nvcsrs
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 811-06111
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
Common Stock CUSIP 592834105
Preferred Stock CUSIP 592834204
As listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Mr. Gerald Hellerman
c/o US Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 E. Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(Name and address of agent for service)
(866) 700-6104
Registrants telephone number, including area code
Date of
fiscal year end: July 31, 2007
Date of
reporting period: January 31, 2007
Item 1. Report to Stockholders.
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
March 30, 2007
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
I have been investing in closed-end funds for more than thirty
years. That experience has led me to conclude that very few
closed-end funds deliver long term performance that offsets
their inherent disadvantages, in particular, the possibility
that shareholders may have to accept a price below net asset
value when they elect to sell their shares. I am proud to be the
chair of the Mexico Equity & Income Fund, one of the
few closed-end funds that has unquestionably justified its
existence by providing investors with excellent long term
performance. Over the seventeen years it has been operating,
shareholders of our Fund have seen their investment increase at
an average of 17% per annum.
On behalf of all shareholders, I congratulate the entire team at
Pichardo Asset Management for its outstanding long term
performance in managing the Mexico Equity & Income Fund.
Sincerely yours,
Phillip Goldstein
Chairman of the Board of Directors
1
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2
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Report of the Investment Adviser
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
Dear Fund Shareholder,
We are pleased to present you with the semiannual report of the
Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund) for
the six month period ending January 31, 2007.
I. INTRODUCTION
The Mexican economy clearly continues to be tightly linked to
that of the U.S. economy, and it is projected to grow 3.4%
in 2007 compared to 4.8% in 2006 in a U.S. economic soft
landing scenario.
Mexico has a hefty agenda on the energy front. During 2006,
Pemex contributed 40% of Federal Government revenues and public
finances. Pemexs largest oil well, Cantarell, saw
production decline 9.3% in 2006 and expects a 15% decline this
year. The Mexican state-owned oil companys 2007 budget
estimates a production of 3.231 mbpd at an average price of
US$42.80 bpd.
In February, the Mexican mix oil price averaged
US$58.30 per barrel while the WTI benchmark closed at
US$61.80 pb.
The Mexican Stock Exchange, The Mexbol has become
increasingly integrated to global diversified portfolios as the
result of the growing importance of total return investors.
Within this global context, The Mexbols 371% total return
(gross dividends reinvested) for the period February 03 to
February 07 in dollar terms (source: Bloomberg) has
expanded its multiple from approximately 6.5 times to 9.8
times as of March 2007. We believe that an unprecedented 7% low
in interest rates, an annual consumer price index of 3.5-4%
(core), a solid macro situation, balanced fiscal and trade
accounts due to prudent fiscal and monetary policies have been
the key drivers of the Mexbols multiple and price
expansion.
During the Funds semiannual period ending
January 31, 2007, its net asset value per share gained 45%
in dollar terms with a 0.95 Beta for the last 12 months
ended January 2007.
The Fund registered a 17.5% per annum NAV dollar return
(with reinvested dividend) for shareholders over the sixteen
years from inception through January 31, 2007.
The Fund has consistently adhered to its investment strategy
and policies focused on an in-house classification of promising
business segments which PAM estimates are poised to grow at
higher rates than Mexicos GDP growth rate in 2007.
As long as 91 day-CETES (Treasury bills) continue to yield
7.0% on average, it is likely that the Fund will
remain overweight in stocks.
3
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
II. MEXICOS ECONOMIC REVIEW
Mexico registered a 4.8%
year-on-year economic
growth rate during 2006 underpinned by the industrial and
service sectors, which registered increases of +5.0% and +4.9%,
respectively. Within the industrial sector the most dynamic
categories were construction, which was up +6.9%, and
manufacturing, with an increase of +4.7%, while growth within
the service, communications sector rose +9.1% making it the most
dynamic category.
On the demand side, robust external and internal demand
contributed to Mexicos economic growth in 2006. For the
year, total exports (US$254bn.) grew 10.3% and imports
(US$260bn) 13.1% with a trade deficit of US$5.8 billion, or
0.7% of GDP. Private consumption grew 6.0% underpinned by 20%
growth in consumer credit. An increase of 10% in gross fixed
investment stemmed from a +6.9% increase in investment in the
construction sector.
At the same time, a record high 880,000 new jobs were created
compared to 750,000 in 2005, which along with stability in real
wages led to a 2.4% increase in retail sales during 2006. It is
important to note that Walmexs same-store-sales growth
rate of +6% for the last twelve months ended December 2006 gives
a clearer picture of the strength of consumption during the
Funds 2006 calendar year, as the companys 50% share
of total retail sales in Mexico is a better indication of
consumer patterns in Mexico.
Regarding the macro context, inflation for Funds 2006
calendar year was 4.05%, slightly above Mexicos Central
Bank comfort zone (3+-1%). However, short-term
91-day Cetes rates
decreased -81 basis points during the year ending at 7.2%.
Meanwhile the peso lost -1.7% of its value against the dollar
for the year ending December 2006 at P$10.8188/ USD. Throughout
2006, the peso currency was supported by inflows from
remittances (US$24 billion), oil exports
(US$34.7 billion), non-oil exports (US$219.2 billion)
and tourism flows (US$11.8 billion), which translated into
an accumulation of international reserves in the order of
US$71.5, at the end of December 2006.
III. THE MEXICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
For the six months ended January 31, 2006, the Mexican
Bolsas IPC Index, The Mexbol, gained 36.0% in
dollar terms. Even though continued benign global conditions and
excess liquidity have played an important role in this price
expansion, the institutional/ private investor structure of the
Mexbol (AFORES, institutionals, HNWI and retail investors) has
also been contributing to a broader-based stock market with a
market capitalization of US$343 billion and a daily
turnover of US$350 on average in 2006.
In the aggregate, companies sales have registered a
compounded annual growth rate of 12-15% over the last three
years as a result of consistent domestic consumption growth and
companies global
4
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
market share. Based on a market sample of 85 companies,
4Q06 earnings reports registered revenue growth of +13%, EBITDA
growth of +17% and net income growth +20%, in peso terms.
In terms of valuation, the Mexbol Index EV/ EBITDA ended
January 31, 2006 at 9.8x, which are premiums of 13% and 33%
to its one and five-year averages.
IV. THE FUNDS PERFORMANCE
For the semi-annual period, ending January 31, 2007, the
Funds Net Asset Value, NAV per share gained
45.1%. In comparison, The Mexico Fund, the
Funds most comparable peer, and the Mexbol
Index, gained 31.7% and 36.0%, respectively, for the same period.
The Funds common share market price gained 51.3% for the
Funds semi-annual period, ending January 31, 2007
registering a -8.8% common share market price discount to that
of its NAV. (Source, Bloomberg)
The MXE registered a 17.5% per annum NAV return (with a
reinvested dividend) for shareholders over the sixteen years
from inception through January 31, 2007, the highest on
record for the last 9 years (return figures according to
Thomson).
V. PORTFOLIO STRATEGY
The Funds investment strategy, which included a
well-defined value stocks component, but also a high degree of
diversification in growth stocks, resulted in 45% dollar return
for the Funds semi-annual period, ending January 31,
2007,
We are also pleased to report that the MXE adhered to its
investment strategy for the Funds semi-annual period
ending January 31, 2007.
