N-CSR 1 d92102dncsr.htm N-CSR N-CSR
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 811-08510

 

 

Matthews International Funds

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

William J. Hackett, President

Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 415-788-7553

Date of fiscal year end: December 31

Date of reporting period: December 31, 2020

 

 

Form N-CSR is to be used by management investment companies to file reports with the Commission not later than 10 days after the transmission to stockholders of any report that is required to be transmitted to stockholders under Rule 30e-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30e-1). The Commission may use the information provided on Form N-CSR in its regulatory, disclosure review, inspection, and policymaking roles.

A registrant is required to disclose the information specified by Form N-CSR, and the Commission will make this information public. A registrant is not required to respond to the collection of information contained in Form N-CSR unless the Form displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) control number. Please direct comments concerning the accuracy of the information collection burden estimate and any suggestions for reducing the burden to Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549-0609. The OMB has reviewed this collection of information under the clearance requirements of 44 U.S.C. § 3507.

 

 

 


Table of Contents
Item 1.

Reports to Stockholders.

 

  (a)

The Report to Shareholders is attached herewith.


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Funds  |  Annual Report

December 31, 2020  |  matthewsasia.com

 

GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS STRATEGY

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

ASIA FIXED INCOME STRATEGIES

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

ASIA GROWTH AND INCOME STRATEGIES

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

Matthews China Dividend Fund

ASIA GROWTH STRATEGIES

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

Matthews China Fund

Matthews India Fund

Matthews Japan Fund

Matthews Korea Fund

ASIA SMALL COMPANY STRATEGIES

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

 

 

LOGO

 

As of January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual shareholder reports are no longer being sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Funds’ website matthewsasia.com, and you will be notified by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report. You may elect to receive paper copies of shareholder reports and other communications from the Funds anytime by contacting your financial intermediary (such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling 800.789.ASIA (2742).

You may elect to receive all future reports in paper free of charge. If you invest through a financial intermediary, you can contact your financial intermediary to request that you continue to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. If you invest directly with a Fund, you can call 800.789.ASIA (2742) to let the Fund know you wish to receive paper copies of your shareholder reports. Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to all Funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary or all Funds held directly with Matthews Asia Funds.

 

LOGO


Table of Contents

Investor Class Performance and Expense Ratios (December 31, 2020) (unaudited)

 

 

 

            
     
    
    
Average Annual Total Return
     

 

    2020
Annual
Operating
Expense
Ratios*
   

2020
Annual
Operating
Expense
Ratios
after Fee
Waiver
and
Expense
Reim-

bursement**

    Prospectus
Expense
Ratios
   

Prospectus
Expense
Ratios
after Fee
Waiver
and
Expense
Reim-

bursement

 
Investor Class   1 year     5 years     10 years     Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 

GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS STRATEGY

                 

Emerging Markets Equity Fund (MEGMX)

    n.a.       n.a.       n.a.       61.23%       4/30/20       2.76%       1.08% 1      2.77%       1.15% 1 

ASIA FIXED INCOME STRATEGIES

                 

Asia Total Return Bond Fund (MAINX)§

    5.36%       6.35%       n.a.       5.01%       11/30/11       1.15%       1.12% 1      1.08%       1.07% 1 

Asia Credit Opportunities Fund (MCRDX)

    1.80%       n.a.       n.a.       5.16%       4/29/16       1.14%       1.14% 1      1.24%       1.12% 1 

ASIA GROWTH AND INCOME STRATEGIES

                 

Asian Growth and Income Fund (MACSX)

    16.00%       8.38%       5.37%       9.22%       9/12/94       1.09%       1.09%       1.08%       1.08%  

Asia Dividend Fund (MAPIX)

    31.25%       12.30%       8.46%       9.98%       10/31/06       1.03%       1.02% 2      1.03%       1.02% 2 

China Dividend Fund (MCDFX)

    24.22%       13.36%       9.88%       11.06%       11/30/09       1.15%       1.15%       1.15%       1.15%  

ASIA GROWTH STRATEGIES

                 

Asia Growth Fund (MPACX)

    46.76%       16.88%       10.48%       11.15%       10/31/03       1.08%       1.08%       1.09%       1.09%  

Pacific Tiger Fund (MAPTX)

    28.83%       12.12%       8.06%       9.20%       9/12/94       1.08%       1.06% 2      1.08%       1.05% 2 

Asia ESG Fund (MASGX)

    42.87%       13.87%       n.a.       10.65%       4/30/15       1.42%       1.38% 3      1.54%       1.38% 3 

Emerging Asia Fund (MEASX)

    -2.16%       2.43%       n.a.       3.29%       4/30/13       1.75%       1.40% 3      1.65%       1.42% 3 

Asia Innovators Fund (MATFX)

    86.72%       22.31%       14.87%       7.05%       12/27/99       1.10%       1.10%       1.19%       1.19%  

China Fund (MCHFX)

    43.05%       17.98%       8.05%       11.20%       2/19/98       1.09%       1.09%       1.09%       1.09%  

India Fund (MINDX)

    16.45%       6.84%       6.10%       10.45%       10/31/05       1.15%       1.15%       1.11%       1.11%  

Japan Fund (MJFOX)

    29.82%       11.80%       10.66%       7.19%       12/31/98       0.95%       0.95%       0.93%       0.93%  

Korea Fund (MAKOX)

    40.77%       8.88%       8.38%       6.79%       1/3/95       1.19%       1.19%       1.15%       1.15%  

ASIA SMALL COMPANY STRATEGIES

                 

Asia Small Companies Fund (MSMLX)

    43.68%       12.21%       6.66%       12.25%       9/15/08       1.57%       1.39% 3      1.60%       1.41% 3 

China Small Companies Fund (MCSMX)

    82.52%       25.05%       n.a.       12.48%       5/31/11       1.52%       1.43% 3      1.62%       1.38% 3 

 

 

Annualized performance for periods of at least one year, otherwise cumulative.

 

*

Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement.

 

**

Expense ratio represents the actual expense ratio a shareholder would have paid if they had been invested the entire year.

 

These figures are from the Funds’ prospectus dated as of April 29, 2020, and may differ from the actual expense ratios for fiscal year 2020, as shown in the financial highlights section of this report.

 

§

The Fund’s name changed from Matthews Asia Strategic Income Fund to Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund on January 31, 2020.

 

1

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 0.90% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 0.90% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 0.90%. Pursuant to this agreement, any amount waived for prior fiscal years with respect to the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund is not subject to recoupment. For the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, if the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

 

2

Matthews has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and administrative and shareholder services fee if the Fund’s average daily net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every $2.5 billion average daily net assets of the Fund that are over $3 billion, the advisory fee rate and the administrative and shareholder services fee rate for the Fund with respect to such excess average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%. Any amount waived by Matthews pursuant to this agreement may not be recouped by Matthews. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated (i) at any time by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ prior written notice to Matthews; or (ii) by Matthews at the annual expiration date of the agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trust, in each case without payment of any penalty.

 

3

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 1.20% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 1.20% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. Beginning on December 1, 2020 for the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews voluntarily reduced this expense limitation to 1.10% for the Institutional Class and waived a corresponding amount (in annual percentage terms) for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

 

2    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Institutional Class Performance and Expense Ratios (December 31, 2020) (unaudited)

 

 

 

            
     
    
    
    
Average Annual Total  Return
     

 

   

2020
Annual
Operating
Expense
Ratios*

   

2020
Annual
Operating
Expense
Ratios
after Fee
Waiver
and
Expense
Reim-

bursement**

    Prospectus
Expense
Ratios
   

Prospectus
Expense
Ratios
after Fee
Waiver
and
Expense
Reim-

bursement

 
Institutional Class   1 year     5 years     10 years     Since
Inception
    Inception
Date
 

GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS STRATEGY

                 

Emerging Markets Equity Fund (MIEFX)

    n.a.       n.a.       n.a.       61.55%       4/30/20       2.65%       0.90% 1      2.57%       0.90% 1 

ASIA FIXED INCOME STRATEGIES

                 

Asia Total Return Bond Fund (MINCX)§

    5.60%       6.58%       n.a.       5.23%       11/30/11       1.00%       0.90% 1      0.97%       0.90% 1 

Asia Credit Opportunities Fund (MICPX)

    2.05%       n.a.       n.a.       5.41%       4/29/16       0.98%       0.90% 1      1.07%       0.90% 1 

ASIA GROWTH AND INCOME STRATEGIES

                 

Asian Growth and Income Fund (MICSX)

    16.18%       8.53%       5.52%       5.68%       10/29/10       0.96%       0.96%       0.94%       0.94%  

Asia Dividend Fund (MIPIX)

    31.29%       12.42%       8.57%       8.73%       10/29/10       0.93%       0.93% 2      0.93%       0.92% 2 

China Dividend Fund (MICDX)

