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: 811-06686
JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
One Beacon Street, 18th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Dechert LLP
1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (800) 441-9800
Date of fiscal year end: December 31
Date of reporting period: January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014
ITEM 1. REPORTS TO STOCKHOLDERS.
The following is a copy of the report transmitted to shareholders pursuant to Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1).
[INSERT JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc. annual report 12/31/14]
This report, including the financial statements herein, is sent to the stockholders of the Fund for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.
Annual Report
December 31, 2014
JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc. (the Fund) seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation through investments primarily in equity securities of companies with substantial assets in, or revenues derived from, the Peoples Republic of China (China), Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau collectively, the China Region.
The Fund provides investors with an opportunity to participate in the growing economies of the China Region where the economies of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau have become increasingly linked over recent years. Hong Kong enterprises have made substantial investments in China, particularly where labor and land prices are lower than in Hong Kong. Similarly, many Chinese companies have Hong Kong based subsidiaries with securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (H-shares). Renminbi denominated China A-shares, which are listed in China, are available for acquisition by the Fund by direct investment up to $20m and by indirect investment up to 10% of the Funds total assets through exposure to China A-share investment companies. It is intended that the Fund will maintain a $20m direct investment in China A-shares. Further details on China A-shares are provided in note 7(iii) of the Notes to Financial Statements on page 25.
The Fund invests to take advantage of the many opportunities that result from this linkage among the markets of the China Region.
JF International Management Inc. (JFIMI) is the investment management company appointed to advise and manage the Funds portfolio (the Investment Advisor). JFIMI is part of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMC), one of the worlds premier financial services institutions. In asset management, JPMC operates globally under the name of J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM). Funds under management for the global asset management business of JPMAM were US$1.7 trillion as of December 31, 2014.
The Funds lead portfolio manager is Emerson Yip, a Senior Portfolio Manager within JPMAMs Greater China investment team in Hong Kong.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 1 |
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
2 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited, except as indicated)
DECEMBER 31, 2014 US$ |
DECEMBER 31, 2013 US$ |
|||||||
Net Assets (Audited) |
$125.0 million | $111.4 million | ||||||
Net Asset Value Per Share (Audited) |
$19.39 | $17.28 | ||||||
Market Data |
||||||||
Share Price on the New York Stock Exchange |
$16.91 | $15.16 | ||||||
Discount to Net Asset Value Per Share |
12.8% | 12.3% | ||||||
Total Return for the Year Ended December 31, 2014 |
||||||||
Net Asset Value |
+13.0% | |||||||
Share Price |
+12.5% | |||||||
JFC Benchmark Index* |
+16.1% | |||||||
MSCI Hong Kong Index |
+5.1% | |||||||
MSCI China Index |
+8.3% | |||||||
MSCI Taiwan Index |
+10.1% | |||||||
CSI 300 Index |
+51.6% | |||||||
Net Asset Value and Share Price vs. Benchmark Index |
|
* | JFC Benchmark Index: 80% MSCI Golden Dragon Index (Net) 20% CSI 300 Index (Net). Prior to October 1, 2013, 80% MSCI Golden Dragon Index (GDR) +20% CSI 300 Index (Total). Prior to April 13, 2012, the MSCI Golden Dragon Index (Total). At December 31, 2011 the MSCI Golden Dragon Index (Total) comprised 24.1% of the MSCI Hong Kong Index (Total), 42.7% of the MSCI China Index (Total) and 33.2% of the MSCI Taiwan Index (Total). Prior to March 2001, 25% Taiwan Weighted Index, 20% BNP Paribas China Index, 50% MSCI Hong Kong, 5% HSBC; Prior to March 1999, 60% Hong Kong All Ordinaries, 30% Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia All China B Index, 10% Taiwan Weighted Index. Prior to January 1997, Peregrine Greater China Index. |
** | Commencement of operations. |
Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 3 |
DECEMBER 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
For more information please refer to the Funds website at www.jpmchinaregionfund.com
4 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
For more information please refer to the Funds website at www.jpmchinaregionfund.com
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 5 |
INVESTMENT ADVISORS REPORT (Unaudited)
6 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 7 |
INVESTMENT ADVISORS REPORT (Unaudited) (continued)
8 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 9 |
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (Unaudited)
% OF NET ASSETS |
||||
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC) |
6.2 | |||
Manufactures and markets integrated circuits. The company provides the following services: wafer manufacturing, wafer probing, assembly and testing, mask production and design services. The companys integrated circuits are used in computer, communication, consumer electronics, automotive and industrial equipment industries. | ||||
Tencent Holdings Ltd. |
4.9 | |||
Provides internet, mobile, and telecommunication value-added services in China. The company has an instant messaging community in China. Tencent also provides online advertising services. | ||||
China Construction Bank Corp. A H |
4.6 | |||
Provides a complete range of banking services and other financial services to individual and corporate customers. The banks services include retail banking, international settlement, project finance and credit card services. | ||||
Ping An Insurance Group Co. Ltd. A H |
4.5 | |||
Provides a variety of insurance service in China. The Company writes property, casualty, and life insurance. Ping An Insurance also offers financial services. | ||||
AIA Group Ltd. |
3.7 | |||
Offers insurance and financial services. The company writes life insurance for individuals and businesses, accident and health insurance, retirement planning, and wealth management services. | ||||
Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. A H |
3.3 | |||
Provides a full range of commercial banking services. The Banks services includes RMB and foreign currency deposit, loan, international and domestic settlement, bill discount, currency trading, bank guarantee, and treasury bill underwriting. | ||||
China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. A H |
3.2 | |||
Provides deposit, loan, settlement, discount, financial bond issuance, government bond underwriting and trading, letter of credit, bank guarantee, and other related financial services. | ||||
China Vanke Co., Ltd. A H |
2.4 | |||
A Property development company. The Company mainly develops residential properties in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Tangshan, Nanjing, and other big cities in China. | ||||
China Pacific Insurance Group Co., Ltd. A H |
2.2 | |||
Provides integrated insurance services. The Company offers life and property insurance products through its subsidiaries. | ||||
China Telecom Corp., Ltd. |
2.0 | |||
Provides wireline telephone, data, and Internet, as well as leased line services in China through its subsidiaries. |
10 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 11 |
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
12 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 13 |
INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
14 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 15 |
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
(in US$) | ||||
ASSETS: |
||||
Investments in non-affiliates, at value (cost $110,900,213) |
138,764,500 | |||
Cash |
1,106,048 | |||
Foreign currency, at value (cost $1,160,677) |
1,162,989 | |||
Deposits at broker (See Note 7.iii.) |
28,431 | |||
Receivable for securities sold |
860,373 | |||
Dividends receivable |
49,228 | |||
|
|
|||
Total Assets |
141,971,569 | |||
|
|
|||
LIABILITIES: |
||||
Loan payable to bank (See Note 6) |
15,000,000 | |||
Payables |
||||
Payable for securities purchased |
1,109,948 | |||
Accrued Liabilities |
||||
Deferred China capital gains tax |
496,421 | |||
Custodian and accounting fees |
91,829 | |||
Administration fees |
59,200 | |||
Investment advisory fees |
34,557 | |||
Interest on loan |
16,430 | |||
Directors fees and expenses |
6,849 | |||
Other |
134,028 | |||
|
|
|||
Total Liabilities |
16,949,262 | |||
|
|
|||
Net Assets |
125,022,307 | |||
|
|
|||
Net assets consist of: | ||||
Common stock, $0.01 par value |
64,476 | |||
Paid-in capital |
98,994,144 | |||
Undistributed net investment income |
1,491,587 | |||
Accumulated realized loss on investments and foreign currency transactions |
(3,393,798 | ) | ||
Accumulated net unrealized appreciation on investments, foreign currency holdings, and other |
27,865,898 | |||
|
|
|||
Net Assets |
125,022,307 | |||
|
|
|||
Net Asset Value Per Share ($125,022,307 ÷ 6,447,637) |
19.39 | |||
|
|
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
16 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(in US$) | ||||
INVESTMENT INCOME: |
||||
Dividends from non-affiliates (net of foreign withholding tax of $291,822) |
3,273,820 | |||
Interest income from non-affiliates |
5,895 | |||
Interest income from affiliates |
465 | |||
|
|
|||
Total Investment Income |
3,280,180 | |||
|
|
|||
EXPENSES: |
||||
Investment advisory fees |
1,206,369 | |||
Directors fees and expenses |
366,189 | |||
Interest expense to non-affiliates (See Note 6) |
225,281 | |||
Custodian and accounting fees |
185,931 | |||
Legal fees |
89,018 | |||
Administration fees |
88,367 | |||
Audit fees |
71,942 | |||
Insurance fees |
41,493 | |||
Shareholder service fees |
30,846 | |||
NYSE listing fees |
25,430 | |||
Shareholder report fees |
11,322 | |||
Interest expense to affiliates |
2 | |||
Other expenses |
30,553 | |||
|
|
|||
Total Expenses |
2,372,743 | |||
|
|
|||
Net Investment Income |
907,437 | |||
|
|
|||
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY |
||||
Net realized gain (loss) |
||||
Investments in non-affiliates (net of China tax of $138,405 on realized gain) |
7,467,309 | |||
Investments in affiliates |
885,684 | |||
Foreign currency transactions |
(31,963 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net realized gain (loss) |
8,321,030 | |||
|
|
|||
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
||||