The two-year investment strategy adopted at the end of 2006
continues to include value and a high degree of diversified
growth stocks. The Funds investment principles are:
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An overweight in stocks; |
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An overweight in those promising business segments in Mexico
which PAM expects to grow at rates above GDP growth (4.0%); and |
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A decoupling of the Funds holdings to those of the Mexbol
Index. |
5
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
VI. RELEVANT ECONOMIC INFORMATION
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Real Activity (billion US$) |
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1999 | |
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2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2006 | |
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Real GDP Growth (y-o-y)
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3.70 |
% |
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6.60 |
% |
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(0.30 |
)% |
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0.90 |
% |
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1.30 |
% |
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4.40 |
% |
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3.00 |
% |
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4.80 |
% |
Industrial Production (y-o-y)
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4.20 |
% |
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6.00 |
% |
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(3.50 |
)% |
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0.00 |
% |
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(0.75 |
)% |
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3.80 |
% |
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1.60 |
% |
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1.60 |
% |
Trade Balance (US billions)
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$ |
(5.6 |
) |
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$ |
(8.00 |
) |
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$ |
10.00 |
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$ |
(8.00 |
) |
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$ |
(5.60 |
) |
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$ |
(8.10 |
) |
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$ |
(7.60 |
) |
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$ |
(6.10 |
) |
Exports
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$ |
136.40 |
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$ |
166.50 |
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$ |
158.40 |
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$ |
160.70 |
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$ |
164.80 |
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$ |
189.10 |
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$ |
213.70 |
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$ |
253.90 |
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Export growth (y-o-y)
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16.10 |
% |
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22.10 |
% |
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(4.90 |
)% |
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1.50 |
% |
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2.50 |
% |
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14.70 |
% |
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14.00 |
% |
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10.30 |
% |
Imports
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$ |
142.00 |
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$ |
174.50 |
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$ |
168.40 |
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$ |
168.70 |
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$ |
170.50 |
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$ |
197.20 |
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$ |
221.30 |
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$ |
260.00 |
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Import growth (y-o-y)
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13.20 |
% |
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22.90 |
% |
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(3.50 |
)% |
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0.20 |
% |
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1.10 |
% |
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15.70 |
% |
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12.00 |
% |
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13.10 |
% |
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Financial Variables and Prices |
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1999 | |
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2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2006 | |
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28-Day CETES (T-bills)/ Average
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31.40 |
% |
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15.30 |
% |
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11.20 |
% |
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7.10 |
% |
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6.24 |
% |
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8.60 |
% |
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8.02 |
% |
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7.10 |
% |
Exchange rate (Pesos/ US$)Average
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9.56 |
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9.46 |
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9.34 |
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9.66 |
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10.79 |
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11.15 |
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10.64 |
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10.90 |
|
Inflation IPC, 12 month trailing
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12.30 |
% |
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9.00 |
% |
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4.40 |
% |
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5.70 |
% |
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4.00 |
% |
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5.20 |
% |
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3.30 |
% |
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3.80 |
% |
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Mexbol Index |
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1999 | |
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2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2006 | |
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USD Return
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90.39 |
% |
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20.81 |
% |
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20.88 |
% |
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14.43 |
% |
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33.61 |
% |
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50.49 |
% |
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44.90 |
% |
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45.77 |
% |
Market Cap. (US billions)
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$ |
129.60 |
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$ |
111.70 |
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$ |
112.40 |
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$ |
103.80 |
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$ |
124.70 |
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$ |
169.50 |
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$ |
283.80 |
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$ |
343.48 |
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EV/ EBITDA
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10,5 |
x |
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7,9 |
x |
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8,1 |
x |
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6,6 |
x |
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7,8 |
x |
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8,3 |
x |
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8,9 |
x |
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10,60x |
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Funds NAV & Common Share Market Price
Performance
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(USD Return) |
|
1999 | |
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2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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2006 | |
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NAVs per share
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59.20 |
% |
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(14.20 |
)% |
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10.00 |
% |
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(13.50 |
)% |
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40.00 |
% |
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55.60 |
% |
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38.70 |
% |
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59.29 |
% |
Share Price
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74.70 |
% |
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(5.60 |
)% |
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18.70 |
% |
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(18.50 |
)% |
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36.00 |
% |
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66.60 |
% |
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8.10 |
% |
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75.54 |
% |
The Fund will continue to adhere to its investment strategy and
policies which seek to deliver outstanding long-term NAV
performance to shareholders.
6
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank you for your
continued support,
Sincerely yours,
Eugenia Pichardo
Portfolio Manager
PICHARDO ASSET MANAGEMENT
7
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Allocation of Portfolio Assets
(Calculated as a percentage of Net Assets)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
8
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
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MEXICO 98.31% |
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Shares | |
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Value | |
| |
COMMON STOCKS 97.53% | |
| |
Airlines 1.71%
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Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
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256,500 |
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$ |
789,593 |
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Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A. de C.V.
Class B(a)
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174,500 |
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710,992 |
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Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, S.A. de C.V.
Class B
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116,900 |
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505,309 |
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2,005,894 |
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Cement 6.65%
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Cemex, S.A. de C.V. CPO
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1,270,718 |
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4,496,083 |
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Corporacion Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.
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500,000 |
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1,295,364 |
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Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua, S.A. de C.V.
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415,600 |
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2,020,831 |
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7,812,278 |
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Communications 11.35%
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America Movil, S.A. de C.V. Class L
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2,676,444 |
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5,949,978 |
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America Movil, S.A. de C.V. Class L ADR
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60,070 |
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2,664,705 |
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Axtel, S.A. de C.V.
CPO(a)
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1,373,303 |
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4,716,762 |
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13,331,445 |
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Financial Groups 4.02%
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Grupo Financiero Banorte, S.A. de C.V. Class O
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1,186,500 |
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4,720,033 |
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Food, Beverage, and Tobacco 3.65%
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Alsea, S.A. de C.V. Class A
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445,190 |
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2,691,120 |
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Grupo Continental, S.A.
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722,700 |
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1,589,550 |
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4,280,670 |
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Housing 10.15%
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Consorcio ARA, S.A. de C.V.
|
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174,100 |
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1,168,557 |
|
Desarrolladora Homex, S.A. de C.V.
|
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|
374,000 |
|
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|
3,707,130 |
|
Desarrolladora Homex, S.A. de C.V.
ADR(a)
|
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40,500 |
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2,408,130 |
|
SARE Holding, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
|
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3,156,606 |
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4,630,465 |
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11,914,282 |
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Industrial Conglomerates 9.71%
|
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Alfa, S.A. Class A
|
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|
334,800 |
|
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|
2,280,950 |
|
Industrias CH, S.A.
Class B(a)
|
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756,700 |
|
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3,312,157 |
|
Mexichem, S.A. de C.V.
|
|
|
3,160,300 |
|
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|
5,807,781 |
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11,400,888 |
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See Notes to the Financial Statements.
9
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
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COMMON STOCKS (continued) |
|
Shares | |
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Value | |
| |
Infrastructure 24.53%
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Carso Infraestructura y Construccion, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
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7,417,300 |
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$ |
6,842,466 |
|
Empresas ICA Sociedad Conroladora, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
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890,150 |
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3,282,230 |
|
Grupo Mexicano de Desarrollo,
S.A.(a)
|
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1,474,800 |
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4,155,235 |
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Impulsora del Desarrollo y el Empleo en America Latina, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
|
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4,578,900 |
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5,518,301 |
|
Promotora y Operadora de Infraestructura, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
|
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3,634,500 |
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9,008,045 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,806,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Media 6.41%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grupo Televisa, S.A. CPO
|
|
|
344,200 |
|
|
|
2,032,784 |
|
Grupo Televisa, S.A. ADR
|
|
|
83,400 |
|
|
|
2,456,964 |
|
TV Azteca, S.A.
|
|
|
3,763,800 |
|
|
|
3,044,509 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,534,257 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mining 5.78%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grupo Mexico, S.A. Series B
|
|
|
1,639,000 |
|
|
|
6,734,637 |
|
Industrias Penoles, S.A.
|
|
|
5,200 |
|
|
|
49,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,784,053 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Real Estate Developer 3.25%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grupe, S.A. de
C.V.(a)
|
|
|
2,803,900 |
|
|
|
3,822,562 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retailing 10.32%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.V.
|
|
|
158,300 |
|
|
|
2,299,247 |
|
Organizacion Soriana, S.A. de C.V. Class B
|
|
|
269,300 |
|
|
|
2,231,705 |
|
Wal-Mart de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.