    24.37%       13.53%       10.07%       10.31%       10/29/10       1.02%       1.02%       1.01%       1.01%  

ASIA GROWTH STRATEGIES

                 

Asia Growth Fund (MIAPX)

    47.01%       17.07%       10.67%       10.78%       10/29/10       0.95%       0.95%       0.94%       0.94%  

Pacific Tiger Fund (MIPTX)

    28.98%       12.30%       8.24%       8.17%       10/29/10       0.94%       0.92% 2      0.93%       0.91% 2 

Asia ESG Fund (MISFX)

    43.13%       14.12%       n.a.       10.89%       4/30/15       1.29%       1.20% 3      1.41%       1.20% 3 

Emerging Asia Fund (MIASX)

    -1.94%       2.65%       n.a.       3.51%       4/30/13       1.62%       1.19% 3      1.51%       1.20% 3 

Asia Innovators Fund (MITEX)

    87.01%       22.53%       n.a.       19.63%       4/30/13       0.95%       0.95%       1.05%       1.05%  

China Fund (MICFX)

    43.23%       18.18%       8.23%       7.91%       10/29/10       0.93%       0.93%       0.91%       0.91%  

India Fund (MIDNX)

    16.65%       7.03%       6.29%       5.97%       10/29/10       1.03%       1.03%       0.94%       0.94%  

Japan Fund (MIJFX)

    29.85%       11.87%       10.76%       11.73%       10/29/10       0.91%       0.91%       0.88%       0.88%  

Korea Fund (MIKOX)

    40.76%       9.00%       8.52%       9.24%       10/29/10       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%       1.05%  

ASIA SMALL COMPANY STRATEGIES

                 

Asia Small Companies Fund (MISMX)

    43.90%       12.44%       n.a.       8.15%       4/30/13       1.47%       1.20% 3      1.46%       1.20% 3 

China Small Companies Fund (MICHX)

    82.89%       n.a.       n.a.       28.63%       11/30/17       1.37%       1.20% 3      1.51%       1.20% 3 

 

 

Annualized performance for periods of at least one year, otherwise cumulative.

 

*

Before fee waivers and expense reimbursement.

 

**

Expense ratio represents the actual expense ratio a shareholder would have paid if they had been invested the entire year.

 

These figures are from the Funds’ prospectus dated as of April 29, 2020, and may differ from the actual expense ratios for fiscal year 2020, as shown in the financial highlights section of this report.

 

§

The Fund’s name changed from Matthews Asia Strategic Income Fund to Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund on January 31, 2020.

 

1

Matthews has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 0.90%. Pursuant to this agreement, any amount waived for prior fiscal years with respect to the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund is not subject to recoupment. For the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, if the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

 

2

Matthews has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and administrative and shareholder services fee if the Fund’s average daily net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every $2.5 billion average daily net assets of the Fund that are over $3 billion, the advisory fee rate and the administrative and shareholder services fee rate for the Fund with respect to such excess average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%. Any amount waived by Matthews pursuant to this agreement may not be recouped by Matthews. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated (i) at any time by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ prior written notice to Matthews; or (ii) by Matthews at the annual expiration date of the agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trust, in each case without payment of any penalty.

 

3

Matthews has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 1.20%. Beginning on December 1, 2020 for the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews voluntarily reduced this expense limitation to 1.10% for the Institutional Class. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

Past Performance: All performance quoted in this report is past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with changing market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the returns quoted. If certain of the Funds’ fees and expenses had not been waived, returns would have been lower. For the Funds’ most recent month-end performance, please call 800.789.ASIA (2742) or visit matthewsasia.com.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      3  


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

Cover photo: Terraced fields at Yunnan, China

 

 

This report has been prepared for Matthews International Funds (d/b/a Matthews Asia Funds) shareholders. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors unless accompanied or preceded by a current Matthews Asia Funds prospectus, which contains more complete information about the Funds’ investment objectives, risks and expenses. Additional copies of the prospectus or summary prospectus may be obtained at matthewsasia.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.

The views and opinions in this report were current as of December 31, 2020. They are not guarantees of performance or investment results and should not be taken as investment advice. Investment decisions reflect a variety of factors, and the managers reserve the right to change their views about individual stocks, sectors and the markets at any time. As a result, the views expressed should not be relied upon as a forecast of a Fund’s future investment intent. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.

Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but neither the Funds nor the Investment Advisor makes any representation or guarantee as to their completeness or accuracy.

 

4    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Contents

 

Message to Shareholders from the President of Matthews Asia Funds     6  
Message to Shareholders from the Investment Advisor     8  
Manager Commentaries, Fund Characteristics and Schedules of Investments:  
GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS STRATEGY  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund     10  
ASIA FIXED INCOME STRATEGIES  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund*     15  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund     20  
ASIA GROWTH AND INCOME STRATEGIES  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund     24  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund     29  
Matthews China Dividend Fund     34  
ASIA GROWTH STRATEGIES  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund     39  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund     44  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund     49  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund     54  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund     59  
Matthews China Fund     63  
Matthews India Fund     68  
Matthews Japan Fund     73  
Matthews Korea Fund     78  
ASIA SMALL COMPANY STRATEGIES  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund     83  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund     88  
Index Definitions     93  
Disclosures     94  
Disclosure of Fund Expenses     95  
Statements of Assets and Liabilities     98  
Statements of Operations     110  
Statements of Changes in Net Assets     116  
Financial Highlights     126  
Notes to Financial Statements     143  
1. Organization     143  
2. Significant Accounting Policies     143  
3. Derivative Financial Instruments     149  
4. Capital Shares Transactions     151  
5. Investment Advisory Fees and Other Transactions with Affiliates     155  
6. Investments     157  
7. Holdings of 5% Voting Shares of Portfolio Companies     157  
8. Income Tax Information     158  
9. Public Health Emergency Risks     160  
10. Subsequent Events     161  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     162  
Tax Information     163  
Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement     166  
Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program     172  
Trustees and Officers of the Funds     173  

*The Fund’s name changed from Matthews Asia Strategic Income Fund to Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund on January 31, 2020.

Investment Risk: Mutual fund shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depositary institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal Reserve Board or any government agency and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Investing in international and emerging markets may involve additional risks, such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Fixed income investments are subject to additional risks, including, but not limited to, interest rate, credit and inflation risks. In addition, single-country and sector funds may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of a concentration in a specific industry, sector or geographic location. Investing in small and mid-size companies is more risky than investing in large companies as they may be more volatile and less liquid than larger companies. Please see the Funds’ Prospectuses and Statement of Additional Information for more risk disclosure.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      5  


Table of Contents

LOGO

Message to Shareholders from the President of Matthews Asia Funds

Dear Valued Shareholder,

For most of us, 2020 will be remembered for being an unprecedented year, with the depth and duration of COVID-19 affecting global economic activity and markets across the world. Of course, as we look back, what is most important is not the economic impact but the human one. With that, our thoughts are with all those that have been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly, and we extend our gratitude to all health care professionals, scientists and service providers who have diligently worked to help and provide care to those in need around the world.

Notably, we at Matthews Asia are no strangers to operating through health crises, with the infectious diseases SARS, MERS and swine flu all occurring this century. Their ability to cause disruption was fortunately temporary and we hope that the same will be said of the pandemic we currently face. During outbreaks such as COVID-19, our primary objective is the health and well-being of our employees and their families, consideration for our shareholders and our service providers and the continuity of business operations to ensure our portfolios can be managed without interruption. In this regard, I am particularly proud of how our firm has responded despite the significant disruption to daily life that has occurred.

Performance

Against a backdrop of a pandemic, we witnessed an initial collapse in economic activity and plunges in stock markets around the world. Remarkably, however, 2020 may also be remembered for the surprising strength of markets as investors began to reappraise their outlook. This is particularly true of Asia, where control over the pandemic enabled a return to normality and economic output for many of its countries long before those in the West. Following the tumult of the first quarter, equity markets across much of the globe reversed course in the second half of the year. We then saw an uptick in sentiment in the fourth quarter, largely driven by the development and rollout of the coronavirus vaccines as well as prospects for improving China—U.S. relations with the election of a new U.S. president.

We are accustomed to these kinds of swings in markets, given our long history of focusing on Asia. This strengthens our resolve to remain focused on our core investment principles with a bottom-up approach and long-range view. While the lockdowns have limited the amount of travel that our analysts and portfolio managers can do to visit companies, our investment team was still able to conduct 15-20 virtual meetings each a day on average across the team, starting early in the morning and continuing late into the night, to catch the working day in Asia on behalf of our shareholders. Amid the volatile environment, I am proud of the positive relative and absolute performance delivered across most of the Matthews Asia Funds.

