N-CSR 1 d623597dncsr.htm ABERDEEN INVESTMENT FUNDS Aberdeen Investment Funds
Table of Contents

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: 811-06652

Aberdeen Investment Funds

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Ms. Andrea Melia

c/o Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(Name and address of agent for service)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 387-6977

Date of fiscal year end: October 31st

Date of reporting period: October 31, 2013


Table of Contents

Item 1. Reports to Shareholders.


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

 

 

Aberdeen Investment Funds

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

 

Annual Report

October 31, 2013

 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

LOGO

 


Table of Contents

Table of Contents

 

 

 

Letter to Shareholders

     Page 1   

Market Review

     Page 2   

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

     Page 3   

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund

     Page 9   

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II

     Page 15   

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

     Page 21   

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

     Page 34   

Financial Statements

     Page 44   

Notes to Financial Statements

     Page 58   

Shareholder Expense Examples

     Page 79   

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     Page 80   

Other Tax Information

     Page 81   

Management of the Funds

     Page 82   

 

 

 

Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment objectives, risks, fees, and expenses before investing any money. To obtain this and other fund information, please call 1-800-387-6977 to request a prospectus, or download a prospectus at www.aberdeen-asset.us. Please read it carefully before investing any money.

 

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

 

Aberdeen Investment Funds and Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. are distributed by Aberdeen Fund Distributors, LLC, Member FINRA, 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

 

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (AAMI) has been registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 since August 23,1995.

 

Statement Regarding Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedule.

Aberdeen Investment Funds and Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. file complete schedules of portfolio holdings for each Fund with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The Funds’ Forms N-Q are available on the Commission’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Funds’ Forms N-Q may be reviewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC, and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling 800-SEC-0330; and the Funds make their most recent Forms N-Q available to shareholders on www.aberdeen-asset.us or upon request without charge.

 

Statement Regarding Availability of Proxy Voting Record.

Information regarding the policies and procedures that the Funds use to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-387-6977. The information is also included in the Funds’ Statement of Additional Information, which is available on the Funds’ website at www.aberdeen-asset.us and on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

Information relating to how each Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities held during the most recent twelve months ended June 30 is available by August 30 of the relevant year: (i) upon request and without charge by calling 1-800-387-6977; and (ii) on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov.


Table of Contents

Letter to Shareholders

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

Welcome to the Aberdeen Investment Funds and Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. Annual Report covering the activities for the twelve-month period ended October 31, 2013.

 

Market overview

 

During the reporting period, global equity markets continued their bull run amid widespread dovish monetary policy by central banks and growing optimism toward the end of the summer that the U.S. Federal Reserve’s (Fed) quantitative easing policy would continue at least through the first quarter of 2014. On the other hand, global investment-grade fixed income markets posted mostly negative returns as U.S. Treasury yields spiked and markets experienced a sharp sell-off in risk assets amid confused rhetoric from the Fed in early summer.

 

Going forward, we believe the overall global economic recovery remains fragile and any action in the form of tapering by the Fed needs to be carefully calculated. We believe that central banks around the world continue to walk the fine line between the fiscal conservatism necessary to tighten up balance sheets in heavily indebted Western nations and the continued stimulus that is necessary to support growth. Given President Obama’s recent nomination of Janet Yellen as the next Fed Chief, we expect policy to likely remain fairly dovish for the short-to-medium term, allowing equity markets to continue their strong run and investment-grade fixed income markets to correct. Therefore, we believe that now is the time for investors to consider diversifying their portfolios globally to gain access to the growth potential of Asia and emerging markets as well as securities that are less interest rate sensitive than U.S. dollar-denominated securities.*

 

Anne Richards, Aberdeen Group’s Chief Investment Officer, provides you with a detailed insight on the investment marketplace in the Global Market Review and Outlook on the following page.

 

Aberdeen Developments

 

In May 2013, Aberdeen Group completed the acquisition of Artio Global Investors Inc., a U.S. publicly-listed asset manager. This acquisition expands Aberdeen’s U.S. business, deepens our distribution network in the U.S., and adds to our existing fixed income capabilities. Artio’s Global High Yield and Total Return Bond teams, including lead portfolio managers Greg Hopper and Don Quigley, have comfortably migrated their teams to Aberdeen’s New York City office.

 

In June 2013, Aberdeen hosted the second annual U.S. Investment Conference at the TimeWarner Center in New York City. Approximately 200 financial advisors gathered to observe panels of Aberdeen fund managers and guest speakers, including keynote speaker Todd Buchholz, discuss the main theme, “Navigating a New Investment Reality.” Toward the end of the reporting period in October 2013, Aberdeen held its Annual Investment Conference in London, where institutional investors and financial advisors from around the world gathered to observe panel discussions from different Aberdeen investment teams and guest speakers on the outlook for central bank monetary policy and other key economic issues against the backdrop of “Investing in Different Tomorrows.”

 

During the reporting period, Aberdeen’s global marketing team won a total of 11 STAR Awards from the Mutual Fund Education Association for our mutual fund client and marketing communications. We are pleased and proud to be so recognized.

 

Additionally, Aberdeen has launched a global campaign to educate investors about how fixed income should be viewed in the current global economic context and to promote Aberdeen’s wide range of fixed income capabilities. This campaign largely promotes the Aberdeen Global High Income Fund and the Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund as well as our other strategies and funds. To learn more about the campaign and Aberdeen’s fixed income capabilities, visit www.aberdeen-asset.us/fixedincome.

 

Thank you for choosing Aberdeen Investment Funds and Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. We value your investment with us.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

LOGO

Gary Marshall

President

Aberdeen Investment Funds

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund, Inc.

 

*   Diversification does not ensure a profit or eliminate the risk of loss.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

1


Table of Contents

Market Review

 

 

 

Major global equity market indices rose sharply during the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, buoyed mainly by coordinated global central bank monetary policy. The developed markets significantly outperformed their emerging markets counterparts for the period. The U.S. broader-market S&P 500 Index and the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index gained 27.2% and 20.3%, respectively, versus the 6.9% return of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index over the annual period. Investors appeared to be preoccupied initially by the U.S. presidential election in November 2012, and then focused on a succession of impending crises fueled by the ongoing political wrangling in Washington, DC over federal spending and debt management – including a partial shutdown of the U.S. government in October 2013. Elsewhere, there were signs of economic recovery in Europe, albeit a modest upturn, and China rebounded from a comparative slowdown earlier in the annual period, buoyed mainly by loose monetary policy.

 

Shares of U.S. companies posted healthy gains during the annual period amid the release of modestly improving U.S. economic data and with the support of continued accommodative monetary policy. At first, the uncertain fiscal situation across Europe and the upcoming U.S. presidential election dominated the news, swiftly followed by the impending fiscal cliff and the eventual reality of across-the-board U.S. federal spending cuts. The Federal Reserve (Fed) then assumed the spotlight, as global financial markets clamored for a sign from the central bank as to when it would begin to slow the pace of its monetary easing. Major market indices moved higher after the Fed announced at its September 2013 meeting that it would keep policy unchanged. Late in the period, markets appeared to be preoccupied with the 15-day U.S. government shutdown which began on October 1 after politicians failed to agree on a budget for the 2014 fiscal year. By the end of the reporting period, Congress had reached an accord on temporary funding of government operations and suspending the nation’s debt ceiling until early 2014.

 

Japan was the strongest performer among the major developed equity markets for the annual period attributable largely to the Bank of Japan’s aggressive monetary easing policy, as well as a notable decline in the yen versus most major global currencies – which was a boon to exports. Europe emerged from recession in the third quarter of 2013 after six consecutive quarters of contraction, while UK gross domestic product (GDP) growth accelerated. The European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its benchmark interest rate in May 2013 and asserted that it could implement negative deposit rates in an effort to encourage banks to lend. However, as of the end of the reporting period, the ECB had not taken additional actions, although ECB President Mario Draghi indicated that all policy options remained on the table.

 

Emerging market equities provided only modest returns for much of the period until rallying in September and October 2013. Performance initially was dampened by concerns about slowing economic growth in the developing markets, along with the ongoing monetary policy tightening in China. Emerging markets suffered a significant correction in June after the Fed began communicating a timeline for the withdrawal of its quantitative easing program, which has supplied copious amounts of liquidity to emerging economies. The upturn late in the annual period was spurred mainly by an increase in investor risk appetite, as well as improvement in Chinese economic growth. China’s GDP grew 7.8% year over year in the third quarter, up from the 7.5% rate for the previous three-month period, bolstered by the manufacturing sector. Nonetheless, there was a slowdown in infrastructure investment, which we believe may signal that the momentum of the economic rebound is fading, particularly if credit growth continues to decline. In Latin America, economic data over the reporting period generally did not meet expectations. The governments of Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico all downgraded their full-year GDP forecasts. Additionally, the Brazilian central bank embarked on a rate-tightening cycle in an effort to stem inflation.

 

There was quite a different performance story in the global investment-grade fixed income markets. The Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Bond Index, the broad investment-grade fixed income market benchmark, returned -1.5% for the annual period. The markets were well-supported through May 2013 by central bank asset purchases in Japan and the West, signs of a stalling global economic recovery, and receding inflation. Subsequently, however, U.S. monetary policy dynamics came to the fore in driving market sentiment. Fears that the Fed was about to reduce its stimulus program led to a spike in U.S. Treasury yields, and consequently, a sharp sell-off across other markets. Income investors were not completely “left out in the cold,” however, as positive returns could be found further down on the credit quality ladder, with both the U.S. and global high yield markets posting gains for the annual period. High yield bonds historically have outperformed versus their investment-grade counterparts in rising interest-rate environments.

 

Outlook

 

The Fed’s recent deferral of monetary policy tapering has provided some relief for bond markets; however, we think that this is merely a short term reprieve. We maintain our expectation of bond yields gradually rising from their current, historic lows once monetary tightening begins, most likely in the first half of 2014. Due to the vast scale and reach of the U.S. quantitative easing program (dubbed “QE3”), we see the likely impact being felt across global bond markets. In our view, global equities are well-positioned to gain from improving economic activity in the developed world, particularly given the current healthy balance sheets and margins of many companies. We are, however, conscious of the significant rise in company valuations that has occurred, particularly in developed equity markets, and we note the need for an improvement in earnings growth to substantiate further re-rating. Looking ahead, we believe the markets will remain highly sensitive to Fed policy-induced capital outflows, and growth in emerging economies generally should exceed that of the developed world, yet with more volatility. We believe that both demographics and the scope for productivity growth remain positive in emerging markets, and that the fundamentals remain attractive over a longer time horizon.

 

Anne Richards

Chief Investment Officer

Aberdeen Asset Management

 

Annual Report 2013

 

2


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (Class A shares at net asset value net of fees) returned 15.02% for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, versus 23.29% for its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World Index, during the same period. For broader comparison, the average return of the Fund’s Lipper peer category of Global Multi-Cap Growth Funds (consisting of 232 funds) was 25.89% for the period.

 

Market review

 

Global equities rallied significantly during the reporting period. Following investors’ risk aversion in the second quarter of 2013, equity markets climbed higher, supported by coordinated monetary policy. Sentiment was further boosted as Japanese policymakers explicitly targeted an inflation rate of 2%. The U.S. presidential election and China’s leadership change proceeded smoothly, supporting risk appetite as well. However, the warning in May 2013 from Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Ben Bernanke that U.S. monetary policy would be tightened in the near future unsettled markets. Core government bond yields rose sharply, while equity markets, especially in developing countries, corrected. After the initial volatility, Bernanke calmed markets by emphasizing the link of the reduction in quantitative easing (QE) to employment data, thereby suggesting that the degree of future tapering would be measured. Subsequently, he surprised investors by announcing that the Fed was keeping stimulus unchanged following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in September, which caused markets to rally. Towards the end of the review period, U.S. politicians failed to agree on the federal budget. Consequently, the U.S. government began its first partial shutdown in 17 years. A temporary solution was found by mid-October, but this simply deferred the problems of the budget and federal debt ceiling to early 2014.

 

Aberdeen’s equity investment process

 

Aberdeen’s investment approach is based on bottom-up company analysis. We believe that, given the inefficiency of markets, strong long-term returns are achieved by identifying good-quality stocks, buying them at reasonable prices and holding them for the long run. In our view, sound fundamentals drive stock prices over time. As a consequence of our rigorous selection criteria, we introduce new stocks infrequently, the result of which is reflected in our portfolios’ typically low annual turnover rates. Our research process relies primarily on gathering information from meetings with company management and public filings. We prepare a written analysis after each management meeting in a standard Aberdeen format used by our regional teams worldwide. Investment in a new company is made only after our investment managers have met with management, prepared written detailed research reports and thoroughly discussed the merits of the company in a team-based setting. We do not actively seek to overweight or underweight companies in a benchmark index. Instead, we focus on each investment on its own merit. We will not own a stock due solely to its sizeable position in an index.

 

After Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. was appointed as investment adviser of the Fund effective May 22, 2013, the Aberdeen Global Equity team began to position the Fund in accordance with Aberdeen’s investment process.

 

Fund positioning and outlook

 

As bottom-up stock pickers, our country and sector allocations are driven by where we believe that we can find quality companies with attractive valuations. This approach may lead to significant deviations from the MSCI All Country World Index benchmark.

 

At the end of the reporting period, the Fund was most overweight relative to the benchmark in Switzerland and the UK.

 

Switzerland – In our view, the Swiss market is home to some of Europe’s best-run companies. The Fund holds substantial positions in food conglomerate Nestle, pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis, as well as insurer Zurich Insurance.

 

UK – We believe that this market has a broad array of diverse companies that benefit from a range of growth drivers that underpins their prospects and earnings. The Fund has positions in Vodafone, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Royal Dutch Shell, BHP Billiton and British American Tobacco, which generate significant portions of their revenue from overseas. We also hold utility Centrica, which is more directly exposed to UK gas consumption.

 

The Fund’s largest underweight positions were in the U.S., Japan and Germany.

 

U.S. – We believe that excessive risk and leverage in the banking sector have hobbled the U.S. economy. Recovery is likely to be tenuous, in our opinion, as the country works through its massive imbalances. However, we hold several firms that we think are well-managed, including energy company Schlumberger.

 

Japan – Although Japan is Asia’s biggest market, we feel that quite a few domestically-oriented corporations remain unattractive due to an inherent lack of competitiveness amid a sluggish domestic economy. The recent stock market rally has been fuelled by hope and expectation surrounding political rhetoric, in our view, rather than evidence of improving fundamentals at the company level.

 

Germany – The Fund is underweight in this market as we believe that there are better opportunities elsewhere.

 

The Fund’s most notable sector overweights versus the benchmark were energy and consumer staples.

 

Energy –The Fund holds a broad range of exposures within this sector covering energy and energy service companies with operations spread around the world. Holdings include Eni and Royal Dutch Shell.

 

Consumer Staples – The Fund is overweight in this sector as a result of our bottom-up, stock-driven investment process. Holdings in this sector include British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, and Nestle. We are attracted to the strong characteristics and sound cash flows of the underlying businesses and, in many cases, the exposure these companies have to domestic demand growth in emerging markets.

 

Conversely, the Fund was most underweight relative to the benchmark in the consumer discretionary and financials sectors.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

3


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary – The Fund has only a small position in this sector, which is dominated by developed-market companies exposed to the over-indebted western consumer, in our view.

 

Financials – Although the Fund holds a diverse range of stocks both in the context of geography and end-market exposure, the position is underweight in comparison to the benchmark.

 

While the Fund used derivatives during the reporting period, they had minimal impact on performance. The Fund had no derivative positions open as of October 31, 2013.

 

In our view, investors realize that financial markets are approaching a period of transition, from unconventional U.S. monetary policy towards a more normalized environment. While the initial reaction to the Fed announcement on the likely delay of quantitative easing (QE) tapering was significant, we see indications of growing Fed confidence in U.S. economic growth. In our opinion, it would seem premature for Fed officials to begin managing investor expectations if they still believed that the economic upturn was in doubt. While global economic data continue to improve, the recovery remains uneven. With a lot of positive news already discounted, equity markets require healthy earnings growth to progress meaningfully from these levels. We therefore believe that there will be higher levels of volatility in the medium term.

 

Portfolio Management:

Aberdeen Global Equity Team

 

PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Class A shares have up to a 0.25% 12b-1 fee. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 800-387-6977 or visiting www.aberdeen-asset.us.

 

Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Investment performance reflects fee waivers and, in the absence of such waivers, returns would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Lipper is a leading global provider of mutual fund information and analysis to fund companies, financial intermediaries and media organizations.

 

Risk Considerations

 

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved.

 

Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks are enhanced in emerging markets countries.

 

Equity stocks of small and mid-cap companies carry greater risk, and more volatility than equity stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

4


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return

(For periods ended October 31, 2013)

   1 Yr.      5 Yr.      Inception  

Class A1

     15.02%         8.83%         5.36%   

Class I2

     15.23%         9.08%         3.87%   

 

1   Class commenced operations on July 01, 2004.
2   Class commenced operations on March 14, 2005.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

5


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of October 31, 2013)

 

LOGO

 

Comparative performance of $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc., Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country World Index and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a 10-year period ended October 31, 2013. Unlike the Fund, the returns for these unmanaged indexes do not reflect any fees or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in market indexes.

 

The MSCI All Country World Index is a free float-adjusted, market capitalization-weighted index that captures large and mid cap representation across 24 developed markets countries including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

 

The CPI represents changes in prices of a basket of goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.

 

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investing in mutual funds involves market risk, including loss of principal. Performance returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Portfolio Summary (as a percentage of net assets)

 

October 31, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

Asset Allocation        

Common Stocks

     88.9%   

Preferred Stocks

     9.4%   

Repurchase Agreement

     2.1%   

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (0.4%
       100.0%   

 

The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, in industry classification standard sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. An industry classification standard sector can include more than one industry. As of October 31, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group. The sectors, as classified by Morgan Stanley Capital International’s and Standard & Poor’s Global Industry Classification Standard Sectors, are comprised of several industry groups.

 

Top Sectors        

Financials

     18.4%   

Energy

     17.6%   

Consumer Staples

     16.6%   

Health Care

     12.9%   

Information Technology

     8.8%   

Materials

     8.5%   

Industrials

     8.0%   

Telecommunication Services

     4.5%   

Utilities

     1.9%   

Consumer Discretionary

     1.1%   

Other

     1.7%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Holdings*        

Roche Holding AG

     4.0%   

British American Tobacco PLC

     3.7%   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     3.6%   

Vodafone Group PLC

     3.5%   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR

     3.1%   

Johnson & Johnson

     3.0%   

CVS Caremark Corp.

     3.0%   

Novartis AG

     3.0%   

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, B Shares

     3.0%   

Standard Chartered PLC

     2.9%   

Other

     67.2%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Countries        

United States

     29.1%   

United Kingdom

     18.6%   

Switzerland

     11.8%   

Brazil

     6.5%   

Italy

     5.6%   

Japan

     4.4%   

Sweden

     4.2%   

Canada

     4.0%   

Taiwan

     3.1%   

Republic of South Korea

     2.9%   

Other

     9.8%   
       100.0%   

 

*   For the purpose of listing top holdings, repurchase agreements included as part of Other.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

6


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

COMMON STOCKS (88.9%)

     

AUSTRALIA (1.4%)

     

Financials (1.4%)

     

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

     8,300       $ 116,323   

CANADA (4.0%)

     

Industrials (2.1%)

     

Canadian National Railway Co.

     1,600         175,749   

Materials (1.9%)

     

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

     5,000         155,344   
                331,093   

CHINA (1.5%)

     

Energy (1.5%)

     

PetroChina Co. Ltd., H Shares

     106,000         121,408   

FRANCE (1.0%)

     

Industrials (1.0%)

     

Schneider Electric SA

     1,000         84,357   

HONG KONG (2.5%)

     

Financials (2.5%)

     

AIA Group Ltd.

     25,500         129,423   

Swire Pacific Ltd., Class A

     7,000         80,942   
                210,365   

ITALY (5.6%)

     

Energy (5.6%)

     

Eni SpA

     8,800         223,121   

Tenaris SA, ADR

     5,100         238,731   
                461,852   

JAPAN (4.4%)

     

Financials (1.0%)

     

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

     800         81,623   

Industrials (1.5%)

     

FANUC Corp.

     800         128,182   

Materials (1.9%)

     

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

     2,800         157,823   
                367,628   

MEXICO (1.8%)

     

Consumer Staples (1.8%)

     

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR

     1,600         149,280   

SINGAPORE (1.0%)

     

Financials (1.0%)

     

City Developments Ltd.

     10,000         83,041   

SOUTH AFRICA (1.0%)

     

Telecommunication Services (1.0%)

     

MTN Group Ltd.

     4,200         83,761   

SWEDEN (4.2%)

     

Financials (2.0%)

     

Nordea Bank AB

     13,000         166,743   

Industrials (1.4%)

     

Atlas Copco AB, A Shares

     4,100       113,920   

Information Technology (0.8%)

     

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, B Shares

     6,000         71,719   
                352,382   

SWITZERLAND (11.8%)

     

Consumer Staples (2.1%)

     

Nestle SA

     2,400         173,596   

Financials (2.7%)

     

Zurich Insurance Group AG *

     800         221,656   

Health Care (7.0%)

     

Novartis AG

     3,200         248,954   

Roche Holding AG

     1,200         332,880   
                581,834   
                977,086   

TAIWAN (3.1%)

     

Information Technology (3.1%)

     

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd., ADR

     13,800         254,058   

UNITED KINGDOM (18.6%)

     

Consumer Staples (3.7%)

     

British American Tobacco PLC

     5,600         309,136   

Energy (3.0%)

     

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, B Shares

     7,100         246,331   

Financials (4.9%)

     

HSBC Holdings PLC

     14,900         163,284   

Standard Chartered PLC

     10,100         243,319   
                406,603   

Materials (1.6%)

     

BHP Billiton PLC

     4,300         133,366   

Telecommunication Services (3.5%)

     

Vodafone Group PLC

     79,600         287,103   

Utilities (1.9%)

     

Centrica PLC

     27,600         156,705   
                1,539,244   

UNITED STATES (27.0%)

     

Consumer Discretionary (1.1%)

     

Comcast Corp., Class A

     1,900         90,402   

Consumer Staples (9.0%)

     

CVS Caremark Corp.

     4,000         249,040   

PepsiCo, Inc.

     2,400         201,816   

Philip Morris International, Inc.

     3,300         294,096   
                744,952   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

7


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (concluded)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Energy (5.9%)

     

Chevron Corp.

     1,000       $ 119,960   

EOG Resources, Inc.

     1,100         196,240   

Schlumberger Ltd.

     1,800         168,696   
                484,896   

Health Care (5.9%)

     

Baxter International, Inc.

     1,800         118,566   

Johnson & Johnson

     2,700         250,047   

Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

     2,000         119,820   
                488,433   

Industrials (2.0%)

     

United Technologies Corp.

     1,600         170,000   

Information Technology (2.0%)

     

Oracle Corp.

     5,000         167,500   

Materials (1.1%)

     

Praxair, Inc.

     700         87,297   
                2,233,480   

Total Common Stocks

              7,365,358   

PREFERRED STOCKS (9.4%)

     

BRAZIL (6.5%)

     

Energy (1.6%)

     

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     7,200         130,752   

Financials (2.9%)

     

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     16,500         237,930   

Materials (2.0%)

     

Vale SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     11,500         168,360   
                537,042   

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA (2.9%)

     

Information Technology (2.9%)

     

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., GDR, Preferred Shares (a)

     500         239,550   

Total Preferred Stocks

              776,592   

REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (2.1%)

     

UNITED STATES (2.1%)

     

State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 10/31/2013, due 11/01/2013, repurchase price $171,625 collateralized by Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., maturity 09/10/2015; total market value of $180,031

   $ 171,625         171,625   

Total Repurchase Agreement

              171,625   

Total Investments
(Cost $8,056,448) (b)—100.4%

              8,313,575   

Liabilities in excess of other assets—(0.4)%

              (35,350

Net Assets—100.0%

  

   $ 8,278,225   

 

*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Denotes a security issued under Regulation S or Rule 144A.
(b)   See notes to financial statements for tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities.
ADR   American Depositary Receipt
GDR   Global Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

8


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (Class A shares at net asset value net of fees) returned 20.70% for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, versus 20.29% for its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index, during the same period. For broader comparison, the average return of the Fund’s Lipper peer category of International Multi-Cap Growth Funds (consisting of 335 funds) was 21.94% for the period.

 

Market review

 

Global equities rallied significantly during the reporting period. Following investors’ risk aversion in the second quarter of 2013, equity markets climbed higher, supported by coordinated monetary policy. Sentiment was further boosted as Japanese policymakers explicitly targeted an inflation rate of 2%. The U.S. presidential election and China’s leadership change proceeded smoothly, supporting risk appetite as well. However, the warning in May 2013 from Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Ben Bernanke that U.S. monetary policy would be tightened in the near future unsettled markets. Core government bond yields rose sharply, while equity markets, especially in developing countries, corrected. After the initial volatility, Bernanke calmed markets by emphasizing the link of the reduction in quantitative easing (QE) to employment data, thereby suggesting that the degree of future tapering would be measured. Subsequently, he surprised investors by announcing that the Fed was keeping stimulus unchanged following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in September, which caused markets to rally. Towards the end of the review period, U.S. politicians failed to agree on the federal budget. Consequently, the U.S. government began its first partial shutdown in 17 years. A temporary solution was found by mid-October, but this simply deferred the problems of the budget and federal debt ceiling to early 2014.

 

Aberdeen’s equity investment process

 

Aberdeen’s investment approach is based on bottom-up company analysis. We believe that, given the inefficiency of markets, strong long-term returns are achieved by identifying good-quality stocks, buying them at reasonable prices and holding them for the long run. In our view, sound fundamentals drive stock prices over time. As a consequence of our rigorous selection criteria, we introduce new stocks infrequently, the result of which is reflected in our portfolios’ typically low annual turnover rates. Our research process relies primarily on gathering information from meetings with company management and public filings. We prepare a written analysis after each management meeting in a standard Aberdeen format used by our regional teams worldwide. Investment in a new company is made only after our investment managers have met with management, prepared written detailed research reports and thoroughly discussed the merits of the company in a team-based setting. We do not actively seek to overweight or underweight companies in a benchmark index. Instead, we focus on each investment on its own merit. We will not own a stock due solely to its sizeable position in an index.

 

After Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. was appointed as investment adviser of the Fund effective May 22, 2013, the Aberdeen Global Equity team began to position the Fund in accordance with Aberdeen’s investment process.

 

Fund positioning and Outlook

 

As bottom-up stock pickers, our country and sector allocations are driven by where we believe that we can find quality companies with attractive valuations. This approach may lead to significant deviations from the benchmark MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index.

 

At the end of the reporting period, the Fund was most overweight relative to the benchmark in Switzerland and the UK.

 

Switzerland – In our view, the Swiss market is home to some of Europe’s best-run companies. The Fund holds substantial positions in food conglomerate Nestle, pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis, as well as insurer Zurich Insurance.

 

UK – We believe that this market has a broad array of diverse companies that benefit from a range of growth drivers that underpins their prospects and earnings. The Fund has positions in Vodafone, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Royal Dutch Shell, BHP Billiton and British American Tobacco, which generate significant portions of their revenue from overseas. We also hold utility Centrica, which is more directly exposed to UK gas consumption.

 

The Fund’s largest underweight positions were in Japan and Germany.

 

Japan – Although Japan is Asia’s biggest market, we feel that quite a few domestically-oriented corporations remain unattractive due to an inherent lack of competitiveness amid a sluggish domestic economy. The recent stock market rally has been fuelled by hope and expectation surrounding political rhetoric, in our view, rather than evidence of improving fundamentals at the company level.

 

Germany – The Fund is underweight in this market as we believe that there are better opportunities elsewhere.

 

The Fund’s most notable sector overweights versus the benchmark were energy and consumer staples.

 

Energy – The Fund holds a broad range of exposures within this sector covering energy and energy service companies with operations spread around the world. Holdings include Eni and Royal Dutch Shell.

 

Consumer Staples – The Fund is overweight in this sector as a result of our bottom-up, stock-driven investment process. Holdings in this sector include British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, and Nestle. We are attracted to the strong characteristics and sound cash flows of the underlying businesses and, in many cases, the exposure these companies have to domestic demand growth in emerging markets.

 

Conversely, the Fund was most underweight relative to the benchmark in the consumer discretionary and financials sectors.

 

Consumer Discretionary – The Fund has only a small position in this sector, which is dominated by developed-market companies exposed to the over-indebted western consumer, in our view.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

9


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

 

 

Financials – Although the Fund holds a diverse range of stocks both in the context of geography and end-market exposure, the position is underweight in comparison to the benchmark.

 

The Fund’s use of total return swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts and futures contracts positively contributed to the performance of the Fund during the year. The Fund had no derivative positions open as of October 31, 2013.

 

In our view, investors realize that financial markets are approaching a period of transition, from unconventional U.S. monetary policy towards a more normalized environment. While the initial reaction to the Fed announcement on the likely delay of quantitative easing (QE) tapering was significant, we see indications of growing Fed confidence in U.S. economic growth. In our opinion, it would seem premature for Fed officials to begin managing investor expectations if they still believed that the economic upturn was in doubt. While global economic data continue to improve, the recovery remains uneven. With a lot of positive news already discounted, equity markets require healthy earnings growth to progress meaningfully from these levels. We therefore believe that there will be higher levels of volatility in the medium term.

 

Portfolio Management:

Aberdeen Global Equity Team

 

PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Class A shares have up to a 0.25% 12b-1 fee. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 800-387-6977 or visiting www.aberdeen-asset.us.

 

Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Investment performance reflects fee waivers and, in the absence of such waivers, returns would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Lipper is a leading global provider of mutual fund information and analysis to fund companies, financial intermediaries and media organizations.

 

Risk Considerations

 

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved.

 

Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks are enhanced in emerging markets countries.

 

Equity stocks of small and mid-cap companies carry greater risk, and more volatility than equity stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

10


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return

(For periods ended October 31, 2013)

   1 Yr.      5 Yr.      10 Yr.  

Class A

     20.70%         5.97%         6.26%   

Class I

     21.04%         6.23%         6.52%   

 

2013 Annual Report

 

11


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of October 31, 2013)

 

LOGO

 

Comparative performance of $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund, Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World ex-U.S. Index (MSCI ACWI ex-US), and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a 10-year period ended October 31, 2013. Unlike the Fund, the returns for these unmanaged indexes do not reflect any fees or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in market indexes.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex-US is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets excluding the US.

 

The CPI represents changes in prices of a basket of goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investing in mutual funds involves market risk, including loss of principal. Performance returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Portfolio Summary (as a percentage of net assets)

 

October 31, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

Asset Allocation        

Common Stocks

     87.3%   

Preferred Stocks

     11.6%   

Government Bonds

     0.3%   

Exchange Traded Funds

     0.2%   

Repurchase Agreement

     0.1%   

Other assets in excess of liabilities

     0.5%   
       100.0%   

 

The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, in industry classification standard sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. An industry classification standard sector can include more than one industry. As of October 31, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group. The sectors, as classified by Morgan Stanley Capital International’s and Standard & Poor’s Global Industry Classification Standard Sectors, are comprised of several industry groups.

 

Top Sectors        

Financials

     20.6%   

Energy

     14.2%   

Consumer Staples

     14.0%   

Materials

     10.8%   

Industrials

     9.9%   

Information Technology

     9.4%   

Health Care

     9.2%   

Telecommunication Services

     7.9%   

Utilities

     2.9%   

Other

     1.1%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Holdings*        

Roche Holding AG

     4.9%   

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Preferred Shares

     4.6%   

British American Tobacco PLC

     4.3%   

Novartis AG

     4.3%   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     3.9%   

Nestle SA

     3.9%   

Vodafone Group PLC

     3.6%   

Eni SpA

     3.3%   

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, B Shares

     3.2%   

Standard Chartered PLC

     3.0%   

Other

     61.0%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Countries        

United Kingdom

     24.3%   

Switzerland

     16.9%   

Brazil

     7.0%   

Japan

     6.6%   

Italy

     6.3%   

Canada

     5.4%   

Republic of South Korea

     4.6%   

Sweden

     4.5%   

France

     4.3%   

Taiwan

     3.9%   

Other

     16.2%   
       100.0%   

 

*   For the purpose of listing top holdings, repurchase agreements included as part of Other.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

12


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

COMMON STOCKS (87.3%)

     

AUSTRALIA (1.5%)

     

Financials (1.5%)

     

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

     705,600       $ 9,888,885   

BULGARIA (0.3%)

     

Financials (0.2%)

     

LEV Insurance (a)(b)(c)

     4,078,860         1,933,107   

Industrials (0.1%)

     

Sparki Eltos AD-Lovech (a)(b)(c)

     1,321,370         358,219   
                2,291,326   

CANADA (5.4%)

     

Industrials (2.3%)

     

Canadian National Railway Co.