Class V(a)
|
|
|
1,709,054 |
|
|
|
7,584,784 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,115,736 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $80,695,159)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
114,528,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
10
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments (concluded)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENT COMPANIES 0.78% |
|
Shares | |
|
Value | |
| |
GBM Fondo de Mercado de Dinero S.A. de C.V., SIID para Personas
Fisicas(a)
|
|
|
394,394 |
|
|
$ |
912,815 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES (Cost $912,568)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
912,815 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL MEXICO (Cost $81,607,727)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
115,441,190 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNITED STATES 0.08%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENT COMPANIES 0.08% |
|
|
|
|
| |
First American Treasury Obligation Class A,
4.5105%
|
|
|
92,326 |
|
|
|
92,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENT COMPANIES (Cost $92,326)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL UNITED STATES (Cost $92,326)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,326 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL INVESTMENTS 98.39% (Cost $81,700,053)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
115,533,516 |
|
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES 1.61%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,888,685 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL NET ASSETS 100.00%
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
117,422,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Footnotes and Abbreviations
ADR American Depository Receipts.
|
|
(a) |
Non-income producing security. |
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
11
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Statement of Assets & Liabilities
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
Investments, at value (Cost $81,700,053)
|
|
$ |
115,533,516 |
|
Foreign currencies (Cost $212)
|
|
|
214 |
|
Receivables:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments sold
|
|
|
2,747,126 |
|
|
Dividends and Interest
|
|
|
2,261 |
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
24,642 |
|
Receivable from transfer agent
|
|
|
232,912 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
|
118,540,671 |
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
Payable for securities purchased
|
|
|
934,343 |
|
Advisory fees payable
|
|
|
74,033 |
|
Administration fees payable
|
|
|
18,170 |
|
Fund accounting fees payable
|
|
|
7,795 |
|
Directors fees payable
|
|
|
20,903 |
|
Custody fees payable
|
|
|
22,348 |
|
CCOs fee payable
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
38,878 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
1,118,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
$ |
117,422,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Preferred Share
($41,386,211/1,429,336)
|
|
$ |
28.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Common Share
($76,035,990/2,626,019)
|
|
$ |
28.96 |
|
|
|
|
|
NET ASSETS CONSIST OF
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 1,429,336 shares
outstanding
(1,855,128 shares authorized)
|
|
$ |
1,429 |
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 2,626,019 shares
outstanding
(100,000,000 shares authorized)
|
|
|
2,626 |
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
64,501,705 |
|
Accumulated net investment loss
|
|
|
(536,064 |
) |
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency
|
|
|
19,618,930 |
|
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and foreign currency
|
|
|
33,833,575 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
$ |
117,422,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
12
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Statement of Operations
For the Six Months Ended
January 31, 2007 (Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENT INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends |
|
$ |
153,794 |
|
Interest |
|
|
85,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investment Income |
|
|
238,864 |
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advisory fees
|
|
$ |
410,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
Legal fees
|
|
|
96,640 |
|
|
|
|
|
Administration fees
|
|
|
61,678 |
|
|
|
|
|
Directors fees and expenses
|
|
|
45,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
Custodian fees
|
|
|
32,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
Reports to shareholders
|
|
|
26,747 |
|
|
|
|
|
NYSE fees
|
|
|
24,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fund accounting fees
|
|
|
24,069 |
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance expense
|
|
|
21,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
Audit fees
|
|
|
13,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
CCOs fee
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Transfer agent fees
|
|
|
6,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
|
|
774,909 |
|
|
|
|
|
NET INVESTMENT LOSS |
|
|
(536,045 |
) |
|
|
|
|
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS |
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain from investments and foreign currency
transactions |
|
|
19,674,298 |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation from investments and
foreign currency transactions |
|
|
19,285,982 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net gain from investments and foreign currency transactions |
|
|
38,960,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS |
|
$ |
38,424,235 |
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
13
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the | |
|
|
|
|
Six Months | |
|
|
|
|
Ended | |
|
For the Year | |
|
|
January 31, 2007 | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
July 31, 2006 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(536,045 |
) |
|
$ |
192,161 |
|
Net realized gain investments and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
19,674,298 |
|
|
|
12,702,285 |
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation in value of investments
and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
19,285,982 |
|
|
|
6,684,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
|
|
|
38,424,235 |
|
|
|
19,578,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions to Shareholders from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
(514,668 |
) |
|
|
(395,538 |
) |
Net realized gains
|
|
|
(11,322,880 |
) |
|
|
(10,909,315 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease in net assets from distributions
|
|
|
(11,837,548 |
) |
|
|
(11,304,853 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of common stock for dividend
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,514,583 |
) |
Issuance of common stock for dividend
|
|
|
4,255,191 |
|
|
|
4,514,583 |
|
Proceeds from preferred stock sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,685,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase in net assets from capital share transactions
|
|
|
4,255,191 |
|
|
|
25,685,167 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total increase in net assets
|
|
|
30,841,878 |
|
|
|
33,959,173 |
|
Net Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
86,580,323 |
|
|
|
52,621,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
End of period*
|
|
$ |
117,422,201 |
|
|
$ |
86,580,323 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Including undistributed net investment income (loss) of:
|
|
$ |
(536,064 |
) |
|
$ |
514,649 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
14
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
For a Common Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months Ended | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
|
January 31, | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
2007 | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Per Share Operating Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
$ |
21.27 |
|
|
$ |
13.66 |
|
|
$ |
10.15 |
|
|
$ |
8.74 |
|
|
$ |
10.19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
0.04 |
|
|
|
0.01 |
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
0.00 |
(2) |
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investments
and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
9.94 |
|
|
|
6.64 |
|
|
|
7.60 |
|
|
|
3.55 |
|
|
|
1.41 |
|
|
|
(1.42 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations
|
|
|
9.81 |
|
|
|
6.68 |
|
|
|
7.61 |
|
|
|
3.53 |
|
|
|
1.41 |
|
|
|
(1.45 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
|
|
(2.90 |
) |
|
|
(4.41 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
(3.03 |
) |
|
|
(4.57 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Share Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anti-dilutive effect of Share Repurchase
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilutive effect of Share Issuance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilutive effect of Preferred Share Issuance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital share transactions
|
|
|
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
(1.20 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period
|
|
$ |
28.96 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
$ |
21.27 |
|
|
$ |
13.66 |
|
|
$ |
10.15 |
|
|
$ |
8.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share market value, end of period
|
|
$ |
26.40 |
|
|
$ |
19.40 |
|
|
$ |
18.82 |
|
|
$ |
11.73 |
|
|
$ |
9.10 |
|
|
$ |
7.95 |
|
Total Investment Return Based on Market Value, end of
period(1)
|
|
|
51.26% |
(3) |
|
|
37.62% |
|
|
|
60.44% |
|
|
|
29.10% |
|
|
|
14.47% |
|
|
|
12.73% |
|
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
15
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights (continued)
For a Common Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months Ended | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
For the Year | |
|
|
January 31, | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
2007 | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
July 31, | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
2006 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Ratios/ Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000s)
|
|
$ |
76,036 |
|
|
$ |
54,872 |
|
|
$ |
52,621 |
|
|
$ |
33,779 |
|
|
$ |
25,104 |
|
|
$ |
21,629 |
|
Ratios of expenses to average net assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before expense reimbursement
|
|
|
1.51%(4) |
|
|
|
1.90% |
|
|
|
1.77% |
|
|
|
2.09% |
|
|
|
2.64% |
|
|
|
1.81% |
|
|
After expense reimbursement
|
|
|
1.51%(4) |
|
|
|
1.90% |
|
|
|
1.77% |
|
|
|
2.08% |
|
|
|
2.62% |
|
|
|
1.81% |
|
Ratios of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before expense reimbursement
|
|
|
(1.04)%(4) |
|
|
|
0.24% |
|
|
|
0.03% |
|
|
|
(0.15)% |
|
|
|
0.02% |
|
|
|
(0.14)% |
|
|
After expense reimbursement
|
|
|
(1.04)%(4) |
|
|
|
0.24% |
|
|
|
0.03% |
|
|
|
(0.14)% |
|
|
|
0.04% |
|
|
|
(0.14)% |
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
72.66%(5) |
|
|
|
179.85%(5) |
|
|
|
259.60% |
|
|
|
234.42% |
|
|
|
180.67% |
|
|
|
189.05% |
|
|
|
(1) |
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of
common stock at the current market price on the first day and a
sale at the current market price on the last day of each period
reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for
purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained
under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Total
investment does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
|
(2) |
The amount listed is less than $0.005 per share. |
|
(3) |
Not Annualized. |
|
(4) |
Annualized. |
|
(5) |
Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without
distinguishing between shares issued. |
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
16
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
For a Preferred Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six | |
|
|
|
|
Months Ended | |
|
For the Period | |
|
|
January 31, | |
|
January 6, 2006 | |
|
|
2007 | |
|
through July 31, | |
|
|
(Unaudited) | |
|
2006 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Per Share Operating Performance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
$ |
21.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income (loss)
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
0.13 |
|
Net realized and unrealized gains on investments and foreign
currency transactions
|
|
|
9.94 |
|
|
|
0.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase from investment operations
|
|
|
9.81 |
|
|
|
0.93 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Distributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends from net investment income
|
|
|
(0.13 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions from net realized gains
|
|
|
(2.90 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total dividends and distributions
|
|
|
(3.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value, end of period
|
|
$ |
28.96 |
|
|
$ |
22.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per share market value, end of period
|
|
$ |
23.78 |
|
|
$ |
19.00 |
|
Total Investment Return Based on Market Value, end of
period(1)
|
|
|
40.01% |
(2) |
|
|
2.70% |
(2) |
Ratios/ Supplemental Data
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets, end of period (000s)
|
|
$ |
41,386 |
|
|
$ |
31,708 |
|
Ratios of expenses to average net assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before expense reimbursement
|
|
|
1.51% |
(3) |
|
|
1.97% |
(3) |
|
After expense reimbursement
|
|
|
1.51% |
(3) |
|
|
1.97% |
(3) |
Ratios of net investment income (loss) to average net
assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before expense reimbursement
|
|
|
(1.04)% |
(3) |
|
|
0.37% |
(3) |
|
After expense reimbursement
|
|
|
(1.04)% |
(3) |
|
|
0.37% |
(3) |
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
72.66% |
(4) |
|
|
179.85% |
(4) |
|
|
(1) |
Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of
common stock at the current market price on the first day and a
sale at the current market price on the last day of each period
reported. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for
purposes of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained
under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan. Total
investment does not reflect brokerage commissions. |
|
(2) |
Not Annualized. |
|
(3) |
Annualized. |
|
(4) |
Calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without
distinguishing between shares issued. |
See Notes to the Financial Statements.