Investments in non-affiliates (net of a reduction in China tax of $170,734 on unrealized appreciation) |
5,402,471 | |||
Investments in affiliates |
(221,422 | ) | ||
Foreign currency translations |
(3,956 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation |
5,177,093 | |||
|
|
|||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency holdings and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies |
13,498,123 | |||
|
|
|||
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations |
14,405,560 | |||
|
|
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 17 |
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
FOR THE PERIODS INDICATED
Year Ended December 31, 2014 (in US$) |
Year Ended December 31, 2013 (in US$) |
|||||||
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS: |
||||||||
Operations |
||||||||
Net investment income |
907,437 | 641,115 | ||||||
Net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions |
8,321,030 | 5,738,325 | ||||||
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments, foreign currency holdings and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies |
5,177,093 | 6,159,859 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations |
14,405,560 | 12,539,299 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
DISTRIBUTIONS TO STOCKHOLDERS: |
||||||||
Net investment income |
(818,850 | ) | (831,745 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total distributions to shareholders |
(818,850 | ) | (831,745 | ) | ||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total increase (decrease) in net assets |
13,586,710 | 11,707,554 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
NET ASSETS: |
||||||||
Beginning of period |
111,435,597 | 99,728,043 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of $1,491,587 and $534,460, respectively) |
125,022,307 | 111,435,597 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
||||||||
Opening number of shares |
6,447,637 | 6,447,637 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Closing number of shares |
6,447,637 | 6,447,637 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
18 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
(in US$) | ||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
||||
Cash flows provided (used) by operating activities: |
||||
Net increase/decrease in net assets from operations |
14,405,560 | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net increase/decrease in net assets |
||||
Purchase of investment securities |
(107,376,521 | ) | ||
Proceeds from disposition of investment securities |
107,954,750 | |||
Change in unrealized (appreciation)/depreciation on investments |
(5,181,049 | ) | ||
Net realized (gain)/loss on investments |
(8,352,993 | ) | ||
Decrease in deposits at broker |
704 | |||
Increase in dividends receivable |
(48,449 | ) | ||
Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities |
169,264 | |||
|
|
|||
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities |
1,571,266 | |||
|
|
|||
Cash flows provided (used) by financing activities: |
||||
Cash distributions paid to shareholders |
(818,850 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities |
(818,850 | ) | ||
|
|
|||
Net increase/decrease in cash |
752,416 | |||
|
|
|||
Cash: |
||||
Beginning of period (including foreign currency of $1,497,939) |
1,516,621 | |||
|
|
|||
End of period (including foreign currency of $1,162,989) |
2,269,037 | |||
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
During 2014, the Fund paid $213,568 in interest expense, including $2 to affiliates.
For purposes of reporting the Statement of Cash Flows, the Fund considers all cash accounts that are not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties to be cash equivalents.
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 19 |
FOR THE PERIODS INDICATED
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014 (in US$) |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2013 (in US$) |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2012 (in US$) |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2011 (in US$) |
For the Year Ended December 31, 2010 (in US$) |
||||||||||||||||
For a share outstanding throughout each year: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net asset value, beginning of period |
17.28 | 15.47 | 12.75 | 17.41 | 15.27 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net investment income |
0.14 | 0.10 | 0.08 | 0.14 | 0.05 | |||||||||||||||
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) |
2.10 | 1.84 | 2.74 | (4.70 | ) | 2.11 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total from investment operations |
2.24 | 1.94 | 2.82 | (4.56 | ) | 2.16 | ||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Dividends from net investment income |
(0.13 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.10 | ) | (0.02 | ) | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Net asset value, end of period |
19.39 | 17.28 | 15.47 | 12.75 | 17.41 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Market value, end of period |
16.91 | 15.16 | 14.00 | 11.02 | 15.79 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Total Investment Return |
||||||||||||||||||||
Per share market value* |
12.5 | % | 9.2 | % | 28.2 | % | (29.6 | )% | 14.7 | % | ||||||||||
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net assets, end of period |
125,022,307 | 111,435,597 | 99,728,043 | 82,226,478 | 112,248,790 | |||||||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets |
2.14 | % | 2.26 | % | 2.11 | % | 1.89 | % | 1.99 | % | ||||||||||
Ratios of total expenses to average net assets, excluding interest expense |
1.94 | % | 2.05 | % | 2.04 | % | 1.89 | % | 1.99 | % | ||||||||||
Ratios of net investment income to average net assets |
0.82 | % | 0.61 | % | 0.54 | % | 0.87 | % | 0.32 | % | ||||||||||
Portfolio turnover rate |
86.7 | % | 66.6 | % | 85.8 | % | 66.8 | % | 76.1 | % | ||||||||||
Number of shares outstanding at end of period (in thousands) |
6,448 | 6,448 | 6,448 | 6,448 | 6,448 |
* | The total investment return excludes the effect of commissions. Dividends and distributions, if any, are assumed for the purpose of this calculation to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Funds dividend reinvestment plan or if specified in accordance with the terms of the distribution. |
SEE ACCOMPANYING NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
20 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014
1. Organization and Capital
JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc. (the Fund) was incorporated in the State of Maryland on May 22, 1992, and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act). The Fund commenced operations on July 16, 1992.
The Fund seeks to achieve long-term capital appreciation through investments primarily in equity securities of companies with substantial assets in, or revenues derived from, the Peoples Republic of China (China), Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau collectively, the China Region.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The following significant accounting policies, which are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), are consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
The Fund is an investment company and, accordingly, follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 Investment Companies, which is part of GAAP.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
i) Security Valuation All securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last sales price prior to the time of determination or, if no sales price is available at that time, at the mean between the last current bid and ask prices. Securities that are traded over-the-counter are valued, if bid and ask quotations are available, at the mean between the current bid and ask prices. Certain investments of the Fund may, depending upon market conditions, trade in relatively thin markets and/or in markets that experience significant volatility. As a result of these conditions, the prices used by the Fund to value securities may differ from the value that would be realized if these securities were sold and the differences could be material. All other securities and assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors. It is possible that the estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the investments existed, and such differences could be material. In valuing the Funds assets, quotations of foreign securities in a foreign currency are translated to United States (U.S.) dollar equivalents at the prevailing exchange rate in effect on the valuation date. Investments in open ended mutual funds are valued at current days closing net asset value per share (NAV).
Valuations reflected in this report are as of the report date. As a result, changes in valuation due to market events and/or issuer related events after the report date and prior to issuance of the report are not reflected herein.
The various inputs that are used in determining the fair value of the Funds investments are summarized into the three broad levels listed below.
| Level 1 quoted prices in active markets for identical securities |
| Level 2 other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.) |
| Level 3 significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments) |
A financial instruments level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input, both individually and in the aggregate, that is significant to the fair value measurement. The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 21 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
The following table represents each valuation input as presented on the Investment Portfolio:
Level 1 Quoted prices |
Level 2 Other significant observable inputs |
Level 3 Significant |
Total | |||||||||||||
Total Investments in Securities (a) |
$ | 138,599,938 | $ | 164,562 | $ | | $ | 138,764,500 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) | All portfolio holdings are designated as Level 1 with the exception of Wuhan Department Store Group Co., Ltd., A which has been designated as Level 2. Please refer to the Investment Portfolio for industry specifics of portfolio holdings. |
ii) 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 at the mid-market price of such currencies against U.S. dollars as follows:
| investments, other assets, and liabilities at the prevailing rates of exchange on the valuation date; |
| investment transactions and investment income at the prevailing rates of exchange on the dates of such transactions. |
Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of the securities held. Similarly, the Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities sold during the period. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) are included in the reported net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments. The Fund does isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from fluctuations when determining realized gain or loss for sales of fixed income securities.