     138,300         15,191,317   

Materials (2.0%)

     

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

     434,100         13,486,925   

Telecommunication Services (1.1%)

     

TELUS Corp.

     208,100         7,267,586   
                35,945,828   

CHINA (1.5%)

     

Energy (1.5%)

     

PetroChina Co. Ltd., H Shares

     8,943,200         10,243,145   

FRANCE (4.3%)

     

Consumer Staples (2.3%)

     

Casino Guichard-Perrachon SA

     133,200         15,013,781   

Industrials (1.0%)

     

Schneider Electric SA

     80,200         6,765,425   

Utilities (1.0%)

     

GDF Suez

     281,000         7,006,234   
                28,785,440   

GERMANY (1.0%)

     

Materials (1.0%)

     

Linde AG

     34,700         6,602,088   

HONG KONG (3.3%)

     

Financials (3.3%)

     

AIA Group Ltd.

     2,924,400         14,842,564   

Swire Pacific Ltd., Class A

     588,900         6,809,563   
                21,652,127   

ITALY (6.3%)

     

Energy (6.3%)

     

Eni SpA

     865,600       $ 21,946,993   

Tenaris SA, ADR

     433,100         20,273,411   
                42,220,404   

JAPAN (6.6%)

     

Consumer Staples (1.0%)

     

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

     194,700         7,045,001   

Financials (1.1%)

     

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

     69,600       7,101,172   

Industrials (2.0%)

     

FANUC Corp.

     82,500         13,218,836   

Materials (2.5%)

     

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

     291,800         16,447,396   
                43,812,405   

LATVIA (0.0%)

     

Financials (0.0%)

     

AS Parex Banka* (c)

     1,424,182           

MEXICO (2.5%)

     

Consumer Staples (2.5%)

     

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR

     176,100         16,430,130   

SERBIA (0.2%)

     

Financials (0.2%)

     

Komercijalna Banka ad Beograd*

     95,073         1,382,962   

Industrials (0.0%)

     

Toza Markovic ad Kikinda* (a)(b)(c)

     78,160         80,145   
                1,463,107   

SINGAPORE (3.7%)

     

Financials (1.6%)

     

City Developments Ltd.

     1,253,000         10,405,047   

Telecommunication Services (2.1%)

     

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

     4,570,600         13,929,027   
                24,334,074   

SOUTH AFRICA (1.1%)

     

Telecommunication Services (1.1%)

     

MTN Group Ltd.

     362,600         7,231,343   

SWEDEN (4.5%)

     

Financials (2.1%)

     

Nordea Bank AB

     1,107,500         14,205,191   

Industrials (1.5%)

     

Atlas Copco AB, A Shares

     350,700         9,744,301   

Information Technology (0.9%)

     

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, B Shares

     505,500         6,042,362   
                29,991,854   

SWITZERLAND (16.9%)

     

Consumer Staples (3.9%)

     

Nestle SA

     355,500         25,713,931   

Financials (2.8%)

     

Zurich Insurance Group AG*

     68,000         18,840,704   

Health Care (9.2%)

     

Novartis AG

     365,600         28,442,957   

Roche Holding AG

     118,600         32,899,697   
                61,342,654   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

13


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (concluded)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Industrials (1.0%)

     

Schindler Holding AG

     46,800       $ 6,651,383   
                112,548,672   

TAIWAN (3.9%)

     

Information Technology (3.9%)

     

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     6,932,000         25,836,178   

UNITED KINGDOM (24.3%)

     

Consumer Staples (4.3%)

     

British American Tobacco PLC

     521,300         28,777,229   

Energy (4.7%)

     

John Wood Group PLC

     779,600         10,170,351   

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, B Shares

     600,800         20,844,487   
                31,014,838   

Financials (5.1%)

     

HSBC Holdings PLC

     1,263,700         13,848,417   

Standard Chartered PLC

     841,900         20,282,200   
                34,130,617   

Industrials (2.0%)

     

Weir Group PLC (The)

     366,500         13,277,876   

Materials (2.7%)

     

BHP Billiton PLC

     572,400         17,753,236   

Telecommunication Services (3.6%)

     

Vodafone Group PLC

     6,702,500         24,174,709   

Utilities (1.9%)

     

Centrica PLC

     2,174,500         12,346,221   
                161,474,726   

VENEZUELA (0.0%)

     

Financials (0.0%)

     

Banco Provincial SA-Banco Universal (a)(c)

     18,422         281,236   

Banco Venezolano de Credito SA* (a)(c)

     156           
                281,236   

Industrials (0.0%)

     

Cemex Venezuela SACA-I* (a)(c)

     15,843,815           

Materials (0.0%)

     

Siderurgica Venezolana Sivensa SACA, ADR (c)

     2,847,910           
                281,236   

Total Common Stocks

              581,032,968   

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS (0.2%)

     

RUSSIA (0.2%)

     

Renaissance Pre-IPO Fund* (a)(c)

     92,634         1,389,510   

Total Exchange Traded Funds

              1,389,510   

GOVERNMENT BONDS (0.3%)

     

VENEZUELA (0.3%)

     

Bonos de la Deuda Publica Nacional (VEF), 17.25%, 12/31/2015 (a)(c)

   $ 10,000,000       232,811   

Bonos de la Deuda Publica Nacional (VEF), 16.00%, 08/23/2018 (a)(c)

     49,500,000         1,142,969   

Bonos de la Deuda Publica Nacional (VEF), 18.00%, 04/12/2018 (a)(c)

     20,000,000         473,255   
                1,849,035   

Total Government Bonds

              1,849,035   

PREFERRED STOCKS (11.6%)

     

BRAZIL (7.0%)

     

Energy (1.7%)

     

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     611,600         11,106,656   

Financials (2.7%)

     

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     1,237,800         17,849,076   

Materials (2.6%)

     

Vale SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     1,198,100         17,540,184   
                46,495,916   

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA (4.6%)

     

Information Technology (4.6%)

     

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Preferred Shares

     32,100         30,987,886   

Total Preferred Stocks

              77,483,802   

REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (0.1%)

     

UNITED STATES (0.1%)

     

State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 10/31/2013, due 11/01/2013, repurchase price $1,007,688 collateralized by Federal Home Loan Bank, maturity 01/08/2016; total market value of $1,031,288

   $ 1,007,687         1,007,687   

Total Repurchase Agreement

              1,007,687   

Total Investments
(Cost $724,940,260) (d)—99.5%

              662,763,002   

Other assets in excess of liabilities—0.5%

              3,051,990   

Net Assets—100.0%

            $ 665,814,992   

 

*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   The Fund’s adviser has deemed this security to be illiquid based upon procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Illiquid securities held by the Fund represent 0.88% of net assets as of October 31, 2013. (unaudited)
(b)   Investment in affiliate.
(c)   Fair Valued Security. Fair Values are determined pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. See Note 2(a) of the accompanying notes to financial statements.
(d)   See notes to financial statements for tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities.
ADR   American Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

14


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (Class A shares at net asset value net of fees) returned 20.00% for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, versus 20.29% for its benchmark, the MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index, during the same period. For broader comparison, the average return of the Fund’s Lipper peer category of International Large-Cap Growth Funds (consisting of 142 funds) was 20.76% for the period.

 

Market review

 

Global equities rallied significantly during the reporting period. Following investors’ risk aversion in the second quarter of 2013, equity markets climbed higher, supported by coordinated monetary policy. Sentiment was further boosted as Japanese policymakers explicitly targeted an inflation rate of 2%. The U.S. presidential election and China’s leadership change proceeded smoothly, supporting risk appetite as well. However, the warning in May 2013 from Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Ben Bernanke that U.S. monetary policy would be tightened in the near future unsettled markets. Core government bond yields rose sharply, while equity markets, especially in developing countries, corrected. After the initial volatility, Bernanke calmed markets by emphasizing the link of the reduction in quantitative easing (QE) to employment data, thereby suggesting that the degree of future tapering would be measured. Subsequently, he surprised investors by announcing that the Fed was keeping stimulus unchanged following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in September, which caused markets to rally. Towards the end of the review period, U.S. politicians failed to agree on the federal budget. Consequently, the U.S. government began its first partial shutdown in 17 years. A temporary solution was found by mid-October, but this simply deferred the problems of the budget and federal debt ceiling to early 2014.

 

Aberdeen’s equity investment process

 

Aberdeen’s investment approach is based on bottom-up company analysis. We believe that, given the inefficiency of markets, strong long-term returns are achieved by identifying good-quality stocks, buying them at reasonable prices and holding them for the long run. In our view, sound fundamentals drive stock prices over time. As a consequence of our rigorous selection criteria, we introduce new stocks infrequently, the result of which is reflected in our portfolios’ typically low annual turnover rates. Our research process relies primarily on gathering information from meetings with company management and public filings. We prepare a written analysis after each management meeting in a standard Aberdeen format used by our regional teams worldwide. Investment in a new company is made only after our investment managers have met with management, prepared written detailed research reports and thoroughly discussed the merits of the company in a team-based setting. We do not actively seek to overweight or underweight companies in a benchmark index. Instead, we focus on each investment on its own merit. We will not own a stock due solely to its sizeable position in an index.

 

After Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. was appointed as investment adviser of the Fund effective May 22, 2013, the Aberdeen Global Equity team began to position the Fund in accordance with Aberdeen’s investment process.

 

Fund positioning and Outlook

 

As bottom-up stock pickers, our country and sector allocations are driven by where we believe that we can find quality companies with attractive valuations. This approach may lead to significant deviations from the benchmark MSCI All Country World ex-U.S. Index.

 

At the end of the reporting period, the Fund was most overweight relative to the benchmark in Switzerland and the UK.

 

Switzerland – In our view, the Swiss market is home to some of Europe’s best-run companies. The Fund holds substantial positions in food conglomerate Nestle, pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis, as well as insurer Zurich Insurance.

 

UK – We believe that this market has a broad array of diverse companies that benefit from a range of growth drivers that underpins their prospects and earnings. The Fund has positions in Vodafone, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Royal Dutch Shell, BHP Billiton and British American Tobacco, which generate significant portions of their revenue from overseas. We also hold utility Centrica, which is more directly exposed to UK gas consumption.

 

The Fund’s largest underweight positions were in Japan and Germany.

 

Japan – Although Japan is Asia’s biggest market, we feel that quite a few domestically-oriented corporations remain unattractive due to an inherent lack of competitiveness amid a sluggish domestic economy. The recent stock market rally has been fuelled by hope and expectation surrounding political rhetoric, in our view, rather than evidence of improving fundamentals at the company level.

 

Germany – The Fund is underweight this market as we believe that there are better opportunities elsewhere.

 

The Fund’s most notable sector overweights versus the benchmark were energy and consumer staples.

 

Energy – The Fund holds a broad range of exposures within this sector covering energy and energy service companies with operations spread around the world. Holdings include Eni and Royal Dutch Shell.

 

Consumer Staples – The Fund is overweight in this sector as a result of our bottom-up, stock-driven investment process. Holdings in this sector include British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, and Nestle. We are attracted to the strong characteristics and sound cash flows of the underlying businesses and, in many cases, the exposure these companies have to domestic demand growth in emerging markets.

 

Conversely, the Fund was most underweight relative to the benchmark in the consumer discretionary and financials sectors.

 

Consumer Discretionary – The Fund has only a small position in this sector, which is dominated by developed-market companies exposed to the over-indebted western consumer, in our view.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

15


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

 

 

Financials – Although the Fund holds a diverse range of stocks both in the context of geography and end-market exposure, the position is underweight in comparison to the benchmark.

 

The Fund’s use of total return swaps, forward foreign exchange contracts and futures contracts positively contributed to the performance of the Fund during the year. The Fund had no derivative positions open as of October 31, 2013.

 

In our view, investors realize that financial markets are approaching a period of transition, from unconventional U.S. monetary policy towards a more normalized environment. While the initial reaction to the Fed announcement on the likely delay of quantitative easing (QE) tapering was significant, we see indications of growing Fed confidence in U.S. economic growth. In our opinion, it would seem premature for Fed officials to begin managing investor expectations if they still believed that the economic upturn was in doubt. While global economic data continue to improve, the recovery remains uneven. With a lot of positive news already discounted, equity markets require healthy earnings growth to progress meaningfully from these levels. We therefore believe that there will be higher levels of volatility in the medium term.

 

Portfolio Management:

Aberdeen Global Equity Team

 

PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Class A shares have up to a 0.25% 12b-1 fee. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 800-387-6977 or visiting www.aberdeen-asset.us.

 

Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Investment performance reflects fee waivers and, in the absence of such waivers, returns would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Lipper is a leading global provider of mutual fund information and analysis to fund companies, financial intermediaries and media organizations.

 

Risk Considerations

 

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved.

 

Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities. They are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks are enhanced in emerging markets countries.

 

Equity stocks of small and mid-cap companies carry greater risk, and more volatility than equity stocks of larger, more established companies.

 

Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

16


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return

(For periods ended October 31, 2013)

   1 Yr.      5 Yr.      Inception1  

Class A

     20.00%         6.55%         4.36%   

Class I

     20.36%         6.84%         4.65%   

 

1   Fund commenced operations on May 04, 2005.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

17


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of October 31, 2013)

 

LOGO

 

Comparative performance of $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II, Morgan Stanley Capital International All Country World ex-U.S. Index (MSCI ACWI ex-US), and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a 10-year period ended October 31, 2013. Unlike the Fund, the returns for these unmanaged indexes do not reflect any fees or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in market indexes.

 

The MSCI ACWI ex-US is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure equity market performance in the global developed and emerging markets excluding the US.

 

The CPI represents changes in prices of a basket of goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.

 

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investing in mutual funds involves market risk, including loss of principal. Performance returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Portfolio Summary (as a percentage of net assets)

 

October 31, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

Asset Allocation        

Common Stocks

     86.5%   

Preferred Stocks

     11.9%   

Other assets in excess of liabilities

     1.6%   
       100.0%   

 

The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, in industry classification standard sectors, expressed as a percentage of net assets. An industry classification standard sector can include more than one industry. As of October 31, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group. The sectors, as classified by Morgan Stanley Capital International’s and Standard & Poor’s Global Industry Classification Standard Sectors, are comprised of several industry groups.

 

Top Sectors        

Financials

     20.2%   

Energy

     14.3%   

Consumer Staples

     14.3%   

Materials

     10.8%   

Industrials

     9.8%   

Information Technology

     9.2%   

Health Care

     9.1%   

Telecommunication Services

     7.7%   

Utilities

     3.0%   

Other

     1.6%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Holdings        

Roche Holding AG

     4.9%   

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Preferred Shares

     4.6%   

British American Tobacco PLC

     4.4%   

Novartis AG

     4.2%   

Nestle SA

     3.7%   

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     3.6%   

Vodafone Group PLC

     3.5%   

Eni SpA

     3.3%   

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, B Shares

     3.1%   

Tenaris SA, ADR

     3.1%   

Other

     61.6%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Countries        

United Kingdom

     24.4%   

Switzerland

     16.6%   

Brazil

     7.3%   

Japan

     6.8%   

Italy

     6.4%   

Canada

     5.4%   

Republic of South Korea

     4.6%   

Sweden

     4.5%   

France

     4.3%   

Taiwan

     3.6%   

Other

     16.1%   
       100.0%   

 

Annual Report 2013

 

18


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

COMMON STOCKS (86.5%)

     

AUSTRALIA (1.6%)

     

Financials (1.6%)

     

QBE Insurance Group Ltd.

     371,100       $ 5,200,914   

CANADA (5.4%)

     

Industrials (2.3%)

     

Canadian National Railway Co.

     69,100         7,590,166   

Materials (1.9%)

     

Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.

     199,700         6,204,421   

Telecommunication Services (1.2%)

     

TELUS Corp.

     112,100         3,914,927   
                17,709,514   

CHINA (1.7%)

     

Energy (1.7%)

     

PetroChina Co. Ltd., H Shares

     4,796,000         5,493,126   

FRANCE (4.3%)

     

Consumer Staples (2.3%)

     

Casino Guichard-Perrachon SA

     66,200         7,461,804   

Industrials (1.0%)

     

Schneider Electric SA

     39,500         3,332,099   

Utilities (1.0%)

     

GDF Suez

     130,000         3,241,318   
                14,035,221   

GERMANY (1.0%)

     

Materials (1.0%)

     

Linde AG

     16,837         3,203,440   

HONG KONG (3.1%)

     

Financials (3.1%)

     

AIA Group Ltd.

     1,361,600         6,910,694   

Swire Pacific Ltd., Class A

     272,500         3,150,970   
                10,061,664   

ITALY (6.4%)

     

Energy (6.4%)

     

Eni SpA

     428,700         10,869,542   

Tenaris SA, ADR

     213,600         9,998,616   
                20,868,158   

JAPAN (6.8%)

     

Consumer Staples (1.3%)

     

Japan Tobacco, Inc.

     112,200         4,059,831   

Financials (1.0%)

     

Daito Trust Construction Co. Ltd.

     33,400         3,407,746   

Industrials (2.0%)

     

FANUC Corp.

     40,900         6,553,338   

Materials (2.5%)

     

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co. Ltd.

     142,800         8,048,966   
                22,069,881   

MEXICO (2.6%)

     

Consumer Staples (2.6%)

     

Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV, ADR

     89,100       8,313,030   

SINGAPORE (3.5%)

     

Financials (1.5%)

     

City Developments Ltd.

     596,000         4,949,248   

Telecommunication Services (2.0%)

     

Singapore Telecommunications Ltd.

     2,162,000         6,588,753   
                11,538,001   

SOUTH AFRICA (1.0%)

     

Telecommunication Services (1.0%)

     

MTN Group Ltd.

     165,900         3,308,549   

SWEDEN (4.5%)

     

Financials (2.1%)

     

Nordea Bank AB

     543,300         6,968,560   

Industrials (1.4%)

     

Atlas Copco AB, A Shares

     165,100         4,587,351   

Information Technology (1.0%)

     

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, B Shares

     263,100         3,144,897   
                14,700,808   

SWITZERLAND (16.6%)

     

Consumer Staples (3.7%)

     

Nestle SA

     168,200         12,166,197   

Financials (2.8%)

     

Zurich Insurance Group AG*

     33,200         9,198,697   

Health Care (9.1%)

     

Novartis AG

     176,000         13,692,452   

Roche Holding AG

     57,000         15,811,828   
                29,504,280   

Industrials (1.0%)

     

Schindler Holding AG

     22,500         3,197,781   
                54,066,955   

TAIWAN (3.6%)

     

Information Technology (3.6%)

     

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

     3,192,000         11,896,867   

UNITED KINGDOM (24.4%)

     

Consumer Staples (4.4%)

     

British American Tobacco PLC

     258,100         14,247,847   

Energy (4.6%)

     

John Wood Group PLC

     381,500         4,976,897   

Royal Dutch Shell PLC, B Shares

     294,300         10,210,607   
                15,187,504   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

19


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (concluded)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Financials (5.1%)

     

HSBC Holdings PLC

     608,600       $ 6,669,420   

Standard Chartered PLC

     412,302         9,932,762   
                16,602,182   

Industrials (2.1%)

     

Weir Group PLC (The)

     188,800         6,840,008   

Materials (2.7%)

     

BHP Billiton PLC

     279,800         8,678,119   

Telecommunication Services (3.5%)

     

Vodafone Group PLC

     3,180,100         11,470,048   

Utilities (2.0%)

     

Centrica PLC

     1,164,000         6,608,876   
                79,634,584   

Total Common Stocks

              282,100,712   

PREFERRED STOCKS (11.9%)

     

BRAZIL (7.3%)

     

Energy (1.6%)

     

Petroleo Brasileiro SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     288,300         5,235,528   

Financials (3.0%)

     

Banco Bradesco SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     676,400         9,753,688   

Materials (2.7%)

     

Vale SA, ADR, Preferred Shares

     593,100         8,682,984   
                23,672,200   

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA (4.6%)

     

Information Technology (4.6%)

     

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Preferred Shares

     15,600         15,059,533   

Total Preferred Stocks

              38,731,733   

Total Investments
(Cost $308,013,257) (a)—98.4%

              320,832,445   

Other assets in excess of liabilities—1.6%

              5,071,923   

Net Assets—100.0%

  

   $ 325,904,368   

 

*   Non-income producing security.

 

(a)   See notes to financial statements for tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities.
ADR   American Depositary Receipt

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

20


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (Class A shares at net asset value net of fees) returned -1.81% for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, versus the –1.08% return of its benchmark, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, for the same period. For broader comparison, the average return of the Fund’s Lipper peer category of Core Bond Funds (consisting of 497 funds) was -0.95% for the period.

 

During the first six months of the reporting period, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) easy monetary policies and ample liquidity across global central banks caused investors to continue their quest to build yield into their portfolios. Fixed income assets and in particular spread sectors continued to benefit from this liquidity as government bond yields moved lower and quality spreads tightened versus comparable-duration1 U.S. Treasuries. In our view, it was apparent that the Fed had been far too optimistic about its forecast for economic growth in the U.S. In fact, between 2010 and 2013, the Fed came into each year with the view that real gross domestic product (GDP) would be somewhere between 3.5%-4.0%; however, as each year has progressed, the central bank had to adjust to reality. In our opinion, the U.S economy was stuck in a deleveraging phase, mired in sub-2% growth with very anemic inflation.

 

As we entered the second half of the annual period, the U.S. fixed income market was dominated by several separate and highly significant factors related to U.S. government policies and actions (or inactions). The biggest impact on the market, in our view, was the potential for the central bank to commence tapering its quantitative easing (QE) program. This announcement caused the U.S yield curve to significantly steepen and we saw a volatility storm within emerging markets (EM) as the capital inflows from easy liquidity from central banks quickly reversed course. Countries with large current account deficits, less credible central banks and high fiscal imbalances took the brunt of the reversal. Consequently, there was a severe unwinding of the carry trade2 which contributed to the sell-off in the emerging markets.

 

Both security selection and an overweight position relative to the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index in corporate bonds were the primary contributors to the Fund’s relative underperformance for the reporting period. U.S. corporate bonds, as measured by the Barclays Capital U.S. Credit Index, posted negative total returns for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, but still delivered positive excess returns versus comparable-duration U.S. Treasuries. The Fund’s positions in insurance, European utilities and Verizon (following the deal to acquire Vodafone’s minority interest in Verizon Wireless) were major contributors. The Fund’s holdings in the securitized sector, most notably commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) and non-U.S. agency mortgages, also had a positive impact on performance for the annual period. After price action driven by increased risk tolerance in 2012, 2013 saw consolidation of those gains playing out against a backdrop of increased attention to Fed monetary policy. Credit risk continued to benefit from strong demand, with non-U.S. agency mortgages delivering strong returns for the period.

 

Fund performance was hindered mainly by holdings in EM. Investments based on our focus in seeking what we believe are high-quality risk assets witnessed a significant correction in the second half of the reporting period, particularly in Latin America. For example, 10-year Mexican government bond yields climbed close to 100 basis points (bps) over the annual period, while the intermediate segment of the Brazil yield curve rose 150 bps, significantly underperforming versus comparable-duration U.S. Treasuries.

 

During the reporting period, we reduced the Fund’s exposure to foreign bond and currency markets before the sell-off in foreign markets; unfortunately, our risk reduction efforts were not enough to mitigate all of the negative impact of these exposures on Fund performance. We seek to enhance the Fund’s total return by finding value in overseas markets. We accomplish this by investing in countries offering higher yields or where we believe there are better return prospects and by diversifying3 the Fund’s duration across multiple global yield curves. We believe this allows us to find some region of the world that is essentially at a different stage of its credit/interest rate cycle.

 

The Fund’s use of forward foreign exchange contracts positively contributed to the performance of the Fund during the year.

 

We believe that 2014 will be a year in which both the Fed and governmental policy will not be of paramount importance to the financial markets. Instead, we think that fundamental economic growth will be the key determinant to how the markets perform. In fact, the diminished influence of official policy may be accelerated by economic growth, in our view.

 

This is not to say that changes in government policy will not be important. The Fed’s decision on when and how to start reducing its monthly government bond purchases through quantitative easing will be watched closely by the bond markets. In our opinion, the federal government may not be able to get any new legislation passed and the risk of debt ceiling fiascos and/or governmental shutdowns remain high. We think that the Affordable Care Act (ACA), dubbed “Obamacare,” is also a concern due to its effect on small business, a very important engine for economic growth. We believe that government and Fed policy will need to be watched closely to successfully manage a portfolio this coming year.

 

Over the past several years, we have been saying that U.S. GDP will be around 2%. The main reason for this opinion was the work of Carmen M. Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff in This Time is Different.4

 

1   Duration is an estimate of bond price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The higher the duration, the greater the change (i.e., high risk) in relation to interest-rate movements.
2   A carry trade is a strategy in which an investor sells a certain currency with a relatively low interest rate and uses the funds to purchase a different currency yielding a higher interest rate.
3   Diversification does not ensure a profit or eliminate the risk of loss.
4   This Time is Different, by Carmen M. Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff, Princeton University Press (2009)

 

2013 Annual Report

 

21


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (Unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 

They theorized that, after a financial crisis, a country either has a dramatic economic collapse or is consigned to slow or no economic growth for a long period of time, usually between seven and 10 years. We think the time frame may be somewhat shorter, because the corporate and consumer de-leveraging phase is fading. However, this time, we believe, we could be set up for a bit of irony with regard to restraint from some of these headwinds, along with a tailwind from massive amounts of liquidity still awash in the system. Here are some reasons to consider:

 

   

The Fed’s extraordinary measures have allowed the financial markets to remain liquid when the worst of the crisis was taking place

 

   

There has been a great deal of corporate – especially banks – and household deleveraging; and

 

   

The U.S. had a huge advantage, compared to situations in the past, of the U.S. dollar being the global reserve currency with no practical substitutes in sight.

 

In our view, these factors have allowed the U.S. economy to heal much faster than many had anticipated in 2008 – not to say that five years was fast, however.

 

We think that 10-year U.S. Treasury rates may rise modestly over the next year, but we anticipate that yields likely will be capped at around 3.50-3.75% as higher rates can cause the U.S. economy to stall quickly.5 We do not think that inflation will be a problem, but inflationary expectations may start to rise in the second half of the year. We will continue to avoid the U.S. Treasury sector in favor of the yield advantage supplied by spread product.6

 

In our view, investment-grade corporate bonds still offer an attractive risk/reward profile. At the end of the reporting period on October 31, 2013, the spread of the Barclays Capital U.S. Credit Index over U.S. Treasuries stood at 131 bps. This is the index’s tightest level since 2007, but is well off its trough level of 80 bps during the mid-2000s. We believe that investment-grade spreads will continue to tighten versus comparable-duration Treasuries over the next year, given the low level of nominal yields. We envision this scenario even if Treasury yields continue their upward trajectory as corporate spreads still account for nearly half of all-in yields.7 Our view is that non-financial firms may maintain the pace of re-leveraging and our focus is to seek to immunize the Fund against that risk. Consequently, we prefer exposure to financial companies, which continue to repair their balance sheets and boost their capital ratios, as well as what we believe are high-quality industrials that have already announced major debt-financed deals (e.g., Verizon).

 

In our view, the residential credit sector may see continued strong performance in 2014, as ongoing normalization in the property market should more than offset negative effects from a potential rise in interest rates associated with a tapering of the Fed’s bond-buying program. We think that the agency mortgage-backed securities (MBS) market will be much more tied to official policy as investors may be forced to digest a large amount of duration in that sector, with the Fed’s withdrawing its easy policy as well as through maturity extension resulting from the MBS universe becoming less attractive for refinancing. The CMBS market may potentially see high levels of issuance, in our opinion, as the legacy universe will experience more refinancing activity and increased scheduled maturities from the 2004 vintage, as well as seven-year loans issued in 2007. We believe that this activity will be a net positive for credit in legacy CMBS, as the deals de-leverage. The credit quality of the new issue space will bear watching, in our opinion. The tight spread conditions that occurred in 2011 and 2012 made for high quality CMBS deals, but, in our view, are also unsustainable. Whether the market will provide discipline to lenders in an era of looser credit remains to be seen.

 

Looking past the domestic fixed income market, we believe that one of our biggest advantages is the ability to invest effectively overseas. Just because U.S. interest rates are at risk of increasing does not mean other global fixed income markets will perform poorly. If a different county is expected to have weak growth or economic contraction and relatively tame inflation, we would not look for U.S. rates to increase; and we think that they may actually decline. We would probably look to hedge out8 the foreign exchange risk presented by the country’s currency in this scenario. We think that this would be a good place for a U.S. fixed income investor to “hide” while U.S. rates are increasing. Another advantageous scenario, in our opinion, is to look at countries where rates are already high. If we believe a country has high rates and a growing economy, we can buy lower-maturity bonds and continue to hold the currency risk. In this scenario, we anticipate that the currency likely would appreciate versus the U.S. dollar while the extra yield would enhance the Fund’s return. We would look to hold low-duration bonds in this scenario so the Fund would have relatively low sensitivity to a continuing rising-rate environment.

 

We believe that we may be able to find opportunities in Australia, Canada, and some countries in the Eurozone.9 We maintain a cautious view of Europe. We believe there are several questions that need to be answered before we can invest in the region without credit concern. However, we think that we will see some tactical opportunities present themselves in 2014.

 

Regarding the emerging markets, we feel that retail fund outflows will continue to exist in a rising-rate environment despite recent positive performance by EM fixed income assets. Foreign investment within the EM space is less saturated than what it was in May 2013 and the delay in Fed tapering of easy monetary policy has given central banks more time to adjust their fiscal imbalances.

 

5   Forecasts and estimates are offered as opinion and are not reflective of potential performance, are not guaranteed and actual events or results may differ materially.
6   Spread product is any taxable bond other than U.S. Treasury securities.
7   The all-in yields include cash interest, origination fees, and extension fees assuming full extension of loan maturities and no defaults.
8   A hedge is an investment intended to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset.
9   The Eurozone includes the 17 European Union countries which have adopted the euro as their currency: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

22


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

 

 

In our view, the Fed’s reluctance to validate substantially tighter monetary conditions suggests that the sell-off in EM rates would be more contained should the central bank surprise with tighter monetary conditions. Global economic growth, which is the single most important driver for EM assets, appears to have bottomed out and fears of a hard landing for China seem to have abated, in our opinion. Re-pricing and repositioning in the EM world historically has been sudden and volatile. We believe that this enables us to find value in countries which have strong fundamentals and are in a better position to benefit from a global recovery. With this in mind, we would be inclined to add exposure to countries such as South Korea, Mexico and Poland when we believe that valuations are attractive. Mexico remains our favorite market in the EM world with the increased likelihood of the enactment of energy reform that can have a significant positive impact on foreign direct investment and, in turn, the Mexican peso. Additionally, we think that depreciation in the EM currencies such as the Brazilian real (BRL) over the past six months should help in putting that nation’s current accounts in better shape. Brazil also remains one of the few countries with high real interest rates (after inflation) and has the potential for most spread compression against comparable-duration Treasuries, in our view. Since most emerging markets are greatly affected by U.S. monetary policy, we believe that the key for 2014 is to avoid those countries which have low or falling saving rates, use portfolio inflows to finance their current account deficits, and have done little on the policy front (e.g., Turkey, South Africa and Indonesia).