17
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
|
|
NOTE A: |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund)
was incorporated in Maryland on May 24, 1990, and commenced
operations on August 21, 1990. The Fund is registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a closed-end,
non-diversified management investment company.
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America 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.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Portfolio Valuation. Investments are stated at value in
the accompanying financial statements. All securities for which
market quotations are readily available are valued at the last
sales price prior to the time of determination of net asset
value, or, if no sales price is available at that time, at the
closing price last quoted for the securities (but if bid and
asked quotations are available, at the mean between the current
bid and asked prices, rather than the quoted closing price).
Securities that are traded over-the-counter are valued, if bid
and asked quotations are available, at the mean between the
current bid and asked prices. Investments in short-term debt
securities having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued
at amortized cost if their term to maturity from the date of
purchase was less than 60 days, or by amortizing their
value on the 61st day prior to maturity if their term to
maturity from the date of purchase when acquired by the Fund was
more than 60 days. Other assets and securities for which no
quotations are readily available will be valued in good faith at
fair value using methods determined by the Board of Directors.
These methods include, but are not limited to, the fundamental
analytical data relating to the investment; the nature and
duration of restrictions in the market in which they are traded
(including the time needed to dispose of the security, methods
of soliciting offers and mechanics of transfer); the evaluation
of the forces which influence the market in which these
securities may be purchased or sold, including the economic
outlook and the condition of the industry in which the issuer
participates.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income. The cost
of investments sold is determined by use of the specific
identification method for both financial reporting and income
tax purposes. Interest income, including the accretion of
discount and amortization of premium on investments, is recorded
on an accrual basis; dividend income is recorded on the
ex-dividend date or, using reasonable diligence, when known to
the Fund. The collectibility of income receivable from foreign
securities is evaluated periodically, and any resulting
allowances for uncollectible amounts are reflected currently in
the determination of investment income.
18
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
Tax Status. No provision is made for U.S. Federal income
or excise taxes as it is the Funds intention to continue
to qualify as a regulated investment company and to make the
requisite distributions to its shareholders that will be
sufficient to relieve it from all or substantially all U.S.
Federal income and excise taxes.
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 positions 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 Funds 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 in the financial
statements has not yet been determined.
The Fund is subject to the following withholding taxes on
income from Mexican sources:
|
|
|
Dividends distributed by Mexican companies are subject to
withholding tax at an effective rate of 0.00%. Prior to
January 1, 2002, the effective rate was 7.69%. |
|
|
Interest income on debt issued by the Mexican federal
government is generally not subject to withholding. Withholding
tax on interest from other debt obligations such as publicly
traded bonds and loans by banks or insurance companies is at a
rate of 4.9% under the tax treaty between Mexico and the United
States. |
|
|
Gains realized from the sale or disposition of debt securities
may be subject to a 4.9% withholding tax. Gains realized by the
Fund from the sale or disposition of equity securities that are
listed and traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange
(MSE) are exempt from Mexican withholding tax if
sold through the stock exchange. Gains realized on transactions
outside of the MSE may be subject to withholding at a rate of
25% (20% rate prior to January 1, 2002) of the value of the
shares sold or, upon the election of the Fund, at 35% (40% rate
prior to January 1, 2002) of the gain. If the Fund has
owned less than 25% of the outstanding stock of the issuer of
the equity securities within the 12 month period preceding
the disposition, then such disposition will not be subject to
capital gains taxes as provided for in the treaty to avoid
double taxation between Mexico and the United States. |
Reclassification of Capital Accounts. The Fund accounts
and reports for distributions to shareholders in accordance with
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Statement
19
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
of Position 93-2; Determination, Disclosure and Financial
Statement Presentation of Income, Capital, and Return of Capital
Distributions by Investment Companies. For the year ended
July 31, 2006, the Fund increased undistributed net
investment income by $336,833, decreased accumulated net
realized gain on investments by $336,833 due to the tax
treatment of foreign currency gains and losses and sale of
investments in passive foreign investment companies.
Foreign Currency Translation. The books and records of
the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency
amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following basis:
|
|
|
(i) market value of investment securities, assets and
liabilities at the current Mexican peso exchange rate on the
valuation date, and |
|
|
(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income
and expenses at the Mexican peso exchange rate prevailing on the
respective dates of such transactions. |
The Fund does not generally isolate the effect of fluctuations
in foreign exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the
market prices of securities. The Fund does isolate the effect of
fluctuations in foreign currency rates, however, when
determining the gain or loss upon the sale of foreign currency
denominated debt obligations pursuant to U.S. Federal income tax
regulations; such amounts are categorized as foreign exchange
gain or loss for income tax reporting purposes.
The Fund reports realized foreign exchange gains and losses on
all other foreign currency related transactions as components of
realized gains and losses for financial reporting purposes,
whereas such gains and losses are treated as ordinary income or
loss for Federal income tax purposes.
Securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
are subject to changes in value due to fluctuations in the
foreign exchange rate. Foreign security and currency
transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not
typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result
of, among other factors, the level of governmental supervision
and regulation of foreign securities markets and the
possibilities of political or economic instability.
Distribution of Income and Gains. The Fund intends to
distribute to shareholders, at least annually, substantially all
of its net investment income, including foreign currency gains.
The Fund also intends to normally distribute annually any net
realized capital gains in excess of net realized capital losses
(including any capital loss carryovers), except in circumstances
where the Directors of the Fund determine that the decrease in
the size of the Funds assets resulting from the
distribution of the gains would generally not be in the interest
of the Funds shareholders. An additional distribution may
be made to the extent necessary to avoid payment of a 4% U.S.
Federal excise tax.
20
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date. The amount of dividends and distributions from net
investment income and net realized gains are determined in
accordance with U.S. Federal income tax regulations, which may
differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. These book/tax differences
are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the
extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts
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 investment income and net realized capital gains for
financial reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are
reported as dividends in excess of net investment income and net
realized capital gains, respectively. To the extent they exceed
net investment income and net realized gains for tax purposes,
they are reported as distributions of additional paid-in capital.