Unrealized currency gains (losses) resulting from valuing foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities at period-end exchange rates are reflected as a component of accumulated net unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency holdings, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies.
iii) Restricted and Illiquid Securities Certain securities held by the Fund may be subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or are illiquid. Restricted securities generally may be resold in transactions exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act). Illiquid securities are securities which cannot be disposed of promptly (within seven days) and in the usual course of business at approximately its fair value and include, but are not limited to, repurchase agreements maturing in excess of seven days, time deposits with a withdrawal penalty, non-negotiable instruments and instruments for which no market exists. Disposal of these securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense. Prompt sale at the current valuation may be difficult and could adversely affect the net assets of the Fund.
iv) Distribution of Income and Gains The Fund intends to distribute to stockholders, at least annually, substantially all of its net investment income and expects to distribute annually any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital losses.
Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with Federal income tax regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with GAAP.
v) Other Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investment securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis. Dividend income, net of foreign taxes withheld, if any, is recorded on the ex-dividend date or when the Fund first learns of the dividend.
vi) Foreign Taxes The Fund may be subject to foreign taxes on income, gains on investments or currency purchases/repatriation, a portion of which may be recoverable. The Fund will accrue such taxes and recoveries as applicable, based upon its current interpretation of tax rules and regulations that exist in the markets in which it invests.
22 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
As described in Note 7.iii, the Fund invests in China A-shares, which are separately identified in the Investment Portfolio.
On November 14, 2014, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Finance, State Administration of Taxation and China Securities Regulatory Commission jointly issued notices confirming that they would no longer seek to claim 10% capital gains tax (CGT) on foreign institutional investors who trade China A-shares. The Funds policy has been to accrue 100% of the contingent CGT liability for all realized and unrealized gains in A Shares and B Shares.
Further to these announcements and in accordance with J.P. Morgans recommendation, the Funds Board approved the following PRC tax provisioning policy with effect from November 17, 2014:
1. | PRC income tax will no longer be provided for gains realized from sale of China A-shares on or after November 17, 2014. |
2. | PRC income tax will not be provided for unrealized gains of China A-shares. |
3. | Full provision (10%) CGT will be provided for all realized and unrealized gains (no netting against losses) for China B-shares, bonds (corporate and government), futures, index futures and exchange traded funds. |
4. | Full provision of the 10% withholding tax for all dividends (on A-shares, B-shares and H-shares) and PRC sourced interest income (except interest derived from PRC government bonds which are tax exempt). |
Based on its current interpretation of PRC tax rules, the Fund has maintained its accrual for CGT on gains realized from the sale of China A-shares prior to November 17, 2014. The announcements referred to above confirmed that such gains were taxable; however, the PRC tax authorities have not issued guidance on how such tax would be collected.
3. Investment Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Fund made purchases of $108,330,687 and sales of $108,187,210 of investment securities other than short-term investments. There were no purchases or sales of U.S. Government securities.
4. Related party, Other Service Provider Transactions and Directors
i) JF International Management Inc. (the Investment Advisor), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMorgan) provides investment advisory services to the Fund under the terms of an investment advisory agreement. The Advisor is paid a fee, computed weekly and payable monthly, at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Funds weekly managed gross assets. Investments in funds on which the Advisor or its affiliates charges a management fee are excluded from the calculation. The Advisor has agreed to waive its entitlement to a management fee on any cash held when borrowings are drawn under a borrowing facility.
ii) During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Fund did not pay any brokerage commissions to JPMorgan companies or affiliated brokers/dealers.
iii) Other Service Providers Pursuant to an Administration Agreement, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JPMCB), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of JPMorgan (the Administrator), provides certain administration services to the Fund. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Fund paid an administration fee of $88,367 in respect of tax, compliance, financial reporting and regulatory services.
JPMCB provides portfolio custody and accounting services for the Fund. The amounts paid directly to JPMCB by the Fund for custody and accounting services are included in Custodian and accounting fees in the Statement of Operations. In consideration of the accounting services, JPMCB receives a fee accrued daily and paid monthly at the annual rate of 0.02% of the first $12.5 billion of the average daily net assets of all funds in the JPMorgan International Fund Complex and 0.0175% of the average daily net assets in excess of $12.5 billion of all such funds subject to a minimum annual fee of $35,000. The custodian fees are split between safekeeping and transaction charges and vary by market.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 23 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
iv) Directors The Fund pays each of its Directors who is not a director, officer or employee of the Advisor, Administrator or any affiliate thereof, an annual fee of $24,100, the Audit Committee Chairman $28,500 and the Chairman $35,000 plus a $3,300 attendance fee for each Board meeting, Management Engagement Committee meeting and Audit Committee meeting attended. A per diem allowance of $2,000 per day, or $1,000 per half day, is paid to Directors in respect of time spent by Directors on Fund business outside normal Board and Committee meetings. The per diem allowance is subject to Board approval in advance. In addition, the Fund reimburses all Directors for travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Board of Directors meetings. Under normal circumstances, in order to minimize expenses, the Board expects to hold two meetings a year by telephone.
v) As of December 31, 2014, the Fund had two shareholders, each holding more than 5% of the Funds outstanding shares, who held in aggregate approximately 63.6% of the Funds outstanding shares.
5. Capital Share Transactions
On September 4, 2014, the Board of Directors renewed an authority for the Fund to purchase shares of its common stock from Fund stockholders, as described below. When shares trade at a discount to NAV, any purchase of shares by the Fund has the effect of increasing the NAV of the Funds remaining shares outstanding. All shares purchased by the Fund are thereafter considered authorized and unissued.
i) Share Repurchase Program On September 4, 2014, the Board renewed the Funds share repurchase authority up to 644,764 shares (10% of its then issued and outstanding shares) in the open market through September 4, 2015. Repurchases can be made only when the Funds shares are trading at less than NAV and at such times and amounts as it is believed to be in the best interest of the Funds stockholders.
During the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Fund did not repurchase any shares under the share repurchase program.
6. Borrowings
The Fund has a financing arrangement with Scotiabank (Ireland) Ltd (the Lender). Under this arrangement, the Lender provides a secured, committed credit facility in the aggregate amount of $17.5 million to the Fund. No compensating balances are required. The Fund has paid an upfront loan arrangement fee of $17,500, as required under this agreement. Interest on borrowings, if any, will be payable at 1.25% plus the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Interest on unutilized amounts will be payable at 0.25% if the unutilized amounts are equal to or less than 50% of the committed amount and 0.35% if the unutilized amounts are greater than 50% of the committed amount. At December 31, 2014, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 1.40%. This agreement was in effect until February 25, 2015, at which point it was extended. See note 9 on page 26 for the renewed terms of the agreement. The credit agreement governing the credit facility includes usual and customary covenants for this type of transaction.
Borrowings outstanding from the secured, committed credit facility and average borrowings from the credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2014, were as follows:
Outstanding Borrowings at December 31, 2014 |
Weighted For Days Drawn Upon |
Average Interest Rate on Borrowings |
Number of Days Outstanding |
Interest Expense on Borrowings |
Interest Expense on Unutilized Amounts |
|||||||||||||||
$15,000,000 |
$ | 15,000,000 | 1.40 | % | 365 | $ | 218,944 | $ | 6,337 |
24 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
The maximum borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $15,000,000, from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Interest expense to non-affiliates in the Statement of Operations includes interest expense on borrowings and unutilized amounts during the year ended December 31, 2014.