 

Portfolio Management:

Donald Quigley, CFA

 

PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Class A shares have up to a 0.25% 12b-1 fee. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 800-387-6977 or visiting www.aberdeen-asset.us.

 

Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Investment performance reflects fee waivers and, in the absence of such waivers, returns would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Lipper is a leading global provider of mutual fund information and analysis to fund companies, financial intermediaries and media organizations.

 

Risk Considerations

 

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved.

 

Fixed income securities are subject to certain risks including, but not limited to: interest rate (changes in interest rates may cause a decline in the market value of an investment), credit (changes in the financial condition of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral), prepayment (debt issuers may repay or refinance their loans or obligations earlier than anticipated), and extension (principal repayments may not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase). Additionally, high yield securities may face additional risks, including economic growth; inflation; liquidity; supply; and externally generated shocks.

 

Investments in asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities include additional risks that investors should be aware which include those associated with fixed income securities, as well as increased susceptibility to adverse economic developments.

 

Derivatives are speculative and may hurt the Fund’s performance. They present the risk of disproportionately increased losses and/or reduced gains when the financial asset or measure to which the derivative is linked changes in unexpected ways.

 

Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities; and are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks are enhanced in emerging markets countries.

 

Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

23


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return

(For periods ended October 31, 2013)

   1 Yr.      5 Yr.      10 Yr.  

Class A

     (1.81%      7.17%         5.25%   

Class I

     (1.59%      7.45%         5.52%   

 

Annual Report 2013

 

24


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of October 31, 2013)

 

LOGO

 

Comparative performance of $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund, Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a 10-year period ended October 31, 2013. Unlike the Fund, the returns for these unmanaged indexes do not reflect any fees or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in market indexes.

 

The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a benchmark index composed of U.S. securities in Treasury, Government-Related, Corporate, and Securitized sectors. It includes securities that are of investment-grade quality or better, have at least one year to maturity, and have an outstanding par value of at least $250 million.

 

The CPI represents changes in prices of a basket of goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investing in mutual funds involves market risk, including loss of principal. Performance returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Portfolio Summary (as a percentage of net assets)

 

October 31, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

Asset Allocation        

Corporate Bonds

     29.4%   

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

     19.6%   

Government Bonds

     18.1%   

U.S. Agencies

     14.8%   

Asset-Backed Securities

     10.3%   

U.S. Treasuries

     6.5%   

Repurchase Agreement

     4.9%   

Municipal Bonds

     4.1%   

Liabilities in excess of other assets

     (7.7%
       100.0%   

 

The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, expressed as a percentage of net assets. The industries listed below may include more than one industry group. As of October 31, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group.

 

Top Industries        

Commercial Banks

     8.5%   

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     1.8%   

Diversified Financial Services

     1.5%   

Electric Utilities

     1.6%   

Supranational

     1.5%   

Aerospace & Defense

     1.3%   

Pharmaceutical

     1.3%   

Insurance

     1.2%   

Advertising

     1.1%   

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     1.1%   

Other

     79.1%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Holdings*       

Mexico Fixed Rate Bonds, Series M20 12/05/2024

    3.6%   

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F, Series NTNF 01/01/2017

    3.0%   

Federal National Mortgage Association, TBA 11/01/2043

    2.5%   

Federal National Mortgage Association, TBA 11/01/2043

    1.7%   

Mexican Bonos 05/29/2031

    1.4%   

Australia Government Bond 03/15/2019

    1.1%   

U.S. Treasury Notes 09/30/2018

    1.1%   

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, Series GDIF 10/21/2019

    1.0%   

Canada Housing Trust No 1 12/15/2018

    1.0%   

Federal National Mortgage Association 10/01/2023

    1.0%   

Other

    82.6%   
      100.0%   

 

Top Countries        

United States

     74.9%   

Brazil

     5.3%   

Mexico

     5.0%   

Canada

     4.5%   

Australia

     2.8%   

Germany

     2.4%   

United Kingdom

     1.8%   

Netherlands

     1.8%   

Sweden

     1.7%   

Supranational

     1.5%   

Other

     (1.7%
       100.0%   

 

*   For the purpose of listing top holdings, repurchase agreements included as part of Other.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

25


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (10.3%)

     

CANADA (0.9%)

     

Golden Credit Card Trust, Series 2012-5A, Class A (USD), 0.79%, 09/15/2017 (a)

   $ 9,030,000       $ 9,047,712   

Master Credit Card Trust II, Series 2012-2A, Class A (USD), 0.78%, 04/21/2017 (a)

     5,690,000         5,687,437   
         14,735,149   

UNITED STATES (9.4%)

     

Ally Auto Receivables Trust, Series 2011-4, Class A3 (USD), 0.79%, 09/15/2015

     1,219,879         1,220,907   

Ally Master Owner Trust

     

Series 2011-3, Class A1 (USD),
0.80%, 05/15/2016 (b)

     3,830,000         3,836,285   

Series 2012-1, Class A2 (USD),
1.44%, 02/15/2017

     5,720,000         5,771,065   

Series 2012-5, Class A (USD),
1.54%, 09/15/2019

     5,820,000         5,787,510   

BA Credit Card Trust, Series 2006-A14, Class A14 (USD),
0.23%, 04/15/2016 (b)

     4,837,000         4,836,557   

BMW Floorplan Master Owner Trust,
Series 2012-1A, Class A (USD),
0.57%, 09/15/2017 (a)(b)

     6,170,000         6,179,270   

Chesapeake Funding LLC, Series 2013-1A, Class A (USD), 0.62%, 01/07/2025 (a)(b)

     3,510,000         3,502,210   

Citibank Credit Card Issuance Trust,
Series 2005-A2, Class A2 (USD),
4.85%, 03/10/2017

     2,800,000         2,964,842   

CNH Equipment Trust

     

Series 2012-A, Class A3 (USD),
0.94%, 05/15/2017

     2,702,733         2,710,146   

Series 2013-A, Class A2 (USD),
0.44%, 07/15/2016

     4,620,000         4,618,609   

Series 2013-A, Class A3 (USD),
0.69%, 06/15/2018

     2,595,000         2,595,154   

Discover Card Master Trust,
Series 2012-A6, Class A6 (USD),
1.67%, 01/18/2022

     7,400,000         7,267,270   

Dryrock Issuance Trust,
Series 2012-2, Class A (USD),
0.64%, 08/15/2018

     4,890,000         4,881,039   

Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust,
Series 2013-C, Class A2 (USD),
0.55%, 04/15/2016

     3,670,000         3,674,000   

Ford Credit Floorplan Master Owner Trust, Series 2012-2, Class A (USD),
1.92%, 01/15/2019

     4,350,000         4,441,367   

GE Capital Credit Card Master Note Trust, Series 2012-1, Class A (USD),
1.03%, 01/15/2018

     4,765,000         4,781,408   

GE Dealer Floorplan Master Note Trust

     

Series 2012-4, Class A (USD),
0.61%, 10/20/2017 (b)

     3,810,000         3,812,517   

Series 2013-1, Class A (USD),
0.57%, 04/20/2018 (b)

     6,830,000         6,819,775   

GE Equipment Transportation LLC

     

Series 2012-1, Class A3 (USD),
0.99%, 11/23/2015

   1,606,180       1,610,405   

Series 2012-2, Class A2 (USD),
0.47%, 04/24/2015

     1,752,005         1,752,475   

Honda Auto Receivables Owner Trust, Series 2012-4, Class A2 (USD),
0.40%, 04/20/2015

     5,694,775         5,697,699   

Mercedes-Benz Master Owner Trust,
Series 2012-BA, Class A (USD),
0.44%, 11/15/2016 (a)(b)

     4,620,000         4,620,584   

Navistar Financial Dealer Note Master Trust

     

Series 2013-1, Class A (USD),
0.84%, 01/25/2018 (a)(b)

     3,910,000         3,912,194   

Series 2013-2, Class A (USD),
0.86%, 09/25/2018 (a)(b)

     4,170,000         4,170,100   

Nissan Auto Lease Trust,
Series 2012-A, Class A3 (USD),
0.98%, 05/15/2015

     7,110,000         7,123,896   

Nissan Auto Receivables Owner Trust

     

Series 2013-B, Class A2 (USD),
0.52%, 04/15/2016

     3,280,000         3,282,872   

Series 2013-B, Class A3 (USD),
0.84%, 11/15/2017

     2,400,000         2,408,416   

SLM Student Loan Trust

     

Series 2011-1, Class A1 (USD),
0.69%, 03/25/2026 (b)

     4,208,626         4,214,826   

Series 2011-2, Class A1 (USD),
0.77%, 11/25/2027 (b)

     8,048,117         8,060,837   

Series 2013-1, Class A1 (USD),
0.32%, 02/27/2017 (b)

     2,292,013         2,289,992   

Series 2013-2, Class A (USD),
0.62%, 09/25/2026 (b)

     4,033,812         4,032,602   

United States Small Business Administration

     

Series 2005-P10B, Class 1 (USD),
4.94%, 08/10/2015

     1,389,252         1,452,361   

Series 2006-P10A, Class 1 (USD),
5.41%, 02/10/2016

     105,379         111,168   

Series 2007-P10A, Class 1 (USD),
5.46%, 02/10/2017

     1,556,450         1,693,336   

Volkswagen Auto Lease Trust,
Series 2013-A, Class A3 (USD),
0.84%, 07/20/2016

     3,620,000         3,627,300   

Volkswagen Auto Loan Enhanced Trust, Series 2012-2, Class A2 (USD),
0.33%, 07/20/2015

     2,463,519         2,462,733   

Volvo Financial Equipment LLC, Series 2013-1A, Class A3 (USD),
0.74%, 03/15/2017 (a)

     7,405,000         7,402,808   
                149,626,535   

Total Asset-Backed Securities

              164,361,684   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

26


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES (19.6%)

     

UNITED STATES (19.6%)

     

Alternative Loan Trust

     

Series 2004-2CB, Class 1A2 (USD),
5.13%, 03/25/2034

   $ 1,265,112       $ 1,276,270   

Series 2004-28CB, Class 3A1 (USD),
6.00%, 01/25/2035

     4,211,751         4,091,838   

Series 2005-10CB, Class 1A6 (USD),
5.50%, 05/25/2035

     190,741         190,622   

Series 2005-86CB, Class A8 (USD),
5.50%, 02/25/2036

     3,544,269         3,325,942   

Banc of America Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2006-5, Class AM (USD),
5.45%, 09/10/2047

     4,000,000         4,290,408   

Banc of America Mortgage Trust,
Series 2004-7, Class 2A3 (USD),
5.75%, 08/25/2034

     784,894         801,883   

Bear Stearns Adjustable Rate Mortgage Trust, Series 2004-3, Class 4A (USD),
4.61%, 07/25/2034 (b)

     1,473,115         1,479,036   

Bear Stearns Commercial Mortgage Securities Trust, Series 2005-PW10, Class AM (USD),
5.45%, 12/11/2040 (b)

     4,412,000         4,741,188   

CD Commercial Mortgage Trust,
Series 2007-CD4, Class A4 (USD),
5.32%, 12/11/2049

     5,715,000         6,341,264   

CHL Mortgage Pass-Through Trust,
Series 2005-21, Class A2 (USD),
5.50%, 10/25/2035

     1,274,485         1,251,010   

Citigroup Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

(USD), 2.11%, 01/12/2018

     2,534,946         2,563,375   

(USD), 3.63%, 05/10/2035

     5,653,000         5,337,000   

Series 2007-C6, Class AM (USD),
5.71%, 12/10/2049 (b)

     4,730,000         5,259,599   

Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust,
Series 2005-11, Class A3 (USD),
2.50%, 11/25/2035 (b)

     2,319,984         2,272,973   

COMM 2013-300P Mortgage Trust,
Series 2013-300P, Class A1, (USD),
4.35%, 08/10/2030 (a)

     5,770,000         6,040,079   

Commercial Mortgage Pass Through Certificates

     

Series 2012-9W57, Class A (USD),
2.36%, 02/10/2029 (a)

     4,070,000         4,183,156   

Series 2012-LTRT, Class A2 (USD),
3.40%, 10/05/2030 (a)

     2,870,000         2,734,675   

Series 2013-WWP, Class A2 (USD),
3.42%, 03/10/2031 (a)

     4,910,000         4,815,222   

Series 2006-C4, Class A3 (USD),
5.47%, 09/15/2039

     5,162,997         5,657,023   

Series 2013-CR9, Class A1 (USD),
1.34%, 07/10/2045

     3,002,029         3,016,389   

Commercial Mortgage Trust, Series 2007-GG11, Class A4 (USD), 5.74%, 12/10/2049

     4,535,000         5,120,947   

Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2004-8, Class 5A1 (USD),
6.00%, 12/25/2034

     3,943,017         4,000,644   

Credit Suisse Mortgage Capital Trust

     

Series 2013-TH1, Class A1 (USD),
2.13%, 02/25/2043 (a)(b)

   7,569,499       6,899,091   

Series 2013-IVR1, Class A1 (USD),
2.50%, 03/25/2043 (a)(b)

     6,015,975         5,593,695   

Series 2013-IVR2, Class A1 (USD),
2.50%, 04/25/2043 (a)(b)

     7,961,605         7,368,195   

Series 2013-IVR3, ClassA1 (USD),
2.50%, 05/25/2043 (a)(b)

     6,035,440         5,583,313   

Series 2013-6, Class2A1 (USD),
3.50%, 08/25/2043 (a)(b)

     5,799,574         5,558,648   

DBUBS Mortgage Trust, Series 2011-LC2A, Class A4 (USD), 4.54%, 07/10/2044 (a)

     7,470,000         8,167,310   

EverBank Mortgage Loan Trust,
Series 2013-2, Class A (USD),
3.00%, 06/25/2043 (a)(b)

     5,753,198         5,720,727   

FDIC Guaranteed Notes Trust

     

Series 2010-C1, Class A (USD),
2.98%, 12/06/2020 (a)

     3,581,107         3,710,117   

Series 2010-S2, Class 2A (USD),
2.57%, 07/29/2047 (a)

     3,467,245         3,371,895   

FDIC Trust, Series 2010-R1, Class A (USD), 2.18%, 05/25/2050 (a)

     2,996,083         3,024,601   

Federal National Mortgage Association, TBA (USD), 1.00%, 11/01/2043

     6,509,706         6,509,706   

Greenwich Capital Commercial Funding Corp., Series 2007-GG9, Class A4 (USD), 5.44%, 03/10/2039

     3,980,000         4,415,422   

GS Mortgage Securites Corp. Trust

     

Series 2013-NYC5, Class A (USD),
2.32%, 01/10/2030 (a)

     4,740,000         4,790,628   

Series 2012-SHOP, Class A (USD),
2.93%, 06/05/2031 (a)

     6,950,000         7,046,893   

Series 2012-ALOH, Class A (USD),
3.55%, 04/10/2034 (a)

     2,980,000         2,999,708   

GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II,
Series 2013-KYO, Class A (USD),
1.02%, 11/08/2029 (a)(b)

     7,250,000         7,183,293   

GSR Mortgage Loan Trust,
Series 2005-6F, Class 1A6 (USD), 5.25%, 07/25/2035

     3,234,137         3,245,146   

IndyMac INDA Mortgage Loan Trust

     

Series 2005-AR2, Class 3A1 (USD), 2.76%, 01/25/2036 (b)

     3,647,703         3,194,604   

Series 2006-AR1, Class A1 (USD), 5.28%, 08/25/2036 (b)

     541,782         533,400   

JP Morgan Chase Commercial Mortgage Securities Corp., Series 2013-C13, Class A1 (USD), 1.30%, 01/15/2046

     2,791,053         2,806,833   

JP Morgan Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2005-A2, Class 3A2 (USD),
2.55%, 04/25/2035 (b)

     2,267,741         2,248,548   

Series 2005-A5, Class 2A2 (USD),
2.74%, 08/25/2035 (b)

     1,925,000         1,878,429   

Series 2006-S1, Class 2A6 (USD),
6.00%, 04/25/2036

     3,107,210         3,165,601   

Series 2013-1, Class 1A2 (USD),
3.00%, 03/25/2043 (a)

     8,127,734         7,964,497   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

27


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Series 2013-1, Class B1 (USD),
3.56%, 03/25/2043 (a)(b)

   $ 3,231,890       $ 3,278,924   

Series 2013-2, Class A2 (USD),
3.50%, 05/25/2043 (a)(b)

     4,848,481         4,815,763   

Series 2013-3, Class A3 (USD),
3.50%, 07/25/2043 (a)(b)

     5,262,435         5,201,360   

LB-UBS Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2006-C4, Class AM (USD),
5.88%, 06/15/2038 (b)

     3,180,000         3,498,382   

Series 2006-C7, Class A3 (USD),
5.35%, 11/15/2038

     5,560,000         6,155,373   

Madison Avenue Trust, Series 2013-650M, Class A (USD), 3.75%, 10/12/2032 (b)

     2,610,000         2,737,535   

MASTR Adjustable Rate Mortgages Trust,
Series 2006-2, Class 4A1 (USD),
2.63%, 02/25/2036 (b)

     1,587,791         1,537,522   

Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust

     

Series 2006-1, Class 2A1 (USD),
2.17%, 02/25/2036 (b)

     2,671,254         2,555,071   

Series 2007-2, Class 2A1 (USD),
2.91%, 06/25/2037 (b)

     1,901,385         1,800,163   

Series 2007-3, Class 2A2 (USD),
2.76%, 09/25/2037 (b)

     1,744,286         1,617,194   

Morgan Stanley Capital I Trust

     

Series 2013-WLSR, Class A (USD),
2.70%, 01/11/2032 (a)

     5,220,000         5,218,097   

Series 2006-IQ12, Class AM (USD),
5.37%, 12/15/2043

     4,150,000         4,556,893   

Series 2007-IQ16, Class A4 (USD),
5.81%, 12/12/2049

     7,180,000         8,127,850   

NCUA Guaranteed Notes Trust

     

Series 2010-R2, Class 1A (USD),
0.54%, 11/06/2017 (b)

     3,944,257         3,950,568   

Series 2010-R3, Class 1A (USD),
0.73%, 12/08/2020 (b)

     5,314,736         5,341,310   

Sequoia Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2013-4, Class A2 (USD),
2.50%, 04/25/2043 (b)

     5,339,215         4,931,566   

Series 2013-5, Class A1 (USD),
2.50%, 05/25/2043 (a)(b)

     6,054,906         5,593,346   

Series 2013-6, Class A1 (USD),
2.50%, 05/25/2043 (b)

     5,422,454         4,948,429   

Series 2013-7, Class A1 (USD),
2.50%, 06/25/2043 (b)

     6,149,329         5,519,582   

Structured Asset Securities Corp.,
Series 2004-18H, Class A5 (USD),
4.75%, 10/25/2034

     4,868,677         4,890,022   

Thornburg Mortgage Securities Trust

     

Series 2007-4, Class 2A1 (USD),
6.08%, 09/25/2037 (b)

     4,293,055         4,251,410   

Series 2007-4, Class 3A1 (USD),
6.09%, 09/25/2037 (b)

     309,417         323,437   

Wachovia Bank Commercial Mortgage Trust

     

Series 2007-C34, Class A3 (USD),
5.68%, 05/15/2046

     2,789,000         3,143,920   

Series 2006-C28, Class AM (USD),
5.60%, 10/15/2048 (b)

     6,045,000         6,588,863   

WaMu Mortgage Pass Through Certificates

     

Series 2005-AR5, Class A5 (USD),
2.40%, 05/25/2035 (b)

   2,966,284       2,960,799   

Series 2005-AR7, Class A3 (USD),
2.42%, 08/25/2035 (b)

     4,680,000         4,527,909   

Wells Fargo Commercial Mortgage Trust,
Series 2010-C1, Class A2 (USD),
4.39%, 11/15/2043 (a)

     3,100,000         3,351,184   

Wells Fargo Mortgage Backed Securities Trust

     

Series 2005-AR13, Class 4A1 (USD),
5.33%, 05/25/2035 (b)

     3,583,752         3,578,470   

Series 2006-5, Class 1A5 (USD),
5.25%, 04/25/2036

     4,228,054         4,244,700   

Series 2006-10, Class A4 (USD),
6.00%, 08/25/2036

     1,950,459         2,000,122   

Series 2006-19, Class A4 (USD),
5.25%, 12/26/2036

     1,276,342         1,253,062   

Series 2007-12, Class A13 (USD),
5.50%, 09/25/2037

     211,282         211,453   
                314,481,122   

Total Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

              314,481,122   

CORPORATE BONDS (29.4%)

     

BRAZIL (0.5%)

     

Embraer SA (USD),
5.15%, 06/15/2022

     740,000         754,800   

Petrobras International Finance Co. (USD), 5.88%, 03/01/2018

     7,373,000         8,007,535   
                8,762,335   

CANADA (0.2%)

     

National Bank of Canada (USD), GMTN,
1.45%, 11/07/2017

     3,860,000         3,815,988   

FRANCE (1.3%)

     

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA (USD), 1.63%, 06/29/2017 (a)

     6,650,000         6,687,612   

Pernod-Ricard SA (USD),
4.25%, 07/15/2022 (a)

     9,670,000         9,868,177   

Sanofi (USD), 4.00%, 03/29/2021

     3,530,000         3,792,138   
                20,347,927   

GERMANY (2.4%)

     

KFW

     

(USD), 1.38%, 01/13/2014 (c)

     7,997,000         8,016,976   

(AUD), MTN, 6.00%, 08/20/2020 (c)

     15,580,000         16,020,011   

Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank (USD), EMTN, 4.88%, 01/10/2014 (c)

     10,000,000         10,083,330   

Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (USD), 0.88%, 10/16/2015 (a)

     3,780,000         3,796,194   
                37,916,511   

HONG KONG (0.4%)

     

Hutchison Whampoa International 11 Ltd. (USD), 3.50%, 01/13/2017 (a)

     6,420,000         6,746,008   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

28


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

ITALY (0.6%)

     

Intesa Sanpaolo SpA (USD),
3.13%, 01/15/2016

   $ 9,920,000       $ 10,121,495   

NETHERLANDS (1.8%)

     

ABN AMRO Bank (USD),
2.50%, 10/30/2018 (a)

     5,550,000         5,540,276   

Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank BA (USD), GMTN,
3.88%, 02/08/2022

     7,240,000         7,381,716   

Enel Finance International (USD),
6.00%, 10/07/2039 (a)

     5,080,000         4,898,014   

Shell International Finance BV (USD),
3.40%, 08/12/2023

     10,372,000         10,416,009   
                28,236,015   

NORWAY (0.8%)

     

DNB Bank ASA (USD), 3.20%, 04/03/2017 (a)

     9,060,000         9,522,513   

Statoil ASA (USD), 3.95%, 05/15/2043

     3,490,000         3,172,075   
                12,694,588   

PANAMA (0.2%)

     

Carnival Corp. (USD), 3.95%, 10/15/2020

     3,510,000         3,565,763   

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (0.5%)

     

Iberdrola Finance Ltd. (USD), 5.00%, 09/11/2019 (a)

     6,810,000         7,426,353   

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA (0.3%)

     

Export-Import Bank of Korea (USD),
2.88%, 09/17/2018

     4,200,000         4,283,924   

SUPRANATIONAL (1.5%)

     

International Bank for Reconstruction & Development, Series GDIF (AUD), MTN, 5.75%, 10/21/2019

     16,370,000         16,745,570   

International Finance Corp. (AUD), MTN, 3.25%, 07/26/2017

     8,170,000         7,642,117   
                24,387,687   

SWEDEN (0.9%)

     

Nordea Bank AB (USD), 3.13%, 03/20/2017 (a)

     7,760,000         8,166,965   

Svenska Handelsbanken AB (USD),
2.50%, 01/25/2019

     6,250,000         6,334,019   
                14,500,984   

SWITZERLAND (0.6%)

     

Credit Suisse AG (USD), 1.63%, 03/06/2015 (a)

     10,270,000         10,426,844   

UNITED KINGDOM (1.8%)

     

Abbey National Treasury Services PLC (USD), 3.05%, 08/23/2018

     3,010,000         3,119,483   

Anglo American Capital PLC (USD),
2.63%, 09/27/2017 (a)

     2,030,000         2,036,634   

BAE Systems PLC (USD),
4.75%, 10/11/2021 (a)

     6,852,000         7,256,371   

Vodafone Group PLC (USD), 2.95%, 02/19/2023

     9,000,000         8,393,373   

WPP Finance 2010 (USD), 4.75%, 11/21/2021

   8,190,000       8,581,080   
                29,386,941   

UNITED STATES (15.6%)

     

AbbVie, Inc. (USD), 4.40%, 11/06/2042

     1,980,000         1,874,102   

American International Group, Inc. (USD), 4.13%, 02/15/2024

     3,230,000         3,327,456   

Anheuser-Busch InBev Worldwide, Inc. (USD), 2.50%, 07/15/2022

     7,760,000         7,323,034   

Bank of America Corp. (USD), 2.60%, 01/15/2019

     4,400,000         4,435,081   

Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (USD), 4.50%, 02/11/2043

     5,620,000         5,440,812   

Boeing Co. (The) (USD), 7.95%, 08/15/2024

     8,819,000         12,221,802   

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (USD), 4.50%, 03/01/2044

     5,230,000         5,177,920   

Burlington Northern Santa Fe LLC (USD), 4.40%, 03/15/2042

     4,760,000         4,409,978   

Celgene Corp. (USD), 3.95%, 10/15/2020

     7,402,000         7,713,113   

Citigroup, Inc. (USD), 2.50%, 09/26/2018

     11,670,000         11,784,844   

CME Group, Inc. (USD), 3.00%, 09/15/2022

     2,170,000         2,097,824   

CVS Caremark Corp. (USD), 5.75%, 05/15/2041

     4,885,000         5,436,370   

DIRECTV Holdings LLC / DIRECTV Financing Co., Inc. (USD), 2.40%, 03/15/2017

     5,890,000         5,995,814   

Dominion Gas Holdings LLC (USD),
4.80%, 11/01/2043 (a)

     1,300,000         1,312,116   

Dow Chemical Co. (The) (USD), 4.38%, 11/15/2042

     4,070,000         3,687,567   

Duke Energy Corp. (USD), 3.95%, 10/15/2023

     2,460,000         2,513,126   

Edison International (USD), 3.75%, 09/15/2017

     6,715,000         7,137,609   

Energy Transfer Partners LP (USD),
4.15%, 10/01/2020

     7,090,000         7,369,474   

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc. (USD), 3.55%, 03/01/2022

     3,360,000         3,171,974   

General Electric Capital Corp. (USD), GMTN, 3.10%, 01/09/2023

     7,900,000         7,630,412   

George Washington University (The),
Series 2013 (USD), 4.36%, 09/15/2043

     1,120,000         963,523   

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) (USD), 2.90%, 07/19/2018

     5,400,000         5,520,328   

Harley-Davidson Financial Services, Inc. (USD), MTN, 3.88%, 03/15/2016 (a)

     5,260,000         5,587,645   

Ingersoll-Rand Global Holding Co. Ltd. (USD), 5.75%, 06/15/2043 (a)

     2,870,000         3,021,283   

International Business Machines Corp. (USD), 7.00%, 10/30/2025

     3,130,000         4,105,452   

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

     

(USD), 2.00%, 08/15/2017

     7,370,000         7,470,534   

(USD), 4.35%, 08/15/2021

     4,990,000         5,301,446   

Lowe’s Cos., Inc. (USD), 5.00%, 09/15/2043

     4,470,000         4,666,564   

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. (USD),
6.30%, 01/01/2026

     650,000         809,260   

Metropolitan Life Global Funding I (USD), 2.50%, 09/29/2015 (a)

     4,600,000         4,749,606   

Morgan Stanley (USD), GMTN, 5.55%, 04/27/2017

     6,050,000         6,803,655   

Mylan, Inc. (USD), 3.13%, 01/15/2023 (a)

     4,350,000         3,996,728   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

29


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Newmont Mining Corp. (USD), 4.88%, 03/15/2042

   $ 4,820,000       $ 3,625,402   

News America, Inc.

     

(USD), 8.88%, 04/26/2023

     680,000         895,785   

(USD), 7.75%, 01/20/2024

     530,000         641,657   

(USD), 7.43%, 10/01/2026

     3,630,000         4,411,401   

Noble Holding International Ltd. (USD), 3.95%, 03/15/2022

     5,020,000         4,985,091   

Omnicom Group, Inc.

     

(USD), 6.25%, 07/15/2019

     6,752,000         7,886,336   

(USD), 3.63%, 05/01/2022

     2,410,000         2,357,657   

Packaging Corp. of America (USD),
4.50%, 11/01/2023

     940,000         968,558   

Pentair Finance SA (USD), 1.88%, 09/15/2017

     4,260,000         4,234,623   

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. (USD),
6.00%, 06/01/2026

     1,225,000         1,517,584   

Sempra Energy (USD), 9.80%, 02/15/2019

     6,077,000         8,179,988   

Time Warner Cos., Inc. (USD), 7.57%, 02/01/2024

     1,770,000         2,216,978   

United Parcel Service, Inc. (USD),
3.88%, 04/01/2014

     2,380,000         2,414,236   

United Technologies Corp. (USD),
8.75%, 03/01/2021

     2,700,000         3,671,433   

Valero Energy Corp. (USD), 8.75%, 06/15/2030

     1,325,000         1,726,078   

Validus Holdings Ltd. (USD), 8.88%, 01/26/2040

     4,370,000         5,707,259   

Verizon Communications, Inc.

     

(USD), 4.50%, 09/15/2020

     4,450,000         4,823,755   

(USD), 6.40%, 09/15/2033

     3,550,000         4,029,971   

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (USD), 4.25%, 04/15/2021

     3,640,000         3,987,715   

WellPoint, Inc.

     

(USD), 4.65%, 01/15/2043

     2,140,000         2,012,593   

(USD), 5.10%, 01/15/2044

     2,500,000         2,522,543   

Williams Partners LP (USD), 4.13%, 11/15/2020

     4,053,000         4,184,479   

Wyeth LLC (USD), 6.45%, 02/01/2024

     3,332,000         4,165,536   

Zimmer Holdings, Inc.

     

(USD), 4.63%, 11/30/2019

     2,570,000         2,844,301   

(USD), 3.38%, 11/30/2021

     2,250,000         2,230,603   
                249,298,014   

Total Corporate Bonds

              471,917,377   

MUNICIPAL BONDS (4.1%)

     

CALIFORNIA (1.0%)

     

Los Angeles Unified School District General Obligation Unlimited Bonds

     

(USD), 5.76%, 07/01/2029

     2,810,000         3,129,413   

(USD), 6.76%, 07/01/2034

     590,000         737,293   

San Francisco City & County Public Utilities Commission Water, Revenue Bonds (USD), 6.00%, 11/01/2040

     3,370,000         3,831,387   

State of California General Obligation Unlimited Bonds

     

(USD), 7.55%, 04/01/2039

   4,000,000       5,414,080   

(USD), 7.35%, 11/01/2039

     2,195,000         2,878,874   
                15,991,047   

CONNECTICUT (0.3%)

     

State of Connecticut General Obligation Unlimited Bonds, Series A (USD), 5.85%, 03/15/2032

     4,420,000         4,941,162   

FLORIDA (0.1%)

     

Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund Finance Corp., Revenue Bonds, Series A (USD), 1.30%, 07/01/2016

     2,370,000         2,369,005   

MASSACHUSETTS (0.6%)

     

Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Obligation Limited Bonds

     

Series E (USD),
4.20%, 12/01/2021

     4,975,000         5,393,795   

(USD), 4.91%, 05/01/2029

     1,810,000         1,960,809   

(USD), 5.46%, 12/01/2039

     2,760,000         3,077,014   
                10,431,618   

NEW YORK (1.3%)

     

New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Revenue Bonds (Build America Bonds) (USD), 5.44%, 06/15/2043

     5,355,000         5,902,495   

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Revenue Bonds (Qualified School Construction BD)

     

(USD), 5.27%, 05/01/2027

     3,655,000         4,051,933   

(USD), 5.01%, 08/01/2027

     3,780,000         3,992,549   

New York City Water & Sewer System (USD), 5.75%, 06/15/2041

     1,460,000         1,673,335   

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenue Bonds (USD), 5.60%, 03/15/2040

     4,710,000         5,323,431   
                20,943,743   

OREGON (0.3%)

     

State of Oregon General Obligation Unlimited Bonds (USD),
5.89%, 06/01/2027

     3,380,000         4,028,757   

TEXAS (0.5%)

     

State of Texas General Obligation Unlimited Bonds (USD), 5.52%, 04/01/2039

     5,070,000         5,847,434   

Series A (USD), 4.68%, 04/01/2040

     1,620,000         1,652,789   
                7,500,223   

Total Municipal Bonds

              66,205,555   

GOVERNMENT BONDS (18.1%)

     

AUSTRALIA (2.8%)

     

Australia Government Bond (AUD), 5.25%, 03/15/2019

     17,240,000         17,771,996   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

30


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

New South Wales Treasury Corp. (AUD), 6.00%, 04/01/2019

   $ 15,580,000       $ 16,342,719   

Queensland Treasury Corp.