Distributions to Shareholders. The tax character of
distributions paid to shareholders during the periods ended
January 31, 2007 and July 31, 2006 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions paid from: |
|
1/31/07 | |
|
7/31/06 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Ordinary Income
|
|
$ |
7,190,007 |
|
|
$ |
6,722,440 |
|
Long-Term Capital Gain
|
|
|
4,647,541 |
|
|
|
4,582,413 |
|
Return of Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
11,837,548 |
|
|
$ |
11,304,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of July 31, 2006, the components of distributable
earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of investments and foreign currency (a)
|
|
$ |
72,032,319 |
|
|
|
|
|
Gross tax unrealized appreciation
|
|
|
15,380,011 |
|
Gross tax unrealized depreciation
|
|
|
(875,442 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net tax unrealized appreciation
|
|
$ |
14,504,569 |
|
|
|
|
|
Undistributed ordinary income
|
|
$ |
7,189,997 |
|
Undistributed long-term capital gain
|
|
|
4,647,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total distributable earnings
|
|
$ |
11,837,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accumulated earnings
|
|
$ |
12,354 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accumulated earnings
|
|
$ |
26,329,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
Represents cost for federal income tax purposes. Differences
between the Funds cost basis of investments and foreign
currency at July 31, 2006, for book and tax purposes,
relate primarily to the deferral of losses related to wash sales. |
21
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund designates 11.95% of
dividends declared for the fiscal year July 31, 2006 from
net investment income as qualified dividend income under the
Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003
(unaudited).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION APPLICABLE TO FOREIGN SHAREHOLDERS
ONLY
The percent of ordinary income distributions designated as
interest related dividends for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2006 was 1.13%.
The percent of ordinary income distributions designated as
short-term capital gain distributions for the fiscal year ended
July 31, 2006 was 94.11%.
NOTE B: MANAGEMENT, INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V. serves as the
Funds Investment Adviser (the Investment
Adviser) under the terms of the Investment Advisory
Agreement (the Advisory Agreement) effective
July 1, 2003. Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the
Investment Adviser makes investment decisions for the Fund and
supervises the acquisition and disposition of securities by the
Fund. For its services, the Investment Adviser receives a
monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.80% of the Funds
average daily net assets. For the six months ended
January 31, 2007, these fees amounted to $410,522. The
Investment Adviser has voluntarily agreed to reimburse the Fund
for certain fees and expenses on an annual basis. These expense
reimbursements may be terminated at any time. For the six months
ended January 31, 2007, there were no expense
reimbursements made by the Investment Adviser.
Effective November 1, 2005, the Fund pays each of its
directors who is not a director, officer or employee of the
Investment Adviser, the Administrator or any affiliate thereof
an annual fee of $12,000 plus $1,000 for each Board of Directors
meeting attended and $250 for each Audit Committee meeting
attended. For serving the Fund as Chief Compliance Officer, in
addition to the aforementioned Directors fees,
Mr. Hellerman receives annual compensation in the amount of
$24,000. In addition, the Fund reimburses the directors for
travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
Board of Directors meetings.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC (USBFS), an
indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp, serves as the
Funds Administrator and, in that capacity, performs
various administrative and accounting services for the Fund.
USBFS also serves as the Funds Fund Accountant (the
Fund Accountant). U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the
Funds custodian (the Custodian). The Custodian
is an affiliate of the Administrator. The Administrator prepares
various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and
returns for the Funds; prepares reports and materials to be
supplied to the
22
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
directors; monitors the activities of the Funds Custodian
and Fund Accountant; coordinates the preparation and payment of
the Funds expenses and reviews the Funds expense
accruals.
For its services, the Administrator receives a monthly fee at
the following annual rate:
|
|
|
0.12% of average daily net
assets up to $200 million, plus
|
|
0.10% of average daily net
assets from $200 million to $700 million, plus
|
|
0.05% of average daily net
assets on the remaining balance above $700 million
|
For its services, the Fund Accountant receives a monthly fee at
the following annual rate:
|
|
|
$42,000 minimum annual fee on
average daily net assets up to $100 million, plus
|
|
0.030% of average daily net
assets from $100 million to $300 million, plus
|
|
0.015% of average daily net
assets on the remaining balance above $300 million
|
For its services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee at the
following annual rate:
|
|
|
$12,000 minimum base fee, plus
0.03% of average daily custody balance
|
For the six months ended January 31, 2007, the Mexico
Equity and Income Fund, Inc. incurred Administration fees of
$61,678, Fund Accounting fees of $24,069 and Custody fees of
$32,017.
NOTE C: PORTFOLIO ACTIVITY
Purchases and sales of securities other than short-term
obligations, aggregated $73,168,934 and $75,892,152
respectively, for the six months ended January 31, 2007.
At January 31, 2007 substantially all of the Funds
assets were invested in Mexican securities. The Mexican
securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid, and
more volatile than the major securities markets in the United
States. Consequently, acquisitions and dispositions of
securities by the Fund may be limited.
NOTE D: CAPITAL STOCK
The Board of Directors approved rights offering (the
Offering) on October 12, 2005. In connection
with the Offering by the Fund, the Fund issued to stockholders
of record as of November 30, 2005 (the Record
Date) 0.75 nontransferable rights to purchase one share of
preferred stock for each share of common stock owned as of the
Record Date. The rights entitled the holders to purchase three
shares of preferred stock for every four shares held as of the
Record Date at a subscription price calculated as the greater of
(i) 90% of the Funds asset value per share
(NAV) as determined on the Expiration Date
(December 28, 2005) or (ii) the average closing price
of the
23
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
Funds common stock over the four consecutive trading days
ending on the Expiration Date. On January 6, 2006, the Fund
issued 1,429,336 shares of preferred stock at $17.97 per share,
which raised $25,685,167. The net asset value per share of the
Funds common stockholders was reduced by approximately
$1.20 per share as a result of this issuance (see Note F).
On January 26, 2007, the Fund issued 152,515 shares
of common stock at $27.89 per share for shareholders electing to
receive their dividend in the Funds common stock.
During the six months ended January 31, 2007, the Fund
made no repurchases pursuant to the program.
During the year ended July 31, 2006, the Fund purchased
242,594 shares of capital stock in the open market at a total
cost of $4,514,583. The weighted average discount of these
purchases comparing the purchase price to the net asset value at
the time of purchase was 8.60%. On December 13, 2005, the
Board of Directors declared a stock dividend of $4.57038 per
common share. This dividend was paid in shares of common stock
of the Fund, and in cash by specific election. Some shareholders
selected the stock dividend; therefore on January 31, 2006
the Fund issued 242,594 shares, which amounted to $4,514,583.
During the years ended July 31, 2005, July 31, 2004,
July 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002, the Fund made no
repurchases pursuant to the program.
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.
NOTE E: PREFERRED STOCK
Shares of the Preferred Stock have identical rights, voting
powers, restrictions, and qualifications of the common stock of
the Fund except for repurchase and conversion preference
features.
The Fund intends to conduct a series of tender offers for
Preferred Stock only (each, a Tender Offer) on a
semi-annual basis (each semi-annual period, a Tender
Period), on dates to be determined by the Board of
Directors and beginning within the 6-month period between
January 31, 2006 and July 31, 2006, in which 25% of
the issued and outstanding Preferred Stock may be tendered to
the Fund and repurchased in kind for the Funds portfolio
securities. The Board of Directors currently knows of no reason
why the Tender Offers would not be conducted. The consideration
for the Preferred Stock to be repurchased by the Fund shall be
that value of portfolio securities equal to 99% of NAV as
determined, with respect to each Tender Offer, on a date
designated by the Board of Directors. The Fund may pay cash for
fractional shares; or round off (up or down) fractional shares
so as to eliminate them prior to distribution.
In the event the Put Warrant Program is approved by the SEC and
upon the anticipated issuance of put warrants by the Fund, all
issued and outstanding shares of Preferred Stock will
automatically
24
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)
January 31, 2007
(Unaudited)
convert to our common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the
anticipated issuance of put warrants by the Fund and, shortly
thereafter, stockholders will receive put warrants.