7. Risks and Uncertainties
i) China Region Investing in securities of China Region companies may include certain risks and considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities. In general, China Region companies are companies organized in the Peoples Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macau Special Administrative Region or Taiwan (the China Region) or for which the principal securities trading market is in the China Region; or companies, regardless of where organized, which have 50% or more of their assets in, or derive 50% or more of their revenues or profits from, the China Region. Such risks include fluctuating currency values and changing local and regional economic, political and social conditions, which may result in greater market volatility. In addition, these securities may not be as liquid as U.S. securities. At December 31, 2014, the Fund had 66.2%, 24.7% and 20.1%, based on net assets, of its total investments invested in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, respectively.
ii) Foreign Transactions Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations and risks not typically associated with those of U.S. dollar denominated transactions as a result of, among other factors, the level of governmental supervision and regulation of foreign securities markets and the possibility of political or economic instability.
iii) Direct Investments in China A-share securities The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) may grant qualified foreign institutional investor (QFII) licenses, which allow foreign investments in A-shares on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges and certain other securities historically not eligible for investment by non-Chinese investors. Each QFII is authorized to invest in China A-shares only up to a specified quota established by the Chinese State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE). JF Asset Management Limited has a QFII license permitting it to invest a specific portion of the assets of certain funds (which may include the Fund) in local Chinese securities. Although the laws of China permit the use of nominee accounts for clients of QFIIs, the Chinese regulators require the general securities trading and settlement accounts to be maintained in the name of the QFII. As the Fund is permitted to invest in China A-shares, the Funds local custodian bank maintains a specific sub-account for the A-share investments in the name of the Fund. This amount is included in Deposits at broker in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. However, there is a risk that creditors of the QFII and its affiliates (each, a JP Morgan Affiliate) may assert that a JP Morgan Affiliate, and not the Fund, has recourse against the securities and other assets in the account and/or sub-accounts. If a court upholds such an assertion, creditors of a JP Morgan Affiliate could seek payment from the Funds A-share investments.
Additional risks for the Funds A-share investments include a potential lack of liquidity, greater price volatility, and restrictions on the repatriation of invested capital. Because of low trading volume and various restrictions on the free flow of capital into the A-share market, the China A-share market could be less liquid and trading prices of A-shares could be more volatile than other local securities markets. In addition, net realized profits on fund investments in A-shares may only be repatriated under certain conditions and upon the approval of SAFE. Rules regarding taxation of investments in mainland China are unsettled and may be subject to change. Changes in the taxation of A-shares could materially affect the Funds performance.
iv) Other In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts that provide general indemnifications. The maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Fund and, therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of any loss from such claims is considered remote.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 25 |
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AT DECEMBER 31, 2014 (continued)
8. Tax Status
U.S. Federal Income Taxes No provision for federal income taxes is required since the Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and distribute substantially all of its taxable income. Management has reviewed the Funds tax positions for all open tax years and has determined that as of December 31, 2014, no liability for income tax is required in the Funds financial statements for net unrecognized tax benefits. However, managements conclusions may be subject to future review based on changes in, or the interpretation of, the accounting standards or tax laws and regulations. The Funds Federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
The tax character of distributions paid for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $818,850 from ordinary income.
The tax character of distributions paid for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $831,745 from ordinary income.
At December 31, 2014, the components of net assets (excluding paid-in capital) on a tax basis were as follows:
Tax Basis Ordinary Income |
$ | 1,526,360 | ||
Tax Basis Capital Loss Carryover |
$ | (2,552,688 | ) | |
Tax Unrealized Appreciation on Investments and Foreign Currencies |
$ | 27,486,435 | ||
|
|
|||
Net Assets (Excluding Paid-In Capital) |
$ | 26,460,107 | ||
|
|
The cumulative timing differences primarily consist of China capital gains tax and wash sale loss deferrals.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Fund reclassified $868,539 from accumulated realized gains (losses) on investments and $1 from Paid-in-Capital to undistributed net investment income on investments as a result of permanent book and tax differences primarily relating to PFICs gains and losses. Net assets were not affected by the reclassifications.
Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the Act), net capital losses recognized by the Fund after December 31, 2010, are carried forward indefinitely, and retain their character as short-term and/or long-term losses. Prior to the Act, pre-enactment net capital losses incurred by the Fund were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. The Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses.
At December 31, 2014, the Fund had pre-enactment net capital loss carryforwards of $2,552,688, expiring during 2017, which are available to offset future realized gains.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Fund utilized pre-enactment capital loss carryforward of $7,330,351.
9. Subsequent Event
On February 25, 2015, the Fund renewed its financing arrangement with Scotiabank (Ireland) Ltd (the Lender). Under this arrangement, the Lender provides a secured, committed credit facility in the aggregate amount of $17.5 million to the Fund. Interest on borrowings, if any, will be payable at 0.85% plus the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The Fund has paid an upfront loan arrangement fee of $8,750, as required under this agreement. Interest on unutilized amounts will be payable at a flat commitment fee of 0.25%, irrespective of the amount of the utilized commitment. This agreement is in effect until February 24, 2017. The credit agreement governing the credit facility includes usual and customary covenants for this type of transaction.
26 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc.:
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio, and the related statements of operations, of changes in net assets and of cash flows and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc. (the Fund) at December 31, 2014, the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as financial statements) are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 2014 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
February 27, 2015
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 27 |
RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING (Unaudited)
The Fund held its annual stockholders meeting on May 8, 2014. At this meeting, stockholders re-elected Julian M.I. Reid to the Funds Board of Directors, the results of which are set out below.
I) Election of Director
Nominee | Votes For | Votes Against | Votes Withheld | Shares Not Voted |
Total Voting Shares | |||||||||||||||
Julian M.I. Reid | 5,485,257 | 396,430 | | 565,950 | 6,447,637 |
28 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 29 |
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT (Unaudited)
On November 4, 2014, the Funds Board considered and approved the renewal of the Investment Advisory Agreement (the Agreement) between the Fund and JFIMI for an additional term of twelve (12) months. At this meeting, the directors reviewed extensive materials prepared by JFIMI and discussed these materials with representatives of JFIMI. The directors considered the recommendation of the Management Engagement Committee (the Committee) that the Agreement be renewed, noting that the Committee had discussed, in an executive session with independent counsel, the nature, extent and quality of the advisory services provided to the Fund by JFIMI, the level of advisory fees, the costs of the services provided and the profits realized by JFIMI, the Funds expense ratio, its relative and absolute performance, any economies of scale with respect to the management of the Fund, any ancillary benefits received by JFIMI and its affiliates as a result of their relationship with the Fund, and various other matters included in the materials provided by JFIMI.
In approving the renewal of the Agreement, the Committee, and the Board, concluded that:
| The annual investment advisory fee rate paid by the Fund to JFIMI for investment advisory services was reasonable relative to the Funds peer group and relative to other non-U.S. funds managed by JFIMI. |
| The Committee and the Board were generally satisfied with the nature, quality and extent of other services provided by JFIMI. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee and the Board reviewed, among other things, JFIMIs investment experience in the China region markets and the background and experience of JFIMIs senior management. |
| The Funds performance in the three (3) year period had outperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Golden Dragon Index. (The Board and the Committee reviewed the Funds performance in comparison to the peer group and the benchmark for the 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and since inception periods.) Although one (1) year and five (5) year performance lagged, it was noted that for certain longer-term periods, the Funds performance surpassed the benchmark. The Board and Committee noted that the Investment Advisor had made steady progress on implementing a strategic repositioning of the portfolio with the Board and Committees full support. |
| In light of the costs of providing advisory services to the Fund, the profits and ancillary benefits that JFIMI received, with respect to providing investment advisory services to the Fund, were reasonable. The Board and the Committee noted that beginning in May 2005, the Fund discontinued using JFIMIs affiliates to effect Fund securities trades, unless in exceptional circumstances, effectively eliminating brokerage commissions as an ancillary benefit for JFIMI. |
| The Funds expense ratio remained at an acceptable level. |
30 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
Information pertaining to the Directors and officers of the Fund is set forth below.