     

(AUD), 6.00%, 09/14/2017

     3,040,000         3,140,555   

(AUD), 6.00%, 06/14/2021

     6,610,000         6,985,184   
                44,240,454   

BRAZIL (4.8%)

     

Brazil Letras do Tesouro Nacional,
Series LTN (BRL), 0.00%, 01/01/2017 (d)

     51,874,000         16,475,749   

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional Series F

     

Series NTNF (BRL),
10.00%, 01/01/2014

     30,209,000         13,497,858   

Series NTNF (BRL),
10.00%, 01/01/2017

     110,052,000         47,416,226   
                77,389,833   

CANADA (3.4%)

     

Canada Housing Trust No 1

     

(CAD), 2.05%, 06/15/2018(a)(c)

     7,950,000         7,668,950   

(CAD), 2.35%, 12/15/2018(a)(c)

     17,110,000         16,642,476   

Canadian Government Bond (CAD), 1.25%, 09/01/2018

     16,800,000         15,766,364   

Export Development Canada (USD), 3.13%, 04/24/2014

     3,640,000         3,690,374   

Province of British Columbia (USD), 2.85%, 06/15/2015

     2,080,000         2,164,598   

Province of Ontario (USD), 4.10%, 06/16/2014

     9,180,000         9,400,201   
                55,332,963   

MEXICO (5.0%)

     

Mexican Bonos (MXN), 7.75%, 05/29/2031

     281,330,000         23,112,778   

Mexico Fixed Rate Bonds,
Series M20 (MXN), 10.00%, 12/05/2024

     564,028,400         57,054,570   
                80,167,348   

NORWAY (0.5%)

     

Norway Government Bond (NOK),
2.00%, 05/24/2023

     51,520,000         8,090,718   

QATAR (0.6%)

     

Qatar Government International Bond (USD), 4.00%, 01/20/2015 (a)

     9,310,000         9,647,487   

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH KOREA (0.2%)

     

Korea Housing Finance Corp. (USD), 1.63%, 09/15/2018 (a)

     3,230,000         3,096,394   

SWEDEN (0.8%)

     

Sweden Government International Bond (USD), 1.00%, 06/03/2014 (a)

     12,070,000         12,135,806   

Total Government Bonds

              290,101,003   

U.S. AGENCIES (14.8%)

     

UNITED STATES (14.8%)

     

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

     

(USD), 6.50%, 05/01/2022

   2,103       2,345   

(USD), 6.50%, 08/01/2036

     900,036         994,870   

(USD), 6.50%, 09/01/2037

     148,672         173,752   

(USD), 6.50%, 12/01/2037

     137,766         152,315   

(USD), 6.50%, 05/01/2038

     2,946,567         3,269,161   

(USD), 6.50%, 09/01/2038

     237,173         261,756   

(USD), 6.50%, 10/01/2038

     2,364,377         2,664,270   

(USD), 6.50%, 10/01/2038

     21,121         23,363   

(USD), 6.50%, 11/01/2038

     1,286,058         1,500,107   

(USD), 6.50%, 12/01/2038

     1,505,112         1,759,753   

(USD), 4.50%, 06/01/2039

     490,331         525,246   

(USD), 4.50%, 11/01/2039

     2,887,294         3,084,133   

(USD), 4.50%, 09/01/2040

     15,210         16,262   

(USD), 4.50%, 04/01/2041

     12,239         13,101   

(USD), 4.50%, 05/01/2041

     764,663         818,343   

(USD), 4.50%, 06/01/2041

     1,483,459         1,588,159   

(USD), 4.50%, 11/01/2041

     2,777,796         2,970,565   

(USD), 3.00%, 02/01/2043

     7,978,994         7,847,926   

(USD), 3.00%, 04/01/2043

     8,636,939         8,508,559   

TBA (USD), 3.50%, 11/01/2043

     8,770,000         8,911,142   

TBA (USD), 3.50%, 11/01/2043

     8,320,000         8,505,900   

Federal National Mortgage Association

     

(USD), 4.50%, 10/01/2019

     3,873,808         4,122,927   

(USD), 3.50%, 10/01/2023

     15,558,930         16,488,568   

(USD), 3.50%, 10/01/2023

     5,744,843         6,088,105   

TBA (USD), 3.50%, 11/01/2028

     7,700,000         8,112,071   

(USD), 5.50%, 01/01/2029

     329,660         359,498   

(USD), 5.50%, 02/01/2033

     775,134         848,526   

(USD), 5.00%, 05/01/2035

     4,682,070         5,095,267   

(USD), 2.75%, 02/01/2036(b)

     355,663         383,075   

(USD), 5.50%, 11/01/2036

     477,530         521,653   

(USD), 5.50%, 01/01/2037

     295,713         322,758   

(USD), 5.50%, 05/01/2037

     14,577,410         16,001,804   

(USD), 5.50%, 11/01/2037

     894,139         975,270   

(USD), 5.50%, 02/01/2038

     2,755,625         3,005,659   

(USD), 5.50%, 06/01/2038

     312,213         340,542   

(USD), 5.50%, 11/01/2038

     5,894,688         6,429,546   

(USD), 5.50%, 08/01/2039

     2,013,459         2,201,721   

(USD), 5.50%, 02/01/2041

     923,158         1,030,894   

(USD), 3.00%, 02/01/2043

     16,554,495         16,361,825   

(USD), 3.00%, 03/01/2043

     2,298,676         2,242,456   

(USD), 3.00%, 06/01/2043

     2,540,661         2,478,650   

(USD), 3.00%, 07/01/2043

     2,066,901         2,016,419   

TBA (USD), 4.00%, 11/01/2043

     25,880,000         27,194,219   

TBA (USD), 4.50%, 11/01/2043

     37,760,000         40,432,702   

Government National Mortgage Association

  

  

(USD), 6.00%, 04/15/2037

     248,765         275,048   

(USD), 6.00%, 06/15/2037

     177,376         195,900   

(USD), 6.00%, 09/15/2037

     441,293         487,240   

(USD), 6.00%, 11/15/2037

     869,487         960,432   

(USD), 6.00%, 11/15/2037

     303,435         335,234   

(USD), 6.00%, 12/15/2037

     286,279         316,358   

(USD), 6.00%, 12/15/2037

     102,045         112,737   

(USD), 6.00%, 01/15/2038

     214,160         236,388   

(USD), 6.00%, 04/15/2038

     409,717         452,454   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

31


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

(USD), 5.00%, 06/15/2038

   $ 128,389       $ 140,229   

(USD), 6.00%, 07/15/2038

     183,742         203,329   

(USD), 6.00%, 08/15/2038

     86,181         95,294   

(USD), 6.00%, 09/15/2038

     466,663         520,482   

(USD), 6.00%, 09/15/2038

     309,680         342,429   

(USD), 4.50%, 02/15/2039

     354,334         383,126   

(USD), 5.00%, 03/15/2039

     971,004         1,060,450   

(USD), 5.00%, 04/15/2039

     369,609         403,159   

(USD), 5.00%, 06/15/2039

     303,155         338,039   

(USD), 4.50%, 04/15/2040

     2,316,953         2,511,983   

(USD), 4.50%, 07/15/2040

     4,245,139         4,600,555   

(USD), 4.50%, 04/15/2041

     4,583,631         4,982,966   

(USD), 5.00%, 05/15/2041

     495,739         545,360   

(USD), 5.00%, 06/15/2041

     572,480         629,602   

(USD), 5.00%, 10/15/2041

     16,958         18,545   
                236,792,522   

Total U.S. Agencies

              236,792,522   

U.S. TREASURIES (6.5%)

     

UNITED STATES (6.5%)

     

U.S. Treasury Bond (USD),
2.88%, 05/15/2043

     6,880,000         5,903,900   

U.S. Treasury Bonds (USD), 4.75%, 02/15/2041

     6,530,000         7,912,525   

U.S. Treasury Inflation Index Bonds (USD), 0.63%, 02/15/2043

     8,770,000         7,409,253   

U.S. Treasury Notes

     

(USD), 0.38%, 08/31/2015

     4,370,000         4,377,853   

(USD), 0.63%, 08/15/2016

     3,530,000         3,539,789   

(USD), 0.88%, 09/15/2016

     2,490,000         2,513,441   

(USD), 0.63%, 10/15/2016

     10,020,000         10,037,615   

(USD), 0.63%, 04/30/2018

     8,910,000         8,705,346   

(USD), 1.00%, 05/31/2018

     4,810,000         4,771,857   

(USD), 1.38%, 06/30/2018

     7,560,000         7,615,815   

(USD), 1.38%, 07/31/2018

     11,630,000         11,706,781   

(USD), 1.38%, 09/30/2018

     16,910,000         16,978,029   

(USD), 1.25%, 10/31/2018

     3,680,000         3,668,644   

(USD), 2.00%, 07/31/2020

     2,640,000         2,662,482   

(USD), 2.50%, 08/15/2023

     6,640,000         6,616,136   
                104,419,466   

Total U.S. Treasuries

              104,419,466   

REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (4.9%)

     

UNITED STATES (4.9%)

     

State Street Bank, 0.00%, dated 10/31/2013, due 11/01/2013, repurchase price $78,162,894, collateralized by Federal Home Loan Banks, maturing 01/08/2016; total market value of $2,998,744 and U.S. Treasury Note, maturing 11/15/2015; total market value of $76,729,512

   78,162,894       78,162,894   

Total Repurchase Agreement

              78,162,894   

Total Investments (Cost $1,728,643,961) (e)—107.7%

              1,726,441,623   

Liabilities in excess of other assets—(7.7)%

  

     (123,295,890

Net Assets—100.0%

            $ 1,603,145,733   

 

(a)   Denotes a security issued under Regulation S or Rule 144A.
(b)   Variable or Floating Rate Security. Rate disclosed is as of October 31, 2013.
(c)   This security is government guaranteed.
(d)   Issued with a zero coupon.
(e)   See notes to financial statements for tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities.
AUD   Australian Dollar
BRL   Brazilian Real
CAD   Canadian Dollar
EMTN   Euro Medium Term Note
GMTN   Global Medium Term Note
MTN   Medium Term Note
MXN   Mexican Peso
NOK   Norwegian Krone
TBA   Securities purchased on a forward commitment basis with an appropriate principal amount and no definitive maturity date. The actual principal and maturity date will be determined upon settlement date.
USD   U.S. Dollar

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

32


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (concluded)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

 

 

At October 31, 2013, the Fund’s open forward foreign currency exchange contracts were as follows:

 

Purchase Contracts Settlement Date*      Counterparty   Amount
Purchased
   

Amount

Sold

     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Australian Dollar/United States Dollar                   

12/31/2013

     Westpac Banking Corp.     AUD        830,317        USD        770,375       $ 781,844       $ 11,469   
Brazilian Real/United States Dollar                   

11/04/2013

     Credit Suisse     BRL        79,386,223        USD        36,349,003         35,437,114         (911,889

11/04/2013

     JPMorgan Chase     BRL        91,345,827        USD        41,834,589         40,775,746         (1,058,843
Mexican Peso/United States Dollar                   

12/20/2013

     Credit Suisse     MXN        1,558,436        USD        120,983         119,016         (1,967
12/20/2013      Deutsche Bank     MXN        104,304,462        USD        8,011,588         7,965,624         (45,964
                                            $ 85,079,344       $ (2,007,194

 

Sale Contracts Settlement Date*      Counterparty  

Amount

Purchased

   

Amount

Sold

     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
United States Dollar/Australian Dollar                   

12/31/2013

     Westpac Banking Corp.     USD        85,091,094        AUD        89,032,118       $ 83,834,616       $ 1,256,478   
United States Dollar/Brazilian Real                   

11/04/2013

     Credit Suisse     USD        35,273,751        BRL        79,386,223         35,437,114         (163,363

11/04/2013

     JPMorgan Chase     USD        40,613,488        BRL        91,345,827         40,775,746         (162,258

12/02/2013

     Credit Suisse     USD        36,109,267        BRL        79,386,223         35,198,082         911,185   

12/02/2013

     JPMorgan Chase     USD        41,554,830        BRL        91,345,827         40,500,704         1,054,126   
United States Dollar/Canadian Dollar                   

11/21/2013

     Deutsche Bank     USD        39,599,653        CAD        41,053,296         39,354,271         245,382   
United States Dollar/Mexican Peso                   

12/20/2013

     Credit Suisse     USD        24,751,388        MXN        317,828,534         24,272,236         479,152   

12/20/2013

     Deutsche Bank     USD        7,973,214        MXN        102,846,488         7,854,280         118,934   
United States Dollar/Norwegian Krone                   
11/29/2013      JPMorgan Chase     USD        8,197,392        NOK        48,369,940         8,117,828         79,564   
                                            $ 315,344,877       $ 3,819,200   

 

*   Certain contracts with different trade dates and like characteristics have been shown net.

2013 Annual Report

 

33


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (Class A shares at NAV net of fees) returned 10.20% for the 12-month period ended October 31, 2013, versus the 9.98% return of its benchmark, the Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Constrained Index, during the same period. For broader comparison, the average return of the Fund’s Lipper peer category of High Current Yield Funds (consisting of 545 funds) was 8.19% for the period.

 

For roughly the first half of the reporting period, credit trends continued to show modest improvement against a backdrop of benign global central bank policy. In late May 2013, however, the bond and credit markets reacted negatively to signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) that the pace of quantitative easing (QE) might be slowed as early as the fourth quarter of 2013. U.S. Treasury rates rose by almost one full percentage point and the credit premium exhibited by high yield bonds (as measured by the benchmark Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Constrained Index) rose by approximately 80 basis points (bps) through the end of June 2013. However, high yield issuers continued to report earnings that supported tighter credit spreads, and the high yield market recovered some of its lost ground in July and August. This recovery gained further momentum in late September when the Fed chose not to begin reducing its stimulus, thus driving the benchmark U.S. Treasury yield curve lower. European high yield rates and credit spreads etched out much the same pattern, but European credit spreads generally tended to tighten more than U.S. spreads through the period, beginning the reporting period over 100 bps wider than the U.S. and ending the year within 10 bps of U.S. credit spreads. This outperformance on the part of European high yield bonds reflected growing confidence that peripheral Europe (Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Ireland) was less vulnerable to fiscal and debt destabilization. In contrast to Europe, yields on emerging market bonds steadily widened relative to U.S. high yield during the period, having begun with roughly a 150-bps credit spread advantage and ending with an approximate 220-bps advantage. In our view, this widening reflected growing concerns that the eventual removal of unconventional monetary stimulus in the developed economies would negatively affect emerging market economies, particularly those which had enjoyed large increases in fund inflows along with deteriorating fiscal and current account balances over the past several years.

 

Security selection in both the U.S. and Europe significantly bolstered Fund performance during the annual period. Of particular note were the loans of a reorganized European telecommunications provider which benefited from a reduction in interest costs under a new liability structure; the securities of a U.S. trucking company that was also benefiting from a recent restructuring; and the bonds of a specialty chemical company. Additionally, the Fund’s underweight exposure versus the benchmark index to emerging market bonds contributed to performance as that sector increasingly lagged U.S. and European bonds in the summer and early autumn.

 

These positive contributors to Fund performance were partially offset by the underweight to European high yield during the period, as well as the hedge of European currency exposures. Although European currencies lagged the U.S. dollar for much of the annual period, they performed well during the last several months of the period.

 

While the Fund used derivatives during the reporting period, they had minimal impact on performance.

 

Changes to the Fund during the reporting period were driven primarily through our bottom-up security selection process and resulted in relatively modest changes to the broader characteristics of the Fund. The largest change occurred along the credit rating spectrum, where we increased both BB and B rated bonds by over 2% of net assets while reducing the exposure to bonds rated CCC and below and, to a lesser extent, BBB bonds.1 This change is the net effect of our judgments on the changes in credit quality and structure of the lowest-rated category of bonds, which, as is typical when credit recoveries gather momentum, are declining in quality even as their spreads tighten. Regarding geographic allocations, we reduced the Fund’s positions in Canada and in developing Asian countries in favor of U.S., Latin American, and Eastern European-based issuers. With reference to security types, the Fund’s loan positions, after peaking in April 2013 at about 13% of the Fund’s net assets, declined by about 3% into the end of the reporting period in favor of bonds, cash, and a small position in index swaps that we used to manage the Fund’s overall risk exposure. While loans continue to enjoy very strong technical support, we increasingly believe that pricing fundamentals are being ignored by the market. The Fund’s currency exposures remained heavily weighted to the U.S. dollar throughout the annual period, although we did begin modestly increasing the European currency exposures towards the end of the period. Within Latin America, we hedged out2 the Brazilian real exposure for much of the period, but increased the exposure to Mexican pesos as we added Mexican local currency government bonds. By industry, we increased the Fund’s exposures to energy-related issuers and reduced holdings in the media and healthcare sectors. There also was an increase in financial services issues, primarily among insurance companies and several banks.

 

In what we believe is likely to be a mild acceleration of the slow economic growth environment of the past several years, we think that tightening credit spreads may at least absorb what are likely to be small increases in benchmark global government yield curves over the next year. In our opinion, the offsetting effects of rising rates and declining credit spreads may result in another year where the total return of the benchmark Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Constrained Index closely mimics its current yield. It should be

 

1   Standard & Poor’s credit ratings express the agency’s opinion about the ability and willingness of an issuer, such as a corporation or state or city government, to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. Typically, ratings are expressed as letter grades that range, for example, from “AAA” to “D” to communicate the agency’s opinion of relative level of credit risk.
2   A hedge is an investment intended to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

34


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

 

 

noted that the spread tightening required to offset the kind of interest rate increases that we think are likely to occur in a slow growth environment would still leave credit spreads well above their historic tight levels relative to benchmark government yield curves. We believe there will be a similar scenario in Europe, where lower growth may limit interest rate moves but where, as indicated by a substantial amount of credit tightening, investors have already anticipated what credit improvement might be expected. We believe that below-investment-grade emerging market corporate bonds will benefit the most from the improving global economy and a continued search for yield in what likely will remain a painfully low yield environment. This sector of the global high yield market reached historically wide levels in 2013 versus U.S. sub-investment-grade corporates on what we believe are exaggerated fears about the impact of Fed monetary policy tapering on emerging market economies. Therefore, we think that the sector has the most room to improve if the markets’ worst fears are left unfulfilled.

 

Along the credit rating curve, we believe that this environment will continue to favor CCC rated securities over single B, and single B over higher-quality BB bonds. While longer-duration3 bonds of all stripes probably will be most vulnerable, in our view, the unusually steep slope of both the global government yield curves and credit curves may already discount a substantial part of their vulnerability going forward. Within the loan market, we believe that there is value among European issuers and in special situations globally.

 

We believe that the largest risk to our outlook rests in the possibility of a renewal of declining growth. In our opinion, this type of negative scenario could be caused by overly stringent and coincident fiscal restraint on the part of the major economies, the failure of consumer or capital spending to react positively in any way to continued accommodative monetary policy, or a major geopolitical event. In light of the recent tightening of credit spreads, we think that this scenario would be especially damaging to high-yielding, lower-rated corporate bonds worldwide. We believe that CCC rated securities, in particular, would be vulnerable, as would below-investment-grade emerging market corporates.

 

Regardless of the environment, we intend to maintain our efforts to generate returns for the Fund’s shareholders exceeding those of the benchmark Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Constrained Index over a full market cycle4 through our emphasis on flexibility within a global context, bottom-up analysis, and business economics-based research, with careful attention to downside risks.

 

Portfolio Management:

Greg Hopper

 

PAST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE RESULTS.

 

The performance quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Class A shares have up to a 0.25% 12b-1 fee. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance of the Fund may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. Performance data current to the most recent month-end may be obtained by calling 800-387-6977 or visiting www.aberdeen-asset.us.

 

Total returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions. Investment performance reflects fee waivers and, in the absence of such waivers, returns would have been lower. Indexes are unmanaged and have been provided for comparison purposes only. No fees or expenses are reflected. You cannot invest directly in an index.

 

Lipper is a leading global provider of mutual fund information and analysis to fund companies, financial intermediaries and media organizations.

 

Risk Considerations

 

Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that the investment objective of any fund will be achieved.

 

Fixed income securities are subject to certain risks including, but not limited to: interest rate (changes in interest rates may cause a decline in the market value of an investment), credit (changes in the financial condition of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral), prepayment (debt issuers may repay or refinance their loans or obligations earlier than anticipated), and extension (principal repayments may not occur as quickly as anticipated, causing the expected maturity of a security to increase). Additionally, high yield securities may face additional risks, including economic growth; inflation; liquidity; supply; and externally generated shocks.

 

Derivatives are speculative and may hurt the Fund’s performance. They present the risk of disproportionately increased losses and/or reduced gains when the financial asset or measure to which the derivative is linked changes in unexpected ways.

 

Foreign securities are more volatile, harder to price and less liquid than U.S. securities; and are subject to different accounting and regulatory standards, and political and economic risks. These risks are enhanced in emerging markets countries.

 

Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

Standard & Poor’s credit ratings express the agency’s opinion about the ability and willingness of an issuer, such as a corporation or state or city government, to meet its financial obligations in full and on time. Typically, ratings are expressed as letter grades that range, for example, from “AAA” to “D” to communicate the agency’s opinion of relative level of credit risk.

 

3   Duration is an estimate of bond price sensitivity to changes in interest rates. The higher the duration, the greater the change (i.e., high risk) in relation to interest-rate movements.
4   A market cycle comprises the longer-term price movements in a broader market index, including one complete upturn and one complete downturn.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

35


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Average Annual Total Return

(For periods ended October 31, 2013)

   1 Yr.      5 Yr.      10 Yr.  

Class A

     10.20%         15.52%         8.70%   

Class I

     10.53%         15.80%         8.98%   

 

 

Annual Report 2013

 

36


Table of Contents

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Performance of a $10,000 Investment (as of October 31, 2013)

 

LOGO

 

Comparative performance of $10,000 invested in Class A shares of the Aberdeen Global High Income Fund, BofA Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Constrained Index and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a 10-year period ended October 31, 2013. Unlike the Fund, the returns for these unmanaged indexes do not reflect any fees or expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in market indexes.

 

The BofA Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Constrained Index tracks the performance of below investment grade bonds of corporate issuers domiciled in countries having an investment grade foreign currency long term debt rating (based on a composite of Moody’s and S&P). The index is weighted by outstanding issuance, but constrained such that the percentage that any one issuer may not represent more than 2% of the index.

 

The CPI represents changes in prices of a basket of goods and services purchased for consumption by urban households.

 

Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and does not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares. Investing in mutual funds involves market risk, including loss of principal. Performance returns assume the reinvestment of all distributions.

 

Portfolio Summary (as a percentage of net assets)

 

October 31, 2013 (Unaudited)

 

 

Asset Allocation        

Corporate Bonds

     73.9%   

Term Loans

     9.6%   

Repurchase Agreement

     8.5%   

Government Bonds

     2.5%   

Common Stocks

     1.7%   

Preferred Stocks

     1.6%   

Warrants

     0.4%   

Other assets in excess of liabilities

     1.8%   
       100.0%   

 

The following chart summarizes the composition of the Fund’s portfolio, expressed as a percentage of net assets. The industries listed below may include more than one industry group. As of October 31, 2013, the Fund did not have more than 25% of its assets invested in any industry group.

 

Top Industries        

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels

     8.5%   

Diversified Telecommunication Services

     7.7%   

Commercial Services & Supplies

     5.4%   

Diversified Financial Services

     4.2%   

Media

     4.4%   

Commercial Banks

     4.2%   

Software

     3.7%   

Metals & Mining

     3.2%   

Transportation

     2.8%   

Retail

     2.4%   

Other

     53.5%   
       100.0%   

 

Top Holdings*       

Deep Ocean

    1.3%   

Postmedia Network, Inc. 08/16/2017

    1.3%   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC / Palace Entertainment Holdings Corp. 04/15/2017

    1.2%   

Mexico Fixed Rate Bonds, Series M10 12/17/2015

    1.2%   

Infor US, Inc. 04/01/2019

    1.1%   

Midstates Petroleum Co., Inc. / Midstates Petroleum Co. LLC 06/01/2021

    1.1%   

Laureate Education, Inc. 09/01/2019

    1.1%   

WPX Energy, Inc. 01/15/2022

    1.1%   

Global Brass & Copper, Inc. 06/01/2019

    1.1%   

Marquette Transportation Co LLC / Marquette Transportation Finance Corp. 01/15/2017

    1.1%   

Other

    88.4%   
      100.0%   

 

Top Countries        

United States

     67.8%   

Canada

     4.8%   

United Kingdom

     4.7%   

Luxembourg

     2.3%   

Mexico

     1.9%   

Australia

     1.6%   

Brazil

     1.3%   

Republic of Ireland

     1.3%   

Norway

     1.3%   

Russia

     1.2%   

Other

     11.8%   
       100.0%   

 

*   For the purpose of listing top holdings, repurchase agreements included as part of Other.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

37


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

CORPORATE BONDS (73.9%)

     

AUSTRALIA (1.6%)

     

FMG Resources August 2006 Pty Ltd. (USD), 8.25%, 11/01/2019 (a)

   $ 17,795,000       $ 19,841,425   

(USD), 6.88%, 04/01/2022 (a)

     8,610,000         9,191,175   

Paladin Energy Ltd. (USD),
6.00%, 04/30/2017 (a)

     16,580,000         11,730,350   
                40,762,950   

BRAZIL (0.4%)

     

Tonon Bioenergia SA (USD),
9.25%, 01/24/2020 (a)

     11,375,000         10,493,438   

CANADA (4.8%)

     

Air Canada

     

(CAD), 7.63%, 10/01/2019 (a)

     12,530,000         12,317,892   

(USD), 8.75%, 04/01/2020 (a)

     2,080,000         2,129,234   

Bombardier, Inc.

     

(USD), 6.13%, 01/15/2023 (a)

     8,080,000         8,221,400   

(USD), 7.45%, 05/01/2034 (a)

     4,170,000         4,149,150   

First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (USD),
7.25%, 10/15/2019 (a)

     12,320,000         11,611,600   

FQM Akubra, Inc. (USD),
7.50%, 06/01/2021 (a)

     2,240,000         2,385,600   

Garda World Security Corp.

     

(USD), 9.75%, 03/15/2017 (a)

     15,910,000         17,220,984   

(CAD), 9.75%, 03/15/2017

     1,175,000         1,219,908   

Nortel Networks Ltd. (USD),
0.00%, 07/15/2011 (b)

     8,535,000         9,025,763   

Postmedia Network, Inc. (CAD),
8.25%, 08/16/2017 (a)

     32,788,900         32,076,610   

Trinidad Drilling Ltd. (USD),
7.88%, 01/15/2019 (a)

     21,575,000         23,193,125   
                123,551,266   

CAYMAN ISLANDS (0.3%)

     

Cementos Progreso Trust (USD),
7.13%, 11/06/2023 (a)

     7,385,000         7,442,695   

CHINA (0.9%)

     

MIE Holdings Corp. (USD),
9.75%, 05/12/2016 (a)

     15,290,000         16,207,400   

Residential Reinsurance 2013 Ltd. (USD), 8.04%, 06/06/2019 (a)(c)

     5,380,000         5,594,124   
                21,801,524   

CZECH REPUBLIC (1.0%)

     

CET 21 spol sro (EUR),
9.00%, 11/01/2017 (a)

     17,545,000         24,476,808   

FRANCE (0.9%)

     

Labco SAS (EUR), 8.50%, 01/15/2018 (a)

     15,999,000         23,244,953   

GERMANY (1.0%)

     

Commerzbank AG (USD),
8.13%, 09/19/2023 (a)

     9,665,000         10,365,713   

KP Germany Erste GmbH (EUR),
11.63%, 07/15/2017 (a)

     8,125,000         12,882,283   

Unitymedia Hessen GmbH & Co. KG / Unitymedia NRW GmbH (EUR),
5.13%, 01/21/2023 (a)

   770,000       1,030,736   
                24,278,732   

INDONESIA (0.7%)

     

Gajah Tunggal Tbk PT (USD),
7.75%, 02/06/2018 (a)

     18,005,000         17,959,987   

ITALY (0.2%)

     

Wind Acquisition Finance SA (USD),
7.25%, 02/15/2018 (a)

     4,810,000         5,086,575   

JERSEY (1.0%)

     

Galaxy Bidco Ltd.