Emerging Markets

Despite a challenging year, we successfully launched the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund—an important milestone for Matthews Asia as it is our first strategy to invest in broad emerging markets. For almost 30 years, we have focused our research and investment capabilities within a region that now dominates the emerging markets. Asia’s representation within the MSCI Emerging Market Index has risen to over 75%, with the increasing inclusion of China’s domestically listed A-shares driving recent changes in benchmark weightings. As an Asia investment specialist, we have significant experience investing in the complex and diverse range of countries and economies that comprise the largest segment of emerging markets. We believe we can leverage this expertise in other emerging markets and apply the same established fundamental investment process in order to evaluate a company, its management team and corporate governance.

ESG

We recognize that a growing number of investors are looking for strategies that have ESG integration, particularly given events over the past 12 months. A deep appreciation of corporate governance is built into our DNA and our investment approach has always been committed to assessing corporate governance. We believe governance influences social and environmental factors, providing a starting point for analysis. At Matthews Asia, we remain committed to incorporating ESG considerations within the very fabric of our investment process. We continue to look at integrating ESG practices into our portfolios and further enhancing our ESG capabilities. While strong corporate governance, as well as good ESG practices, may show little direct link to short-term stock performance, we believe they are critical to delivering long-term, risk-adjusted shareholder value.

The New Matthewsasia.com Website

In December, we launched the newly designed matthewsasia.com website. With a visually engaging design, our new website provides a faster, easier navigation experience—whether on your mobile, tablet or desktop—for quicker access to information and content, including

 

 

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new scrollable Funds section with fewer tabs and fewer clicks. The site includes a new Insights section that makes finding and accessing content easier with curated articles, whitepapers, webcasts, podcasts and videos that bring Asia to you with rich imagery for a more immersive web experience. We hope you enjoy exploring the new website with its enhanced search function that allows you to explore our extensive resources on Asia and to more easily find the information on your investments and thought leadership from the investment team.

Looking Ahead to 2021

While uncertainty remains as we head into the New Year, we look forward to a successful rollout of vaccinations and the return to normal daily patterns prior to the pandemic. We will continue to maintain a thoughtful but opportunistic approach to identify the most attractive long-term investment opportunities, and we remain steadfast in our investment approach on developing deep insights through fundamental research on behalf of our clients. We take seriously the stewardship of your assets and thank you for being a valued shareholder during what has been a particularly tumultuous and challenging year.

 

LOGO

William J. Hackett

President of Matthews Asia Funds

 

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LOGO

Message to Shareholders from the

Investment Advisor

Dear Valued Shareholders,

I don’t know if I have ever experienced such a strange year. Perhaps that is a common sentiment. However, I refer less to the lockdown. Nor do I refer about work so much. We were able to keep in touch with each other through technology and socially distanced face-to-face meetings. Through the same use of video conference calls, we were able to maintain contact with companies, both familiar and new. We were able to adapt—we were given lemons and we made lemonade. In many respects, performance of the portfolios has been excellent; so it is hard to see how the environment disadvantaged our investors. Nevertheless, our investment team are all to be congratulated by the way they responded to the environment and continued to make decisions on behalf of clients.

No, none of that has been too strange. But the markets themselves? There, I do pause for thought. Given the set of circumstances we have faced—political, economic and emotional—I would not have expected markets to do so well. So, why have they?

Perhaps we need to go back to the beginning. At least from a market perspective, our initial reaction was sanguine. After all, China had faced things like this before and had dealt with them. In the past, such episodes had little long-term effect on the markets. This turned out, in hindsight, to be more or less true for the current virus, but only for China, which reacted in a way largely consistent with previous outbreaks. For the rest of the world, however, it didn’t start out that way. The economic effects of the lockdown hit hard on expectations of current sales and profits. Only in the virtual world were businesses somewhat protected from the worst, as people could transact with total physical distance.

The virus spread far wider than previous outbreaks and the economic effects were deeper and longer-lasting than we ever suspected. And yet, the idea that this was a temporary disruption to the general trend of economic and human progress has never really gone away. Markets were able to see through the near term and still believe in a “normal” future. So, when the dampening effects of weak current economic activity and raised household savings caused bond yields to fall across much of the world outside of China, valuations soared. After all, if you are able to discount a normal future at abnormally low interest rates, then price-to-earnings ratios (valuation ratio of a company’s current share price compared to its per-share earnings) should be much higher. So, the equity market saw a positive future while bond yields were suppressed by low demand for goods and the persistent lack of demand for new investment that has been a commonplace of recent years.

And so it has been a topsy-turvy world in many ways. Perhaps white is the new black—“watch out when things get better, they may get worse!” In any other year, I might feel self-conscious writing such phrases; but not this year. For I can see it is entirely possible that, in the face of a vaccine and a recovery in economic activity, bond yields may rise again and those valuations that seemed justified may suddenly become unrealistic. Now, how much of a concern is this?

It’s undeniable that some of these valuation effects have helped performance in your portfolios this past year. However, these effects are mitigated by several factors. First, of course, we are aware of these effects and always strive to own securities whose valuations are justifiable in the face of their long-term business prospects. Second, we have been trying to take advantage of those businesses which have suffered most from the direct effects of the lockdown. These are not poor businesses but businesses that many investors have overlooked simply because they have been fascinated by the momentum elsewhere. And finally, when we look at the strange interaction between weak activity, collapsing bond yields and high valuations on weak profits that has been the heady, if startling, recipe of

 

 

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2020, it is perhaps least in evidence in China—economic activity has bounced back earlier and stronger than elsewhere and bond yields are, for want of a better word, “normal.”

As I look into 2021, the dislocations in the markets that may happen from a return to normality may be more keenly felt in those markets where normal conditions have been suspended the longest. It’s not hard to imagine a vaccine-inspired end of lockdowns in the U.S. and the West leading to a burst of inflationary pressures as demand returns more swiftly than supply, people pay down precautionary savings and enjoy a return to normal spending patterns. My expectation in such a case would be for bond yields to rise and valuations in the most extended parts of all markets, particularly the U.S. and Europe, to revert to something more normal. However, my relative optimism for Asia and the emerging markets extends beyond these short-term effects. In the U.S. we have already seen the first suggestions of a return to more friendly policy internationally, a more pro-labor stance and an administration likely to be supportive of fiscal and monetary expansion. All of this brings the U.S. belatedly in line with some policies that have already been prevalent in Asia for the past decade, to the detriment of Asia’s relative market performance but the benefit of the internal stability of their societies.

The common perception among asset allocators, both in the U.S. and abroad, appears to be that a period of a slightly weaker dollar is the most likely outcome in the currency markets. There is a renewed willingness to look at international markets in general and emerging and Asian markets in particular. I wish the fortunes of these markets were not so tightly tied in the short-run to the direction of the U.S. dollar, but that seems to be one constant of the world. I believe it is a relationship that will gradually weaken along with the continuing development of China’s own capital markets and the likelihood that it will continue to be an international investor. Nevertheless, a weaker dollar, if that is indeed to happen, is an important tailwind for our markets.

And if a weaker dollar should focus investors’ attention a little more on the long-term trends we seek, so much the better. We still believe that one can prosper over the long term by finding businesses that are the leaders of the development of a world class health care industry, indigenous innovation in technology hardware and online business models, the growth and domination of local brand leaders in more traditional business, and the modernization and development of capital markets to support efficient and sustainable growth for more than half the world’s population. So, even in a topsy-turvy 2020, and maybe a turvy-topsy 2021, that is what we will continue to try and do.

 

LOGO

Robert Horrocks, PhD

Chief Investment Officer

Matthews International Capital Management, LLC

 

 

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LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
John Paul Lech  

Lead Manager

 
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MEGMX   MIEFX

CUSIP

  577130651   577130644

Inception

  4/30/20   4/30/20

NAV

  $15.76   $15.77

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  2.76%   2.65%

After fee waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.08%   0.90%

Portfolio Statistics

Total # of Positions

    58

Net Assets

    $44.8 million

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $154.2 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

      62.3%

Benchmark

 

MSCI Emerging Markets Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe. Certain emerging market countries may also be classified as “frontier” market countries, which are a subset of emerging market countries with newer or even less developed economies and markets, such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The list of emerging market countries and frontier market countries may change from time to time. The Fund may also invest in companies located in developed countries; however, the Fund may not invest in any company located in a developed country if, at the time of purchase, more than 20% of the Fund’s assets are invested in developed market companies.

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

The Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund launched on April 30, 2020. From inception to December 31, 2020, the Fund returned 61.23% (Investor Class) and 61.55% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, returned 42.23%. For the quarter ending December 31, 2020, the Fund returned 22.15% (Investor Class) and 22.30% (Institutional Class) versus 19.77% for the index.