Name, (YOB), Address and Position(s) with Fund |
Term of Office and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director* |
Other Trusteeships/ Directorships Held by Director | ||||
Independent Directors |
||||||||
The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer (1946) 60 Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0JP United Kingdom |
Three year term ends in 2015; Chairman and Director since 1994. | Chairman of the Board of the Fund; Chairman of the Board, Western Provident Association (insurance), LG India Plus Fund Ltd (financial), Pedder Street Asia Absolute Return Fund Limited (financial); LG Asia Plus Fund Limited (financial); Director, Cheetah Korea Value Fund Ltd (financial) and Chief Executive Officer, Cromer Associates Limited (family business). | 1 | See Principal Occupation. | ||||
Alexander R. Hamilton (1941) P.O. Box 12343 General Post Office Hong Kong Class II Director |
Three year term ends in 2016; Director since 1994. | Director of CITIC Limited (infrastructure), Cosco International Holdings Limited (shipping), Esprit Holdings Limited (clothing retail), Shangri-La Asia Limited (hotels) and Octopus Cards Limited (financial services). Former Director of China Cosco Holdings Co. Limited (shipping) (retired May 2011). | 1 | See Principal Occupation. | ||||
Julian M. I. Reid (1944) 60 Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0JP United Kingdom |
Three year term ends in 2017; Director since 1998. | Chief Executive Officer of 3a Funds Group (financial); Director and Chairman of Morgans Walk Properties Limited (property); Director and Chairman of The Korea Fund, Inc. (financial); Director and Chairman of Prosperity Voskhod Fund (financial); Director and Chairman of ASA Limited (financial) and Director of J M Properties Limited (property). | 1 | See Principal Occupation. |
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 31 |
FUND MANAGEMENT (Unaudited)
(continued)
Name, (YOB), Address and Position(s) with Fund |
Term of Office and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years |
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Director* |
Other Trusteeships/ Directorships Held by Director | ||||
Independent Directors (continued) |
||||||||
John R. Rettberg (1937) 1 Beacon St. Boston, MA 02108 |
Three year term ends in 2016; Director since 2008 | Former Trustee, JPMorgan Alternative Products mutual fund Board (1997-2009). | 1 | None. | ||||
Interested Director & President of the Fund |
||||||||
Simon J. Crinage (1965) 60 Victoria Embankment London, EC4Y 0JP United Kingdom Class I Director and President |
Three year term ends in 2015; Director since 2009 & President since 2003** | Managing Director, J.P. Morgan. | 1 | Director of The Association of Investment Companies Limited and JF International Management Inc. |
* | The Fund is the only fund in the Fund Complex. |
** | The officers of the Fund serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. |
32 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
Information pertaining to the officers of the Fund is set forth below.
Name, (YOB), Address and Position(s) with Fund |
Term of Office and Length of Time Served |
Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years | ||
Officers who are not Directors | ||||
Neil S. Martin |
Since 2014** | Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of the Fund; Executive Director, J.P. Morgan. | ||
Lucy J. Dina (1977) 60 Victoria Embankment |
Since 2013** | Secretary of the Fund; Vice President, J.P. Morgan. | ||
Steve M. Ungerman (1953) 270 Park Avenue New York Chief Compliance Officer |
Since 2014** | Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund; Managing Director, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank NA. |
** | The officers of the Fund serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. |
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 33 |
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND CASH PURCHASE PLAN
(Unaudited)
34 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | DECEMBER 31, 2014 |
(Unaudited)
Officers and Directors | The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer Director and Chairman of the Board and Management Engagement Committee Simon J. Crinage Director and President Alexander R. Hamilton Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee and Pricing Committee Julian M. I. Reid Director John R. Rettberg Director Neil S. Martin Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer Lucy J. Dina Secretary Steve M. Ungerman Chief Compliance Officer | |
Investment Advisor | JF International Management Inc. P.O. Box 3151 Road Town, Tortola British Virgin Islands | |
Administrator | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 1 Beacon Street, 18th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02108 U.S.A. | |
Custodian | JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. 1 Beacon Street, 18th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02108 U.S.A. | |
Independent Registered Public |
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 300 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10017 U.S.A. | |
Legal Counsel | Dechert LLP New York: 1095 Avenue of the Americas New York, New York 10036 U.S.A. | |
Hong Kong: 27/F Henley Building 5 Queens Road Central Hong Kong | ||
Registrar, Transfer Agent, and Dividend Paying Agent | Computershare Trust Company, N.A. P. O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170 U.S.A. |
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase shares of its common stock in the open market.
www.jpmchinaregionfund.com
DECEMBER 31, 2014 | JPMORGAN CHINA REGION FUND, INC. | 35 |
This report, including the financial statements herein, is sent to the stockholders of the Fund for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any securities mentioned in this report.
© JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2015 All rights reserved. December 31.
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS.
(a) | The JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc. (the Fund) has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to the Funds principal executive officer and principal financial officer. |
(c) | There have been no amendments to the Funds Code of Ethics during the reporting period for this Form N-CSR. |
(d) | There have been no waivers granted by the Fund to individuals covered by the Funds Code of Ethics during the reporting period for this Form N-CSR. |
(f) | A copy of the Funds Code of Ethics is attached as exhibit 12(a)(1) to this Form N-CSR. |
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT.
(a) (1) The Board of Directors of the Fund has determined that the Fund has one member serving on the Funds Audit Committee that possesses the attributes identified in Instruction 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as audit committee financial expert.
(2) The name of the audit committee financial expert is John R. Rettberg. Mr. Rettberg has been deemed to be independent as that term is defined in Item 3(a)(2) of Form N-CSR.
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
a) Audit Fees
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP (PwC), the Funds independent registered public accounting firm, billed the Fund aggregate fees of US$55,000 and $53,000, respectively, for professional services rendered for the audit of the Funds annual financial statements.
(b) Audit-Related Fees
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, PwC billed the Fund aggregate fees of US$10, 500 and $11,000, respectively, for security count procedures performed as required under Rule 17f-2 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(c) Tax Fees
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, PwC billed the Fund aggregate fees of US$8, 975 and $8,750, respectively, for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. The nature of the services comprising the Tax Fees was the review of the Funds income tax returns and tax distribution requirements.
(d) All Other Fees
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, PwC did not bill the Fund any other fees. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, PwC did not bill the Fund any other fees.
(e) The Funds Audit Committee Charter requires the Audit Committee pre-approve all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm to the Fund, and all non-audit services to be provided by the auditors to the Funds Investment Advisor and any service providers controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Funds Investment Advisor that provide on-going services to the Fund, if the engagement relates directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund. All of the audit, audit-related and tax services described above for which PwC billed the Fund for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Funds Audit Committee did not waive the pre-approval requirement of any non-audit services to be provided to the Fund by PwC.
(f) Not applicable to the Fund.
(g) For the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate non-audit fees for services rendered by PwC to the Fund, the Funds investment advisor and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisor that provided ongoing services to the Fund were $6.9 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
(h) The Funds Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to Funds investment advisor and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment advisor that provides ongoing services to the Fund that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountants independence.
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS.
(a) The Fund has a separately-designated audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The members of the Funds audit committee are: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cromer, Alexander R. Hamilton, John R. Rettberg and Julian M. I. Reid.
ITEM 6. SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
(a) Schedule of Investments is included as part of Item 1.
(b) Not applicable to the Fund.
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
Attached to this Form N-CSR as exhibit 12(a)(4) are copies of the proxy voting policies and procedures of the Fund and J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM) (formerly JF Asset Management), parent company of the Funds advisor, JF International Management Inc. (the Advisor).
J.P. MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT (Voting policy and corporate governance guidelines)
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J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM) is committed to delivering superior investment performance to its clients worldwide. We believe that one of the drivers of investment performance is an assessment of the corporate governance principles and practices of the companies in which we invest our clients assets and we expect those companies to demonstrate high standards of governance in the management of their business.
We have set out below the principles which provide the framework for our corporate governance activity. Although the policies and guidelines set out in this document apply to Hong Kong and therefore principally concern accounts managed from the Hong Kong office, our colleagues in London, New York and Tokyo have similar standards, consistent with law and best practice in these different locations.
2
1. | Fiduciary priority. Our clients appoint us to manage their assets in order to maximise the likelihood of meeting or exceeding their investment objectives at acceptable risk levels. Every decision to buy, hold or sell any security will be consistent with that overriding objective. |
2. | Evaluation. Our clients expect us, as their delegates, to monitor the governance of companies in which we have invested their assets. |
3. | Engagement. We encourage excellence in the management of companies through the considered application of our corporate governance policies and guidelines. We welcome consultation by companies with their leading shareholders on corporate governance issues. |
4. | Proxy voting. Company management is accountable to the shareholders, our clients. It is our responsibility to ensure this is recognized through the considered use of our clients votes. |
5. | Litigation and Joint Working Parties. JPMAM will align itself with other shareholders, for example, by joining class action suits or working parties as local practice dictates, where we are convinced that this is in the best interests of our clients. |
6. | Disclosure. JPMAMs corporate governance guidelines and policies are available to clients and companies alike. We believe that they conform to best practice and we are prepared to discuss them openly with other interested parties. |
7. | Ongoing commitment. JPMAM is committed to reviewing its corporate governance principles, policies and guidelines to ensure that they fully reflect our interpretation of best market practice. |
J.P. Morgan Asset Management (JPMAM) manages the voting rights of the shares entrusted to it as it would manage any other asset. It is the policy of JPMAM to vote in a prudent and diligent manner, based exclusively on our reasonable judgment of what will best serve the financial interests of the beneficial owners of the security.