     

(GBP), 5.52%, 11/15/2019 (a)(c)

     2,025,000         3,246,883   

(GBP), 6.38%, 11/15/2020 (a)

     1,410,000         2,266,445   

Galaxy Finco Ltd. (GBP),
7.88%, 11/15/2021 (a)

     1,600,000         2,571,852   

Hastings Insurance Group Finance PLC

     

(GBP), 6.58%, 10/21/2019 (a)(c)

     3,680,000         5,900,509   

(GBP), 8.00%, 10/21/2020 (a)

     4,375,000         7,225,318   

HBOS Euro Finance Jersey LP (EUR), EMTN, 3.10%, 12/29/2049 (c)

     3,530,000         4,107,477   
                25,318,484   

LUXEMBOURG (2.3%)

     

Exopack Holdings SA (USD),
7.88%, 11/01/2019 (a)

     1,525,000         1,528,813   

Far East Capital Ltd. SA (USD),
8.00%, 05/02/2018

     2,335,000         2,119,012   

INEOS Group Holdings SA

     

(USD), 6.13%, 08/15/2018 (a)

     1,935,000         1,959,187   

(EUR), 6.50%, 08/15/2018 (a)

     13,715,000         18,684,286   

Magnolia BC SA (EUR),
9.00%, 08/01/2020 (a)

     9,405,000         13,290,633   

Mobile Challenger Intermediate Group SA

     

(CHF), 8.75%, 03/15/2019 (a)

     5,450,000         6,126,632   

(EUR), 8.75%, 03/15/2019 (a)

     4,390,000         6,079,730   

Xella Holdco Finance SA (EUR),
9.13%, 09/15/2018 (a)

     5,375,000         7,662,798   
                57,451,091   

MARSHALL ISLAND (0.2%)

     

Navios Maritime Acquisition Corp. / Navios Acquisition Finance US, Inc. (USD),
8.13%, 11/15/2021 (a)

     6,240,000         6,333,600   

MEXICO (0.7%)

     

Satelites Mexicanos SA de CV (USD),
9.50%, 05/15/2017

     15,209,000         16,615,832   

NETHERLANDS (0.6%)

     

DTEK Finance BV (USD),
9.50%, 04/28/2015 (a)

     2,123,000         2,136,800   

Metinvest BV (USD),
8.75%, 02/14/2018 (a)

     15,315,000         13,898,362   
                16,035,162   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

38


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

PERU (0.5%)

     

Corp. Lindley SA (USD), 4.63%, 04/12/2023 (a)

   $ 13,810,000       $ 13,223,075   

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (0.3%)

     

Argon Capital PLC for Royal Bank of Scotland (GBP), MTN, 2.85%, 10/29/2049 (c)

     3,203,000         3,330,103   

Nomos Bank Via Nomos Capital PLC (USD), 10.00%, 04/26/2019

     3,855,000         4,071,651   
                7,401,754   

RUSSIA (1.2%)

     

Evraz Group SA (USD), 9.50%, 04/24/2018 (a)

     14,745,000         16,256,362   

Far Eastern Shipping Co. (USD),
8.00%, 05/02/2018 (a)

     10,485,000         9,515,138   

VTB Bank OJSC via VTB Eurasia Ltd. (USD), 9.50%, 12/29/2049 (a)(c)

     4,930,000         5,404,759   
                31,176,259   

SWEDEN (1.0%)

     

Verisure Holding AB

     

(EUR), 8.75%, 09/01/2018 (a)

     2,079,000         3,105,037   

(EUR), MTN, 8.75%, 09/01/2018 (a)

     1,650,000         2,464,315   

(EUR), 8.75%, 12/01/2018 (a)

     2,070,000         3,007,279   

(EUR), MTN, 8.75%, 12/01/2018 (a)

     10,855,000         15,770,054   
                24,346,685   

SWITZERLAND (0.3%)

     

Credit Suisse AG (USD), 6.50%, 08/08/2023 (a)

     3,315,000         3,546,719   

Credit Suisse Group Guernsey I Ltd. (USD), 7.88%, 02/24/2041 (a)(c)

     4,315,000         4,740,243   
                8,286,962   

UKRAINE (0.6%)

     

Mriya Agro Holding PLC (USD),
9.45%, 04/19/2018 (a)

     18,125,000         15,723,438   

UNITED KINGDOM (4.7%)

     

Avanti Communications Group PLC (USD), 10.00%, 10/01/2019 (a)

     24,975,000         26,223,750   

Barclays Bank PLC (GBP),
6.13%, 04/29/2049 (c)

     6,586,000         10,266,947   

DTEK Finance PLC (USD),
7.88%, 04/04/2018 (a)

     7,030,000         6,344,575   

INEOS Group Holdings SA (EUR),
7.88%, 02/15/2016 (a)

     2,250,014         3,103,987   

Intelsat Jackson Holdings SA (USD),
7.25%, 04/01/2019

     4,130,000         4,470,725   

Lloyds Bank PLC

     

(GBP), EMTN, 13.00%, 01/29/2049 (c)

     8,010,000         19,874,895   

(EUR), 2.73%, 10/29/2049 (c)

     3,769,000         5,015,010   

National Westminster Bank PLC (GBP), MTN, 5.98%, 01/29/2049 (c)

     2,815,000         4,084,780   

Pearl Group Holdings No 1 Ltd. (GBP),
6.59%, 11/29/2049 (c)

     7,127,250         10,227,905   

Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC (EUR), 5.50%, 11/29/2049

     4,353,000         4,709,018   

Santander UK PLC (USD),
5.00%, 11/07/2023

     1,600,000         1,594,896   

Unique Pub Finance Co. PLC

     

Series M (GBP), 7.40%, 03/28/2024

   4,110,000       6,408,747   

Series A4 (GBP), 5.66%, 06/30/2027

     10,624,993         16,652,793   

Virgin Media Secured Finance PLC (USD),
5.38%, 04/15/2021 (a)

     2,070,000         2,090,700   
                121,068,728   

UNITED STATES (48.3%)

     

AES Corp. (USD), 8.00%, 06/01/2020

     20,670,000         24,235,575   

Alpha Natural Resources, Inc.

     

(USD), 6.00%, 06/01/2019

     9,290,000         8,035,850   

(USD), 6.25%, 06/01/2021

     3,485,000         2,970,963   

American Achievement Corp. (USD), 10.88%, 04/15/2016 (a)

     12,510,000         13,135,500   

American International Group, Inc.,
Series A2 (GBP), 5.75%, 03/15/2067 (c)

     4,000,000         6,304,566   

APX Group, Inc.

     

(USD), 6.38%, 12/01/2019

     6,265,000         6,272,831   

(USD), 8.75%, 12/01/2020

     9,375,000         9,656,250   

Arch Coal, Inc.

     

(USD), 7.00%, 06/15/2019

     5,415,000         4,250,775   

(USD), 7.25%, 06/15/2021

     25,130,000         19,350,100   

Blackboard, Inc. (USD), 7.75%, 11/15/2019 (a)

     7,460,000         7,534,600   

Blue Danube Ltd. (USD),
10.80%, 04/10/2015 (a)(c)

     9,355,000         10,026,689   

Cenveo Corp. (USD), 8.88%, 02/01/2018

     7,665,000         7,760,813   

Chaparral Energy, Inc. (USD),
7.63%, 11/15/2022

     7,545,000         8,186,325   

Chesapeake Energy Corp.

     

(USD), 5.38%, 06/15/2021

     4,150,000         4,336,750   

(USD), 2.50%, 05/15/2037

     1,370,000         1,397,400   

Clayton Williams Energy, Inc. (USD),
7.75%, 04/01/2019

     24,450,000         25,122,375   

Clear Channel Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (USD), 6.50%, 11/15/2022

     11,665,000         12,275,075   

Clearwire Communications LLC

     

(USD), 12.00%, 12/01/2015 (a)

     11,155,000         11,584,467   

(USD), 14.75%, 12/01/2016 (a)

     710,000         976,250   

Compass Re Ltd., Series CL3 (USD),
11.29%, 01/08/2015 (a)(c)

     7,245,000         7,650,720   

DPH Holdings Corp. (USD),
6.55%, 06/15/2006 (b)(d)(f)

     1,500,000         43,875   

Dresdner Funding Trust I (USD),
8.15%, 06/30/2031 (a)

     2,078,000         2,114,365   

Drill Rigs Holdings, Inc. (USD),
6.50%, 10/01/2017 (a)

     15,595,000         16,491,712   

El Paso LLC

     

(USD), MTN, 8.05%, 10/15/2030

     1,330,000         1,390,953   

(USD), MTN, 7.80%, 08/01/2031

     23,249,000         24,117,234   

Energy Future Intermediate Holding Co. LLC / EFIH Finance, Inc. (USD),
10.00%, 12/01/2020

     6,880,000         7,258,400   

Epicor Software Corp. (USD),
8.63%, 05/01/2019

     8,630,000         9,406,700   

Everglades Re Ltd. (USD),
10.04%, 03/28/2018 (a)(c)

     2,452,000         2,598,875   

First Data Corp. (USD), 8.25%, 01/15/2021 (a)

     23,345,000         24,979,150   

Florida East Coast Holdings Corp. (USD),
10.50%, 08/01/2017

     21,342,925         22,303,357   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

39


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Frontier Communications Corp.

     

(USD), 8.75%, 04/15/2022

   $ 13,533,000       $ 15,529,117   

(USD), 7.63%, 04/15/2024

     1,840,000         1,950,400   

(USD), 9.00%, 08/15/2031

     13,510,000         14,050,400   

GenCorp, Inc. (USD), 7.13%, 03/15/2021 (a)

     13,115,000         14,098,625   

General Motors (Escrow Shares)

     

(USD), 7.13%, 07/15/2013

     2,240,000           

(USD), 8.25%, 07/15/2023

     35,495,000           

(USD), 8.10%, 06/15/2024

     2,485,000           

(USD), 7.38%, 05/23/2048

     3,460,000           

(USD), 8.80%, 03/01/2049

     7,200,000           

(USD), 8.38%, 07/15/2049

     3,550,000           

General Motors Co. (USD),
6.25%, 10/02/2043 (a)

     16,410,000         17,148,450   

GenOn Americas Generation LLC

     

(USD), 8.50%, 10/01/2021

     295,000         323,763   

(USD), 9.13%, 05/01/2031

     20,327,650         21,852,224   

Global Brass & Copper, Inc. (USD),
9.50%, 06/01/2019

     23,975,000         26,971,875   

Halcon Resources Corp. (USD),
8.88%, 05/15/2021

     23,875,000         24,979,219   

HCA Holdings, Inc. (USD), 7.75%, 05/15/2021

     14,920,000         16,374,700   

HCA, Inc.

     

(USD), 7.19%, 11/15/2015

     2,364,000         2,600,400   

(USD), 7.50%, 02/15/2022

     7,000,000         7,883,750   

Hercules Offshore, Inc.

     

(USD), 10.25%, 04/01/2019 (a)

     7,720,000         8,762,200   

(USD), 8.75%, 07/15/2021 (a)

     7,870,000         8,696,350   

(USD), 7.50%, 10/01/2021 (a)

     6,955,000         7,302,750   

Immucor, Inc. (USD), 11.13%, 08/15/2019

     9,385,000         10,581,587   

IMS Health, Inc. (USD),
12.50%, 03/01/2018 (a)

     18,465,000         22,065,675   

Infor US, Inc. (EUR), 10.00%, 04/01/2019

     18,785,000         28,565,959   

Jefferies Finance LLC / JFIN Co-Issuer Corp. (USD), 7.38%, 04/01/2020 (a)

     6,260,000         6,463,450   

KB Home (USD), 1.38%, 02/01/2019

     180,000         178,875   

KCG Holdings, Inc. (USD),
8.25%, 06/15/2018 (a)

     6,790,000         6,942,775   

Landry's Holdings II, Inc. (USD),
10.25%, 01/01/2018 (a)

     10,515,000         11,172,187   

Landry's, Inc. (USD), 9.38%, 05/01/2020 (a)

     11,840,000         12,876,000   

Laureate Education, Inc. (USD),
9.25%, 09/01/2019 (a)

     24,905,000         27,520,025   

Level 3 Financing, Inc.

     

(USD), 7.00%, 06/01/2020

     23,730,000         25,391,100   

(USD), 6.13%, 01/15/2021

     1,425,000         1,453,500   

Lynx I Corp. (GBP), 6.00%, 04/15/2021 (a)

     7,940,000         13,208,402   

Marquette Transportation Co LLC / Marquette Transportation Finance Corp. (USD),
10.88%, 01/15/2017

     25,125,000         26,852,344   

McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings LLC / McGraw-Hill Global Education Finance (USD), 9.75%, 04/01/2021 (a)

     6,900,000         7,486,500   

Mellon Capital III (GBP), 6.37%, 09/05/2066 (c)

     7,650,000         12,324,267   

MetroPCS Wireless, Inc.

     

(USD), 6.63%, 11/15/2020

     4,915,000         5,216,044   

(USD), 6.25%, 04/01/2021 (a)

     7,110,000         7,465,500   

Midstates Petroleum Co., Inc. / Midstates Petroleum Co. LLC (USD),
9.25%, 06/01/2021

   27,360,000       28,317,600   

Momentive Performance Materials, Inc.

     

(USD), 8.88%, 10/15/2020

     3,895,000         4,138,438   

(EUR), 9.50%, 01/15/2021

     15,585,000         18,198,049   

Mythen Re Ltd., Series 2012-2, Class A (USD),
8.61%, 01/05/2017 (a)(c)

     5,875,000         6,110,000   

Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. (USD),
8.00%, 10/15/2021 (a)

     2,400,000         2,469,000   

Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. PIK (USD),
8.75%, 10/15/2021 (a)

     600,000         619,500   

New Albertsons, Inc.

     

(USD), 7.75%, 06/15/2026

     9,462,000         7,948,080   

Series C (USD), MTN, 6.63%, 06/01/2028

     4,420,000         3,315,000   

(USD), 7.45%, 08/01/2029

     19,080,000         15,645,600   

(USD), 8.70%, 05/01/2030

     10,285,000         8,999,375   

New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co Inc. (USD),
13.00%, 03/15/2018

     11,221,028         11,894,290   

Nortek, Inc. (USD), 8.50%, 04/15/2021

     18,695,000         20,587,869   

Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC / Palace Entertainment Holdings Corp. (USD),
8.88%, 04/15/2017 (a)

     31,575,000         31,890,750   

PHH Corp. (USD), 6.38%, 08/15/2021

     14,430,000         14,357,850   

PNC Preferred Funding Trust I (USD),
1.90%, 03/15/2017 (a)(c)

     16,215,000         13,985,437   

Residential Reinsurance 2011 Ltd. Series CL5 (USD), 8.79%, 12/06/2016 (a)(c)

     12,370,000         13,279,195   

(USD), 8.94%, 06/06/2017 (a)(c)

     10,790,000         11,265,839   

Reynolds Group Issuer, Inc. / Reynolds Group Issuer LLC / Reynolds Group Issuer Lu (USD), 9.00%, 04/15/2019

     21,125,000         22,709,375   

Samson Investment Co. (USD),
10.25%, 02/15/2020 (a)

     22,410,000         24,314,850   

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

     

(USD), 8.75%, 01/15/2020

     5,573,000         6,046,705   

(USD), 7.50%, 03/15/2021

     6,675,000         7,108,875   

(USD), 7.50%, 03/15/2021 (a)

     250         266   

Spanish Broadcasting System, Inc. (USD), 12.50%, 04/15/2017 (a)

     13,595,000         14,954,500   

SPL Logistics Escrow LLC / SPL Logistics Finance Corp. (USD), 8.88%, 08/01/2020 (a)

     15,060,000         16,227,150   

Standard Pacific Corp. (USD),
8.38%, 01/15/2021

     18,035,000         20,785,337   

Successor X Ltd.

     

(USD), 9.35%, 02/25/2014 (a)(c)

     14,115,000         14,391,654   

(USD), 11.29%, 11/10/2015 (a)(c)

     6,845,000         7,108,533   

SUPERVALU, Inc. (USD), 8.00%, 05/01/2016

     13,125,000         14,700,000   

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

     

(USD), 6.46%, 04/28/2019

     9,105,000         9,674,062   

(USD), 6.73%, 04/28/2022

     3,270,000         3,466,200   

(USD), 6.84%, 04/28/2023

     1,090,000         1,156,763   

Tenet Healthcare Corp. (USD),
8.13%, 04/01/2022 (a)

     1,130,000         1,240,175   

Townsquare Radio LLC / Townsquare Radio, Inc. (USD), 9.00%, 04/01/2019 (a)

     14,410,000         15,490,750   

TransUnion Holding Co., Inc. (USD),
9.63%, 06/15/2018

     8,285,000         9,009,937   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

40


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

 

     Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

Verso Paper Holdings LLC / Verso Paper, Inc. (USD), 11.75%, 01/15/2019

  $ 17,850,000       $ 18,564,000   

Visteon Corp. (USD), 6.75%, 04/15/2019

    16,542,000         17,741,295   

Windstream Corp. (USD),
6.38%, 08/01/2023

    13,080,000         12,753,000   

WPX Energy, Inc. (USD),
6.00%, 01/15/2022

    25,877,000         27,300,235   

Wyle Services Corp. (USD),
10.50%, 04/01/2018 (a)

    18,350,000         18,671,125   

YRC Worldwide, Inc.

    

Series A (USD), 10.00%, 03/31/2015 (d)

    166,773         136,754   

Series B (USD), 10.00%, 03/31/2015 (d)

    3,640,300         3,633,423   

Zayo Group LLC / Zayo Capital, Inc. (USD), 10.13%, 07/01/2020

    14,095,000         16,350,200   
               1,232,613,944   

VIETNAM (0.4%)

    

Vingroup JSC (USD),
11.63%, 05/07/2018 (a)

    10,730,000         10,638,473   

Total Corporate Bonds

             1,885,332,415   

GOVERNMENT BONDS (2.5%)

    

BRAZIL (0.9%)

    

Brazil Notas do Tesouro Nacional
Serie F (BRL), 10.00%, 01/01/2023

    56,735,000         23,127,698   

MEXICO (1.2%)

    

Mexico Fixed Rate Bonds, Series M10 (MXN), 8.00%, 12/17/2015

    368,500,000         30,540,995   

MOZAMBIQUE (0.4%)

    

Mozambique EMATUM Finance 2020 BV (USD), 6.31%, 09/11/2020 (a)

    10,560,000         10,005,600   

Total Government Bonds

             63,674,293   

TERM LOANS (9.6%)

    

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (1.0%)

    

Eircom Finco S.A.R.L. (EUR),
4.23%, 12/11/2013 (c)

    18,104,148         25,564,130   

UNITED STATES (8.6%)

    

Cenevo Corp. (USD),
6.25%, 12/23/2013 (c)

    16,083,482         16,314,682   

Commercial Barge Line Co. (USD),
7.50%, 03/31/2014 (c)

    24,263,075         24,020,444   

Excelitas Technologies Corp. (USD), 1.00%, 09/30/2020 (c)

    8,360,379         8,393,469   

Expera Specialty Solutions (USD),
7.50%, 12/31/2013 (c)

    10,019,887         10,170,186   

Lonestar Intermediate Holdings LLC (USD), 11.00%, 12/31/2013 (c)

    16,570,000         17,301,847   

McGraw-Hill Global Holdings (USD),
9.00%, 11/29/2013 (c)

    15,980,785         16,275,438   

Navistar International, Inc. (USD),
5.75%, 11/01/2013 (c)

    4,446,907         4,528,201   

Newpage Corp. (USD),
7.75%, 12/31/2013 (c)

    14,351,550         14,614,657   

Pacific Industrial Services US Finco LLC (USD), 8.75%, 12/31/2013 (c)

    7,920,000         8,043,750   

Philadelphia Energy (USD),
6.25%, 12/31/2013 (c)

   16,193,625       14,290,874   

Pinnacle Operating Corp. (USD),
4.75%, 11/29/2013 (c)

     11,103,130         11,195,653   

Texas Competitive Electric Co. (USD),
3.67%, 11/12/2013 (c)

     36,981,952         24,878,055   

Van Wagner Communications LLC (USD), 6.25%, 12/31/2013 (c)

     16,346,905         16,714,710   

Visant Holding Corp. (USD),
5.25%, 01/02/2014 (c)

     11,152,515         10,951,246   

YRC Worldwide, Inc.

     

(USD), 10.00%, 11/01/2013 (c)

     6,055,658         6,016,496   

(USD), 11.25%, 01/01/2014 (c)

     16,671,262         16,994,268   
                220,703,976   

Total Term Loans

              246,268,106   

COMMON STOCKS (1.7%)

     

NORWAY (1.3%)

     

Deep Ocean (e)(f)

     1,427,968         32,749,750   

UNITED STATES (0.4%)

     

General Motors Co.*

     236,410         8,735,349   

Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust*

     59,350         2,154,405   
                10,889,754   

Total Common Stocks

              43,639,504   

PREFERRED STOCKS (1.6%)

     

UNITED STATES (1.6%)

     

Ally Financial, Inc., Preferred Shares (a)

     22,432         21,539,628   

General Motors Co. , Preferred Shares,
Series B

     204,000         10,469,280   

GMAC Capital Trust I, Preferred Shares,
Series 2 (c)

     255,875         6,872,803   

Merrill Lynch Capital Trust II, Preferred Shares (c)

     1,600         39,712   
                38,921,423   

Total Preferred Stocks

              38,921,423   

WARRANTS (0.4%)

     

UNITED STATES (0.4%)

     

General Motors Co.*

     429,842         10,182,957   

Total Warrants

              10,182,957   

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

41


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

 

      Shares or
Principal
Amount
     Value  

REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (8.5%)

     

UNITED STATES (8.5%)

     

State Street Bank,
0.00%, dated 10/31/2013,
due 11/01/2013, repurchase price $217,763,519 collateralized by United States Treasury and Government Agency securities, maturing ranging 09/10/2015-11/15/2015; total market value of $222,119,946

   $ 217,763,519       $ 217,763,519   

Total Repurchase Agreement

              217,763,519   

Total Investments
(Cost $2,413,124,665) (g)—98.2%

              2,505,782,217   

Other assets in excess of liabilities—1.8%

              47,011,282   

Net Assets—100.0%

            $ 2,552,793,499   

 

*   Non-income producing security.
(a)   Denotes a security issued under Regulation S or Rule 144A.
(b)   Security is in default.
(c)   Variable or Floating Rate Security. Rate disclosed is as of October 31, 2013.
(d)   The Fund’s adviser has deemed this security to be illiquid based upon procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. Illiquid securities held by the Fund represent 0.15% of net assets as of October 31, 2013. (unaudited)
(e)   Investment in affiliate.
(f)   Fair Valued Security. Fair Values are determined pursuant to procedures approved by the Board of Trustees. See Note 2(a) of the accompanying notes to financial statements.
(g)   See notes to financial statements for tax unrealized appreciation/depreciation of securities.
BRL   Brazilian Real
CAD   Canadian Dollar
CHF   Swiss Franc
EMTN   Euro Medium Term Note
EUR   Euro Currency
GBP   British Pound Sterling
MTN   Medium Term Note
MXN   Mexican Peso
NOK   Norwegian Krone
PIK   Payment In Kind
USD   U.S. Dollar

 

At October 31, 2013, the Fund's open forward foreign currency exchange contracts were as follows:

 

Purchase Contracts Settlement Date*      Counterparty     Amount
Purchased
     Amount
Sold
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Depreciation
 
Canadian Dollar/United States Dollar                     
12/05/2013        JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A        CAD        12,313,500         USD         12,018,917       $ 11,799,758       $ (219,159

 

Sale Contracts Settlement Date      Counterparty   Amount
Purchased
     Amount
Sold
     Fair Value      Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
United States Dollar/Brazilian Real                     

01/22/2014

     JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A     USD        24,229,549         BRL         53,462,500       $ 23,436,909       $ 792,640   
United States Dollar/British Pound                     

11/25/2013

     Westpac Banking Corporation     USD        121,197,335         GBP         77,141,000         123,668,377         (2,471,042
United States Dollar/Canadian Dollar                     

12/05/2013

     JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A     USD        34,900,299         CAD         36,559,000         35,033,690         (133,391
United States Dollar/Euro                     

11/13/2013

     JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A     USD        78,848,005         EUR         59,057,000         80,186,194         (1,338,189

01/24/2014

     JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A     USD        9,266,495         EUR         6,722,500         9,128,568         137,927   

01/29/2014

     Deutsche Bank AG London     USD        103,375,482         EUR         74,900,000         101,708,568         1,666,914   
United States Dollar/Norwegian Krone                     
11/13/2013      JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A     USD        29,316,742         NOK         172,101,000         28,900,223         416,519   
                                              $ 402,062,529       $ (928,622

 

*   Certain contracts with different trade dates and like characteristics have been shown net.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

42


Table of Contents

Statement of Investments (concluded)

 

October 31, 2013

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

 

 

At October 31, 2013, the Fund held the following credit default swaps:

 

Sell Protection:

 

Counterparty   Expiration
Date
    Notional
Amount
     Swap Details   Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
     Implied
Credit
Spread*
 
UBS AG     12/20/2016        4,320,000       Pay: Grohe Holding Gmbh(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
  $ 860,713         0.38%   
Deutsche Bank     12/20/2016        4,320,000       Pay: Grohe Holding Gmbh(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    1,523,297         0.38%   
Goldman Sachs International     12/20/2017        8,440,000       Pay: Chesapeake Energy(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    1,188,975         1.49%   
Goldman Sachs International     12/20/2017        9,935,000       Pay: Chesapeake Energy(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    2,070,194         1.49%   
Goldman Sachs International     12/20/2017        9,940,000       Pay: Chesapeake Energy(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    2,071,235         1.49%   
Deutsche Bank     03/20/2018        3,460,000       Pay: Rite Aid(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    556,466         1.99%   
Goldman Sachs International     03/20/2018        5,000,000       Pay: Rite Aid(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    804,142         1.99%   
Goldman Sachs International     03/20/2018        5,000,000       Pay: Rite Aid(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    816,642         1.99%   
Morgan Stanley     06/20/2018        4,500,000       Pay: New Albertsons(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
    92,930         7.00%   
Morgan Stanley     06/20/2018        4,515,000       Pay: New Albertsons(T)
Receive: Fixed rate equal to 5.00%
  $ 104,527         7.00%   
                         $ 10,089,121            

 

Centrally cleared interest rate swap agreements

 

Pay/Receive Floating Rate      Floating Rate Index   Fixed
Rate
    

Maturity

Date

   

Notional

Amount

     Unrealized
Appreciation/
(Depreciation)
 
Pay      Markit CDX North America High Yield (S20)     5.00%         6/20/2018        USD50,600,000       $ 1,130,974   

 

*   Implied credit spreads, represented in absolute terms, are utilized in determining the market value of credit default swaps agreements on corporate issues or sovereign issues and serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk and represent the likelihood or risk of default for the credit derivative. The implied credit spread of particular referenced entity reflects the cost of buying/selling protection and may include upfront payments required to be made prior to entering into the agreement. For credit default with asset-backed securities or credit indices as the underlying assets, the quoted market prices and resulting market values serve as an indicator of the current status of the payment/performance risk. Wider credit spreads and increasing market values, in absolute terms when compared to the notional amount of the swap, represent a deterioration of the reference entity's credit soundness and a greater likelihood or risk of default or other credit event occurring as defined under the terms of the agreement.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

43


Table of Contents

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

    

Aberdeen
Global Select
Opportunities

Fund

   

Aberdeen
Select

International
Equity Fund

   

Aberdeen
Select

International
Equity Fund II

    Aberdeen
Total Return
Bond Fund
    Aberdeen
Global High
Income Fund
 

Assets:

         

Investments in securities, at fair value

  $ 8,141,950      $ 659,383,843      $ 320,832,445      $ 1,648,278,729      $ 2,255,268,948   

Affiliated securities, at fair value

           2,371,471                      32,749,750   

Repurchase agreements

    171,625        1,007,688               78,162,894        217,763,519   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

    8,313,575        662,763,002        320,832,445        1,726,441,623        2,505,782,217   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Foreign currency, at fair value

    829        690,525        2,301,296        982,255        13,074,303   

Cash

                         63,084        10,130,000   

Cash on deposit for broker (Note 2)

                                3,091,828   

Receivable for investments sold

                         80,855,493        26,536,509   

Interest and dividends receivable

    20,165        4,073,504        3,762,673        11,963,907        40,112,633   

Receivable for capital shares issued

    7,500        57,193        84,505        2,719,095        5,656,775   

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                         4,156,290        3,014,000   

Variation margin receivable for centrally cleared swaps

                                17,947   

Open swap contracts, at value

                                7,546,281   

Prepaid expenses

    249        18,095        13,608        30,419        45,067   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

    8,342,318        667,602,319        326,994,527        1,827,212,166        2,615,007,560   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

         

Payable for investments purchased

                         219,114,056        45,254,188   

Collateral from broker

                                7,620,000   

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                         2,344,284        4,161,781   

Payable for capital shares redeemed

    2,682        811,126        477,381        1,864,006        1,562,371   

Unfunded loan commitments (Note 2)

                                922,805   

Open swap contracts, at value

                                512,494   

Accrued expenses and other payables:

         

Investment advisory fees

    15,373        509,298        251,339        486,102        1,554,853   

Distribution fees

    2,376        140,068        51,786        45,944        278,484   

Transfer agent fees

    1,343        19,985        54,908        16,211        94,004   

Custodian fees

    4,079        27,316        15,579        31,886        39,989   

Legal fees

    76        6,343        3,167        15,402        22,577   

Other

    38,164        273,191        235,999        148,542        190,515   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    64,093        1,787,327        1,090,159        224,066,433        62,214,061   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 8,278,225      $ 665,814,992      $ 325,904,368      $ 1,603,145,733      $ 2,552,793,499   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cost:

         

Investments in securities, at cost

  $ 7,884,823      $ 680,539,562      $ 308,013,257      $ 1,650,481,067      $ 2,165,278,021   

Affiliated securities, at cost

           43,393,010                      30,083,125   

Repurchase agreements

    171,625        1,007,688               78,162,894        217,763,519   

Up-front payments made on open swaps

                                3,058,922   

Up-front payments received on open swaps

                                (3,095,251

Foreign currency

    833        1,590,069        2,290,216        1,000,456        13,129,312   

Net Assets Consist of:

         

Par value

  $ 206      $ 23,162      $ 26,733      $ 121,970      $ 247,957   

Paid in capital in excess of par value

    35,852,440        2,975,951,513        3,033,319,629        1,605,948,015        2,423,998,542   

Accumulated net investment income/(loss)

    107,020        12,327,507        (25,913     (194,575     (1,223,044

Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    (27,938,580     (2,259,428,068     (2,720,264,819     (2,317,502     27,852,884   

Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    257,139        (63,059,122     12,848,738        (412,175     101,917,160   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

  $ 8,278,225      $ 665,814,992      $ 325,904,368      $ 1,603,145,733      $ 2,552,793,499   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets

         

Class A Shares

  $ 6,538,098      $ 554,922,297      $ 168,028,444      $ 153,370,104      $ 999,250,251   

Class I Shares

    1,740,127        110,892,695        157,875,924        1,449,775,629        1,553,543,248   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 8,278,225      $ 665,814,992      $ 325,904,368      $ 1,603,145,733      $ 2,552,793,499   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Shares Outstanding (Note 8)

         

Class A Shares

    163,385        19,381,272        13,790,679        11,533,981        94,147,629   

Class I Shares

    43,085        3,780,552        12,942,688        110,436,054        153,809,485   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    206,470        23,161,824        26,733,367        121,970,035        247,957,114   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net asset value and redemption price per share

         

Class A Shares

  $ 40.02      $ 28.63      $ 12.18      $ 13.30      $ 10.61   

Class I Shares

  $ 40.39      $ 29.33      $ 12.20      $ 13.13      $ 10.10   

 

Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

44


Table of Contents

Statements of Operations

 

For the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 

 

    

Aberdeen
Global Select
Opportunities

Fund

   

Aberdeen
Select

International
Equity Fund

   

Aberdeen
Select

International
Equity Fund II

    Aberdeen
Total Return
Bond Fund
    Aberdeen
Global High
Income Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

         

Dividend income

  $ 276,320      $ 24,354,839      $ 13,746,881      $      $ 2,867,228   

Interest income

    38        1,404,913        2,435        56,427,407        208,818,881   

Income from securities lending (Note 2)

    431        193,817        90,874                 

Foreign tax withholding

    (14,697     (2,016,503     (1,064,387              

Other income

           219,513        52,795        35,605          
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    262,092        24,156,579        12,828,598        56,463,012        211,686,109   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXPENSES:

         

Investment advisory fees

    111,802        8,659,936        5,285,321        6,620,154        17,564,398   

Distribution fees Class A

    13,841        1,482,330        440,653        490,771        2,356,400   

Custodian fees

    41,443        281,843        52,791        348,784        471,092   

Printing fees

    23,569        227,266        114,060        271,842        346,572   

Transfer agent fees

    8,707        125,116        112,053        103,570        572,829   

Trustee fees

    1,677        126,220        78,678        254,098        361,921   

Legal fees

    8,078        54,873        6,107        220,883        298,123   

Audit fees

    40,489        78,666        58,078        55,251        65,849   

Registration and filing fees

    32,698        50,707        54,435        52,752        87,332   

Other

    16,714        388,702        293,904        271,691        636,529   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses before reimbursed/waived expenses

    299,018        11,475,659        6,496,080        8,689,796        22,761,045   

Interest expense (Note 12)

    617        40,935        10,497               12,120   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses before reimbursed/waived expenses

    299,635        11,516,594        6,506,577        8,689,796        22,773,165   

Expenses reimbursed (Note 3)

    (141,446                   (29,356     (67,765

Custody offset arrangement

           (15,988     (8,289     (26,495     (42,045

Expenses waived by investment adviser

    (621     (48,111     (29,363     (94,574     (135,111
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net expenses

    157,568        11,452,495        6,468,925        8,539,371        22,528,244   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Investment Income

    104,524        12,704,084        6,359,673        47,923,641        189,157,865   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

REALIZED/UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) FROM INVESTMENTS:

         

Realized gain/(loss) on investment transactions

    2,085,473        (39,216,370     90,744,322        (9,417,003     46,123,768   

Realized gain on swap contracts

           18,167,196        12,588,340               7,828,931   

Realized gain on futures contracts transactions

           2,741,722        1,569,244                 

Written options

                         (3,696       

Realized gain/(loss) on foreign currency transactions

    27,537        12,975,404        8,427,174        7,897,157        (8,161,837
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    2,113,010        (5,332,048     113,329,080        (1,523,542     45,790,862   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investment transactions

    (450,811     195,704,198        15,952,085        (77,954,698     35,693,920   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swap contracts