Market Environment:

Global equities were volatile in the year, but ultimately generated attractive returns, and this was particularly pronounced in Asian and emerging markets more broadly. Global markets fell in the first quarter, as worries surrounding the spread of COVID-19 moved beyond China. Fears of a global growth slowdown turned into reality as governments worldwide began to implement different versions of ‘shelter in place’ to contain the movement of the virus. Markets recovered in part due to the extraordinary fiscal and monetary measures put in place by many countries. Early in the year, cyclically sensitive sectors like energy, materials, industrials and financials suffered most while companies related to communication services and technology performed better. In the second quarter, most global financial markets, including Asia’s, began to rise as major economies began to relax prior pandemic-related restrictions. The gradual reopening of businesses—especially those focused on services and consumption—helped bolster sentiment and bring a floor to stock prices globally.

In the third quarter, economic recovery and improved sentiment began to take hold as major economies continued to relax COVID-19 lockdown restrictions even further. China’s V-shaped recovery in manufacturing along with a steady recovery in domestic consumption brought some normalcy to daily life. Emerging market currencies rallied slightly against the US dollar in the third quarter, acting as a slight tailwind for EM equities. Growth stocks outpaced value and small caps outperformed large caps in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw further economic strengthening. Cyclical stocks in beaten up or export driven markets such as Indonesia and Korea rallied most in the fourth quarter, while markets that experienced early recovery like China, Japan and India lagged slightly. Market strength gained momentum following the U.S. Presidential elections in November as markets hoped for less confrontational U.S.—China relations, combined with an announcement of several approved COVID-19 vaccines that were due for distribution early in 2021.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

For the fourth quarter, stock selection in China and Hong Kong was a notable contributor to performance from a regional perspective. On the other hand, stock selection in South Korea was a detractor. From a sector perspective, stock selection in communication services and financials was a contributor. Meanwhile, stock selection in energy and an overweight in real estate were slight detractors.

Samsung Electronics was a major contributor to portfolio returns in the fourth quarter as expectations regarding the company’s semiconductor business, which is the majority of the firm’s profitability, remain positive. The semiconductor

(continued)

 

 

1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 0.90% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 0.90% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 0.90%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020              
 

 

    

 

     Actual Return,
Not Annualized
 
     3 Months      Since
Inception
     Inception
date
 
Investor Class (MEGMX)      22.15%        61.23%        04/30/20  
Institutional Class (MIEFX)      22.30%        61.55%        04/30/20  
MSCI Emerging Markets Index4      19.77%        42.23%     

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
     Sector      Country      % of Net Assets  
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Pfd.    Information Technology      South Korea        5.8%  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.    Information Technology      Taiwan        5.8%  
Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        3.9%  
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.    Communication Services      China/Hong Kong        3.2%  
AIA Group, Ltd.    Financials      China/Hong Kong        3.0%  
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE    Consumer Discretionary      France        2.6%  
LUKOIL PJSC    Energy      Russia        2.1%  
CapitaLand, Ltd.    Real Estate      Singapore        2.0%  
Heineken N.V.    Consumer Staples      Netherlands        2.0%  
Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ltd.    Financials      India        2.0%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                32.4%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

business can be divided between memory and logic, both of which are becoming more consolidated. We believe Samsung Electronics’ governance, balance sheet and competitive position are all attractive attributes.

On the other hand, Anhui Conch Cement was a slight detractor. The company is considered a leader in its industry with some of the lowest costs and a good history of capital allocation. We remain positive on the company’s prospects as its core product is an essential component of any increase in construction or infrastructure spending.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

The year’s market volatility required an active approach to portfolio construction and we initiated positions over the fourth quarter. We added Allegro, an e-commerce company in Poland that does more than 10 times the gross merchandise value (GMV) of its next largest competitor. In China, we augmented our holdings in the consumer discretionary by adding JD.com which has a growing business in grocery delivery—an underpenetrated segment of online retail. We also added a position in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, which operates several airports across Mexico and could be a beneficiary of increased travel once vaccinations against COVID-19 become more widely implemented.

Outlook:

Looking back at an extraordinary year, North Asia handled the pandemic significantly better than other parts of the world, and this was largely reflected in the outperformance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index from the March lows versus the rest of emerging markets. When considering this outperformance, it is important to remember that equities are fundamentally an anticipatory asset class: What has happened is less important than what is likely to happen and how fast potential changes may happen.

In the year ahead, we will continue to look for good investment opportunities across a broad swath of geographies including Southeast Asia, Russia and Brazil. In all markets, we believe fundamental research is the name of the game. We find that China in particular is a market where looking beyond the leading companies could prove fruitful to active investors. The incoming Biden administration in the U.S. may decrease the vitriol and unpredictability that has existed between the U.S. and China. A more predictable relationship is a positive development for markets globally. Risks in 2021 include the potential for an uneven global economic recovery, but we are also focused on political and ESG risks. In terms of currency moves, the consensus view is for a weakening U.S. dollar versus many emerging market currencies.

Thematically, we are thinking in terms of a re-opening and the “next normal.” The key is to separate companies that artificially benefit from the pandemic from companies where long-term fundamentals have been catalytically charged by it. We are encouraged by the rapid scientific progress related to the vaccines. In the third quarter of 2020, many analysts were hoping for a vaccine with perhaps 50% effectiveness. So, distribution challenges aside, the announcement of multiple vaccines with 80%+ effectiveness during the fourth quarter should be seen as positive news. Strong local currencies and a re-opening of the world economy bode well for emerging markets to potentially offer attractive equity gains in 2021.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
China/Hong Kong     30.0  
South Korea     11.9  
India     11.2  
Brazil     6.3  
Taiwan     5.8  
Russia     5.4  
Singapore     3.3  
Mexico     3.2  
Poland     3.1  
France     2.6  
Netherlands     2.0  
United Kingdom     1.8  
Indonesia     1.7  
Canada     1.6  
Philippines     1.3  
Peru     1.3  
Argentina     1.3  
South Africa     1.1  
Vietnam     0.7  
Cyprus     0.4  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     4.0  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7  
Information Technology     19.3  
Consumer Discretionary     18.6  
Financials     17.7  
Communication Services     9.0  
Materials     6.7  
Health Care     6.6  
Energy     5.2  
Consumer Staples     5.0  
Industrials     4.0  
Real Estate     3.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     4.0  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     57.4  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     18.6  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     12.1  
Small Cap (under $3B)     7.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     4.0  

 

6

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

 

12    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


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Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 90.2%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 30.0%    

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    20,200       $1,453,467  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    108,600       1,323,413  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.b

    37,700       1,096,487  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd. A Shares

    67,100       897,912  

Midea Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    56,400       849,407  

Bilibili, Inc. ADRb

    9,800       840,056  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    13,900       793,551  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.b,c,d

    59,000       782,419  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    50,000       714,671  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. ADRb

    2,800       651,644  

Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd. A Shares

    81,400       647,105  

Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co., Ltd. A Shares

    154,242       644,763  

JD.com, Inc. ADRb

    6,600       580,140  

JD Health International, Inc.b,c,d

    29,400       568,853  

China International Capital Corp., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    206,000       558,517  

Estun Automation Co., Ltd. A Sharesb

    117,000       537,070  

Jiumaojiu International Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    161,000       490,584  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      13,430,059  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 11.2%    

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ltd.b

    33,183       906,914  

Infosys, Ltd. ADR

    43,100       730,545  

HDFC Bank, Ltd. ADRb

    9,700       700,922  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    22,763       619,357  

Colgate-Palmolive India, Ltd.

    25,684       550,933  

Aditya Birla Capital, Ltd.b

    436,712       508,062  

PI Industries, Ltd.

    16,884       507,694  

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ltd. ADR

    6,800       484,772  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      5,009,199  
   

 

 

 
   
     
BRAZIL: 6.3%    

Banco BTG Pactual SA

    38,400       694,035  

Vale SA ADR

    39,100       655,316  

Pagseguro Digital, Ltd. Class Ab

    10,300       585,864  

Hapvida Participacoes e Investimentos SAc,d

    158,500       467,615  

Magazine Luiza SA

    91,200       437,319  
   

 

 

 

Total Brazil

      2,840,149  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 6.1%    

LG Household & Health Care, Ltd.

    510       761,188  

Hugel, Inc.b

    3,372       583,375  

Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund

    50,756       497,990  

Kia Motors Corp.

    7,876       453,790  

NAVER Corp.

    1,614       435,085  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      2,731,428  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 5.8%    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    138,000       2,610,611  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      2,610,611  
   

 

 

 
   
     
RUSSIA: 5.8%    

LUKOIL PJSC ADR

    14,063       956,467  

Novatek PJSC GDRd

    4,556       741,934  

Yandex N.V. Class Ab

    10,500       730,590  

Polymetal International PLC

    7,700       177,256  
   

 

 

 

Total Russia

      2,606,247  
   

 

 

 
     Shares     Value  
MEXICO: 3.8%    

Prologis Property Mexico SA de CV, REIT

    380,638       $853,875  

Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste S.A.B. de CV. ADRb

    3,400       560,762  

Fresnillo PLC

    18,347       283,380  
   

 

 

 

Total Mexico

      1,698,017  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 3.3%    

CapitaLand, Ltd.