1. Proxy Committee
The JPMAM Proxy Committee has been established to oversee the proxy voting process in the Asia ex Japan region on an ongoing basis. It is composed of the Proxy Administrator and senior officers from the Investment, Compliance and Risk Management Departments. The main functions of the Proxy Committee are to review the Proxy Voting Guidelines (Guidelines) to ensure they are aligned with best practice; to determine the independence of any third-party vendor which it has delegated proxy voting responsibilities and to conclude that there are no conflicts of interest that would prevent such vendor from providing such proxy voting services prior to delegating proxy responsibilities; and to provide advice and recommendations on general proxy voting matters as well as on specific voting issues as they occur. The Proxy Committee may delegate certain of its responsibilities to subgroups composed of Proxy Committee members. It meets quarterly or more frequently as circumstances dictate and its minutes are circulated to senior management including the Asia Risk Committee to whom it reports.
2. Voting
As these Guidelines represent what we consider to be in the best financial interests of our clients, we would normally expect clients to allow us to use them as a template for voting. However, we recognise that in certain circumstances further analysis may be required.
In view our overriding fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of our clients, the Guidelines are an indication only of JPMAMs voting policy. The portfolio manager has discretion to override the policy should individual circumstances dictate.
Our Guidelines are primarily targeted at companies listed on main stock exchanges. It is sometimes difficult for smaller companies to apply the same corporate governance standards and we would look at any issues for such companies on a case-by-case basis. We would, however, encourage them to apply the highest possible standards of governance.
For markets in Asia ex Japan, we will generally abstain from voting at AGMs on the grounds that the matters normally considered at such meetings are of a routine and non-contentious nature. To ensure we fulfil our fiduciary obligation to always act in our clients best interests, we will review each AGM notice to check whether there are any non-routine matters such as company reorganisations/ restructurings, takeover/ merger and senior management compensation plans included therein. If any such matters are identified then we will consider each one individually so that our clients best interests are served. The major routine matters in AGM are as follows:
1. | Accept Financial Statement and Statutory Reports |
2. | Approve Dividend |
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3. | Election and re-election of directors |
4. | Fix remuneration of directors |
5. | Appoint auditors and fix remunerations |
6. | Approve issuance of Equity or Equity-Linked Securities without pre-emptive rights |
7. | Approve repurchase of shares (up to 20% of issued capital) |
8. | Authorise reissuance of repurchased shares |
Also, certain markets require that shares are blocked from trading in order to be tendered for voting purposes. In these instances, it may be in our clients best interests to abstain from voting in order to preserve the ability to trade. For these countries, a decision will be taken on a case-by-case basis by the research analyst in conjunction with the portfolio manager in order to determine how our clients best interests are served.
To assist JPMAM investment professionals with public companies proxy voting proposals, we have retained the services of an independent proxy voting service, Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. (ISS). ISS is assigned responsibility for various functions, which may include one or more of the following: coordinating with client custodians to ensure that all proxy materials are processed in a timely fashion; providing JPMAM with a comprehensive analysis of each proxy proposal and providing JPMAM with recommendations on how to vote each proxy proposal based on the Guidelines or, where no Guideline exists or where the Guidelines require a case-by-case analysis, on ISS analysis; and executing the voting of the proxies in accordance with Guidelines and its recommendation, except when a recommendation is overridden by JPMAM, as described below. The Proxy Voting Committee has adopted procedures to recall shares on loan if a proposed major corporate event contemplates a shareholder vote to approve or to take other action. (The Proxy Voting Committee may determine: (a) not to recall securities on loan if, in its judgment, the negative consequences to clients of recalling the loaned securities would outweigh the benefits of voting in the particular instance or (b) not to vote certain foreign securities positions if, in its judgment, the expense and administrative inconvenience or other burdens outweigh the benefits to clients of voting the securities.)Situations can sometimes arise where more than one JPMAM client invests in the same company or in which a single client may invest in the same company but in multiple accounts. In those situations, two or more clients, or one client with different accounts, may be invested in strategies having different investment objectives, investment styles, or portfolio managers. As a result, JPMAM may cast different votes on behalf of different clients or on behalf of the same client with different accounts.
In the event a JPMAM investment professional makes a recommendation in connection with an override, the investment professional must provide the appropriate Proxy Administrator with a written certification (Certification) which shall contain an analysis supporting his or her recommendation and a certification that he or she (A) received no communication in regard to the proxy that would violate either the JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) Safeguard Policy or written policy on information barriers, or received any communication in connection with the proxy solicitation or otherwise that would suggest the existence of an actual or potential conflict between JPMAMs interests and that of its clients and (B) was not aware of any personal or other relationship that could present an actual or potential conflict of interest with the clients interests.
3. Engagement
We regard regular, systematic and direct contact with senior company management, both executive and non-executive, as crucially important. We consider that these dialogues have been useful and plan to expand this approach.
4. Conflicts of Interest
In order to maintain the integrity and independence of JPMAMs proxy-voting decisions, JPMorgan Chase (including JPMAM) has established formal barriers designed to restrict the flow of information between JPMCs securities, lending, investment banking and other divisions to JPMAM investment professionals. Where a potential material conflict of interest has been identified, the Proxy Administrator, in consultation with the Proxy Committee, evaluates the potential conflict and determines whether an actual conflict exists. In the event that this is the case, they make a recommendation on how to vote the proxy. A record of such decisions is available to clients on request. Finally, it should be pointed out that this document is intended as an overview only. Specific issues should always be directed to your account administrator or portfolio manager.
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1a. Annual Report
Reports and accounts should be both detailed and transparent, and should be submitted to shareholders for approval. They should meet accepted reporting standards, and company accounts should employ Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP). Reports should meet with the spirit as well as the letter of reporting standards, including the most recent recommendations of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The annual report should include a statement of compliance with relevant codes of best practice, in markets where they exist.
Legal disclosure varies from market to market. If, in our opinion, a companys standards of disclosure (whilst meeting minimum legal requirements) are insufficient in any particular area, we will inform company management of our concerns. Depending on the circumstances, we will either abstain or vote against the resolution concerned. Similar consideration would relate to the use of inappropriate accounting methods.
Proposals for the payment of dividends should be presented to shareholders for approval, and should be fully disclosed in advance of the meeting. We will vote against dividend proposals if we feel that payment of the proposed dividend would prejudice the solvency or future prospects of the company.
3a. Auditor Independence
Auditors must provide an independent and objective check on the way in which the financial statements have been prepared and presented. JPMAM will vote against the appointment or re-appointment of auditors who are not perceived as being independent.
3b. Auditor Remuneration
Companies should be encouraged to distinguish clearly between audit and non-audit fees. Audit fees should never be excessive.
4a. Chairman & CEO
JPMAM believes that it is best practice for the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to be separate.
4b. Board Structure
JPMAM is in favour of unitary boards of the type found in Hong Kong, as opposed to tiered board structures.
4c. Board Size
Boards with more than 20 directors are considered to be excessively large.
4d. Board Independence
JPMAM believes that a strong independent element to a board is essential to the effective running of a company. The calibre and number of non-executive directors on a board should be such that their views will carry significant weight in the boards decisions.
We believe that as a minimum, all boards should have at least three non-executive directors, unless the company is of such a size that sustaining such a number would be an excessive burden.
JPMAM will use its voting powers to encourage appropriate levels of board independence, taking into account local market practice.
4e. Board Committees
Where appropriate, boards should delegate key oversight functions to independent committees. The Chairman and members of any Committee should be clearly identified in the annual report.
5a. Executive Directors Remuneration
Executive remuneration is and will remain a contentious issue, particularly the overall quantum of remuneration.
JPMAM will generally vote against shareholder proposals to restrict arbitrarily the compensation of executives or other employees.
5b. Directors Liability
In certain markets, this proposal asks shareholders to give blanket discharge from responsibility for all decisions made during the previous financial year. Depending on the market, this resolution may or may not be legally binding, and may not release the board from its legal responsibility.
JPMAM will usually vote against discharging the board from responsibility in cases of pending litigation, or if there is evidence of wrongdoing for which the board must be held accountable.
5c. Directors over 70
JPMAM considers that a similar standard of care should be applied to the selection of a director over 70 as would be applied to that of any other director, although we would expect to see such a director offer him or herself for re-election each year.