25
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Additional Information (unaudited)
January 31, 2007
NOTE A: INFORMATION ABOUT PROXY VOTING
Information regarding how the Fund votes proxies relating to
portfolio securities is available without charge upon request by
calling toll-free at
1-888-294-8217 and the
SECs website at www.sec.gov. Information regarding
how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities
during the most recent twelve month period ended June 30 is
available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov or by
calling the toll-free number listed above.
NOTE B: AVAILABILITY OF QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO
SCHEDULE
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
filing will be available, upon request, by calling
1-866-700-6104.
Furthermore, you will be able to obtain a copy of the filing on
the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov beginning with the
filing for the period ended October 31, 2004. The
Funds Forms N-Q
may also be reviewed and copied at the SECs Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC and information on the
operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by
calling
1-800-SEC-0330.
NOTE C: INFORMATION ABOUT CERTIFICATIONS
In November 2006, the Fund submitted a CEO annual certification
to the NYSE in which the Funds principal executive officer
certified that he was not aware, as of the date of the
certification, of any violation by the Fund of the NYSEs
Corporate Governance listing standards. In addition, as required
by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and
related SEC rules, the Funds principal executive and
principal financial officers have made quarterly certifications,
included in the filing with the SEC on Forms N-CSR and N-Q,
relating to, among other things, the Funds disclosure
controls and procedures and internal control over financial
reporting.
26
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Dividends and Distributions (unaudited)
January 31, 2007
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially
all of its net investment company taxable income at least
annually. Investment company taxable income, as defined in
section 852 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986,
includes all of the Funds taxable income minus the excess,
if any, of its net realized long-term capital gains over its net
realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss
carryovers), plus or minus certain other required adjustments.
The Fund also expects to distribute annually substantially all
of its net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net
realized short-term capital losses (including any capital loss
carryovers), except in circumstances where the Fund realizes
very large capital gains and where the Directors of the Fund
determine that the decrease in the size of the Funds
assets resulting from the distribution of the gains would not be
in the interest of the Funds shareholders generally.
Pursuant to the Funds Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the
Plan), each shareholder will be deemed to have
elected, unless the Plan Agent (as defined below) is otherwise
instructed by the shareholder in writing, to have all
distributions, net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax,
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund by
Computershare Trust Company, Inc., the Funds transfer
agent, as the Plan Agent (the Plan Agent).
Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all
dividends and distributions in cash, net of any applicable
U.S. withholding tax, paid in U.S. dollars by check
mailed directly to the shareholder by the Plan Agent, as
dividend-paying agent. Shareholders who do not wish to have
dividends and distributions automatically reinvested should
notify the Plan Agent for The Mexico Equity and Income Fund,
Inc., c/o Computershare Investor Services,
ATTN: Ms. Margaret Dunn, 250 Royall
Street; 3B, Canton, Massachusetts 02021. Dividends and
distributions with respect to shares of the Funds Common
Stock and Preferred Stock registered in the name of a
broker-dealer or other nominee (i.e., in street
name) will be reinvested under the Plan unless the service
is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder
elects to receive dividends and distributions in cash. A
shareholder whose shares are held by a broker or nominee that
does not provide a dividend reinvestment program may be required
to have his shares registered in his own name to participate in
the Plan. Investors who own shares of the Funds Common
Stock and Preferred Stock registered in street name should
contact the broker or nominee for details.
The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in
administering the Plan. If the Directors of the Fund declare an
income dividend or a capital gains distribution payable either
in the Funds Common Stock, Preferred Stock, or in cash, as
shareholders may have elected, nonparticipants in the Plan will
receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive Common
Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively, to be issued by the
Fund. If the market price per share on the valuation date equals
or exceeds net asset value per share on that date, the Fund will
issue new shares to participants at net
27
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Dividends and Distributions (unaudited) (continued)
January 31, 2007
asset value; or, if the net asset value is less than 95% of the
market price on the valuation date, then such shares will be
issued at 95% of the market price.
If net asset value per share on the valuation date exceeds the
market price per share on that date, participants in the Plan
will receive shares of Common Stock or Preferred Stock from the
Fund valued at market price. The valuation date is the dividend
or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a New York
Stock Exchange trading day, the next preceding trading day. If
the Fund should declare an income dividend or capital gains
distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will, as agent
for the participants, buy Fund shares in the open market on the
New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants
accounts on, or shortly after, the payment date.
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan
and furnishes written confirmations of all transactions in an
account, including information needed by shareholders for
personal and tax records. Shares in the account of each Plan
participant will be held by the Plan Agent in noncertified form
in the name of the participant, and each shareholders
proxy will include those shares purchased pursuant to the Plan.
In the case of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees
that hold shares for others who are beneficial owners, the Plan
Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of
shares certified from time to time by the shareholders as
representing the total amount registered in the
shareholders name and held for the account of beneficial
owners who participate in the Plan.
There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or
capital gains distributions payable in either Common Stock,
Preferred Stock or cash. The Plan Agents fees for the
handling or reinvestment of such dividends and capital gains
distributions will be paid by the Fund. There will be no
brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the
Fund as a result of dividends or capital gains distributions
payable either in stock or in cash. However, each participant
will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with
respect to the Plan Agents open market purchases in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions payable in cash.
Brokerage charges for purchasing small amounts of Common Stock
and Preferred Stock for individual accounts through the Plan are
expected to be less than usual brokerage charges for such
transactions because the Plan Agent will be purchasing stock for
all participants in blocks and prorating the lower commissions
thus attainable. Brokerage commissions will vary based on, among
other things, the broker selected to effect a particular
purchase and the number of participants on whose behalf such
purchase is being made.
28
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Dividends and Distributions (unaudited) (concluded)
January 31, 2007
The receipt of dividends and distributions in Common Stock or
Preferred Stock under the Plan will not relieve participants of
any income tax (including withholding tax) that may be payable
on such dividends or distributions.
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes in the Plan
are desirable. Accordingly, the Fund and the Plan Agent reserve
the right to terminate the Plan as applied to any dividend or
distribution paid subsequent to notice of the termination sent
to participants at least 30 days before the record date for
such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended by
the Fund or the Plan Agent, but (except when necessary or
appropriate to comply with applicable law, or rules or policies
of a regulatory authority) only upon at least 30 days
written notice to participants. All correspondence concerning
the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at the address
above.
29
THE MEXICO EQUITY AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Results of Annual Stockholders Meeting (unaudited)
January 31, 2007
The Funds Annual Stockholders meeting was held on
December 6, 2006, at 405 Lexington Avenue, New York, New
York 10174. As of September 25, 2006, the record date,
outstanding shares of common and preferred stock were 2,473,504
and 1,429,336, respectively. Holders of 2,164,529 common shares
and 1,251,468 preferred shares of the Fund were present at the
meeting either in person or by proxy. These holders, as being
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund,
constituted a quorum. The stockholders voted on two proposals.
The stockholders elected two Directors to the Board of
Directors, one by each share class, and ratified the prior
issuance of shares of the Funds preferred stock. The
following table provides information concerning the matters
voted on at the meeting:
I. Election of Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shareholder Nominee |
|
Votes For | |
|
Votes Withheld | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Andrew Dakos
|
|
|
2,051,184 |
|
|
|
113,345 |
|
|
Preferred Shareholder Nominee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rajeev Das
|
|
|
1,243,296 |
|
|
|
8,172 |
|
II. Ratification of Prior Issuance of Shares of the
Funds Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Votes For | |
|
Votes Against | |
|
Abstained | |
|
Non Votes | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Common Shareholders
|
|
|
1,243,738 |
|
|
|
214,136 |
|
|
|
83,269 |
|
|
|
623,386 |
|
Preferred Shareholders
|
|
|
937,118 |
|
|
|
38,617 |
|
|
|
5,105 |
|
|
|
270,628 |
|
30
THE MEXICO EQUITY
AND INCOME FUND, INC.
Investment Adviser:
Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V.