    366,000       908,145  

Sea, Ltd. ADRb

    2,800       557,340  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      1,465,485  
   

 

 

 
   
     
POLAND: 3.1%    

Allegro.eu SAb,c,d

    30,763       697,493  

LiveChat Software SA

    24,646       692,730  
   

 

 

 

Total Poland

      1,390,223  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FRANCE: 2.6%    

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    1,836       1,149,339  
   

 

 

 

Total France

      1,149,339  
   

 

 

 
   
     
NETHERLANDS: 2.0%    

Heineken N.V.

    8,147       907,893  
   

 

 

 

Total Netherlands

      907,893  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 1.7%    

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero

    2,488,300       739,780  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      739,780  
   

 

 

 
   
     
ZAMBIA: 1.6%    

First Quantum Minerals, Ltd.

    40,300       723,431  
   

 

 

 

Total Zambia

      723,431  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PERU: 1.3%    

Credicorp, Ltd.

    3,600       590,472  
   

 

 

 

Total Peru

      590,472  
   

 

 

 
   
     
ARGENTINA: 1.3%    

Globant SAb

    2,700       587,547  
   

 

 

 

Total Argentina

      587,547  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PHILIPPINES: 1.3%    

Wilcon Depot, Inc.

    1,602,300       565,079  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      565,079  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UNITED KINGDOM: 1.2%    

Avast PLCc,d

    73,218       537,623  
   

 

 

 

Total United Kingdom

      537,623  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH AFRICA: 1.1%    

Discovery, Ltd.

    46,887       490,169  
   

 

 

 

Total South Africa

      490,169  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 0.7%    

FPT Corp.

    120,914       309,358  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      309,358  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL COMMON EQUITIES

 

    40,382,109  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $34,381,230)

   
 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

PREFERRED EQUITIES: 5.8%

 

     Shares     Value  
SOUTH KOREA: 5.8%

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Pfd.

    38,490       $2,611,045  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      2,611,045  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL PREFERRED EQUITIES

 

    2,611,045  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $1,638,350)

   
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 96.0%

 

    42,993,154  

(Cost $36,019,580)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 4.0%
      1,798,943  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $44,792,097  
   

 

 

 

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

c

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $4,103,104, which is 9.16% of net assets.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

GDR

Global Depositary Receipt

Pfd.

Preferred

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

14    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Teresa Kong, CFA  

Lead Manager

 
Satya Patel   Wei Zhang

Co-Manager

 

Co-Manager

FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MAINX   MINCX

CUSIP

  577125503   577125602

Inception

  11/30/11   11/30/11

NAV

  $11.25   $11.25

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.15%   1.00%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.12%   0.90%

Portfolio Statistics

   

Total # of Positions

  42           

Net Assets

 
$114.8 million
 
                

Modified Duration3

  4.3           

Portfolio Turnover4

  39.7%                   

Benchmark

 
50% Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index, 50% J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index*

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Total return over the long term with an emphasis on income.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in debt and debt-related instruments issued by governments, quasi-governmental entities, supra-national institutions, and companies in Asia. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia, such as China and India, and includes developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. The Fund’s investments in debt securities may be denominated in any currency, may be of any quality or may be unrated, and may have no stated maturity or duration target.

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Total Return Fund returned 5.36% (Investor Class) and 5.60% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the 50% Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond/50% J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index returned 7.95%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 5.41% (Investor Class) and 5.48% (Institutional Class) versus 3.70% for the Index.

Market Discussion:

Just as the COVID-19 pandemic re-shaped our daily lives, it also reshaped markets. Sectors that were traditionally considered risky, such as IT, became darlings as work-from-home became “safe” while traditionally “safe” sectors like gaming and real estate investment trusts (REITs—REITs are income-generating vehicles designed to pay out maximum amounts of their underlying cash flow as dividends to their unit holders) became “risky” as all sectors faced a new paradigm of virtual over bricks and mortar. The theme of safety, and safety over risky, dominated all asset classes. Investment grade outperformed high yield (A high-yield bond has a credit rating of below investment grade. Credit ratings are issued by three major credit rating agencies: S&P, Moody’s and Fitch. If the bond is rated AAA to BBB-, then it is considered investment grade. If it is BBB- to C-, it is considered to be high yield. If it’s below C-, it’s a defaulted bond. Issuers with lower bond ratings and higher default risks need to offer higher yields to compensate for the higher risk.), developed markets (DM) rates outperformed emerging markets (EM) rates, gold outperformed copper and oil. Within Asia high yield, companies with little liquidity risks outperformed those with more murky stories. The equity market was no different, favoring safe themes such as companies that benefited from stay-at-home or tech names that benefited from secular growth trends. Growth vastly outperformed value, with the S&P 500 Growth Index returning 20% for the first three quarters of 2020 compared to the S&P 500 Value Index which returned -14%, a gap of 34%. Growth represented safety while value represented risk as cyclical companies were the most affected by the pandemic.

In the fourth quarter, as people grew weary of continued lock-downs, the market charted a new direction. With the announcement of successful vaccine trials, the mood turned decidedly risk-on. High yield outperformed investment grade, EM (including Asia) outperformed U.S. equities, local currencies rose versus the U.S. dollar, and U.S. treasury yields rose. Up until then, these fourth quarter outperformers had been among the biggest losers of the year.

Within Asian local bonds, the Philippines was the top performer in 2020, followed by Taiwan, Malaysia, and China. However, in the fourth quarter, the top performers were Indonesia and Thailand which were hit hard by the pandemic due to their reliance on tourism, as well as commodities exports in the case of Indonesia. China bonds benefited from the country’s relative success in virus containment, greater government measures to open up the local bond market to foreign investment, as well as greater foreign investment interest due to the decline in rates across the DM world.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

The Fund’s top contribution to performance came from our overweight to U.S. dollar-denominated high yield credit and allocation to local-currency Chinese credit. However, an underweight to local rates, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and India, as well as an underweight to U.S. dollar-denominated investment grade credit detracted from performance. By currency, our overweights in Chinese renminbi, Singaporean dollar and South Korean won contributed positively, while exposures in Indian rupee and Indonesian rupiah detracted from performance.

The top contributors to Fund performance during the fourth quarter came from U.S. dollar-denominated high yield credit. In terms of country allocation, exposures to South Korea currency and Indonesian local bonds contributed. The top detractors came from China and India, where we have a slight underweight in terms of rates. Currency contributed positively to performance in the quarter, led by our overweights in Chinese

(continued)

 

The Fund’s name changed from Matthews Asia Strategic Income Fund to Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund on January 31, 2020.

*

Effective January 31, 2020, the Fund changed its benchmark to a blended benchmark comprised of 50% Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index and 50% J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index. Prior to January 31, 2020, the Fund’s benchmark was the Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index. Matthews believes that the blended benchmark is more appropriate in light of the Fund’s current investment strategy. The Markit iBoxx Local Bond Index performance reflects the returns of the discontinued predecessor HSBC Asia Local Bond Index up to December 31, 2012 and the returns of the successor Markit iBoxx Local Bond Index thereafter.

1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 0.90% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g. custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 0.90% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 0.90%. Pursuant to this agreement, any amount waived for prior fiscal years with respect to the Fund is not subject to recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

Modified duration measures the percent change in value of the fixed income portion of the portfolio in response to a 1% change in interest rates. In a multi-currency denominated portfolio with sensitivities to different interest rate regimes, modified duration will not accurately reflect the change in value of the overall portfolio from a change in any one interest rate regime.

4

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
             

PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020

                                        
 

 

   

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
    3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MAINX)     5.41%        5.36%        4.54%        6.35%        5.01%        11/30/11  
Institutional Class (MINCX)     5.48%        5.60%        4.77%        6.58%        5.23%        11/30/11  
50% Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index, 50% J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index5     3.70%        7.95%        5.74%        5.87%        4.78%     
Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index5     5.61%        9.55%        5.93%        6.07%        3.75%     

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 
INCOME DISTRIBUTION HISTORY  
    2020

 

          2019

 

 
  Jan.     Feb.     Mar.     Apr.     May     June     July     Aug.     Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Total           Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4     Total  
Investor (MAINX)     n.a.     $ 0.06     $ 0.04     $ 0.00     $ 0.03     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.08     $ 0.44       $ 0.08     $ 0.10     $ 0.14     $ 0.12     $ 0.44  
Inst’l (MINCX)     n.a.     $ 0.07     $ 0.04     $ 0.01     $ 0.03     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.09     $ 0.46       $ 0.09     $ 0.11     $ 0.14     $ 0.12     $ 0.46  

Note: This table does not include capital gains distributions. Totals may differ by $0.02 due to rounding. For income distribution history, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

   

30-DAY YIELD:

 

Investor Class: 4.80% (4.68% excluding waivers)

Institutional Class: 5.04% (4.82% excluding waivers)

 

The 30-Day Yield represents net investment income earned by the Fund over the 30-day period ended 12/31/20, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on the Fund’s share price at the end of the 30-day period. The 30-Day Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Fund’s rate of investment income, and it may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate.