5d. Directors Contract
Generally, we encourage contracts of one year or less and vote accordingly.
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6a. Role of Non-Executive Directors
As stated earlier in these guidelines, JPMAM believes that a strong independent element to a board is important to the effective running of a company.
In determining our vote, we will always consider independence issues on a case-by-case basis, taking into account any exceptional individual circumstances, together with local markets differing attitudes to director independence.
In order to help assess their contribution to the company, the time spent by each non-executive director should be disclosed to shareholders, as well as their attendance at board and committee meetings.
Audit and Remuneration Committees should be composed exclusively of independent directors.
6b. Director Independence
We consider that a director will generally be deemed to be independent if he or she has no significant financial, familial or other ties with the company which might pose a conflict, and has not been employed in an executive capacity by the company for at least the previous ten years.
6c. Multiple Directorships
In order to be able to devote sufficient time to his or her duties, we would not normally expect a non-executive to hold more than five significant directorships at any one time. For executives, only one additional non-executive post would normally be considered appropriate without further explanation.
6d. Non-Executive Director Remuneration
Non-executive directors should be paid but should not be awarded options.
6e. Bonuses for Retiring Directors and Internal Statutory Auditors
JPMAM will generally vote Against proposals for retirement bonuses which will be paid to retirees including one or more directors or statutory auditors designated by companies as an outsider.
7a. Issue of Equity
In most countries, company law requires that shareholder approval be obtained in order to increase the authorised share capital of the company. Proposals for equity issues will also specify whether pre-emptive rights are to be retained or suppressed or partially suppressed for the issue. As a general rule, JPMAM believes that any new issue of equity should first be offered to existing shareholders on a pre-emptive basis.
JPMAM will vote in favour of increases in capital which enhance a companys long-term prospects.
7b. Issue of Debt
Reasons for increased bank borrowing powers are many and varied, including allowing normal growth of the company, the financing of acquisitions, and allowing increased financial leverage. Management may also attempt to borrow as part of a takeover defence.
JPMAM will vote in favour of proposals which will enhance a companys long-term prospects. We will vote against an increase in bank borrowing powers which would result in the company reaching an unacceptable level of financial leverage, where such borrowing is expressly intended as part of a takeover defence, or where there is a material reduction in shareholder value.
7c. Share Repurchase Programmes
Boards may instigate share repurchase or stock buy-back programs for a number of reasons. JPMAM will vote in favour of such programmes where the repurchase would be in the best interests of shareholders, and where the company is not thought to be able to use the cash in a more useful way.
We will vote against such programmes when shareholders interests could be better served by deployment of the cash for alternative uses, or where the repurchase is a defensive manoeuvre or an attempt to entrench management.
Mergers and acquisitions are always reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the investment analyst in conjunction with portfolio managers and, in exceptional circumstances, the Proxy Committee. Individual circumstances will always apply. However, as a general rule, JPMAM will favour mergers and acquisitions where the proposed acquisition price represents fair value, where shareholders cannot realise greater value through other means, and where all shareholders receive fair and equal treatment under the merger/acquisition terms.
JPMAM believes in the fundamental principle of one share, one vote. Accordingly, we will vote to phase out dual voting rights or classes of share with restricted voting rights, and will oppose attempts to introduce new ones. We are opposed to mechanisms that skew voting rights, such as cumulative voting; directors should represent all shareholders equally, and voting rights should accrue in accordance with the shareholders equity capital commitment to the company.
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10. SHARE OPTIONS / LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS (L-TIPs)
10a. Share Options
Best practice requires that share options be fully expensed, so that shareholders can assess their true cost to the company. The assumptions and methodology behind the expensing calculation should also be explained to shareholders.
We will generally vote against the cancellation and re-issue, re-pricing, of underwater options.
10b. Long-Term Incentive Plans (L-TIPs)
A Long-Term Incentive Plan (L-TIP) can be defined as any arrangement, other than deferred bonuses and retirement benefit plans, which require one or more conditions in respect of service and/or performance to be satisfied over more than one financial year.
JPMAM normally will vote in favour of schemes with keen incentives and challenging performance criteria, which are fully disclosed to shareholders in advance, and vote against payments which are excessive or performance criteria which are undemanding.
11a. Charitable Issues
Charitable donations are generally acceptable, provided they are within reasonable limits and fully disclosed to shareholders.
11b. Political Issues
JPMAM does not normally support the use of shareholder funds for political donations, and would require the fullest explanation as to why this would be beneficial to shareholders.
11c. Poison Pills
Poison pills, or shareholder rights plans, are designed to give shareholders of a target company the right to purchase shares of the acquiring company, the target company, or both at a substantial discount from market value. These rights are exercisable once a pre-defined triggering event occurs, generally a hostile takeover offer or an outsiders acquisition of a certain percentage of stock. Corporations may or may not be able to adopt poison pills without shareholder approval, depending on the market.
In reaching its voting position, the Committee has reviewed and continues to review current takeover events. However, it has concluded that there is no clear evidence that poison pills deter takeover offers or defeat takeover attempts and are, in fact, sometimes used as tools to entrench management.
JPMAM will generally vote against anti-takeover devices and support proposals aimed at revoking existing plans. Where anti-takeover devices exist, they should be fully disclosed to shareholders and shareholders should be given the opportunity to review them periodically.
11d. Composite Resolutions
Agenda items at shareholder meetings should be presented in such a way that they can be voted upon clearly, distinctly and unambiguously. We normally oppose deliberately vague, composite or bundled resolutions, depending on the context.
11e. Amendments to company articles
i. | Limitation on Directors Liability review on a case by case basis |
ii. | Changes in business activities/ Expansion of business line generally vote For |
iii. | Relaxation of Quorum Requirementgenerally vote Against |
iv. | Shares Repurchase at discretion of the Board of Directors review on a case by case basis |
v. | Changes of shareholders record date at discretion of the Board of Directors generally vote Against |
Activism Policy
1. Discharge of Responsibilities
a) | Our primary responsibility is to protect our clients interests and, as active managers, we therefore absolutely reserve the right to dispose of an investment where a company fails to meet our expectations. |
b) | Our investment managers and analysts have explicit responsibilities for monitoring the companies in the universe of stocks from which clients portfolios are constructed. Whilst we attach considerable importance to meetings with management (and several hundred take place in Asia ex Japan each year), we also emphasise the benefits of fundamental research into companies in our investment processes. Industry research, balance sheet analysis and company news flow all have a role to varying degrees in our company monitoring. |
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c) | Our approach to dealing with conflicts of interest is described fully in our Corporate Governance Policies and Procedures. We seek to minimise conflicts by controlling information flows between different parts of JPMorgan Chase. Where a material conflict does arise we require investors who make the voting decision to certify that they have acted solely in the clients best interests. |
2. Monitor Performance
Monitoring of company performance is a key part of our investment processes. We maintain a record of all private meetings held with companies. We regard these meetings as confidential and will not comment on them outside JPMAM.
3. Evaluating and Reporting
We are convinced that a strong governance culture leads ultimately to a better business and a better stock market rating. As investors we scrutinise companies governance policies as a part of our investment research and take comfort from good governance.
4. Intervening when necessary
We do not normally intervene directly in the management of companies . However where a company has failed to meet our expectations and it is not clear what action is being taken to remedy the situation , but we believe the potential of the company still justifies retention in our clients portfolios , we will arrange to meet senior management in order to express our concerns. Intervention at companies is never publicised. In the small capitalisation end of the market , more aggressive intervention is more common , but still infrequent , as we may hold a significant percentage of a companys equity.
Where JPMAM engages with companies on broader social, environmental and sustainability issues, we have adopted a positive engagement approach. Thus, specific assets or types of assets are not excluded on purely social, environmental or ethical criteria (unless specifically requested by clients). Rather, analysts take such issues into account as part of the mainstream analytical process. Where appropriate, JPMAM will also engage with company management on specific issues at company one-to-one meetings. This engagement activity can then be reported to clients as required.
Where social or environmental issues are the subject of a proxy vote, JPMAM will consider the issue on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind at all times the best financial interests of our clients.
It is anticipated that our sustainability program will continue to expand both in terms of scope and market coverage as client demand and availability of suitable resources dictate.
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES.