           (10,053,134     (5,652,964            6,867,330   

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    269        (501,651     145,962        885,929        (1,290,941
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation from investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    (450,542     185,149,413        10,445,083        (77,068,769     41,270,309   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized/unrealized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    1,662,468        179,817,365        123,774,163        (78,592,311     87,061,171   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS

  $ 1,766,992      $ 192,521,449      $ 130,133,836      $ (30,668,670   $ 276,219,036   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

45


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

 

 

    Aberdeen
Global Select
Opportunities Fund
    Aberdeen
Select International
Equity Fund
    Aberdeen
Select International
Equity Fund II
 
     Year Ended
October 31,
2013
    Year Ended
October 31,
2012
    Year Ended
October 31,
2013
    Year Ended
October 31,
2012
    Year Ended
October 31,
2013
    Year Ended
October 31,
2012
 
   

FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:

               

Operations:

               

Net investment income

  $ 104,524      $ 194,490      $ 12,704,084      $ 50,527,461      $ 6,359,673      $ 35,138,820   

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments and foreign currency transactions

    2,113,010        (405,520     (5,332,048     (271,400,583     113,329,080        (95,348,690

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

    (450,542     2,650,204        185,149,413        79,114,331        10,445,083        (14,221,525
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Changes in net assets resulting from operations

    1,766,992        2,439,174        192,521,449        (141,758,791     130,133,836        (74,431,395
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders From:

               

Net investment income:

               

Class A

    (66,027            (4,106,087     (29,892,907     (5,866,610     (17,413,839

Class I

    (121,751     (25,087     (3,400,872     (58,773,313     (19,825,207     (51,533,616

Tax return of capital:

               

Class A

                                (19,892       

Class I

                                (67,223       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

    (187,778     (25,087     (7,506,959     (88,666,220     (25,778,932     (68,947,455
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

    (13,423,051     (29,366,492     (1,535,775,674     (3,500,252,601     (862,862,469     (3,749,275,706
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets

    (11,843,837     (26,952,405     (1,350,761,184     (3,730,677,612     (758,507,565     (3,892,654,556
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Assets:

               

Beginning of year

    20,122,062        47,074,467        2,016,576,176        5,747,253,788        1,084,411,933        4,977,066,489   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of year

  $ 8,278,225      $ 20,122,062      $ 665,814,992      $ 2,016,576,176      $ 325,904,368      $ 1,084,411,933   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accumulated net investment income/(loss) at end of year

  $ 107,020      $ 187,778      $ 12,327,507      $ (6,578,729   $ (25,913   $ 20,194,152   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Proceeds from shares issued

  $ 301,623      $ 707,054      $ 23,630,146      $ 94,592,323      $ 19,819,098      $ 152,425,573   

Dividends reinvested

    56,726               3,990,997        29,284,391        5,697,322        15,787,932   

Cost of shares redeemed

    (3,407,856     (2,618,378     (483,590,343     (1,226,061,711     (172,267,934     (1,158,590,968
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Class A

    (3,049,507     (1,911,324     (455,969,200     (1,102,184,997     (146,751,514     (990,377,463
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class I Shares

               

Proceeds from shares issued

    795,739        1,793,837        31,099,736        256,332,491        44,087,986        269,600,897   

Dividends reinvested

    106,344        23,999        3,218,155        54,098,839        15,429,334        36,277,359   

Cost of shares redeemed

    (11,275,627     (29,273,004     (1,114,124,365     (2,708,498,934     (775,628,275     (3,064,776,499
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Class I

    (10,373,544     (27,455,168     (1,079,806,474     (2,398,067,604     (716,110,955     (2,758,898,243
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions:

  $ (13,423,051   $ (29,366,492   $ (1,535,775,674   $ (3,500,252,601   $ (862,862,469   $ (3,749,275,706
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

               

Class A Shares

               

Issued

    8,287        20,870        897,457        3,995,350        1,781,931        15,184,958   

Reinvested

    1,608               158,310        1,345,172        526,555        1,683,148   

Redeemed

    (94,032     (74,910     (18,499,520     (52,389,555     (15,339,291     (115,363,238
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Class A Shares

    (84,137     (54,040     (17,443,753     (47,049,033     (13,030,805     (98,495,132
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Class I Shares

               

Issued

    21,588        50,869        1,169,982        10,655,738        3,954,574        26,467,202   

Reinvested

    2,992        733        124,880        2,427,045        1,427,320        3,851,100   

Redeemed

    (303,630     (806,965     (44,111,272     (112,811,513     (69,588,993     (301,049,013
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Class I Shares

    (279,050     (755,363     (42,816,410     (99,728,730     (64,207,099     (270,730,711
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total change in shares:

    (363,187     (809,403     (60,260,163     (146,777,763     (77,237,904     (369,225,843
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

46


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (concluded)

 

 

 

     Aberdeen
Total Return
Bond Fund
     Aberdeen
Global High
Income Fund
 
      Year Ended
October 31,
2013
     Year Ended
October 31,
2012
     Year Ended
October 31,
2013
     Year Ended
October 31,
2012
 

FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES:

             

Operations:

             

Net investment income

   $ 47,923,641       $ 53,428,186       $ 189,157,865       $ 244,016,781   

Net realized gain/(loss) from investments, futures contracts, swaps and foreign currency transactions

     (1,523,542      38,691,238         45,790,862         (12,803,335

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, futures contracts, swaps and translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies

     (77,068,769      40,330,244         41,270,309         108,500,170   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Changes in net assets resulting from operations

     (30,668,670      132,449,668         276,219,036         339,713,616   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Distributions to Shareholders From:

             

Net investment income:

             

Class A

     (4,299,327      (9,185,698      (65,954,427      (80,882,262

Class I

     (44,687,602      (67,054,088      (125,993,854      (165,950,161

Net realized gains:

             

Class A

     (5,210,543      (4,921,570              (18,449,251

Class I

     (38,408,459      (28,592,546              (33,475,158

Tax return of capital:

             

Class A

     (297,269                      (1,643,402

Class I

     (3,004,325                      (3,371,514
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net assets from shareholder distributions

     (95,907,525      (109,753,902      (191,948,281      (303,771,748
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions

     (366,632,551      303,481,726         (728,529,427      (225,352,547
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net assets

     (493,208,746      326,177,492         (644,258,672      (189,410,679
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Assets:

             

Beginning of year

     2,096,354,479         1,770,176,987         3,197,052,171         3,386,462,850   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

End of year

   $ 1,603,145,733       $ 2,096,354,479       $ 2,552,793,499       $ 3,197,052,171   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accumulated net investment income/(loss) at end of year

   $ (194,575    $ 2,847,607       $ (1,223,044    $ (1,631,203
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:

             

Class A Shares

             

Proceeds from shares issued

   $ 52,159,444       $ 89,929,318       $ 527,872,170       $ 383,609,386   

Dividends reinvested

     9,308,255         13,378,383         61,441,634         90,532,888   

Cost of shares redeemed

     (141,400,907      (130,134,771      (688,395,319      (728,612,636
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Class A

     (79,933,208      (26,827,070      (99,081,515      (254,470,362
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class I Shares

             

Proceeds from shares issued

     631,907,782         814,523,871         601,335,385         1,328,641,709   

Dividends reinvested

     76,876,705         81,900,951         73,429,672         106,426,184   

Cost of shares redeemed

     (995,483,830      (566,116,026      (1,304,212,969      (1,405,950,078
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Class I

     (286,699,343      330,308,796         (629,447,912      29,117,815   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in net assets from capital transactions:

   $ (366,632,551    $ 303,481,726       $ (728,529,427    $ (225,352,547
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

SHARE TRANSACTIONS:

             

Class A Shares

             

Issued

     3,797,927         6,460,204         50,013,584         38,098,477   

Reinvested

     676,714         970,429         5,837,364         9,085,164   

Redeemed

     (10,383,334      (9,348,002      (65,272,510      (72,615,332
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Class A Shares

     (5,908,693      (1,917,369      (9,421,562      (25,431,691
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Class I Shares

             

Issued

     46,775,581         58,980,638         59,865,847         138,102,583   

Reinvested

     5,669,319         5,993,318         7,331,410         11,160,159   

Redeemed

     (73,808,272      (40,893,856      (129,908,352      (146,422,297
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Class I Shares

     (21,363,372      24,080,100         (62,711,095      2,840,445   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total change in shares:

     (27,272,065      22,162,731         (72,132,657      (22,591,246
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Amounts listed as "–" are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

47


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

 

          Investment Activities    

Distributions

 
     Net
Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
    Net
Investment
Income
(Loss)
(a)
    Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
on Investments
    Total
from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    Total
Distributions
 

Class A Shares

             

Year Ended October 31, 2013

  $ 35.11      $ 0.32      $ 4.91      $ 5.23      $ (0.32   $ (0.32

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    33.90        0.17        1.04        1.21                 

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    36.70        (0.08     (2.72     (2.80              

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    32.55        (0.01     5.05        5.04        (0.89     (0.89

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    27.23        0.27        5.15        5.42        (0.10     (0.10

Class I Shares

             

Year Ended October 31, 2013

    35.48        0.30        5.04        5.34        (0.43     (0.43

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    34.20        0.25        1.05        1.30        (0.02     (0.02

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    37.01        0.01        (2.74     (2.73     (0.08     (0.08

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    32.80        0.07        5.09        5.16        (0.95     (0.95

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    27.55        0.35        5.17        5.52        (0.27     (0.27

 

(a)   Net investment income (loss) is based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)   Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(c)   Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

48


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (concluded)

 

            Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
    Total Return
(b)
    Net Assets
at End of Period
(000’s)
    Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Net
Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Expenses
(Prior to Reimbursements)
to Average Net Assets
(c)(d)
    Portfolio Turnover
(e)
 
             
$ 40.02        15.02   $ 6,538        1.36 %(f)      0.86     2.54 %(f)      253
  35.11        3.54     8,691        1.39 %(f)      0.49     2.32 %(f)      182
  33.90        (7.60 %)      10,223        1.40 %(f)      (0.21 %)      1.79 %(f)      147
  36.70        15.65     12,302        1.40 %(f)      (0.04 %)      1.78 %(f)      195
  32.55        19.94     17,703        1.40     0.99     1.89     320
             
  40.39        15.23     1,740        1.15 %(f)      0.82     2.25 %(f)      253
  35.48        3.82     11,431        1.14 %(f)      0.73     1.76 %(f)      182
  34.20        (7.40 %)      36,851        1.15 %(f)      0.04     1.42 %(f)      147
  37.01        15.94     63,354        1.15 %(f)      0.21     1.44 %(f)      195
  32.80        20.23     50,021        1.15     1.27     1.50     320

 

(d)   During the period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such waivers/reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.
(e)   Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
(f)   Includes interest expense that amounts to less than 0.01%.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

49


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions  
     Net
Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
    Net
Investment
Income(a)
    Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
on Investments
    Total
from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    Total
Distributions
 

Class A Shares

             

Year Ended October 31, 2013

  $ 23.84      $ 0.37      $ 4.55      $ 4.92      $ (0.13   $ (0.13

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    24.55        0.30        (0.62     (0.32     (0.39     (0.39

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    28.87        0.19        (4.00     (3.81     (0.51     (0.51

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    28.20        0.27        2.48        2.75        (2.08     (2.08

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    24.46 (g)      0.26        3.94        4.20        (0.46     (0.46

Class I Shares

             

Year Ended October 31, 2013

    24.44        0.31        4.80        5.11        (0.22     (0.22

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    25.20        0.36        (0.64     (0.28     (0.48     (0.48

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    29.64        0.28        (4.13     (3.85     (0.59     (0.59

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    28.89        0.35        2.55        2.90        (2.15     (2.15

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    25.09 (g)      0.33        4.03        4.36        (0.56     (0.56

 

(a)   Net investment income (loss) is based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)   Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(c)   Annualized for periods less than one year.
(d)   During the period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such waivers/reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

50


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (concluded)

 

            Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
    Total Return
(b)
    Net Assets
at End of Period
(000’s)
    Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Net
Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Expenses
(Prior to Reimbursements)
to Average Net Assets
(c)(d)
    Portfolio Turnover
(e)
 
             
$ 28.63        20.70   $ 554,922        1.25 %(f)      1.39     1.26 %(f)      94
  23.84        (1.14 %)      877,738        1.23 %(f)      1.30     1.24 %(f)      35
  24.55        (13.49 %)      2,059,255        1.29 %(f)      0.65     1.30 %(f)      41
  28.87        10.06     3,692,638        1.28 %(f)      1.00     1.28 %(f)      105
  28.20        17.62     4,368,400        1.21     1.09     1.21     201
             
  29.33        21.04     110,893        1.03 %(f)      1.15     1.04 %(f)      94
  24.44        (0.93 %)      1,138,838        1.00 %(f)      1.51     1.01 %(f)      35
  25.20        (13.31 %)      3,687,999        1.05 %(f)      0.95     1.05 %(f)      41
  29.64        10.37     5,790,307        1.02 %(f)      1.26     1.02 %(f)      105
  28.89        17.91     6,389,926        0.95     1.36     0.95     201

 

(e)   Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
(f)   Includes interest expense that amounts to less than 0.01%.
(g)   The financial statements are prepared to conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, the NAVs for certain funds reported in the financial statements may differ from the NAV used to process shareholder transactions. The reported NAV for shareholder transaction activity for the International Equity Fund Class A shares was $24.44 and Class I shares was $25.07. The NAV above was restated to correct an error which was identified subsequent to the close of the fiscal year end.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

51


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions  
     Net
Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
    Net
Investment
Income
(a)
    Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
on Investments
    Total
from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    Tax
Return
of
Capital
    Total
Distributions
 

Class A Shares

               

Year Ended October 31, 2013

  $ 10.38      $ 0.13      $ 1.92      $ 2.05      $ (0.25   $      $ (0.25

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    10.46        0.12        (0.05     0.07        (0.15            (0.15

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    12.18        0.07        (1.56     (1.49     (0.23            (0.23

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    11.62        0.11        1.00        1.11        (0.55            (0.55

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    10.15 (g)      0.09        1.71        1.80        (0.33            (0.33

Class I Shares

               

Year Ended October 31, 2013

    10.45        0.11        1.97        2.08        (0.33            (0.33

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    10.54        0.14        (0.04     0.10        (0.19            (0.19

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    12.27        0.10        (1.57     (1.47     (0.26            (0.26

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    11.70        0.14        1.01        1.15        (0.58            (0.58

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    10.22 (g)      0.12        1.72        1.84        (0.36            (0.36

 

(a)   Net investment income (loss) is based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)   Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(c)   Annualized for periods less than one year.
(d)   During the period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such waivers/reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

52


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (concluded)

 

            Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
    Total Return
(b)
    Net Assets
at End of Period
(000’s)
    Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Net
Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Expenses
(Prior to Reimbursements)
to Average Net Assets
(c)(d)
    Portfolio Turnover
(e)
 
             
$ 12.18        20.00   $ 168,028        1.21 %(f)      1.19     1.23 %(f)      97
  10.38        0.91     278,360        1.30 %(f)      1.21     1.32 %(f)      34
  10.46        (12.61 %)      1,310,435        1.28 %(f)      0.54     1.28 %(f)      51
  12.18        9.75     2,156,072        1.28 %(f)      0.98     1.29 %(f)      123
  11.62        18.23     2,146,222        1.24     0.87     1.27     205
             
  12.20        20.36     157,876        1.04 %(f)      1.02     1.04 %(f)      97
  10.45        1.11     806,052        1.01 %(f)      1.33     1.02 %(f)      34
  10.54        (12.31 %)      3,666,631        1.04 %(f)      0.79     1.04 %(f)      51
  12.27        9.99     6,355,205        1.04 %(f)      1.23     1.05 %(f)      123
  11.70        18.59     6,985,273        0.98     1.18     1.02     205

 

(e)   Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
(f)   Includes interest expense that amounts to less than 0.01%.
(g)   The financial statements are prepared to conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. As a result, the NAVs for certain funds reported in the financial statements may differ from the NAV used to process shareholder transactions. The reported NAV for shareholder transaction activity for the International Equity Fund II Class A shares was $10.16 and Class I shares was $10.23.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

53


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions  
     Net
Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
    Net
Investment
Income
(a)
    Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
on Investments
    Total
from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net
Realized
Gains
    Tax
Return
of
Capital
    Total
Distributions
 

Class A Shares

                 

Year Ended October 31, 2013

  $ 14.17      $ 0.31      $ (0.56   $ (0.25   $ (0.29   $ (0.30   $ (0.03   $ (0.62

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    14.02        0.34        0.56        0.90        (0.49     (0.26            (0.75

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    14.24        0.55        0.18        0.73        (0.47     (0.48            (0.95

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    13.51        0.52        0.69        1.21        (0.48                   (0.48

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    12.21        0.51        1.54        2.05        (0.62     (0.13            (0.75

Class I Shares

                 

Year Ended October 31, 2013

    14.03        0.35        (0.56     (0.21     (0.36     (0.30     (0.03     (0.69

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    13.91        0.38        0.55        0.93        (0.55     (0.26            (0.81

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    14.16        0.58        0.18        0.76        (0.53     (0.48            (1.01

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    13.47        0.55        0.69        1.24        (0.55                   (0.55

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    12.20        0.54        1.53        2.07        (0.67     (0.13            (0.80

 

(a)   Net investment income (loss) is based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)   Not annualized for periods less than one year.
(c)   Annualized for periods less than one year.

 

Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

54


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (concluded)

 

            Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
    Total Return
(b)
    Net Assets
at End of Period
(000’s)
    Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Net
Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
(c)
    Ratio of Expenses
(Prior to Reimbursements)
to Average Net Assets
(c)(d)
    Portfolio Turnover
(e)
 
             
$ 13.30        (1.81 %)    $ 153,370        0.68     2.29     0.70     265
  14.17        6.64     247,217        0.69     2.47     0.69     236
  14.02        5.49     271,444        0.69     3.96     0.71     219
  14.24        9.16     319,782        0.69     3.77     0.70     193
  13.51        17.27     331,224        0.69     3.98     0.69     289
             
  13.13        (1.59 %)      1,449,776        0.42     2.56     0.43     265
  14.03        6.97     1,849,138        0.41     2.73     0.41     236
  13.91        5.79     1,498,733        0.44     4.20     0.45     219
  14.16        9.39     1,305,839        0.44     4.01     0.44     193
  13.47        17.56     1,238,512        0.44     4.26     0.43     289

 

(d)   During the period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such waivers/reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.
(e)   Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

55


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

 

          Investment Activities     Distributions  
     Net
Asset
Value,
Beginning
of Period
    Net
Investment
Income
(a)
    Net
Realized
and
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
on Investments
    Total
from
Investment
Activities
    Net
Investment
Income
    Net
Realized
Gains
    Tax
Return
of
Capital
    Total
Distributions
 

Class A Shares

                 

Year Ended October 31, 2013

  $ 10.30      $ 0.72      $ 0.30      $ 1.02      $ (0.71   $      $      $ (0.71

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    10.14        0.73        0.34        1.07        (0.74     (0.16     (0.01     (0.91

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    11.06        0.77        (0.62     0.15        (0.79     (0.28            (1.07

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    10.28        0.82        0.77        1.59        (0.81                   (0.81

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    8.08        0.71        2.42        3.13        (0.78            (0.15     (0.93

Class I Shares

                 

Year Ended October 31, 2013

    9.84        0.71        0.29        1.00        (0.74                   (0.74

Year Ended October 31, 2012

    9.72        0.73        0.31        1.04        (0.74     (0.16     (0.02     (0.92

Year Ended October 31, 2011

    10.64        0.76        (0.59     0.17        (0.81     (0.28            (1.09

Year Ended October 31, 2010

    9.90        0.82        0.74        1.56        (0.82                   (0.82

Year Ended October 31, 2009

    7.82        0.70        2.33        3.03        (0.79            (0.16     (0.95

 

(a)   Net investment income (loss) is based on average shares outstanding during the period.
(b)   During the period, certain fees were waived and/or reimbursed. If such waivers/reimbursements had not occurred, the ratios would have been as indicated.

 

Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

56


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

 

Selected Data for Each Share of Capital Outstanding Throughout the Periods Indicated

 

 

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (concluded)

 

            Ratios/Supplemental Data  
Net
Asset
Value,
End of
Period
    Total Return     Net Assets
at End of Period
(000’s)
    Ratio of Expenses
to Average Net Assets
    Ratio of Net
Investment Income
to Average Net Assets
    Ratio of Expenses
(Prior to Reimbursements)
to Average Net Assets
(b)
    Portfolio Turnover
(c)
 
             
$ 10.61        10.20   $ 999,250        0.99 %(d)      6.83     1.00 %(d)      57
  10.30        11.22     1,066,487        0.99 %(d)      7.26     1.01 %(d)      62
  10.14        1.30     1,308,597        0.99 %(d)      7.19     1.00 %(d)      78
  11.06        16.08     1,222,933        1.00     7.70     1.00     57
  10.28        42.71     715,541        1.00     7.83     1.01     43
             
  10.10        10.53     1,553,543        0.75 %(d)      7.10     0.75 %(d)      57
  9.84        11.49     2,130,565        0.73 %(d)      7.53     0.74 %(d)      62
  9.72        1.52     2,077,865        0.73 %(d)      7.44     0.74 %(d)      78
  10.64        16.39     1,873,539        0.75     7.96     0.74     57
  9.90        42.99     934,054        0.75     8.10     0.74     43

 

(c)   Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis of the Fund as a whole without distinguishing among the classes of shares.
(d)   Includes interest expense that amounts to less than 0.01%.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

57


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

1. Organization

 

Aberdeen Investment Funds (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Trust”) was organized as a business trust under the laws of the State of Massachusetts by a Master Trust Agreement adopted on April 30, 1992 and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) as an open-end management investment company. As of October 31, 2013, the Trust offered four diversified, open-ended investment funds: Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund (the “Select International Equity Fund”), Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II (the “Select International Equity Fund II”), Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund (the “Total Return Bond Fund”), and Aberdeen Global High Income Fund (the “Global High Income Fund”).

 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (the “Global Select Opportunities Fund”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on May 23, 1990 and is registered with the SEC under the 1940 Act as a diversified, open-end management investment company.

 

Effective May 22, 2013, in conjunction with the acquisition of Artio Global Management LLC by Aberdeen Asset Management PLC, the Trust and the Global Select Opportunities Fund (collectively, the “Funds”) were rebranded (name change) as follows:

 

Rebranded as:    Formerly known as:

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

   Artio Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund, a series of Aberdeen Investment Funds

   Artio International Equity Fund, a series of Artio Global Investment Funds

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II, a series of Aberdeen Investment Funds

   Artio International Equity Fund II, a series of Artio Global Investment Funds

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund, a series of Aberdeen Investment Funds

   Artio Total Return Bond Fund, a series of Artio Global Investment Funds

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund, a series of Aberdeen Investment Funds

   Artio Global High Income Fund, a series of Artio Global Investment Funds

 

Each of the Funds offers multiple share classes. As of October 31, 2013, all of the Funds offered Class A and Class I shares. The classes of shares are offered to different types of investors and have different expense structures, as outlined in the Funds’ prospectus. Each class of shares has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters that affect that class. Income, realized gains and losses, unrealized appreciation and depreciation, and expenses that are not attributable to a specific class are allocated daily to each class based on its relative net assets. Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged to that Fund. Other expenses are allocated to the respective Fund based on average daily net assets.

 

Each Fund has distinct investment objectives. Following are the objectives for the Funds:

 

Fund Name    Investment Objective

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   Seeks to maximize total return, principally through capital appreciation.

Select International Equity Fund

   Seeks long term growth of capital.

Select International Equity Fund II

   Seeks long term growth of capital.

Total Return Bond Fund

   Seeks to provide total return, which consists of two components: (1) changes in the market value of the Fund’s portfolio securities (both realized and unrealized appreciation/depreciation) and (2) income received from its portfolio securities.

Global High Income Fund

   Seeks to maximize total return, principally through a high level of current income, and secondarily through capital appreciation.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. The policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. Dollars.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

58


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

(a) Security Valuation

The Funds are required to value their securities at fair market value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

 

Each Fund’s assets for which market quotations are readily available are valued at fair value on the basis of quotations furnished by a pricing service or provided by securities dealers. Equity investments are generally valued using the last sale price or official closing price taken from the primary market in which each security trades, or if no sales occurred during the day, at the mean of the current quoted bid and ask prices.

 

Fixed income securities are generally valued using prices provided directly by independent third party services or provided directly from one or more broker dealers or market makers, each in accordance with valuation procedures (“Valuation Procedures”) approved by the Global Select Opportunities Fund’s Board of Director’s, and the Trust’s Board of Trustees (each, a “Board” and collectively, “the Boards”), as applicable. The pricing services may use valuation models or matrix pricing, which consider yield or prices with respect to comparable bond quotations from bond dealers or by reference to other securities that are considered comparable in such characteristics as credit rating, interest rates and maturity date, to determine current fair value.

 

Assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency will be converted into U.S. dollar values. Short-term dollar-denominated investments of appropriate credit quality that mature in 60 days or less are valued on the basis of amortized cost, which approximates fair value. To the extent each Fund invests in other open-end funds, the Fund will calculate its Net Asset Value (“NAV”) based upon the NAV of the underlying funds in which it invests. The prospectuses of these underlying funds explain the circumstances under which they will use good faith fair value pricing and the effects of such fair value pricing.

 

When market quotations or exchange rates are not readily available, or if the Funds’ investment adviser, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (the “Adviser”), concludes that such market quotations do not accurately reflect fair value, the fair value of a Fund’s assets are determined in good faith in accordance with the Valuation Procedures. For options, swaps and warrants, a fair value price may be determined using readily available market quotations, prices provided by independent pricing services, or by using modeling tools provided by industry accepted financial data service providers. Key inputs to such tools may include yield and prices from comparable or reference assets, maturity or expiration dates, ratings, and interest rates. In addition, the Adviser, through its pricing committee, may determine the fair value price based upon multiple factors as set forth in the Valuation Procedures approved by the Boards.

 

The closing prices of domestic or foreign securities may not reflect their market values at the time the Funds calculate their respective NAVs if an event that materially affects the value of those securities has occurred since the closing prices were established on the domestic or foreign exchange market, but before the Funds’ NAV calculations. Under certain conditions, the Boards have approved an independent pricing service to fair value foreign securities. This is generally accomplished by adjusting the closing price for movements in correlated indices, securities or derivatives. Fair value pricing may cause the value of the security on the books of the Funds to be different from the closing value on the non-U.S. exchange and may affect the calculation of a Fund’s NAV. Certain Funds may fair value securities in other situations, for example, when a particular foreign market is closed but the Funds are pricing their shares.

 

In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, the Funds disclose the fair value of their investments using a three-level hierarchy that classifies the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure the fair value. The hierarchy assigns Level 1 measurements to valuations based upon unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, Level 2 measurements to valuations, based upon significant observable inputs, including adjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets, and Level 3 measurements to valuations based upon unobservable inputs that are significant to the valuation. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk, for example, the risk inherent in a particular valuation technique used to measure fair value including a pricing model and/or the risk inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, which are based on the best information available in the circumstances. A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized below:

 

   

Level 1-quoted prices in active markets for identical investments;

   

Level 2-other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk); or

   

Level 3-significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments).

 

2013 Annual Report

 

59


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Funds have adopted a policy of recognizing transfers at the end of each period.

 

The Funds will fair value foreign securities when the Adviser does not believe that the closing prices are reflective of fair value due to significant events that occurred subsequent to the close of the foreign markets but before the Funds’ NAV calculations. When securities are fair valued under this method, they will be classified as Level 2 which may result in significant transfers between Level 1 and Level 2. The number of days on which fair value prices will be used depends on market activity. It is possible that fair value prices will be used by the Funds to a significant extent. Foreign securities in the Global Select Opportunities Fund, Select International Equity Fund and Select International Equity Fund II were not fair valued under this method at October 31, 2013 or October 31, 2012, resulting in no significant transfers from Level 1 to Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

 

The following is a summary of the inputs used as of October 31, 2013 in valuing the Funds' investments at fair value. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.

 

     LEVEL 1–Quoted
Prices ($)
     LEVEL 2–Other
Significant Observable
Inputs ($)
     LEVEL 3–
Significant Unobservable
Inputs ($)
     Total ($)  
Global Select Opportunities Fund           
Investments in Securities           

Common Stocks

    7,365,358                         7,365,358   

Preferred Stocks

    776,592                         776,592   

Repurchase Agreement

            171,625                 171,625   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    8,141,950         171,625                 8,313,575   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Select International Equity Fund           
Investments in Securities           

Common Stocks

    578,661,497                 2,371,471         581,032,968   

Exchange Traded Funds

                    1,389,510         1,389,510   

Government Bonds

                    1,849,035         1,849,035   

Preferred Stocks

    77,483,802                         77,483,802   

Repurchase Agreement

            1,007,687                 1,007,687   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    656,145,299         1,007,687         5,610,016         662,763,002   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Annual Report 2013

 

60


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Select International Equity Fund

Rollforward of Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

For the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 
Investments in Securities   Balance as of
October 31,
2012
    Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Net
Purchases
    Net Sales     Net
Transfers
in to
Level 3
    Net
Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance as of
October 31,
2013
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
from
Investments
Held at
October 31,
2013
 

COMMON STOCKS

                   

Bulgaria

  $ 1,907,747      $      $ (206,965   $ 143,935      $             –      $ (5,772   $ 452,381      $      $ 2,291,326      $ 143,935   

Latvia

                                                                     

Serbia

    826,962                      (746,817                                 80,145        (746,817

Ukraine

    4,832,395               (42,584,735     46,344,031               (8,591,691                            

Venezuela

    3,911,687                      (3,539,409                          (372,278            (3,539,409

EQUITY LINKED NOTES

                   

Ukraine

    1,875,000               (4,415,256     2,855,827               (315,571                            

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS

                   

Russia

    1,389,510                                                         1,389,510          

GOVERNMENT BONDS

                   

Venezuela

    6,107,587        (32,622            (4,225,930                                 1,849,035        (4,225,930

TOTAL

  $ 20,850,888      $ (32,622   $ (47,206,956   $ 40,831,637      $      $ (8,913,034   $ 452,381      $ (372,278   $ 5,610,016      $ (8,368,221

 

     LEVEL 1–Quoted
Prices ($)
     LEVEL 2–Other
Significant Observable
Inputs ($)
     LEVEL 3–
Significant Unobservable
Inputs ($)
     Total ($)  
Select International Equity Fund II           
Investments in Securities           

Common Stocks

    282,100,712                         282,100,712   

Preferred Stocks

    38,731,733                         38,731,733   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    320,832,445                         320,832,445   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Total Return Bond Fund           
Investments in Securities           

Asset-Backed Securities

            164,361,684                 164,361,684   

Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities

            301,817,349         12,663,773         314,481,122   

Corporate Bonds

            471,917,377                 471,917,377   

Municipal Bonds

            66,205,555                 66,205,555   

Government Bonds

            290,101,003                 290,101,003   

U.S. Agencies

            236,792,522                 236,792,522   

U.S. Treasuries

            104,419,466                 104,419,466   

Repurchase Agreement

            78,162,894                 78,162,894   
Other Financial Instruments           
Assets           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

            4,156,290                 4,156,290   
Liabilities           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

            (2,344,284              (2,344,284
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
            1,715,589,856         12,663,773         1,728,253,629   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

2013 Annual Report

 

61


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

Total Return Bond Fund

Rollforward of Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

For the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 
Investments in Securities   Balance as of
October 31,
2012
    Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
    Realized
Gain (Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Net
Purchases
    Net Sales     Net
Transfers
in to
Level 3
    Net
Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance as of
October 31,
2013
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
from
Investments
Held at
October 31,
2013
 

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

                   

Russia

  $ 96,894      $             –      $ 2,032      $ 964      $      $ (99,890   $      $             –      $      $   

United States

    11,138,254               67,691        (243,056     172,987        (4,456,689     5,984,586               12,663,773        (135,052

TOTAL

  $ 11,235,148      $      $ 69,723      $ (242,092   $ 172,987      $ (4,556,579   $ 5,984,586      $      $ 12,663,773      $ (135,052

 

     LEVEL 1–Quoted
Prices ($)
     LEVEL 2–Other
Significant Observable
Inputs ($)
     LEVEL 3–
Significant Unobservable
Inputs ($)
     Total ($)  
Global High Income Fund           
Investments in Securities           

Corporate Bonds

            1,807,262,911         78,069,504         1,885,332,415   

Government Bonds

            63,674,293                 63,674,293   

Term Loans

            195,362,766         50,905,340         246,268,106   

Common Stocks

    10,889,754                 32,749,750         43,639,504   

Preferred Stocks

    17,381,795         21,539,628                 38,921,423   

Warrants

    10,182,957                         10,182,957   

Repurchase Agreement

            217,763,519                 217,763,519   
Other Financial Instruments           
Assets           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

            3,014,000                 3,014,000   

Credit Default Swaps Contracts

            11,220,095                 11,220,095   
Liabilities           

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

            (4,161,781              (4,161,781
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
    38,454,506         2,315,675,431         161,724,594         2,515,854,531   
 

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Annual Report 2013

 

62


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Asset Valuation Inputs

 

Global High Income Fund

Rollforward of Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

For the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 
Investments in Securities   Balance as of
October 31,
2012
    Accrued
Discounts
(Premiums)
    Realized
Gain
(Loss)
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Net
Purchases
    Net Sales     Net
Transfers in
to Level 3
    Net
Transfers
out of
Level 3
    Balance as of
October 31,
2013
    Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
from
Investments
Held at
October 31,
2013
 

TERM LOANS

                   

Norway

  $ 3,844,710      $      $      $ 3,558      $      $ (3,848,268   $      $           –      $      $   

United States

    66,857,867        193,342        (111,879     1,266,573        49,908,534        (67,209,097                   50,905,340        1,167,037   

COMMON STOCK

                   

Norway

    25,191,626                      7,558,124                                    32,749,750        7,558,124   

CORPORATE BONDS

                   

United States

    51,920,753                      2,180,062        7,832,000               16,136,689               78,069,504        2,180,062   

TOTAL

  $ 147,814,956      $ 193,342      $ (111,879   $ 11,008,317      $ 57,740,534      $ (71,057,365   $ 16,136,689      $      $ 161,724,594      $ 10,905,223   

 

Amounts listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

The following is quantitative information about level 3 fair value measurements:

 

Description    Fair Value at
10/31/13 ($)
     Valuation
Technique(s)
   Unobservable
Inputs
   Range    Weighted
Average

Global High Income Fund

              

Bank Loans

     50,905,340       Broker Pricing    Bid/Ask Spread    $99 – $102.5    $100.54

Common Stocks

     32,749,750       Broker Pricing    Bid/Ask Spread    $21 – $25    $22.93

Corporate Bonds

     78,069,504       Broker Pricing    Bid/Ask Spread    $2.925 – $107.35    $102.82

 

(b) Repurchase Agreements

The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements, under the terms of a Master Repurchase Agreement. It is each Fund's policy that its custodian/counterparty segregate the underlying collateral securities, the value of which exceeds the principal amount of the repurchase transaction, including accrued interest. The repurchase price generally equals the price paid by a Fund plus interest negotiated on the basis of current short-term rates. To the extent that any repurchase transaction exceeds one business day, the collateral is valued on a daily basis to determine its adequacy. If the counterparty defaults and the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced with respect to the counterparty of the security, realization of the collateral by the Funds may be delayed or limited.