 

Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

   

YIELD TO WORST: 6.27%

 

Yield to worst is the lowest yield that can be received on a bond assuming that the issuer does not default. It is calculated by utilizing the worst case assumptions for a bond with respect to certain income-reducing factors, including prepayment, call or sinking fund provisions. It does not represent the yield that an investor should expect to receive. Past yields are no guarantee of future yields.

 

Source: FactSet Research Systems

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  5

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from HSBC, Markit iBoxx and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definitions. Effective January 31, 2020, the Fund changed its benchmark to a blended benchmark comprised of 50% Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index and 50% J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index. Prior to January 31, 2020, the Fund’s benchmark was the Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index. Matthews believes that the blended benchmark is more appropriate in light of the Fund’s current investment strategy. The Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index performance reflects the returns of the discontinued predecessor HSBC Asian Local Bond Index up to December 31, 2012 and the returns of the successor Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index thereafter.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS                     
     Sector      Currency      % of Net Assets  
Network i2i, Ltd., 5.650%, 04/15/2068    Communication Services      U.S. Dollar        5.7%  
Wanda Properties International Co., Ltd., 7.250%, 01/29/2024    Real Estate      U.S. Dollar        4.7%  
Viet Nam Debt & Asset Trading Corp., 1.000%, 10/10/2025    Financials      U.S. Dollar        4.7%  
ABJA Investment Co. Pte, Ltd., 5.450%, 01/24/2028    Materials      U.S. Dollar        4.1%  
Luye Pharma Group, Ltd., Cnv., 1.500%, 07/09/2024    Health Care      U.S. Dollar        3.9%  
Poseidon Finance 1, Ltd., Cnv., 0.000%, 02/01/2025    Financials      U.S. Dollar        3.9%  
Times China Holdings, Ltd., 6.200%, 03/22/2026    Real Estate      U.S. Dollar        3.5%  
Logan Group Co., Ltd., 5.250%, 02/23/2023    Real Estate      U.S. Dollar        3.5%  
Malaysia Government Bond, 4.642%, 11/07/2033    Foreign Government Bonds      Malaysian Ringgit        3.2%  
KWG Group Holdings, Ltd., 5.875%, 11/10/2024    Real Estate      U.S. Dollar        3.0%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                40.2%  

 

16    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
CURRENCY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
US Dollar     43.0  
South Korean Won     10.3  
Singapore Dollar     9.3  
China Renminbi     8.6  
Malaysian Ringgit     6.6  
Indonesian Rupiah     6.5  
Philippines Peso     5.4  
Thailand Baht     5.3  
Indian Rupee     3.4  
China Renminbi Offshore     1.6  

 

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7,8  
China/Hong Kong     40.4  
India     12.8  
Indonesia     12.2  
Philippines     7.7  
Malaysia     6.3  
Vietnam     4.7  
Switzerland     2.5  
Thailand     2.2  
South Korea     1.6  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     9.7  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
Real Estate     23.2  
Foreign Government Bonds     20.2  
Financials     16.7  
Communication Services     8.8  
Materials     6.6  
Consumer Discretionary     6.1  
Health Care     3.9  
Energy     3.9  
Industrials     0.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     9.7  

Please note: Foreign Government Bonds category includes Supranationals.

 

 
ASSET TYPE BREAKDOWN (%)6,7  
Non-Convertible Corporate Bonds     56.1  
Government Bonds     24.8  
Convertible Corporate Bonds     9.4  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     9.7  

 

6

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

7

Cash and other assets may include forward currency exchange contracts and certain derivative instruments that have been marked-to-market.

 

8

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

renminbi and South Korean won, while the portfolio’s overweight in Indonesian rupiah detracted slightly.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

We started 2020 with a focus on boosting duration (a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a bond or other debt instrument to a change in interest rates), adding investment grade-rated credit in local Chinese renminbi bonds and U.S. dollar-denominated bonds. As the virus sell-off intensified, we began to look for value among bonds most punished and continued to do so throughout the second quarter. This included adding to some perpetual bonds and highly-rated long-duration bonds, such as Geely, JD.com, and Syngenta. These bonds had suffered from illiquidity risk and the dash-for-cash panic, but are fundamentally strong companies that we believe are capable of weathering prolonged financial stress. In the third quarter, as governments worldwide focused on providing ample stimulus, the risk appetite of the market grew. We took profits on some investment grade names, such as JD.com and Weibo that had rebounded quickly. We believed value remained in many high yield bonds, which had not recovered as quickly and began boosting allocation to high yield bonds again, such as by adding Times China. We also added local currency exposure.

In the fourth quarter, we exited Chinese apparel maker Bosideng as it had rallied substantially and hit our price target. We also exited long-dated Syngenta bonds as it had rallied quite well in the recovery and we were concerned about rising rate risk associated with this long-duration bond. We added the convertible bonds of South Korean internet company Kakao (Daum) to increase exposure to the high-growth tech sector. We also added Powerlong, a commercial real estate developer in China, to diversify our Chinese real estate exposure which had been concentrated on residential development. In terms of currency, we added exposure to Indonesian rupiah, Korean won, Singaporean dollar, and Indian rupee in anticipation of local currency outperformance versus the U.S. dollar on the back of global risk-on sentiment.

Outlook:

The big question for 2021 is whether we are entering the start of a new macro trend, the much anticipated “value rotation” or cyclical risk-on. With new lockdown restrictions in countries with a new COVID strain, the value rotation could seem premature. However, governments and central banks globally seem committed to providing stimulus to help the sectors most hit by COVID—largely value sectors such as retail, banks, energy and industrials. Therefore, we think it’s unlikely that stimulus will be withdrawn before the recovery in value sectors seem more certain. As such, we believe Asia high yield credit and local currencies—considered “value” in the bond space—could continue to outperform.

With the market expecting a higher chance of U.S. stimulus and significantly more virus spread, U.S. 10-year treasury increased 23 basis points (0.23%) during the quarter. We believe U.S. interest rates have some scope to rise as inflation and economic activity normalizes in 2021, but don’t expect it to be a sharply disruptive move. In Asia, we expect to see relatively muted movements in interest rates for most countries. China bonds acted as a diversifier in the fourth quarter and we continue to believe they have the long-term potential to become a source of safety and diversification, similar to the roles played by other DM Asia rates and U.S. treasuries.

Given this backdrop, we are positioning our portfolio with a mild underweight to U.S. dollar-denominated securities and interest rate duration. We expect spreads to continue its march tighter as spreads continue to be wide relative to its history, as well as relative to similar quality issuers in U.S. and other EM regions. We also expect technicals to remain favorable as demand outstrips supply as we expect issuance from the biggest issuers, the Chinese real estate sector, to remain subdued as regulators limit leverage in the industry. In summary, we seek to position our portfolio to benefit from tail winds of credit spread (the difference between the quoted rates of return on two different investments, usually of different credit qualities but similar maturities) tightening and Asia currency appreciation while mitigating mild headwinds from likely interest rate rises and further steepening of yield curves (yield curve is a curve showing several yields to maturity or interest rates across different contract lengths for a similar debt contract).

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

NON-CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS: 56.1%

 

     Face Amount*     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 32.6%    

Wanda Properties International Co., Ltd.

 

7.250%, 01/29/24b

    5,300,000       $5,438,012  

Times China Holdings, Ltd. 6.200%, 03/22/26b

    3,900,000       4,046,206  

Logan Group Co., Ltd.
5.250%, 02/23/23b

    3,900,000       3,970,195  

KWG Group Holdings, Ltd. 5.875%, 11/10/24b

    3,400,000       3,495,211  

CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd. 6.550%, 03/28/24b

    3,200,000       3,417,632  

King Talent Management, Ltd. 5.600%c, 12/04/22b,d

    3,500,000       3,035,167  

KWG Group Holdings, Ltd. 7.875%, 09/01/23b

    2,050,000       2,132,566  

Powerlong Real Estate Holdings, Ltd.

 

5.950%, 04/30/25b

    1,800,000       1,825,896  

CITIC Telecom International Finance, Ltd.

 

6.100%, 03/05/25b

    1,631,000       1,704,395  

China Cinda Asset Management Co., Ltd.

 

5.500%, 03/14/28

    CNY 10,000,000       1,668,315  

Agricultural Bank of China, Ltd. 4.300%, 04/11/29b

    CNY 10,000,000       1,534,703  

China Cinda Asset Management Co., Ltd.