408 Teopanzolco Avenue
3rd Floor Reforma
Cuernavaca, 62260 Morelos
Mexico
Independent Auditor:
Tait, Weller & Baker
1818 Market Street, Suite 2400
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Administrator and Fund
Accountant:
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Transfer Agent and Registrar:
Computershare Investor Services, LLC
250 Royall Street; 3B
Canton, MA 02021
Custodian:
U.S. Bank, N.A.
Custody Operations
1555 Rivercenter Drive, Suite 302
Milwaukee, WI 53212
The Mexico Equity
and Income Fund, Inc.
Semi-Annual Report
January 31, 2007
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
The standing audit committee is comprised of Mr. Andrew Dakos, Mr. Phillip Goldstein, Mr. Glenn
Goodstein and Mr. Rajeev Das.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of
this Form.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment
Companies.
PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
The Proxy Voting Policies and Guidelines contained in this document summarize The Mexico Equity and
Income Fund, Inc.s (the Fund) positions on various issues of concern to the Funds shareholders.
These Guidelines give general indication as to how the Funds Advisor will vote Fund shares on
each issue listed. However, this listing does not address all potential voting issues or the
intricacies that may surround individual proxy votes. For that reason there may be instances in
which votes may vary from the guidelines presented here. The Fund endeavors to vote Fund shares in
accordance with the Funds investment objectives and strategies.
The Fund will vote NO on any proposals that would limit or restrict a shareholders rights.
I. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A. Board and Governance Issues
1. Board of Director/Trustee Composition
The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance of the corporation.
The Fund advisor will oppose slates without at least a majority of independent directors
(⅓ of directors who are outsiders to the corporation).
1
The Fund advisor will vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board audit,
compensation and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.
2. Increase Authorized Common Stock
The Fund advisor will generally support the authorization of additional common stock
necessary to facilitate a stock split.
The Fund advisor will generally support the authorization of additional common stock, if
the company already has a large amount of stock authorized but not issued or reserved for its stock
option plans. In this latter instance, there is a concern that the authorized but unissued shares
will be used as a poison pill or other takeover defense, which will be opposed. In
addition, we will require the company to provide a specific purpose for any request to increase
shares by more than 100 percent of the current authorization.
3. Blank Check Preferred Stock
Blank check preferred is stock with a fixed dividend and a preferential claim on company assets
relative to common shares. The terms of the stock (voting dividend and conversion rights) are set
by the Board at a future date without further shareholder action. While such an issue can in
theory have legitimate corporate purposes, most often it has been used as a takeover defense since
the stock has terms that make the entire company less attractive.
The Fund advisor will generally oppose the creation of blank check preferred stock.
4. Classified or Staggered Board
On a classified (or staggered) board, directors are divided into separate classes (usually three)
with directors in each class elected to overlapping three-year terms. Companies argue that such
Boards offer continuity in direction which promotes long-term planning. However, in some instances
they may serve to deter unwanted takeovers since a potential buyer would have to wait at least two
years to gain a majority of Board seats.
The Fund advisor will vote no on proposals involving classified boards.
5. Supermajority Vote Requirements
Supermajority vote requirements in a companys charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval
in excess of a simple majority. Generally, supermajority provisions
require at least ⅔
affirmative vote for passage of issues.
The Fund advisor will vote no on proposals involving supermajority voting.
6. Restrictions on Shareholders to Act by Written Consent
Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry out a shareholder action without waiting
until the annual meeting or by calling a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by the
written consent of the same percentage of outstanding shares that would be required to effect the
proposed action at a shareholder meeting.
The Fund advisor will vote no on proposals to limit or eliminate the right of shareholders to act
by written consent.
7. Restrictions on Shareholders to Call Meetings
2
The Fund advisor will generally oppose such a restriction as it limits the right of the
shareholder.
8. Limitations, Director Liability and Indemnification
Because of increased litigation brought against directors of corporations and the increased costs
of directors liability insurance, many states have passed laws limiting director liability for
those acting in good faith. Shareholders however must opt into such statutes. In addition, many
companies are seeking to add indemnification of directors to corporate bylaws.
The Fund advisor will generally support director liability and indemnification resolutions
because it is important for companies to be able to attract the most qualified individuals to their
Boards. Note: Those directors acting fraudulently would remain liable for their actions
irrespective of this resolution.
9. Reincorporation
Corporations are in general bound by the laws of the state in which they are incorporated.
Companies reincorporate for a variety of reasons including shifting incorporation to a state where
the company has its most active operations or corporate headquarters, or shifting incorporation to
take advantage of state corporate takeover laws.
While each reincorporation proposal will be evaluated based on its own merits, the Fund advisor
will generally support reincorporation resolutions for valid business reasons (such as
reincorporating in the same state as the corporate headquarters).
10. Cumulative Voting
Cumulative voting allows shareholders to stack their votes behind one or a few directors running
for the board, thereby helping a minority of shareholders to win board representation. Cumulative
voting gives minority shareholders a voice in corporate affairs proportionate to their actual
strength in voting shares.
The Fund advisor will generally support proposals calling for cumulative voting in the
election of directors.
11. Dual Classes of Stock
In order to maintain corporate control in the hands of a certain group of shareholders, companies
may seek to create multiple classes of stock with differing rights pertaining to voting and
dividends.
The Fund advisor will generally oppose dual classes of stock. However, the advisor will
support classes of stock offering different dividend rights (such as one class which pays
cash dividends and a second which pays stock dividends) depending on the circumstances.
12. Limit Directors Tenure
In general corporate directors may stand for re-election indefinitely. Opponents of this practice
suggest that limited tenure would inject new perspectives into the boardroom as well as possibly
creating room for directors from diverse backgrounds; however, continuity is important to corporate
leadership and in some instances alternative means may be explored for injecting new ideas or
members from diverse backgrounds into corporate boardrooms.
3
Accordingly, the Fund advisor will vote on a case-by-case basis attempts to limit director tenure.
13. Minimum Director Stock Ownership
The director share ownership proposal requires that all corporate directors own a minimum number of
shares in the corporation. The purpose of this resolution is to encourage directors to have the
same interest as other shareholders.
The Fund advisor will support resolutions that require corporate directors to own shares in
the company.
14. Selection of Auditor
Annual election of the outside accountants is standard practice. While it is recognized that the
company is in the best position to evaluate the competence of the outside accountants, we believe
that outside accountants must ultimately be accountable to shareholders. Furthermore, audit
committees have been the subject of a report released by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving
the Effectiveness of Corporate Audit Committees in conjunction with the NYSE and the National
Association of Securities Dealers. The Blue Ribbon Commission concluded that audit committees must
improve their current level of oversight of independent accountants. Given the rash of accounting
irregularities that were not detected by audit panels or auditors, shareholder ratification is an
essential step in restoring investor confidence.
The Fund advisor will oppose the resolutions seeking ratification of the auditor when fees
for financial systems design and implementation exceed audit and all other fees, as this can
compromise the independence of the auditor.
The Fund advisor will oppose the election of the audit committee chair if the audit
committee recommends an auditors whose fees for financial systems design and implementation exceed
audit and all other fees, as this can compromise the independence of the auditor.
B. Executive Compensation
1. Disclosure of CEO, Executive, Board and Management Compensation
On a case-by-case basis, the Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions requesting
companies to disclose the salaries of top management and the Board of Directors.
2. Compensation for CEO, Executive, Board and Management
The Fund advisor will oppose an executive compensation proposal if we believe the
compensation does not reflect the economic and social circumstances of the company (i.e. at times
of layoffs, downsizing, employee wage freezes, etc.).
3. Formation and Independence of Compensation Review Committee
The Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions requesting the formation of a
committee of independent directors to review and examine executive compensation.
4. Stock Options for Board and Executives
The Fund advisor will generally oppose stock option plans that in total offer greater than
15% of shares outstanding because of voting and earnings dilution.
4
The Fund advisor will generally oppose option programs that allow the repricing of
underwater options. (Repricing divides shareholder and employee interests. Shareholders cannot
reprice their stock and, therefore, optionees should not be treated differently).
The Fund advisor will generally oppose stock option plans that have option exercise prices
below the marketplace on the day of the grant.
The Fund advisor will generally support options programs for outside directors subject to
the same constraints previously described.
5. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOPs)
The Fund advisor will support ESOPs created to promote active employee ownership. However,
they will oppose any ESOP whose purpose is to prevent a corporate takeover.
6. Pay Equity
The Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions that request that management provide
a race and/or gender pay equity report.
7. Ratio Between CEO and Worker Pay
The Fund advisor will generally support shareholder resolutions requesting that management
report on the ratio between CEO and employee compensation.
8. Maximum Ratio Between CEO and Worker Compensation and/or Cap on CEO Compensation
The Fund advisor will vote on a case-by-case basis shareholder resolutions requesting management to
set a maximum ratio between CEO and employee compensation and/or a cap on CEO compensation.
9. Changes to Charter or By-Laws
The Fund advisor will conduct a case-by-case review of the proposed changes with the voting
decision resting on whether the proposed changes are in shareholders best interests.
10. Confidential Voting
Typically, proxy voting differs from voting in political elections in that the company is made
aware of shareholder votes as they are cast. This enables management to contact dissenting
shareholders in an attempt to get them to change their votes.
The Fund advisor will support confidential voting because the voting process should be free
of coercion.
11. Equal Access to Proxy
Equal access proposals ask companies to give shareholders access to proxy materials to state their
views on contested issues, including director nominations. In some cases, they would actually
allow shareholders to nominate directors. Companies suggest that such proposals would make an
increasingly complex process even more burdensome.
In general, the Fund advisor will oppose resolutions for equal access proposals.
5
12. Golden Parachutes
Golden parachutes are severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted pursuant
to a takeover. Companies argue that such provisions are necessary to keep executives from jumping
ship during potential takeover attempts.
The Fund advisor will support the right of shareholders to vote on golden parachutes
because they go above and beyond ordinary compensation practices. In evaluating a particular
golden parachute, we will examine total management compensation, the employees covered by the plan,
and the quality of management.
C. Mergers and Acquisitions
1. Considering the Non-Financial Effects of a Merger Proposal
Such a proposal allows or requires the Board to consider the impact of merger decisions on various
stakeholders, such as employees, communities, customers and business partners. This proposal
gives the Board the right to reject a tender offer on the grounds that it would adversely affect
the companys stakeholders.
The Fund advisor will support shareholder resolutions that consider non-financial impacts
of mergers.
2. Mergers, Restructuring and Spin-offs
A merger, restructuring, or spin-off in some way affects a change in control of the companys
assets. In evaluating the merit of each issue, we will consider the terms of each proposal. This
will include an analysis of the potential long-term value of the investment.
The Fund advisor will support management proposals for merger or restructuring if the
transaction appears to offer fair value and other proxy voting policies stated are not violated.
For example, the advisor may oppose restructuring resolution which include in it significant
takeover defenses and may again oppose the merger of a non-nuclear and a nuclear utility if it
poses potential liabilities.
3. Poison Pills
Poison pills (or shareholder rights plans) are triggered by an unwanted takeover attempt and cause
a variety of events to occur which may make the company financially less attractive to the suitor.
Typically, directors have enacted these plans without shareholder approval. Most poison pill
resolutions deal with putting poison pills up for a vote or repealing them altogether.
The Fund advisor will support proposals to put rights plans up for a shareholder vote. In
general, poison pills will be opposed unless management is able to present a convincing
case fur such a plan.
4. Opt-Out of State Anti-Takeover Law
A strategy for dealing with anti-takeover issues has been a shareholder resolution asking for a
company to opt-out of a particular states anti-takeover laws.
The Fund advisor will generally support bylaws changes requiring a company to opt-out of
state anti-takeover laws. However, resolutions requiring companies to opt-into state anti-takeover
statutes will be opposed.
6
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Information is presented as of January 31, 2007.
Portfolio Manager. Ms. Maria Eugenia Pichardo is the Portfolio Manager responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Fund, which includes making portfolio management decisions and
executing transactions.
Ms. Pichardo has been the Funds Portfolio Manager since the Funds inception (1990). She is also
the President and General Partner of Pichardo Asset Management, S.A. de C.V. (PAM) (the Funds
Investment Adviser) since February 2003. Prior to starting PAM, she was a General Director and
Secretary of Acci-Worldwide S.A. de C. V, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acciones y Valores de
Mexico, S. A. de C.V from 1989 to 2003, and Managing Director and General Director of the
International Sales Department of Acciones y Valores de Mexico, S. A. de C. V from 1983 to 1989.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
Registered |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company (dollar |
|
Other Pooled |
|
Other Accounts |
|
|
amount and |
|
Investments (dollar |
|
(dollar amount |
|
|
number of |
|
amount and number |
|
and number of |
Portfolio Manager Name |
|
accounts) |
|
of accounts) |
|
accounts) |
|
Ms. Maria Eugenia Pichardo |
|
$ |
117,422,201 |
(1) |
|
|
0 |
(0) |
|
$ |
7,114,758 |
(10) |
Material Conflict of Interest. The Portfolio Manager has day-to-day management
responsibilities with respect to other accounts and accordingly may be presented with potential or
actual conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest can arise in the allocation of securities to
the various accounts when a security is purchased or sold over a period of time. PAM has
established policies and procedures to reduce the conflict of interest.
The management of other accounts may result in the Portfolio Manager devoting unequal time and
attention to the management of the Fund and/or other accounts. In approving the Advisory Agreement,
the Board of Directors was satisfied that the Portfolio Manager would be able to devote sufficient
attention to the management of the Fund, and that PAM seeks to manage such competing interests for
the time and attention of the portfolio manager.
Compensation. Ms. Pichardo receives a fixed annual salary and bonus from PAM. Ms. Pichardo
participates in a deferred compensation plan.
Securities Owned in the Fund by Portfolio Manager. As of January 31, 2007, the Portfolio Manager
owned the following securities in the Fund:
|
|
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|
|
|
|
Dollar Range of Equity |
|
|
|
|
Securities in the Fund |
|
|
|
|
(None, $1-$10,000, |
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of |
|
|
$10,001-$50,000,$50,001- |
|
Securities in all Registered |
|
|
$100,000, $100,001 - |
|
Investment Companies |
|
|
$500,000, $500,001 to |
|
Overseen by Portfolio |
|
|
$1,000,000,Over |
|
Manager in Family of |
Portfolio Manager Name |
|
$1,000,000) |
|
Investment Companies |
|
Ms. Maria Eugenia Pichardo
|
|
None
|
|
None |
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and
Affiliated Purchasers.
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|
(d) |
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Maximum Number |
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|
|
|
(c) |
|
(or Approximate |
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of |
|
Dollar Value) of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased as Part |
|
that May Yet Be |
|
|
Total Number of |
|
(b) |
|
of Publicly |
|
Purchased Under |
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
Average Price Paid |
|
Announced Plans |
|
the Plans or |
Period |
|
Purchased |
|
per Share (or Unit) |
|
or Programs |
|
Programs |
|
8/1/06 to 8/31/06 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
9/1/06 to 9/30/06 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
10/1/06 to 10/31/06 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
11/1/06 to 11/30/06 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
12/1/06 to 12/31/06 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
1/1/07 to 1/31/07 |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
The registrants independent directors/trustees serve as its nominating committee, however they do
not make use of a nominating committee charter.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) |
|
The Registrants President/Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer have
reviewed the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c)
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the Act)) as of a date within 90 days of the
filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or
15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers
have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that
information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed,
summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the
Registrants service provider. |
(b) |
|
There were no significant changes in the Registrants internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) 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 Registrants internal control over financial reporting. |
7
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a) |
|
(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is subject of the disclosure required by
Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through
filing an exhibit. Not Applicable. |
|
(2) |
|
Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith. |
|
|
(3) |
|
Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given
during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the
registrant to 10 or more persons. None.
|
(b) |
|
Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith. |
8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Maria Eugenia Pichardo
Maria Eugenia Pichardo, President
Date
April 9, 2007
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant
and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Maria Eugenia Pichardo
Maria Eugenia Pichardo, President
Date
April 9, 2007
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Gerald Hellerman
Gerald Hellerman, Chief Financial Officer
Date
April 10, 2007
9