(a)(1) The day-to-day management of the Funds portfolio is handled by the Greater China investment team of JPMAM. The Greater China Investment Team is based in Hong Kong. The head of this team is Howard Wang and Emerson Yip, Lillian Leung and Song Shen are portfolio managers.
Mr. Wang joined JPMAM in Hong Kong in 2005. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Wang spent eight years with Goldman Sachs, where in 2004, he was appointed Managing Director, Equities and General Manager of the Taipei branch office.
Mr. Yip joined JPMAM in Hong Kong in 2006. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Yip was a director of Newbridge Capital where, since 1998, he held various positions of responsibility.
Ms. Leung joined JPMAM in Hong Kong in 2010. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Leung worked as the Associate Director of China Research and later the Chief Representative of Shanghai Representative Office with Alliance Bernstein.
Mr. Shen joined JPMAM in Hong Kong in 2010. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Shen worked as a research analyst in China commodities in Goldman Sachs from 1994.
Ms. Huang joined JPMAM in Hong Kong in 2006. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Huang worked as a managing director of the Global Investment Research team of Goldman Sachs from 1997.
The chart below shows the number, type and market value as of December 31, 2014 of the accounts other than the Fund that are managed by each of the Funds portfolio managers. The potential for conflicts of interest exists when a portfolio manager manages other accounts with similar or different investment objectives and strategies as the Fund (Other Accounts). Potential conflicts may include, for example, conflicts between investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities.
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(a) (2)
Howard Wang (a)(2)(ii) | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
1 |
341m | 5 | 2,103 | Nil | Nil | |||||
(a)(2)(iii) - Performance fee | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
Nil |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||
Emerson Yip (a)(2)(ii) | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
1 |
125m | 4 | 961m | 3 | 852m | |||||
(a)(2)(iii) - Performance fee | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
Nil |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||
Lillian Leung (a)(2)(ii) | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
Nil |
Nil | 2 | 1,095m | 1 | 43m | |||||
(a)(2)(iii) - Performance fee | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
Nil |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||
Song Shen (a)(2)(ii) | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
Nil |
Nil | 6 | 2,116m | Nil | Nil |
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(a)(2)(iii) - Performance fee | ||||||||||
Registered Investment companies |
Other Pooled Investment Vehicles |
Other Accounts | ||||||||
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) |
Number of accounts |
Total Assets (USD) | |||||
Nil |
Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | Nil | |||||
(a)(4) Ownership of Securities | ||||||||||
Portfolio Manager |
None |
$1-$10,000 |
$10,000-$50,000 |
|||||||
Howard Wang |
x | |||||||||
Emerson Yip |
x | |||||||||
Lilian Leung |
x | |||||||||
Song Shen |
x | |||||||||
Shumin Huang |
x |
Responsibility for managing the client portfolios of the Advisor and the Advisors participating affiliates is organized according to the mandates of each account. The Funds portfolio managers manage other accounts with similar objectives, approach and philosophy to the Fund. The portfolio holdings, relative position sizes and industry and sector exposures tend to be similar across these similar portfolios, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest. For Howard Wang, these similar portfolios include one registered investment company and five other pooled investment vehicles as described under ITEM 8 (a)(2)(ii) above that invest in the Greater China/China/Hong Kong markets and only take long positions in securities.
For Emerson Yip, the similar portfolios include two registered investment companies, six other pooled investment vehicles and three other accounts as described under ITEM 8 (a)(2)(ii) above that invest in Greater China/Hong Kong markets and only take long positions in securities.
For Lilian Leung, these similar portfolios include one pooled investment vehicle as described under ITEM 8 (a)(2)(ii) above that invest in China/Hong Kong markets and only take long positions in securities.
For Song Shen, these similar portfolios include six pooled investment vehicle as described under ITEM 8 (a)(2)(ii) above that invest in China/Hong Kong markets and only take long positions in securities.
For Shumin Huang, these similar portfolios include one registered investment company as described under ITEM 8 (a)(2)(ii) above that invest in Taiwan markets and only take long positions in securities.
The Advisor and the Advisors participating affiliates receive more compensation with respect to certain Other Accounts than that received with respect to the Fund and receive compensation based in part on the performance of one of the Other Accounts as described under ITEM 8 (a)(2)(iii). This may create a potential conflict of interest for the Advisor or the Funds portfolio managers by providing an incentive to favor these Other Accounts when, for example, placing securities transactions. The conflicts of interest may arise with both the aggregation and allocation of securities transactions and allocation of limited investment opportunities. Allocations of aggregated trades, particularly trade orders that were only partially completed due to limited availability, and allocation of investment opportunities generally, could raise a potential conflict of interest, as the Advisor or the portfolio managers may have an incentive to allocate securities that are expected to increase in value to favored accounts. Initial public offerings, in particular, are frequently of very limited availability. The portfolio managers may be perceived as causing accounts they manage to participate in an offering to increase the Advisors overall allocation of securities in that offering. A potential conflict of interest also may be perceived to arise if transactions in one account closely follow related transactions in a different account, such as when a purchase increases the value of securities previously purchased by another account, or when a sale in one account lowers the sale price received in a sale by a second account.
The Advisor has policies and procedures designed to manage these conflicts described above such as allocation of investment opportunities to achieve fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among its clients over time. For example, orders for the same equity security are aggregated on a continual basis throughout each trading day consistent with the Advisors duty of best execution for its clients. If aggregated trades are fully executed, accounts participating in the trade will be allocated their pro rata share on an average price basis. Partially completed orders generally will be allocated among the participating accounts on a pro-rata average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. For example, accounts that would receive a de minimis allocation
10
relative to their size may be excluded from the allocation. Another exception may occur when thin markets or price volatility require that an aggregated order be completed in multiple executions over several days. If partial completion of the order would result in an uneconomic allocation to an account due to fixed transaction or custody costs, the dealer may have the discretion to complete and exclude the small orders.
Purchases of money market instruments and fixed income securities cannot always be allocated pro-rata across the accounts with the same investment strategy and objective. However, the Advisor attempts to mitigate any potential unfairness by basing non-pro rata allocations upon an objective predetermined criteria for the selection of investments and a disciplined process for allocating securities with similar duration, credit quality and liquidity in the good faith judgment of the Advisor so that fair and equitable allocation will occur over time.
(a)(3) Portfolio Managers Compensation
The Funds portfolio managers participate in a competitive compensation program that is designed to attract and retain outstanding people and closely link their performance to client investment objectives. The total compensation program includes a base salary fixed from year to year and a variable performance bonus consisting of cash incentives and restricted stock and, in some cases, mandatory deferred compensation. These elements reflect individual performance and the performance of the Advisors business as a whole.
Each portfolio managers performance is formally evaluated annually based on a variety of factors including the aggregate size and blended performance of the portfolios that he manages. Individual contribution relative to client goals carries the highest impact. The compensation is primarily driven by meeting or exceeding clients risk and return objectives, relative performance to competitors or competitive indices and compliance with firm policies and regulatory requirements. In evaluating the portfolio managers performance with respect to the mutual funds (including the Fund) he manages, the funds pre-tax performance is compared to the appropriate market peer group and to each funds benchmark index listed in the funds prospectus over one, three and five year periods (or such shorter time as the portfolio manager has managed the fund). Investment performance is generally more heavily weighted to the long-term.
Stock awards are granted as the annual performance bonus and comprise from 0% to 35% of each portfolio managers total award. As the level of incentive compensation increases, the percentage of compensation awarded in restricted stock also increases.
ITEM 9. PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.
Not applicable to the Fund.
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which the shareholders may recommend nominees to the Funds board of directors since the Fund filed its last form NCSR
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) The Funds principal executive and principal financial officers have concluded that the Funds disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this Form N-CSR based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the 1934 Act (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).
(b) There were no changes in the Funds internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the Funds fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Funds internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 12. EXHIBITS.
(a)(1) Code of Ethics is attached hereto in response to Item 2(f).
(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(a)(3) Not applicable.
(a)(4) Proxy voting policies and procedures of the Fund and its investment advisor are attached hereto in response to Item 7.
(b) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(b) of the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.
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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.
JPMorgan China Region Fund, Inc.
By: | /s/ Simon Crinage | |
Simon Crinage | ||
President and Principal Executive Officer | ||
March 9, 2015 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By: | /s/ Simon Crinage | |
Simon Crinage | ||
President and Principal Executive Officer | ||
March 9, 2015 |
By: | /s/ Neil S. Martin | |
Neil S. Martin | ||
Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer | ||
March 9, 2015 |