 

3.900%, 03/05/30

    CNY 10,000,000       1,501,713  

Sino-Ocean Land Treasure III, Ltd. 4.900%c, 09/21/22b,d

    1,400,000       1,174,105  

Times China Holdings, Ltd. 6.750%, 07/08/25b

    1,100,000       1,161,875  

Honghua Group, Ltd.
6.375%, 08/01/22b

    1,100,000       1,083,500  

Deutsche Bank AG
3.671%c, 04/10/25b

    CNY 2,000,000       274,280  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      37,463,771  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 12.8%    

Network i2i, Ltd.
5.650%c, 01/15/25d,e

    5,000,000       5,315,000  

ABJA Investment Co. Pte, Ltd. 5.450%, 01/24/28b

    4,440,000       4,696,450  

Tata Motors, Ltd.
5.875%, 05/20/25b

    2,000,000       2,087,000  

ICICI Bank UK PLC
5.375%c, 09/26/28b

    SGD 1,750,000       1,361,957  

Network i2i, Ltd.
5.650%c, 01/15/25b,d

    1,200,000       1,275,600  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      14,736,007  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 5.8%    

Indika Energy Capital III Pte, Ltd. 5.875%, 11/09/24b

    3,300,000       3,382,500  

PB International BV
7.625%, 01/26/22b

    5,100,000       3,289,500  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      6,672,000  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SWITZERLAND: 2.5%    

Syngenta Finance N.V. 5.182%, 04/24/28b

    2,400,000       2,573,207  

Syngenta Finance N.V.
4.892%, 04/24/25e

    300,000       321,918  
   

 

 

 

Total Switzerland

      2,895,125  
   

 

 

 
   
     Face Amount*     Value  
PHILIPPINES: 2.4%    

Jollibee Worldwide Pte, Ltd.
3.900%c, 01/23/25b,d

    1,729,000       $1,654,480  

Royal Capital BV
4.875%c, 05/05/24b,d

    1,041,000       1,059,180  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      2,713,660  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL NON-CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

 

    64,480,563  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $62,991,851)

   
   

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: 24.8%

 

 
 
INDONESIA: 6.4%

 

Indonesia Government Bond
9.000%, 03/15/29

    IDR 38,000,000,000       3,226,619  

Indonesia Government Bond
8.250%, 05/15/29

    IDR 34,550,000,000       2,829,397  

Indonesia Government Bond
8.375%, 04/15/39

    IDR 15,000,000,000       1,259,767  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      7,315,783  
   

 

 

 
   
 
MALAYSIA: 6.3%

 

Malaysia Government Bond
4.642%, 11/07/33

    MYR 13,000,000       3,693,491  

Malaysia Government Bond
3.478%, 06/14/24

    MYR 4,800,000       1,251,664  

Malaysia Government Investment Issue

 

4.119%, 11/30/34

    MYR 4,500,000       1,216,275  

Malaysia Government Investment Issue
3.422%, 09/30/27

    MYR 4,000,000       1,049,621  
   

 

 

 

Total Malaysia

      7,211,051  
   

 

 

 
   
 
PHILIPPINES: 5.3%

 

Republic of Philippines 3.900%, 11/26/22

    PHP 123,000,000       2,604,972  

Republic of Philippines 6.250%, 01/14/36

    PHP 70,000,000       1,861,497  

Philippine Government Bond
4.950%, 01/15/21

    PHP 80,000,000       1,664,760  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      6,131,229  
   

 

 

 
   
 
VIETNAM: 4.6%

 

Viet Nam Debt & Asset Trading Corp.
1.000%, 10/10/25b

    6,219,000       5,348,340  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      5,348,340  
   

 

 

 
   
 
THAILAND: 2.2%

 

Thailand Government Bond
1.600%, 12/17/29

    THB 72,000,000       2,493,532  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      2,493,532  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

    28,499,935  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $25,689,277)

   
   
 

 

18    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS: 9.4%

 

     Face Amount*     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 7.8%

 

Luye Pharma Group, Ltd., Cnv.
1.500%, 07/09/24b

    4,700,000       $4,491,226  

Poseidon Finance 1, Ltd., Cnv.
0.000%, 02/01/25b

    4,600,000       4,473,500  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

 

    8,964,726  
   

 

 

 
   
 
SOUTH KOREA: 1.6%

 

Kakao Corp., Cnv.
0.000%, 04/28/23b

    1,600,000       1,820,000  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

 

    1,820,000  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

 

    10,784,726  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $ 11,018,359)

   
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 90.3%

 

    103,765,224  

(Cost $ 99,699,487)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 9.7%

 

    11,083,016  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

 

    $114,848,240  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

c

Security is a fix-to-float security, which carries a fixed coupon until a certain date, upon which it switches to a floating rate. Reference rate and spread are provided if the rate is currently floating.

 

d

Perpetual security with no stated maturity date. First call date is disclosed.

 

e

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $5,636,918, which is 4.91% of net assets.

 

*

All Values in USD unless otherwise specified

 

3M MYR-KLIBOR

Three Month Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate

 

6M THB-THBFIX

Six Month Thai Baht Interest Rate Fixing

Cnv.

Convertible

 

CNY

Chinese Renminbi (Yuan)

 

IDR

Indonesian Rupiah

 

INR

Indian Rupee

 

KRW

Korean Won

 

MYR

Malaysian Ringgit

 

OTC

Over-the-counter

 

PHP

Philippine Peso

 

SGD

Singapore Dollar

 

THB

Thai Baht

 

USD

U.S. Dollar

 

FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS

 

Currency
Purchased
     Currency Sold        Counterparty   Settlement
Date
       Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
KRW 12,804,807,000        USD 10,830,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    01/15/21          $949,095  
SGD 12,281,840        USD 8,900,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    01/15/21          393,296  
THB 84,191,400        USD 2,700,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    01/15/21          110,150  
CNY 19,404,000        USD 2,750,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    02/04/21          227,117  
CNY 29,937,112        USD 4,380,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    02/04/21          204,084  
INR 286,982,000        USD 3,850,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    02/22/21          57,984  
IDR 32,532,450,000        USD 2,271,819       

Bank of America, N.A.

    04/05/21          49,020  
                

 

 

 
                   1,990,746  
                

 

 

 
USD 1,085,995        CNY 7,634,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    02/04/21          (85,275
USD 2,125,609        IDR 32,532,450,000       

Bank of America, N.A.

    04/05/21          (195,230
                

 

 

 
                   (280,505
                

 

 

 
Net Unrealized Appreciation

 

              $1,710,241  
                

 

 

 

OTC INTEREST RATE SWAPS*

 

Floating Rate
Paid by Fund

 

Fixed Rate
Received by Fund

 

    Counterparty

 

Termination

Date

    Notional
Amount (000)
   

Value

   

Upfront

Premium
Paid
(Received)

    Unrealized
Appreciation
 
Rate   Frequency   Rate   Frequency

3M MYR-KLIBOR, 1.940%

  Quarterly   3.300%  

Quarterly

  Bank of America, N.A.     06/19/2024       MYR 13,000     $ 141,735           $ 141,735  

6M THB-THBFIX, 0.231%

  Semi-annual   1.610%  

Semi-annual

  Bank of America, N.A.     06/21/2024       THB 281,000       359,005             359,005  

6M THB-THBFIX, 0.410%

  Semi-annual   1.265%  

Semi-annual

  Bank of America, N.A.     09/04/2024       THB 210,000       204,157             204,157  
             

 

 

 

Total

              $ 704,897           $ 704,897  
             

 

 

 

 

*

Swaps are not centrally cleared.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      19  


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Teresa Kong, CFA   Satya Patel

Lead Manager

 

Lead Manager

FUND FACTS        
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MCRDX   MICPX

CUSIP

  577130677   577130669

Inception

  4/29/16   4/29/16

NAV

 

$10.27

 

$10.27

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.14%   0.98%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.14%   0.90%

Portfolio Statistics

 

Total # of Positions

   

31

Net Assets

   

$91.1 million

Modified Duration3

   

2.86

Portfolio Turnover4

      48.5%

Benchmark

   

J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Total return over the long term.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in debt and debt-related instruments issued by companies as well as governments, quasi-governmental entities, and supra-national institutions in Asia. Debt and debt-related instruments typically include bonds, debentures, bills, securitized instruments (which are vehicles backed by pools of assets such as loans or other receivables), notes, certificates of deposit and other bank obligations, bank loans, senior secured bank debt, convertible debt securities, exchangeable bonds, credit-linked notes, inflation-linked instruments, repurchase agreements, payment-in-kind securities and derivative instruments with fixed income characteristics. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia, such as China and Indonesia, in addition to the developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region.

