discount information during the same period and the impact of foreign currency movements on the Fund’s performance in U.S. dollar terms. The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board also received and reviewed information as to the Fund’s total return for each of the last five fiscal years as compared with the total returns of each of the funds in the Peer Group, as well as with the Australian-domiciled open-ended trust. For each of the last five fiscal years, the Fund’s total returns ranked from 2nd to 12th out of the 22 funds in the Peer Group. The Fund’s total returns during each of the years in this period were higher than, or within 150 basis points of, the returns of the Australian-domiciled open-ended trust (before deducting expenses and withholding taxes). The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board further reviewed information as to the Fund’s discount/premium ranking relative to the Peer Group for the one, two, five and seven year periods ended October 31, 2005. For each of the one, two, five and seven year periods ended October 31, 2005, the Fund’s discount/premium ranking ranged from 6th to 11th out of the 22 funds in the Peer Group. |
| • | The Fund’s expense ratio of 1.746% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 was comparable to the 1.771% average of the expense ratios of funds in the Peer Group. The Fund’s expense ratio ranked the 12th lowest out of the 22 funds in the Peer Group. |
| • | Any potential economies of scale were being shared between the Fund and the Advisers in an appropriate manner. This determination was based on factors including that the Fund’s management fee schedule provided breakpoints at higher asset levels, and that profitability of the Investment Manager and the Investment Adviser were determined to be reasonable based upon the Board’s review of the Peer Group data and other information provided to the Board. |
| • | In light of the costs of providing investment management and advisory services to the Fund, the profits that the Advisers received, individually and on an aggregate basis (based on certain pro forma estimates), with respect to providing investment management and advisory services to the Fund were reasonable, and any ancillary benefits received by the |
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
21
Supplemental Information (unaudited) (concluded)
| Advisers and their affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund were reasonable. The Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board considered the profitability levels in light of their collective commercial experience and business judgment, and also considered that the level of profitability was within the range that courts in the past have found to be acceptable when considering the propriety of investment advisory fees paid by registered investment companies. |
As noted above, the Board reviewed detailed materials received from the Advisers as part of the renewal process. The Board also regularly reviews and assesses the quality of the services the Fund receives throughout the year. In this regard, the Board reviews reports of the Advisers at least in each of its regular quarterly meetings, which include, among other things, a portfolio review and Fund performance reports.
In considering the Agreements, the Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board did not identify any factor as all-important or all-controlling and instead considered these factors collectively in light of the Fund’s surrounding circumstances. After considering the above-described factors and based on the deliberations and its evaluation of the information provided to it, the Committee, the Independent Directors and the Board concluded that approval of the renewal of the Agreements was in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders. Accordingly, the Board, and the Independent Directors voting separately, unanimously approved the renewal of the Agreements.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
22
Directors
Neville J. Miles, Chairman
Anthony E. Aaronson
David L. Elsum
William J. Potter
Peter D. Sacks
Moritz Sell
John T. Sheehy
Hugh Young
Officers
Martin Gilbert, President
Beverley Hendry, Vice President
Mark Daniels, Vice President
James Capezzuto, Vice President—Compliance
Christian Pittard, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Alan Goodson, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer
Timothy Sullivan, Assistant Treasurer
Donald C. Burke, Assistant Treasurer
Andrea L. Melia, Assistant Treasurer
Sander M. Bieber, Assistant Secretary
The accompanying Financial Statements as of April 30, 2006 were not audited and accordingly, no opinion is expressed thereon.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase, from time to time, shares of its common stock in the open market.
Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc.
Corporate Information
| Investment Manager |
Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited 21 Church Street #01-01 Capital Square Two Singapore 049480 | |
| Investment Adviser |
Aberdeen Asset Management Limited Level 6, 201 Kent Street Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia | |
| Administrator |
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. 1735 Market Street, 37th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 | |
| Custodian |
State Street Bank and Trust Company One Heritage Drive North Quincy, MA 02171 | |
| Transfer Agent |
The Bank of New York Shareholder Relations Department P.O. Box 11258 Church Street Station New York, NY 10286 1-800-432-8224 | |
| Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 300 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10017 | |
| Legal Counsel |
Dechert LLP 1775 I Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20006 | |
| Investor Relations |
Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Las Olas Place 300 S.E. 2nd Street Suite #820 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 1-866-839-5205 InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com | |
Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited
Shares of Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. are traded on the American Stock Exchange and on the NYSE Arca, Inc. (formerly known as the Pacific Stock Exchange) under the symbol “IAF”. Information about the Fund’s net asset value and market price is published weekly in Barron’s and in the Monday edition of The Wall Street Journal.
This report, including the financial information herein, is transmitted to the shareholders of Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. for their general information only. It does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific person. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
Item 2 – Code of Ethics.
Not required to be included in this filing.
Item 3 – Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not required to be included in this filing.
Item 4 – Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not required to be included in this filing.
Item 5 – Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not required to be included in this filing.
Item 6 – Schedule of Investments.
Included as part of the Report to Stockholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 7 – Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not required to be included in this filing.
Item 8 - Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
| (a) | Not applicable. |
| (b) | Not applicable. |
Item 9 – Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
REGISTRANT PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
| (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | |||||
| Period |
Total Number of Shares Purchased |
Average Price Paid per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs 1 |
Maximum Number of Programs 1 | ||||
| November 1 through November 30, 2005 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,677,729 | ||||
| December 1 through December 31, 2005 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,677,729 | ||||
| January 1 through January 31, 2006 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,677,729 | ||||
| February 1 through February 28, 2006 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,677,729 | ||||
| March 1 through March 31, 2006 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,677,729 | ||||
| April 1 through April 30, 2006 |
0 | 0 | 0 | 1,683,744 | ||||
| Total |
0 | 0 | 0 | — | ||||
| 1 | The Registrant’s stock repurchase program was announced on March 19, 2001 and allows the Registrant to repurchase up to 10% of its outstanding shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, on the open market during any 12 month period if and when the discount to net asset value is at least 10%. |
Item 10 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
During the period ended April 30, 2006, there were no material changes to the policies by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board.
Item 11- Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | It is the conclusion of the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer that the effectiveness of the Registrant’s current disclosure controls and procedures (such disclosure controls and procedures having been evaluated within 90 days of the date of this filing) provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that the information required to be disclosed by the Registrant has been accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in order to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. | |
| (b) | There have been 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 has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. | |
Item 12 - Exhibits.
| (a)(1) | Not applicable. | |
| (a)(2) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are filed as Exhibit 99.CERT. | |
| (a)(3) | Not applicable. | |
| (b) | Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, are filed as Exhibit 99.906CERT. | |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Martin Gilbert | |
| Martin Gilbert, | ||
| President of | ||
| Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. | ||
Date: June 29, 2006
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| By: | /s/ Martin Gilbert | |
| Martin Gilbert, | ||
| President of | ||
| Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. |
Date: June 29, 2006
| By: | /s/ Christian Pittard | |
| Christian Pittard, | ||
| Treasurer of | ||
| Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. |
Date: June 29, 2006