 

(c) Restricted Securities

Restricted securities are privately-placed securities whose resale is restricted under U.S. securities laws. The Funds may invest in restricted securities, including unregistered securities eligible for resale without registration pursuant to Rule 144A and privately-placed securities of U.S. and non-U.S. issuers offered outside the U.S. without registration pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"). Rule 144A securities may be freely traded among certain qualified institutional investors, such as the Funds, but resale of such securities in the U.S. is permitted only in limited circumstances.

 

(d) Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars at the current rate of exchange as of 11:00am Eastern time for Equity Funds and as of 4:00pm Eastern time for Fixed Income Funds ("Valuation Time"), to determine the value of investments, assets and liabilities. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses are translated at the prevailing rate of exchange on the respective date of these transactions. The Funds do not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from fluctuations arising from changes in market prices of securities held. These fluctuations are included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments and foreign currencies within the Statements of Operations.

 

 

2013 Annual Report

 

63


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

Foreign securities, currencies, and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rate of said currencies against the U.S. Dollar, as of the Valuation Time, as provided by an independent pricing service.

 

Investments in emerging markets can be riskier and more volatile than investments in the United States and other developed markets. Adverse political and economic developments can make it more difficult for the International Equity Fund to sell its foreign securities which could reduce the NAV of the International Equity Fund. In contrast to more established markets, emerging markets may have governments that are less stable and markets that are less liquid, increasing your investment risk. At October 31, 2013, the International Equity Fund had 0.32% of its net assets invested in Venezuelan securities and held Venezuelan Bolivar valued at 0.07% of the International Equity Fund’s net assets. Venezuela currently imposes foreign exchange controls which prohibit the International Equity Fund from repatriating dividends, interest, or other income from investments or proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan securities.

 

(e) Derivative Financial Instruments

The Funds are authorized to use derivatives to manage currency risk, credit risk, and interest rate risk and to replicate, or use as a substitute for, physical securities. Losses may arise due to changes in the value of the contract or if the counterparty does not perform under the contract. The use of derivative instruments involves, to varying degrees, elements of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

A forward foreign currency exchange contract (“forward contract”) involves an obligation to purchase and sell a specific currency at a future date at a price set at the time of the contract. Forward contracts are used to manage a Fund’s currency exposure in an efficient manner. They are used to sell unwanted currency exposure that comes with holding securities in a market, or to buy currency exposure where the exposure from holding securities is insufficient to give the desired currency exposure either in absolute terms or relative to the benchmark. The use of forward contracts allows the separation of decision-making between markets and their currencies. The forward contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized appreciation or depreciation. Forward contracts' prices are received daily from an independent pricing provider. When the forward contract is closed, a Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. These realized and unrealized gains and losses are reported on the Statements of Operations. During the year, the Fund used forward contracts for the purposes of efficient portfolio management and managing active currency risk relative to the benchmark, the latter of which involves both hedging currency risk and adding currency risk in excess of underlying bond positions.

 

During the twelve month reporting period, the Funds used currency forward contracts for the purposes of efficient portfolio management and managing active currency risk relative to the benchmark, the latter of which involves both hedging currency risk and adding currency risk in excess of underlying bond positions.

 

Futures Contracts

Certain Funds may invest in financial futures contracts (“futures contracts”) for the purpose of hedging their existing portfolio securities, or securities that a Fund intends to purchase, against fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing market interest rates or prices. Futures contracts may also be entered into for non-hedging purposes; however, in those instances, the aggregate initial margin and premiums required to establish a Fund’s positions may not exceed 5% of a Fund’s NAV after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such contract it has entered.

 

Upon entering into a futures contract, a Fund is required to pledge to the broker an amount of cash and/or other assets equal to a certain percentage of the contract amount. This payment is known as "initial margin". Subsequent payments, known as “variation margin,” are calculated each day, depending on the daily fluctuations in the fair value/market value of the underlying assets. An unrealized gain/(loss) equal to the variation margin is recognized on a daily basis. When the contract expires or is closed, the gain/(loss) is realized and is presented in the Statements of Operations as a net realized gain/(loss) on futures contracts. Futures contracts are valued daily at their last quoted sale price on the exchange on which they are traded.

 

A “sale” of a futures contract means a contractual obligation to deliver the securities or foreign currency called for by the contract at a fixed price at a specified time in the future. A “purchase” of a futures contract means a contractual obligation to acquire the securities or foreign currency at a fixed price at a specified time in the future.

 

Should market conditions change unexpectedly, a Fund may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the futures contracts and may realize a loss. The use of futures transactions for hedging purposes involves the risk of imperfect correlation in movements in the price of futures contracts, interest rates and the value/market value of the underlying hedged assets. During the twelve month reporting period, futures contracts were used to manage the interest rate risks and raise the efficiency of the Funds.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

64


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

The Funds entered into swap contracts that function similar to futures contracts (“synthetic futures”) to gain exposure and to protect against changes in security values. Generally, synthetic futures are counterparty agreements and do not require daily variation margin payments to be directly paid to the counterparty; however, they do require hard segregation of cash. These amounts are included on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as cash on deposit with broker. In connection with their use of synthetic futures, the Funds are exposed to the credit risk of the counterparty in addition to the risks described above. The accounting treatment of synthetic futures is similar to that described above for standard futures contracts. The Funds disclose synthetic futures with other futures contracts. The Funds’ maximum risk of loss associated with futures contracts is minimal since futures contracts are exchange traded and the exchange’s clearinghouse, as counterparty to all exchange traded futures contracts, guarantees the futures contracts against default. The Fund’s maximum risk of loss due to counterparty credit risk for synthetic futures contracts is the unrealized appreciation for synthetic futures contracts.

 

Swaps

Certain Funds enter into swaps to efficiently gain or hedge interest rate or currency risk. A swap is an agreement that obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified intervals based upon or calculated by reference to changes in specified prices or rates for a specified amount of an underlying asset or notional principal amount. A Fund will enter into swaps only on a net basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the difference between the two payments. Risks may arise as a result of the failure of the counterparty to the swap contract to comply with the terms of the swap contract. The loss incurred by the failure of a counterparty is generally limited to the net interest payment to be received by a Fund, and/or the termination value at the end of the contract. Therefore, a Fund considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty to a swap contract in evaluating potential credit risk. Additionally, risks may arise from unanticipated movements in interest rates or in the value of the underlying reference asset or index. A Fund records unrealized gains/(losses) on a daily basis representing the value and the current net receivable or payable relating to open swap contracts. Net amounts received or paid on the swap contract are recorded as realized gains/(losses). Fluctuations in the value of swap contracts are recorded for financial statement purposes as unrealized appreciation or depreciation of swap contracts. Realized gains/(losses) from terminated swaps are included in net realized gains/(losses) on swap contracts transactions.

 

Certain Funds are a party to International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreements (“ISDA Master Agreements”). These agreements are with select counterparties and they govern transactions, including certain over-the-counter derivative and foreign exchange contracts, entered into by certain Funds and the counterparty. The ISDA Master Agreements maintain provisions for general obligations, representations, agreements, collateral, and events of default or termination. The occurrence of a specified event of termination may give a counterparty the right to terminate all of its contracts and affect settlement of all outstanding transactions under the applicable ISDA Master Agreement.

 

Credit Default Swaps

Certain Funds use credit default swap contracts to limit or reduce risk exposure of defaults of corporate and sovereign issuers (i.e., to reduce risk when a Fund owns or has exposure to such issuers), or to create direct or synthetic short or long exposure to domestic or foreign corporate debt securities or certain sovereign debt securities to which a Fund is not otherwise exposed. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, a Fund would be required to pay the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation to the counterparty in the event of a default (or similar event) by a third party, such as a U.S. or foreign issuer, on the debt obligation. In return, a Fund would receive from the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract, provided that no event of default (or similar event) occurs. If no event of default (or similar event) occurs, a Fund would keep the stream of payments and would have no payment of obligations. As the seller in a credit default swap contract, a Fund effectively would add economic leverage to its portfolio because, in addition to its total net assets, a Fund would be subject to investment exposure on the notional amount of the swap. As the purchaser in a credit default swap contract, a Fund would function as the counterparty referenced in the preceding paragraph. This would involve the risk that the investment might expire worthless. It also would involve credit risk that the seller may fail to satisfy its payment obligations to a Fund in the event of a default (or similar event). As the purchaser in a credit default swap contract, a Fund's investment would generate income only in the event of an actual default (or similar event) by the issuer of the underlying obligation.

 

Total Return Swaps

The Funds entered into total return swaps primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of their portfolio. A total return swap is an agreement to exchange the return on a stock, bond or index for a fixed or variable financing charge.

 

The Funds will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, that is, the two payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with a Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. In as much as these swaps are entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Adviser believes such obligations do not

 

2013 Annual Report

 

65


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act, and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Funds will not enter into any swap transaction unless, at the time of entering into such transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the counterparty, combined with any credit enhancements on the swap contracts, is rated at least A by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) or Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) or has an equivalent rating from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”) or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser. If there is a default by the counterparty, the Funds may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.

 

Entering into swap agreements involves, to varying degrees, elements of credit and market risk in excess of the amounts recognized on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Such risks involve the possibility that there will be no liquid market for these agreements, that the counterparty to the agreements may default on its obligation to perform and that there may be unfavorable changes in the value of the index or securities underlying the agreement. The Funds’ maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk related to swaps is the fair value of the contract. This risk is mitigated by having a master netting agreement between the Funds and the counterparties and by the posting of collateral by the counterparties to the Funds to cover the Funds’ exposure to the counterparty.

 

Summary of Derivative Instruments

Certain Funds may use derivatives for various purposes as noted above. The following is a summary of the fair value of Derivative Instruments, not accounted for as hedging instruments, as of October 31, 2013:

 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments under Statement 133(a)
   Location of Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
   Realized Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation on
Derivatives
 
   Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
from Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions
     
Forward foreign exchange contracts         

(foreign exchange risk)

        $ 29,233       $   

Total

        $ 29,233       $   

 

Select International Equity Fund

 

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments under Statement 133(a)
   Location of Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
   Realized Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation on
Derivatives

 
   Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
from Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions
     

Total return swaps

        

(equity contracts risk)

      $ 18,167,196       $ (10,053,134
Forward foreign exchange contracts         

(foreign exchange risk)

      $ 13,956,223       $   
Futures contracts         

(interest rate risk)

        $ 2,741,722       $   

Total

        $ 34,865,141       $ (10,053,134

 

Annual Report 2013

 

66


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Select International Equity Fund II

 

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 

Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments under Statement 133(a)
   Location of Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
   Realized Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
    

Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation on
Derivatives

 
   Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
from Investments and Foreign Currency Transactions
     

Total return swaps

        

(equity contracts risk)

      $ 12,588,340       $ (5,652,964
Forward foreign exchange contracts         

(foreign exchange risk)

      $ 9,225,010       $   
Futures contracts         

(interest rate risk)

        $ 1,569,244       $   

Total

        $ 23,382,594       $ (5,652,964

 

Total Return Bond Fund   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
     Year Ended October 31, 2013     Year Ended October 31, 2013  
Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments and risk exposure
  Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Fair Value     Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Fair Value  
Forward foreign exchange contracts        

(foreign exchange risk)

  Unrealized appreciation
on forward currency exchange contracts
  $ 4,156,290      Unrealized depreciation
on forward currency exchange contracts
  $ 2,344,284   

Total

      $ 4,156,290          $ 2,344,284   

 

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 

Derivatives not accounted for as
hedging instruments under Statement
133(a)
   Location of Gain or (Loss) on
Derivatives
   Realized Gain or (Loss)
on Derivatives
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation on
Derivatives
 
   Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) from Investments, Futures Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions      
Forward foreign exchange contracts         

(foreign exchange risk)

        $ 9,577,686       $ 908,408   

Total

        $ 9,577,686       $ 908,408   

 

2013 Annual Report

 

67


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Global High Income Fund   Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
     Year Ended October 31, 2013     Year Ended October 31, 2013  
Derivatives not accounted for as hedging
instruments and risk exposure
  Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Fair Value     Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Fair Value  
Credit default swaps        

(credit risk)

 

Open swap contracts,
at value

  $ 7,546,281     

Open swap contracts,
at value

  $ 512,494   
Forward foreign exchange contracts        

(foreign exchange risk)

  Unrealized appreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 3,014,000      Unrealized depreciation on forward currency exchange contracts   $ 4,161,781   

Total

      $ 10,560,281          $ 4,674,275   

 

The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations for the Year Ended October 31, 2013

 

Derivatives not accounted for as
hedging instruments under
Statement 133(a)
   Location of Gain or (Loss) on
Derivatives
   Realized Gain or (Loss) on
Derivatives
     Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation on
Derivatives
 
   Realized/Unrealized Gain/(Loss) from Investments, Futures Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions      
Credit default swaps         

(credit risk)

      $ 7,462,127       $ 6,867,330   
Total return swaps         

(equity contracts risk)

      $ 366,804       $   
Forward foreign exchange contracts         

(foreign exchange risk)

        $ (8,462,711    $ (1,123,666

Total

        $ (633,780    $ 5,743,664   

 

The Funds value derivatives at fair value, as described in this note, and recognize changes in fair value currently in the results of operations. Accordingly, the Funds do not follow hedge accounting even for derivatives employed as economic hedges.

 

During January and February 2013, the Global Select Opportunities Fund held forward currency contracts in the Japanese Yen. The Fund sold out of all forward currency contracts in March 2013. The volume of forward contracts was unvaried throughout the period. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s forward contracts were as follows:

 

Quarter    Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ 468,557   

2nd Quarter

     463,388   

 

During the first two quarters of the year ended October 31, 2013, the Select International Equity Fund held forward currency contracts in the Euro, Japanese Yen, Mexican Peso, and Swiss Franc. The Fund sold out of all forward currency contracts in May 2013. The volume of forward contracts varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $187,212,775. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s forward contracts were as follows:

 

Quarter    Weighted Average
Notional Value

1st Quarter

   $153,175,315

2nd Quarter

   221,250,236

 

Annual Report 2013

 

68


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

During the first two quarters of the year ended October 31, 2013, the Select International Equity Fund held bond and equity total return swaps. The Fund sold out of all swap positions in May 2013. The volume of the total return swaps varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $(41,044,098) and 114,851, for total return bond swaps and total return equity swaps, respectively. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s total return swaps were as follows:

 

Quarter    Total Return Bond Swaps
Weighted Average
Notional Value
     Total Return Equity Swaps
Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ (51,261,408    $ 145,201   

2nd Quarter

     (30,826,788      84,500   

 

In April 2013, the Select International Equity Fund held Tokyo Stock Price Index futures contracts. The Fund sold out of all futures contracts in May 2013. The quarterly average contracts and notional values for the Fund’s futures contracts were 18 and $1,800,000, respectively.

 

During the first two quarters of the year ended October 31, 2013, the Select International Equity II Fund held forward currency contracts in the Euro, Japanese Yen, Mexican Peso, and Swiss Franc. The Fund sold out of all forward currency contracts in May 2013. The volume of forward contracts varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $136,782,538. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s forward contracts were as follows:

 

Quarter    Weighted Average
Notional Value

1st Quarter

   $116,238,730

2nd Quarter

   157,326,346

 

During the first two quarters of the year ended October 31, 2013, the Select International Equity II Fund held bond and equity total return swaps. The Fund sold out of all swap positions in May 2013. The volume of the total return swaps varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $(30,064,986) and 86,842, for total return bond swaps and total return equity swaps, respectively. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s total return swaps were as follows:

 

Quarter    Total Return Bond Swaps
Weighted Average
Notional Value
     Total Return Equity Swaps
Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ (40,375,441    $ 118,761   

2nd Quarter

     (19,754,530      54,924   

 

In April 2013, the Select International Equity II Fund held Tokyo Stock Price Index futures contracts. The Fund sold out of all swap positions in May 2013. The quarterly average contracts and notional values for the Fund’s futures contracts were 10 and $990,000, respectively.

 

For the Total Return Bond Fund information about forward currency contracts reflected as of the date of this report is generally indicative of the type of activity for the six months ended October 31, 2013. During the year the Fund also held forward currency contract in the Euro, Japanese Yen, and Russian Ruble. The volume of forward contracts varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $320,746,318. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s forward contracts were as follows:

 

Quarter    Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ 383,011,585   

2nd Quarter

     334,299,483   

3rd Quarter

     255,429,945   

4th Quarter

     310,244,260   

 

2013 Annual Report

 

69


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

For the Global High Income Fund information about forward currency contracts reflected as of the date of this report is generally indicative of the type of activity for the six months ended October 31, 2013. The volume of forward contracts varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $422,165,625. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s forward contracts were as follows:

 

Quarter    Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ 444,691,911   

2nd Quarter

     392,559,240   

3rd Quarter

     436,637,817   

4th Quarter

     414,773,529   

 

Information about Global High Income Fund’s credit default swaps reflected as of the date of this report is generally indicative of the type of activity for the quarter ended October 31, 2013. The volume increased in the final two quarters, ending the year with an average notional value of $82,372,917. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s credit default swaps were as follows:

 

Quarter    Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ 65,591,667   

2nd Quarter

     63,330,000   

3rd Quarter

     90,540,000   

4th Quarter

     110,030,000   

 

During the period January through May 2013, the Global High Income Fund held bond and equity total return swaps. The Fund sold out of all swap positions in June 2013. The volume of the total return swaps varied throughout the period with an average notional value of $41,666,667 and (192,053), for total return bond swaps and total return equity swaps, respectively. The quarterly average notional values for the Fund’s total return swaps were as follows:

 

Quarter    Total Return Bond Swaps
Weighted Average
Notional Value
     Total Return Equity Swaps
Weighted Average
Notional Value
 

1st Quarter

   $ 50,000,000       $ (230,389

2nd Quarter

     40,000,001         (184,386

3rd Quarter

     35,000,001         (161,384

 

(f) Term Loans

The Global High Income Fund may invest in term loans. Term loans include institutionally traded floating and fixed-rate debt obligations generally acquired as a participation interest in or assignment of a loan originated by a lender or financial institution. Assignments and participations involve credit, interest rate, and liquidity risk. Interest rates on floating rate securities adjust with interest rate changes and/or issuer credit quality. Many such loans are secured, although some may be unsecured. Loans that are fully secured offer a fund more protection than an unsecured loan in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. There is no assurance that any collateral securing a loan could be liquidated or, if liquidated, that such collateral would be of sufficient value to repay the loans taken against it. There may be limited secondary market liquidity for these instruments which could result in volatile pricing for the securities which in turn may affect the Global High Income Fund’s NAV.

 

The Global High Income Fund may enter into, or acquire participation in, delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are borrowings in which the Global High Income Fund agrees to make loans up to a maximum amount upon demand by the borrowing issuer for a specified term. A revolving credit facility differs from a delayed funding loan in that as the borrowing issuer repays the loan, an amount equal to the repayment is again made available to the borrowing issuer under the facility. The borrowing issuer may at any time borrow and repay amounts so long as, in the aggregate, at any given time the amount borrowed does not exceed the maximum amount. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities usually provide for floating or variable rates of interest.

 

There are a number of risks associated with an investment in delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities including credit, interest rate and liquidity risk and the risks of being a lender. There may be circumstances under which the borrowing issuer’s credit risk may be deteriorating and yet the Global High Income Fund may be obligated to make loans to the borrowing issuer as the borrowing issuer’s credit continues to deteriorate, including at a time when the borrowing issuer’s financial condition makes it unlikely that such amounts will be repaid. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities may be subject to restrictions on transfer, and only limited opportunities may

 

Annual Report 2013

 

70


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

exist to resell such instruments. As a result, the Global High Income Fund may be unable to sell such investments at an opportune time or may have to resell them at less than fair market value. These risks could cause the Global High Income Fund to lose money on its investment, which in turn could affect its returns. The Global High Income Fund currently intends to treat delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities for which there is no readily available market as illiquid for purposes of its limitation on illiquid investments. Delayed funding loans and revolving credit facilities are considered to be debt obligations for purposes of the Trust’s investment restriction relating to the lending of funds or assets by the Global High Income Fund.

 

At October 31, 2013, there were three unfunded commitments which amounted to $27,296,626 of par and had cost and fair value of $18,160,446 and $17,237,641, respectively.

 

(g) Securities Lending

Global Select Opportunities Fund, Select International Equity Fund, and Select International Equity Fund II have established securities lending agreements with State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) in which the Funds lend portfolio securities to a broker. In exchange, collateral consisting of either cash or U.S. government securities in an amount of at least 102% of the value of the U.S. securities loaned and 105% of the value of the foreign securities loaned will be maintained at all times. These Funds may loan securities to brokers, dealers, and financial institutions determined by the Adviser to be creditworthy, subject to certain limitations. Under these agreements, these Funds continue to earn income on the securities loaned. Collateral received is generally cash, and such Funds invest the cash in the State Street Navigator Securities Lending Prime Portfolio. These Funds receive any interest on the amount invested, but they must also pay the broker a loan rebate fee computed as a varying percentage of the collateral received. In the event of counterparty default, these Funds are subject to potential loss if any such Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising its right to dispose of the collateral. These Funds each bear risk in the event that invested collateral is not sufficient to meet obligations due on the loans. The security lending income net of the loan rebate fee for the Global Select Opportunities Fund, Select International Equity Fund and Select International Equity Fund II, amounted to $431, $193,817 and $90,874, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 2013 and is included in securities lending income in the Statement of Operations.

 

On April 29, 2013, the Adviser elected to suspend the securities lending program for the Funds pending a suitability review.

 

(h) Security Transactions, Investment Income and Expenses

Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized and unrealized gains/(losses) from security and currency transactions are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date except for certain dividends on foreign securities, which are recorded as soon as a Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis using the effective interest method. Expenses are recorded on an accrual basis. Expenses directly attributable to a Fund are charged to that Fund. Expenses not directly attributable to a Fund are allocated proportionately among all or certain funds of the Trust. For each of the Funds, the method for allocating income, fund level expenses, and realized and unrealized gains or losses is based on the total NAV of that class’s shares in proportion to the total net assets of the Fund. Expenses specific to a class (such as Rule 12b-1 and administrative services fees) are charged to that class.

 

(i) Distributions

Distributions from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid monthly for the Total Return Bond Fund and Global High Income Fund. Distributions from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid annually for the Global Select Opportunities Fund, Select International Equity Fund, and Select International Equity Fund II. The Funds will also declare and pay distributions annually from net realized gains on investment transactions and net realized foreign exchange gains, if any. Dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Additional distributions of net investment income and capital gains may be made at the discretion of the Boards of the Funds to avoid the application of the excise tax imposed under Section 4982 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for certain undistributed amounts.

 

Dividends and distributions to shareholders are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of income and gains on various investment securities held by the Funds, timing differences and differing characterization of distributions made by the Funds as a whole.

 

(j) Federal Income Taxes

Each Fund intends to continue to qualify as a “regulated investment company” by complying with the provisions available to certain investment companies, as defined in Subchapter M of the Code, and to make distributions of net investment income and net realized capital gains sufficient to relieve the Funds from all, or substantially all, federal income taxes. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

 

Management of the Funds has concluded that there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. Since tax authorities can examine previously filed tax returns, the Funds' U.S. federal and state tax returns for each of the four fiscal years up to the most recent fiscal year ended October 31 are subject to such review.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

71


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

3. Agreements and Transactions with Affiliates

 

(a) Investment Adviser

Under the Investment Advisory Agreements with the Funds, effective May 22, 2013, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (“Aberdeen” or the “Adviser”) manages the Funds in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Boards. Prior to May 22, 2013, the Funds were managed by Artio Global Management LLC.

 

For services provided under the terms of the current Investment Advisory Agreement, each Fund pays the Adviser an annual management fee paid monthly based on that Fund’s average daily net assets according to the following schedule:

 

Fund    Fee Schedule            

Global Select Opportunities Fund

     On all assets           0.900%   

Select International Equity Fund

     Of the first $5 billion           0.900%   
     On the next $2.5 billion           0.880%   
     Over $7.5 billion           0.850%   

Select International Equity Fund II

     Of the first $5 billion           0.900%   
     On the next $2.5 billion           0.880%   
     Over $7.5 billion           0.850%   

Total Return Bond Fund

     On all assets           0.350%   

Global High Income Fund

     Of the first $5 billion           0.650%   
     On the next $2.5 billion           0.630%   
     On the next $2.5 billion           0.600%   
     Over $10 billion           0.590%   

 

Effective May 21, 2013, the Adviser agreed to continue to waive a portion of its management fee for each of the Funds at the annual rate of 0.005% of the respective Funds’ average daily assets. The waiver may be terminated at any time by the Funds' Boards.

 

The Adviser has engaged the services of an affiliate as a subadviser pursuant to a subadvisory agreement (the “Subadviser”). The Subadviser manages a portion of certain of the Funds' investments and has responsibility for making all investment decisions for the portion of a Fund’s assets that it manages. Pursuant to the subadvisory agreement, the Adviser pays fees to the Subadviser. For the year ended October 31, 2013, the Adviser paid the following amounts to the Subadviser for its services to the respective Funds:

 

Fund    Subadviser    Amount  

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (“AAML”)    $ 21,936   

Select International Equity Fund

   AAML      1,862,917   

Select International Equity Fund II

   AAML      922,545   

 

The Funds and Aberdeen have entered into a written contract (“Expense Limitation Agreement”) limiting operating expenses for all Classes of the Funds from exceeding the amounts listed below. This limit excludes certain expenses, including any taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, and other expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and extraordinary expenses not incurred in the ordinary course of the Funds’ business. This contract is in effect until the earlier of (a) the termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement or (b) February 28, 2014.

 

Fund    Class A Limit    Class I Limit  

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   1.40%      1.15

Total Return Bond Fund

   0.69%      0.44

Global High Income Fund

   1.00%      0.75

 

Aberdeen may request and receive reimbursement from a Fund of the advisory fees waived and other expenses reimbursed pursuant to the Expense Limitation Agreement at a later date not to exceed three years from the fiscal year in which the corresponding reimbursement to the Funds was made.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

72


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

For fees waived, no reimbursement will be made unless:

 

(i) the total annual expense ratio of the class making such reimbursement is less than the limit set forth above; and

(ii) the payment of such reimbursement is approved by the Boards on a quarterly basis (the “Reimbursement Requirements”).

 

If the Boards approve any changes in the waiver terms or limitations, reimbursements are only permitted to the extent that the terms of the Expense Limitation Agreement in effect at the time of the waiver are met at the time that reimbursement is approved. Except as provided for in the Expense Limitation Agreement, reimbursement of amounts previously waived or assumed by Aberdeen is not permitted.

 

As of October 31, 2013, to the extent the Reimbursement Requirements are met, the cumulative potential reimbursements for each Fund, based on expenses reimbursed by Aberdeen would be:

 

Fund    Amount
Fiscal Year
2011
(Expires 10/31/14)
     Amount
Fiscal Year
2012
(Expires 10/31/15)
     Amount
Fiscal Year
2013
(Expires 10/31/16)
     Total*  

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 116,491       $ 206,366       $ 141,446       $ 464,303   

Select International Equity Fund

                               

Select International Equity Fund II

                               

Total Return Bond Fund

     7,002         11,864         29,356         48,222   

Global High Income Fund

     129,674         13,138         67,765         210,577   

 

  *   Amounts reported are subject to expire throughout the respective 3-year expiration period presented above.

 

  Amounts   listed as “–” are $0 or round to $0.

 

(b) Brokerage Rebate Commission

The Funds listed below have entered into an agreement with State Street Global Markets, LLC whereby certain brokers will rebate, in cash, a portion of brokerage commissions. Rebated commissions are amounts earned by the Funds and are included with realized gain or loss on investment transactions presented in the Statement of Operations. For the year ended October 31, 2013, brokerage commissions rebated under these agreements were as follows:

 

Fund   

Rebated

Commissions

 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 189   

Select International Equity Fund

     25,717   

Select International Equity Fund II

     25,090   

 

4. Distributor and Shareholder Services

 

Effective May 22, 2013, the Funds and Aberdeen Fund Distributors, LLC (the “Distributor” or “AFD”) are parties to the current Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) whereby the Distributor acts as principal underwriter for the Funds’ shares. Prior to May 22, 2013, Quasar Distributors, LLC (“Quasar”) was the Distributor of the Funds.

 

The Funds have adopted a Distribution and Shareholder Services Plan (the “Plan”), pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Plan, each Fund’s Class A shares may compensate certain financial institutions, including the Distributor, for certain distribution, shareholder servicing, administrative and accounting services. The Funds’ Class A shares may expend an aggregate amount, on an annual basis, not to exceed 0.25% of the value of the average daily net assets of a Fund attributable to Class A shares. The Funds will adjust accruals accordingly for any unused or surplus balances on an annual basis. The Adviser may pay additional marketing and other distribution costs out of its profits.

 

Under its terms, the Funds’ Plan shall remain in effect from year to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a majority of the Boards’ members and a majority of those Boards’ members who are not “interested persons” of the Funds and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreement related to the Plan.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

73


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

5. Investment Transactions

 

Purchases and sales of securities (excluding short-term securities) for the year ended October 31, 2013, were as follows:

 

Fund    Purchases      Sales  

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 30,087,300       $ 41,986,121   

Select International Equity Fund

     877,241,758         2,400,988,701   

Select International Equity Fund II

     535,546,871         1,412,644,487   

Total Return Bond Fund

     5,004,852,189         5,086,293,025   

Global High Income Fund

     1,449,110,653         2,215,920,702   

 

6. Shares of Beneficial Interest

 

The Global Select Opportunities Fund may issue 50 billion shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 per share. The Trust may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of each Fund, with a par value of $0.001 per share.

 

7. Investments in Affiliated Issuers

 

An affiliated issuer, as defined under 1940 Act, is one in which a Fund’s holdings of an issuer represents 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the issuer. A summary of Funds’ investments in securities of these issuers for the period ended October 31, 2013, is set forth below:

 

Affiliate    Shares Held
October 31, 2013
     Purchases
(Cost)
     Sales
(Proceeds)
     Dividend
Income
     Fair Value
October 31, 2013
 
Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund               

LEV Insurance

     4,078,860       $                 –       $                 –       $             –       $   1,933,107   

Sparki Eltos AD-Lovetch

     1,321,370                 5,772                 358,219   

Toza Markovic ad Kikinda

     78,160                                 80,145   
                                         $     2,371,471   

 

Affiliate    Shares Held
October 31, 2013
     Purchases
(Cost)
     Sales
(Proceeds)
     Dividend
Income
     Fair Value
October 31, 2013
 
Aberdeen Global High Income Fund               

Deep Ocean

     1,427,968       $                 –       $                 –       $             –       $   32,749,750   

 

8. Portfolio Investment Risks

 

(a) Interest Rate Risk

The prices of fixed income securities respond to economic developments, particularly interest rate changes, as well as to perceptions about the creditworthiness of individual issuers, including governments. Generally, a Fund’s fixed income securities will decrease in value if interest rates rise and vice versa, and the volatility of lower-rated securities is even greater than that of higher-rated securities. Also, longer-term securities are generally more volatile, so the average maturity or duration of these securities affects risk.

 

(b) Credit and Market Risk

A debt instrument’s price depends, in part, on the credit quality of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral and can decline in response to changes in the financial condition of the issuer, borrower, counterparty, or underlying collateral, or changes in specific or general market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, or other conditions. Funds that invest in high yield and emerging market instruments are subject to certain additional credit and market risks. The yields of high yield and emerging market debt obligations reflect, among other things, perceived credit risk. The Funds’ investments in securities rated below investment grade typically involve risks not associated with higher rated securities including, among others, greater risk of not receiving timely and/or ultimate payment of interest and principal, greater market price volatility, and less liquid secondary market trading.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

74


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

(c) Risks Associated with Foreign Securities and Currencies

Investments in securities of foreign issuers carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include future political and economic developments, and the possible imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws and restrictions. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of expropriation of assets, confiscatory taxation political or social instability or diplomatic developments, which could adversely affect investments in those countries.

 

Certain countries also may impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets by foreign entities, including restrictions on investments in issuers of industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests. These factors may limit the investment opportunities available and result in a lack of liquidity and high price volatility with respect to securities of issuers from developing countries. Venezuela currently imposes foreign exchange controls which prohibit the Fund from repatriating dividends, interest, or other income from investments or proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan securities.

 

(d) Risks Associated with Mortgage-backed Securities

The value of mortgage-backed securities can fall if the owners of the underlying mortgages default or pay off their mortgages sooner than expected, which could happen when interest rates fall.

 

(e) Risks Associated with Asset-backed Securities

Payment of interest and repayment of principal may be impacted by the cash flows generated by the assets backing these securities. The value of a Fund's asset-backed securities may also be affected by changes in interest rates, the availability of information concerning the interests in and structure of the pools of purchase contracts, financing leases or sales agreements that are represented by these securities, the creditworthiness of the underlying securities or the servicing agent of the pool, the originator of the loans or receivables, or the entities that provide any supporting letters of credit, surety bonds, or other credit enhancements.

 

(f) Risks Associated with Emerging Markets

The emerging countries' securities markets are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United States. A high proportion of the securities of many companies in emerging countries may be held by a limited number of persons, which may limit the number of securities available for investment by a Fund. The limited liquidity of emerging country securities markets may also affect a Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it wishes to do so, which may negatively impact NAV.

 

(g) Risks Associated with European Markets

A number of countries in Europe have experienced and continue to experience severe economic and financial difficulties. Many non-governmental issuers, and even certain governments, have defaulted on, or been forced to restructure, their debts; many other issuers have faced difficulties obtaining credit or refinancing existing obligations; financial institutions have in many cases required government or central bank support, have needed to raise capital, and/or have been impaired in their ability to extend credit; and financial markets in Europe and elsewhere have experienced extreme volatility and declines in asset values and liquidity. These difficulties may continue, worsen or spread within and outside of Europe. Whether or not a Fund invests in securities of issuers located in Europe or with significant exposure to European issuers or countries, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of a Fund’s investments.

 

Please read the prospectus for more detailed information regarding these and other risks.

 

9. Contingencies

 

In the normal course of business, the Funds may provide general indemnifications pursuant to certain contracts and organizational documents. The Funds’ maximum exposure under these arrangements is dependent on future claims that may be made against the Funds, and therefore, cannot be estimated; however, based on experience, the risk of loss from such claims is considered remote.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

75


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

10. Tax Information

 

As of October 31, 2013, the tax cost of securities and the breakdown of unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) for each Fund were as follows:

 

      Tax Cost of
Securities
     Unrealized
Appreciation
     Unrealized
Depreciation
     Net
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 8,058,028       $ 435,541       $ (179,994    $ 255,547   

Select International Equity Fund

     725,056,047         43,603,897         (105,896,942      (62,293,045

Select International Equity Fund II

     308,133,944         19,927,582         (7,229,082      12,698,500   

Total Return Bond Fund

     1,729,344,032         30,543,149         (33,445,558      (2,902,409

Global High Income Fund

     2,414,060,777         128,803,288         (37,081,848      91,721,440   

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 was as follows (total distributions paid differ from the Statements of Changes in Net Assets because for tax purposes dividends are recognized when actually paid):

 

      Distributions paid from  
Fund    Ordinary
Income
     Net Long Term
Capital Gains
     Total
Taxable
Distributions
     Tax Exempt
Distributions
     Return of
Capital
     Total
Distributions Paid
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 187,778       $       $ 187,778       $       $       $ 187,778   

Select International Equity Fund

     7,506,959                 7,506,959                         7,506,959   

Select International Equity Fund II

     25,691,817                 25,691,817                 87,115         25,778,932   

Total Return Bond Fund

     60,478,188         32,127,743         92,605,931                 3,301,594         95,907,525   

Global High Income Fund

     181,064,496         10,883,785         191,948,281                         191,948,281   

 

The tax character of distributions paid during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012 was as follows (total distributions paid differ from the Statements of Changes in Net Assets because for tax purposes dividends are recognized when actually paid):

 

      Distributions paid from  
Fund    Ordinary
Income
     Net Long Term
Capital Gain
     Total
Taxable
Distributions
     Tax Exempt
Distributions
     Return of
Capital
     Total
Distributions Paid
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 25,087       $       $ 25,087       $       $       $ 25,087   

Select International Equity Fund

     88,666,220                 88,666,220                         88,666,220   

Select International Equity Fund II

     68,947,455                 68,947,455                         68,947,455   

Total Return Bond Fund

     89,456,105         20,297,797         109,753,902                         109,753,902   

Global High Income Fund

     246,832,423         51,924,409         298,756,832                 5,014,916         303,771,748   

 

Annual Report 2013

 

76


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

As of October 31, 2013, the components of accumulated earnings (deficit) on a tax basis were as follows:

 

Fund   Undistri-
buted
Tax
Exempt
Income
    Undistri
-buted
Ordinary
Income
    Undistri-
buted
Long-
Term
Capital
Gains
    Accum-
ulated
Earnings
    Distri-
butions
Payable
    Late Year
Ordinary
and
Post-
October
Capital
Loss
Deferrals
    Other
Temporary
Differences
    Accumulated
Capital and
Other
Losses**
    Unrealized
Appreciation/
Depreciation*
    Total
Accum-
ulated
Earnings
(Deficit)
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

  $       –      $ 107,020      $      $ 107,020      $       –      $       –      $      $ (27,937,000   $ 255,559      $ (27,574,421

Select International Equity Fund

           12,327,507               12,327,507                             (2,259,312,281     (63,174,909     (2,310,159,683

Select International Equity Fund II

                                              (25,913     (2,720,144,132     12,728,051        (2,707,441,994

Total Return Bond Fund

                                              (1,812,006            (1,112,246     (2,924,251

Global High Income Fund

                  27,301,497        27,301,497                      (1,223,044            102,488,547        128,547,000   

 

*   The difference between the book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) is attributable primarily to: tax deferral of losses on wash sales; the difference between book and tax amortization methods for premium and market discount.
**   As of October 31, 2013, for Federal income tax purposes, the following Funds have capital loss carryforwards available to offset capital gains, if any, to the extent provided by the treasury obligations:

 

Fund    Amount      Expires

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 17,909,743       2016

Global Select Opportunities Fund

     10,012,137       2017

Global Select Opportunities Fund

     15,120       Unlimited Short-Term

Select International Equity Fund

     314,780,611       2016

Select International Equity Fund

     1,643,693,179       2017

Select International Equity Fund

     279,988,563       Unlimited Long-Term

Select International Equity Fund

     20,849,928       Unlimited Short-Term

Select International Equity Fund II

     1,379,336,238       2016

Select International Equity Fund II

     1,211,390,775       2017

Select International Equity Fund II

     121,152,924       2018

Select International Equity Fund II

     8,264,195       Unlimited Short-Term

 

Under the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010, the Funds are permitted to carry forward capital losses incurred in taxable years beginning after December 22, 2010 for an unlimited period. However, any losses incurred during those taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to the losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years. As a result of this ordering rule, pre-enactment capital loss carryforwards may be more likely to expire unused. Additionally, post-enactment capital losses that are carried forward will retain their character as either short-term or long-term capital losses rather than being considered all short-term as under previous law.

 

Fund    Paid-in
Capital
     Accumulated
Net
Investment
Income/(Loss)
     Accumulated
Net Realized
Gain/(Loss)
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ (25    $ 2,496       $ (2,471

Select International Equity Fund

             13,709,111         (13,709,111

Select International Equity Fund II

     (87,115      (800,806      887,921   

Total Return Bond Fund

     (3,301,594      1,322,700         1,978,894   

Global High Income Fund

             3,198,575         (3,198,575

 

2013 Annual Report

 

77


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (concluded)

 

October 31, 2013

 

 

 

11. Significant Shareholders

 

As of October 31, 2013, the following Funds had shareholders with the percentage ownership indicated, which are considered significant shareholders (holdings greater than 5.0%) for financial reporting purposes:

 

Fund      Record Ownership %    Number of Account Owners

Global Select Opportunities Fund

     56.8%                            5

Select International Equity Fund

      64.7                            2

Select International Equity Fund II

      57.4                            5

Total Return Bond Fund

      67.7                            3

Global High Income Fund

      68.2                            7

 

12. Line of Credit

 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. and Aberdeen Investment Funds (the "Borrowers") entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank"). The Agreement provides for a revolving credit facility (the "Facility Amount") to be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes to find shareholder redemptions or for other short-term liquidity purposes. The Facility Amount was $250,000,000 for the period ending April 21, 2013 and $175,000,000 for the period April 22, 2013 through October 31, 2013. The Funds may draw up to their stated sublimit (subject to certain other limitations therein):

 

      Sublimit
Amount
     Average
Outstanding
Daily Balance
     Average
Weighted
Interest Rate
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

   $ 5,000,000       $ 43,087         1.40

Select International Equity Fund

     175,000,000         2,876,680         1.39

Select International Equity Fund II

     175,000,000         745,880         1.39

Total Return Bond Fund

     50,000,000                   

 

In addition, the Global High Income Fund entered into a separate Credit Agreement (the “Global High Income Fund Credit Agreement”) with the Bank. The Global High Income Fund Credit Agreement provides for a Facility Amount to be utilized for temporary or emergency purposes to fund shareholder redemptions or for other short-term liquidity purposes.

 

      Sublimit
Amount
     Average
Outstanding
Daily Balance
     Average
Weighted
Interest Rate
 

Global High Income Fund

   $ 250,000,000       $ 839,038         1.39

 

Principal on each outstanding loan made under the Agreement and the Global High Income Fund Credit Agreement shall bear the interest at a variable rate per annum equal to the higher of (a) the Federal Funds Rate as in effect on that day plus 1.25% and (b) the Overnight LIBOR Rate as in effect on that day plus 1.25%. In addition, the Borrowers shall pay to the Bank a commitment fee at the rate of 0.10% per annum on the daily unused portion of the Facility Amount.

 

13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The amendments in this update require an entity to disclose both gross and net information for derivatives and other financial instruments that are either offset in the statement of assets and liabilities or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013 (and interim periods within those annual periods). Reporting entities will be required to provide both net amounts (those that are offset) and gross information (as if amounts are not offset) in the notes to the financial statements for relevant assets and liabilities.

 

Management is currently evaluating the implications of this ASU and its impact on the financial statements has not been determined.

 

14. Subsequent Events

 

On December 12, 2013, the Funds’ Boards of Trustees approved changing the name of Class I Shares of the Trust and the Global Select Opportunities Fund to Institutional Class Shares, effective as of February 28, 2014. Fees and expenses associated with Class I Shares will not be impacted as a result of the change in name to Institutional Class Shares.

 

Management has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date the Financial Statements were issued. Based on this evaluation, no disclosures and/or adjustments other than that noted above were required to the Financial Statements as of October 31, 2013.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

78


Table of Contents

Shareholder Expense Examples (Unaudited)

 

 

 

As a shareholder of the Aberdeen Investment Funds or a stockholder of Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. (the "Funds"), you incur ongoing costs, including investment advisory fees, shareholder service fees, distribution fees and other Fund expenses. The examples below are intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the Funds and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds.

 

The examples assume that you had a $1,000 investment in the Class at the beginning of the reporting period, May 1, 2013 and continued to hold your shares at the end of the reporting period, October 31, 2013.

 

Actual Expenses

 

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses. You may use the information together with the amount you invested, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number under the heading entitled “Actual Expenses Paid During Period” for the class of a Fund that you own to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during the period.

 

Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes

 

The table below provides information about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Class’ actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Class’ actual return. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period. You may use this information to compare the ongoing costs of investing in the Class of a Fund and other funds. To do so, compare the 5% hypothetical example with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds.

 

     Beginning Account
Value,
May 1, 2013
     Actual Ending
Account Value,
October 31, 2013
     Hypothetical
Ending Account
Value
     Actual Expenses
Paid During
Period*
     Hypothetical
Expenses
Paid During
Period*1
     Annualized
Expense
Ratio**
 

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

  

Class A

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,058.20       $ 1,018.65       $ 6.74       $ 6.61         1.30%   

Class I

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,059.00       $ 1,019.36       $ 6.02       $ 5.90         1.16%   

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund

  

Class A

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,036.20       $ 1,019.01       $ 6.31       $ 6.26         1.23%   

Class I

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,037.50       $ 1,020.22       $ 5.08       $ 5.04         0.99%   

Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II

  

Class A

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,035.70       $ 1,019.06       $ 6.26       $ 6.21         1.22%   

Class I

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,038.30       $ 1,020.27       $ 5.03       $ 4.99         0.98%   

Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund

  

Class A

  $ 1,000.00       $ 964.40       $ 1,021.83       $ 3.32       $ 3.41         0.67%   

Class I

  $ 1,000.00       $ 965.50       $ 1,023.04       $ 2.13       $ 2.19         0.43%   

Aberdeen Global High Income Fund

  

Class A

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,022.20       $ 1,020.27       $ 5.00       $ 4.99         0.98%   

Class I

  $ 1,000.00       $ 1,024.20       $ 1,021.48       $ 3.78       $ 3.77         0.74%   

 

*   Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period multiplied by 184/365 (to reflect the one-half year period).
**   The expense ratio presented represents a six-month, annualized ratio.
1   Represents the hypothetical 5% return before expenses.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

79


Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

 

The Shareholders and Board of Directors

Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc.

 

and

 

The Shareholders and Board of Trustees

Aberdeen Investment Funds

 

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the portfolios of investments, of Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. and Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund, Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II, Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund, and Aberdeen Global High Income Fund, each a series of Aberdeen Global Investment Funds, (collectively, the “Funds”) as of October 31, 2013, and the related statements of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the years or periods in the two-year period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the years in the five-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of October 31, 2013 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, or by other appropriate auditing procedures where replies from brokers were not received. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc. and Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund, Aberdeen Select International Equity Fund II, Aberdeen Total Return Bond Fund, and Aberdeen Global High Income Fund, each a series of Aberdeen Global Investment Funds as of October 31, 2013, and the results of their operations, the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for each of the years described above, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

LOGO

Boston, MA

December 24, 2013

 

Annual Report 2013

 

80


Table of Contents

Other Tax Information (Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the period ended October 31, 2013, certain dividends paid by the Funds may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 15% as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003. The Funds intend to designate the maximum amount allowable as taxed as a maximum rate of 15%. Complete information will be reported in conjunction with your 2013 Form 1099-DIV.

 

During the year ended October 31, 2013, the following Funds designated dividends as long-term capital gains:

 

Fund    Amount  

Total Return Bond Fund

   $ 32,127,743   

Global High Income Fund

     10,883,785   

 

The Funds intend to elect to pass through to their shareholders the credit for taxes paid in foreign countries during its fiscal year ended October 31, 2013. In accordance with the current tax laws, the foreign income and foreign tax per share (for a share outstanding as of October 31, 2013) was as follows:

 

Fund    Foreign Tax  

Select International Equity Fund

     0.06870   

Select International Equity Fund II

     0.03331   

 

For the year ended October 31, 2013, the following Funds paid qualified dividend income:

 

Fund    Qualified Dividend
Income
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

            100.00%   

Select International Equity Fund

            100.00%   

Select International Equity Fund II

            42.25%   

Global High Income Fund

            1.58%   

 

For the taxable year ended October 31, 2013, the following percentage of income dividends paid by the Funds qualify for the dividends received deduction available to corporate shareholders:

 

Fund    Dividend Received
Deduction
 

Global Select Opportunities Fund

            99.00%   

Global High Income Fund

            1.58%   

 

2013 Annual Report

 

81


Table of Contents

Management of the Funds (Unaudited)

 

As of October 31, 2013

 

 

Board of Directors/Trustees and Officers of the Funds

 

Name, Address,
and Year of Birth
  Position(s) Held,
Length of Time
Served and
Term of Office*
  Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee**
  Other
Directorships
Held by
Trustee
During Past
5 Years***

Directors/Trustees Who are Not Interested Persons (as Defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds

Antoine Bernheim****

1953

  Trustee of the Trust since November 2004; Director of GSOF since July 1990; Chairman of the Fund Complex since December 2008.   President, Dome Capital Management, Inc., 1984 – present (investment advisory firm); Chairman, Dome Securities Corp., 1995 – 2012 (broker/dealer); President, The U.S. Offshore Funds Directory, 1990 – present (publishing)   5   None

Thomas Gibbons****

1947

  Trustee of the Trust since November 2004; Director of GSOF since December 1993.   President, Cornerstone Associates Management, 1987 – present (consulting firm)   5   None

Cynthia Hostetler****

1962

  Trustee of the Trust since September 2011; Director of GSOF since November 2010.   Member of the Board of Directors of the Edgen Group (energy), 2012 – 2013, and TriLinc Global Impact Fund, 2013 – present; Vice President of Investment Funds, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, 2001 – 2009; President, First Manhattan Bancorporation, 1991 – 2006   5   Director, Edgen Group (NYSE: EDG) 2012 – 2013; Director, TriLinc Global Impact Fund, 2013 – present.

Robert S. Matthews****

1943

  Trustee of the Trust since June 1992; Director of GSOF since June 2002.   Managing Partner, Matthews & Co. , 1990 – present (certified public accounting firm)   5   Trustee, Allstate Financial Investment Trust, 2008 – 2009, (investment company).

Peter Wolfram****

1953

  Trustee of the Trust since June 1992; Director of GSOF since November 2004.   Partner, Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, 1983 –present (law firm)   5   None

 

*   Each Director/Trustee serves during the lifetime of the Funds or until he or she dies, resigns, retires, is declared bankrupt or incompetent, or is removed or, if sooner, until the next special meeting of the Funds’ shareholders/stockholders and until the election and qualification of his or her successor. The current retirement age is 75.
**   The Aberdeen Fund Complex consists of the Trust which currently consists of four portfolios, Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc., Aberdeen Funds, Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Singapore Fund, Inc., The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc., The India Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Greater China Fund, Inc. and The Japan Equity Fund, Inc.
***   Directorships held in (1) any other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, (2) any company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or (3) any company subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
****  

Each Director/Trustee may be contacted by writing to the Director/Trustee c/o Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, Attn: Alan Goodson.

 

Annual Report 2013

 

82


Table of Contents

Management of the Funds (Unaudited) (continued)

 

As of October 31, 2013

 

 

 

Name, Address,
and Year of Birth
  Position(s) Held,
Length of Time
Served and
Term of Office*
  Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
  Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee**
  Other
Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5
Years***

Directors/Trustees Who are Interested Persons (as Defined in the 1940 Act) of the Funds

Gary Marshall****

1961

  President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Trust since 2013; President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of GSOF since 2013.   Head of Americas since January 2010, which role includes responsibility for overseeing registered and unregistered investment companies in the US and Canada. Mr. Marshall is the Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. and joined Aberdeen via the acquisition of Prolific Financial Management in 1997.   5   None

 

*   Each Director/Trustee serves during the lifetime of the Funds or until he or she dies, resigns, retires, is declared bankrupt or incompetent, or is removed or, if sooner, until the next special meeting of the Funds’ shareholders/stockholders and until the election and qualification of his or her successor. The current retirement age is 75.
**   The Aberdeen Fund Complex consists of the Trust which currently consists of four portfolios, Aberdeen Global Select Opportunities Fund Inc., Aberdeen Funds, Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Singapore Fund, Inc., The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc., The India Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Greater China Fund, Inc. and The Japan Equity Fund, Inc.
***   Directorships held in (1) any other investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, (2) any company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or (3) any company subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
****  

Each Director/Trustee may be contacted by writing to the Director/Trustee c/o Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., 1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103, Attn: Alan Goodson.

  Mr. Marshall is considered to be an “interested person” of the Funds as defined in the 1940 Act because of his affiliation with the Adviser.

 

Mr. Anthony Williams resigned as an Interested Director of the Fund on May 22, 2013.

 

Name, Address,
and Year of Birth
  Position(s) Held, Length of
Time Served and Term of Office1,2
  Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Officers of the Funds

Jeffrey Cotton*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1977

 

Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Vice President and Head of Compliance – US for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Mr. Cotton joined Aberdeen in 2010. Prior to joining Aberdeen, Mr. Cotton was a Senior Compliance Officer at Old Mutual Asset Management (2009-2010) supporting its affiliated investment advisers and mutual fund platform. Mr. Cotton was also a Vice President and Senior Compliance Manager at Bank of America/Columbia Management (2006-2009).

Sofia Rosala*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor,

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1974

 

Deputy Chief Compliance Officer

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Deputy Chief Compliance Officer for the Funds and U.S. Counsel for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (since July 2012). Prior to joining Aberdeen, Ms. Rosala was Counsel for Vertex, Inc. from April 2011 to June 2012. She was also an Associate with Morgan, Lewis and Bockius from May 2008 – April 2011.

 

2013 Annual Report

 

83


Table of Contents

Management of the Funds (Unaudited) (continued)

 

As of October 31, 2013

 

 

Name, Address,
and Year of Birth
  Position(s) Held, Length of
Time Served and Term of Office1,2
  Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Andrea Melia*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor,

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1969

 

Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Head of Fund Accounting for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Ms. Melia joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in September 2009. Prior to joining Aberdeen, Ms. Melia was Director of fund administration and accounting oversight for Princeton Administrators LLC, a division of BlackRock Inc. and had worked with Princeton Administrators since 1992.

Megan Kennedy*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1974

 

Assistant Secretary and Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Head of Product Management for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Ms. Kennedy joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in 2005 as a Senior Fund Administrator. Ms. Kennedy was promoted to Assistant Treasurer Collective Funds/North American Mutual Funds in February 2008 and promoted to Treasurer Collective Funds/North American Mutual Funds in July 2008.

Lucia Sitar*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1971

 

Chief Legal Officer and Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, U.S. Counsel for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Ms. Sitar joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in July 2007.

Alan Goodson*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1974

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Head of Product US, overseeing both Product Management and Product Development for Aberdeen’s registered and unregistered investment companies in the US and Canada. Mr. Goodson is Vice President of Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. and joined Aberdeen in 2000.

Stephen Docherty*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1970

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Head of Global Equities for Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited. Mr. Docherty joined Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited in 1994.

Greg Hopper

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1957

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2002; Officer of GSOF since 2002.

  Senior Portfolio Manager, High Yield, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2013. Prior to joining Aberdeen, Mr. Hopper served as Senior Vice President (2009 – 2013) and First Vice President of Artio Global Management LLC (2002 – 2009).

Jennifer Nichols*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1978

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Global Head of Legal for Aberdeen. Director, Vice President for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. (since October 2006).

Donald Quigley

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1965

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2001.

  Senior Portfolio Manager, Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. since 2013. Prior to joining Aberdeen, Mr. Quigley served as Senior Vice President and Head of Global Fixed-Income of Artio Global Management LLC (2001 – 2013).

 

Annual Report 2013

 

84


Table of Contents

Management of the Funds (Unaudited) (concluded)

 

As of October 31, 2013

 

 

Name, Address,
and Year of Birth
  Position(s) Held, Length of
Time Served and Term of Office1,2
  Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years

Andrew Smith

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1968

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Chief Operating Officer – Americas for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Mr. Smith joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in 1987 and has served in various financial roles throughout his career.

Hugh Young*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1958

 

Vice President

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Global Head of Equities and a member of the Executive Management Committee of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC (since 1991). He has been Managing Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Asia Limited (“AAMAL”), since 1991.

Michael McVoy

c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC

615 E. Michigan Street

Milwaukee, WI 53202

1957

 

Anti-Money Laundering and Identity Theft Officer

 

Officer of the Trust since 2004; Officer of GSOF since 2004.

  Chief Compliance Officer for U.S. Bancorp (2002 – present) and Senior Vice President and Risk Manager for U.S. Bancorp (1999 – present).

Julie Tedesco

State Street Bank and Trust Company

4 Copley Place, 5th Floor, CPH0326

Boston, Massachusetts, 02116

1957

 

Secretary

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Senior Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company (since 2000).

Pamela Wade*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1971

 

Assistant Secretary

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Senior Product Manager for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Ms. Wade joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in 2012 as Senior Product Manager. Prior to joining Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Ms. Wade was a Vice President and Assistant Counsel with BNY Mellon Asset Servicing (2007-2012).

Brian O’Neill*

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor,

Philadelphia, PA 19103

1968

 

Assistant Treasurer

 

Officer of the Trust since 2013; Officer of GSOF since 2013.

  Currently, Senior Fund Administration Manager – US for Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. Mr. O’Neill joined Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. in 2008 as Assistant Treasurer. Prior to joining Aberdeen Asset Management Inc., Mr. O’Neill was a Director of Fund Accounting with Nationwide Funds Group (2002-2008).

 

1  

Each officer of the Global Select Opportunities Fund is elected for a term of 1 year and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified.

2  

Pursuant to the Trust’s By-laws, officers of the Trust are elected by the Board of Trustees to hold such office until his or her successor is chosen and qualified, or until they resign or are removed from office.

*   Mr. Cotton, Ms. Rosala, Ms. Melia, Mr. O’Neill, Ms. Kennedy, Ms. Sitar, Mr. Goodson, Mr. Young, Ms. Wade and Ms. Nichols hold officer position(s) in one or more of the following: Aberdeen Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Global Income Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Chile Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Israel Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Indonesia Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Latin America Equity Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Singapore Fund, Inc., The Asia Tigers Fund, Inc., The India Fund, Inc., Aberdeen Greater China Fund, Inc., the Aberdeen Funds, The Japan Equity Fund, Inc., each of which may also be deemed to be a part of the same “Fund Complex” as the Funds.

 

 

2013 Annual Report

 

85


Table of Contents

 

 

 

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc.

1735 Market Street, 32nd Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103

aberdeen-asset.us

   LOGO

 

AOE-0377-AR


Table of Contents

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s President/Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. During the period covered by this report, and related to the approval of a new investment adviser to the Fund and approval of new officers of the Fund, the registrant adopted a new code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s President/Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which replaces the prior code of ethics. The new code of ethics is attached hereto as Exhibit 12(a)(1).

During the period covered by this report, the registrant did not grant any waivers, including any implicit waivers, from any provision of the codes of ethics.

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

(a)

(1) The Board of Trustees of the registrant has determined that the registrant has one Board member serving on the Audit Committee that possesses the attributes identified in Instructions 2(b) of Item 3 to Form N-CSR to qualify as an “audit committee financial expert.”

(2) Mr. Robert S. Matthews is the registrant’s audit committee financial expert. The Board also determined that Mr. Matthews is not an “interested person” of the registrant as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (“1940 Act”).

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

(a) Audit Fees.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, the aggregate audit fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements were $190,364 and $211,900, respectively.

(b) Audit-Related Fees.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, the aggregate audit fees billed by KPMG LLP for assurances and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of this Item were $41,700. There were no audit-related fees billed for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.

(c) Tax Fees.

The aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by KPMG LLP for the review of Form 1120-RIC, Form 8613, and review of excise tax distribution calculations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 were $55,760 and $79,635, respectively.

(d) All Other Fees.

There were no other fees billed by KPMG LLP for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012. There were no other fees billed by KPMG LLP for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013.

(e)(1) Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures.

The Registrant’s audit committee pre-approves all audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Registrant’s accountant before the accountant is engaged by the registrant to perform such services.


Table of Contents
(e)

(2) The percentage of services described in each of paragraphs (b) through (d) of this Item that were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X are as follows:

 

    (b)

Not applicable

 

    (c)

100%

 

    (d)

Not applicable

(f) Not applicable.

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees billed by KPMG LLP to the registrant for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 were $55,760 and $79,635, respectively. The aggregate non-audit fees billed by KPMG to the Registrant, the Adviser and all entities controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provide services to the registrant for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 were $601,055 and $1,697,986, respectively.

(h) The registrant’s Audit Committee of the Board of Trustees has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) or Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence and has concluded that it is.

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

  Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 6. Schedule of Investments

  Schedule of Investments is included as a part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

  Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-end Management Investment Companies.

  Not applicable to this registrant.

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

  Not applicable to this registrant.


Table of Contents

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 registrant’s Board of Trustees, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 7(d)(2)(ii)(G) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101), or this Item.

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) The registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the 1940 Act) were effective as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report (the “Evaluation Date”), based on their evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the Evaluation Date.

(b) There were no significant changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics is attached hereto.

(a)(2) The certifications required by Rule 30a-2(a) of the 1940 Act are attached hereto.

(a)(3) Not applicable

(b) Certifications for the registrant’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act are attached hereto. These certifications are being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 and are not being filed as part of the Form N-CSR with the Commission.


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Aberdeen Investment Funds

 

By:    

    /s/ Gary Marshall

 
    Gary Marshall, Principal Executive Officer  

Date: January 7, 2014

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/ Gary Marshall

 
    Gary Marshall, Principal Executive Officer  

Date: January 7, 2014

 

By:    

/s/ Andrea Melia

 
    Andrea Melia, Principal Financial Officer  

Date: January 7, 2014