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund returned 1.80% (Investor Class) and 2.05% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index returned 6.33%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 3.61% (Investor Class) and 3.68% (Institutional Class) versus 1.82% for the Index.

Market Discussion:

2020 marked the end of a credit cycle—defined by a trend of falling spreads—as the global pandemic roiled markets. It also marked the beginning of a new credit cycle, as spreads staged a remarkable recovery as governments globally committed to unprecedented monetary and fiscal support to backstop the global economic recession due to COVID-19. Unlike past credit cycles where the lack of liquidity was the primary driver of defaults, solvency is becoming the primary driver as vulnerable sectors saw revenues, profits and free cash flows (Free cash flows are a measure of financial performance calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures. Free cash flow represents the cash that a company is able to generate after laying out the money required to maintain or expand its asset base.) plummet and working capital needs rose. Fortunately, many Asian countries, led by China, have staged a remarkable recovery and do not appear to be suffering from long-term structural damage as containment proved to be relatively swift. Emerging Asia’s recovery has been relatively slow and uneven with containment incomplete including in India and Indonesia. This dichotomy has also been playing out with companies, with larger companies having unfettered liquidity while smaller companies struggled to survive. The year closed with Asia default rates at 3.5%, compared to 9.7% in the U.S.

The fourth quarter can be described in two distinct sub-periods: before and after the U.S. election in November. The first month was dominated by worries, while the latter period provided a welcomed respite and positive returns across almost all risk assets. The average spread of the J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index tightened 39 basis points (0.39%) in the quarter while the high yield portion of the Index tightened 98 basis points (0.98%).

In the pre-election period, there were several sources of uncertainty: conflicting news on the likelihood of U.S. fiscal stimulus with the market widely perceiving a second stimulus as necessary given the weakened U.S. economy due to the pandemic; large increases in daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and Europe; and highly uncertain election results. And in Asia, the large divergence of recovery between East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea) and the rest of Asia and room for further fiscal stimulus was an additional question. These uncertainties led to market caution early in the quarter.

In the post-election period, risk sentiment improved for a number of reasons, including a Democratic Party win with the possibility that Democrats might take the majority in the Senate—viewed as having a much higher chance of passing a large stimulus. At the same time, successful COVID vaccine trials brought in view the end of the pandemic. The fact that a “Hard Brexit” did not materialize was an additional piece of good news. Within Asia, we saw volatility after President Trump signed Executive Orders directed at China. One Executive Order stipulates that all U.S. funds must divest from a list of Chinese companies associated with the military.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

In general, lower-rated securities outperformed higher-rated securities in the fourth quarter. The portfolio’s overweight in BB-rated securities helped Fund performance. Basic industries and real estate were the top contributors to performance, driven by securities such as Indika, Tata Industries, and Adaro within basic industries, and within real estate, Lippo Karawaci, KWG, and CIFI. However, security selection in Pan Brothers

(continued)

 

 

1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 0.90% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 0.90% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 0.90%. Pursuant to this agreement, any amount waived for prior fiscal years with respect to the Fund is not subject to recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

Modified duration measures the percent change in value of the fixed income portion of the portfolio in response to a 1% change in interest rates. In a multi-currency denominated portfolio with sensitivities to different interest rate regimes, modified duration will not accurately reflect the change in value of the overall portfolio from a change in any one interest rate regime.

4

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

20    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
         
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                            
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Retuns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MCRDX)      3.61%        1.80%        3.86%        5.16%        4/29/16  
Institutional Class (MICPX)      3.68%        2.05%        4.11%        5.41%        4/29/16  
J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index5      1.82%        6.33%        5.52%        5.07%     

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 
INCOME DISTRIBUTION HISTORY  
     2020

 

          2019

 

 
   Jan.     Feb.     Mar.     Apr.     May     June     July     Aug.     Sept.     Oct.     Nov.     Dec.     Total           Q1     Q2     Q3     Q4     Total  
Investor (MCRDX)      n.a.     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.04     $ 0.06     $ 0.44       $ 0.10     $ 0.10     $ 0.13     $ 0.11     $ 0.44  
Inst’l (MICPX)      n.a.     $ 0.04     $ 0.03     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.04     $ 0.06     $ 0.46       $ 0.10     $ 0.11     $ 0.14     $ 0.11     $ 0.46  

Note: This table does not include capital gains distributions. Totals may differ by $0.02 due to rounding. For income distribution history, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

   

30 DAY YIELD:

 

Investor Class: 6.13% (6.21% excluding waivers)

Institutional Class: 6.42% (6.30% excluding waivers)

 

The 30-Day Yield represents net investment income earned by the Fund over the 30-day period ended 12/31/20, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on the Fund’s share price at the end of the 30-day period. The 30-Day Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Fund’s rate of investment income, and it may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate.

 

Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

   

YIELD TO WORST: 7.36%

 

Yield to worst is the lowest yield that can be received on a bond assuming that the issuer does not default. It is calculated by utilizing the worst case assumptions for a bond with respect to certain income-reducing factors, including prepayment, call or sinking fund provisions. It does not represent the yield that an investor should expect to receive. Past yields are no guarantee of future yields.

 

Source: FactSet Research Systems

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions, or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  5

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS                     
     Sector      Currency      % of Net Assets  
Network i2i, Ltd., 5.650%, 04/15/2068    Communication Services      U.S. Dollar        6.1%  
Indika Energy Capital III Pte, Ltd., 5.875%, 11/09/2024    Energy      U.S. Dollar        5.6%  
Viet Nam Debt & Asset Trading Corp., 1.000%, 10/10/2025    Financials      U.S. Dollar        5.4%  
Honghua Group, Ltd., 6.375%, 08/01/2022    Energy      U.S. Dollar        5.2%  
Sino-Ocean Land Treasure III, Ltd., 4.900%, 03/21/2068    Real Estate      U.S. Dollar        5.2%  
King Talent Management, Ltd., 5.600%, 06/04/2068    Financials      U.S. Dollar        5.0%  
Tata Motors, Ltd., 5.875%, 05/20/2025    Consumer Discretionary      U.S. Dollar        4.8%  
Luye Pharma Group, Ltd., Cnv., 1.500%, 07/09/2024    Health Care      U.S. Dollar        4.3%  
Poseidon Finance 1, Ltd., Cnv., 0.000%, 02/01/2025    Financials      U.S. Dollar        4.1%  
Times China Holdings, Ltd., 6.200%, 03/22/2026    Real Estate      U.S. Dollar        3.9%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                49.6%  

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      21  


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

detracted from performance, as Pan Brothers was downgraded during the quarter due to concerns about their ability to refinance outstanding bank loans. In addition, exposure to Luye Pharmaceutical, a Chinese pharmaceutical company, also detracted from performance.

For the year 2020, Fund performance was mainly hurt by our overweight to high yield credit relative to investment grade, which had outperformed in the year as markets sought “safety”. But security selection in the investment grade space, including Syngenta and longer-dated Indonesian quasi-sovereigns credit, helped the Fund in the year.

In terms of country allocation, overweights in India and Vietnam were the top contributors while allocation to Indonesia, which failed to effectively control COVID-19, and Sri Lanka, which was hurt by pandemic-driven declines in tourism, were detractors. Within China, Fund performance was roughly in line with the benchmark. Contributors included real estate developers and internet names such as Baozun and iQiyi, while underweights in investment grade-rated names detracted.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

2020 was a year of many surprises and required continual rotation in search of value. We sold names that had benefited or recovered quickly from the COVID-crisis such as Weibo and Citic Telecom and redeployed capital into good companies where recovery was more delayed, including Chinese apparel brand Bosideng, and Jollibee, a Philippines restaurant chain. We reduced risk in Pakistan and Sri Lanka as we expected frontier markets nations to have both less ability to deal with a public health crisis and slower economic recoveries. We also rotated capital within Indonesia, from investment grade state-owned companies, such as InAlum and Cikarang Listrindo, into higher yield names, such as Sritex, a textile manufacturer, and Adaro, a coal miner. We also added high yield names such as Tata Motors of India, which has embarked on an ambitious debt reduction plan.

In the fourth quarter, we exited Chinese apparel maker Bosideng as it had rallied substantially and hit our price target. We switched out of China Jinmao as we saw rising risks associated with Chinese state-owned entities after the passage of President Trump’s Executive Order. We added Times China in replacement, as we liked its exposure to the fast-growing Pearl River Delta region. We added the convertible bonds of South Korean internet firm Kakao (Daum) to increase exposure to the high-growth tech sector.

Outlook:

Having experienced the worst of the credit cycle in 2020, we expect markets and economies globally to continue their recoveries in 2021. We will likely see policymakers gradually ease up on the unprecedented levels of support and accommodation seen in 2020, but largely expect monetary and fiscal policies to remain supportive for the foreseeable future. As such, we expect default rates (the corporate default rate measures the percentage of issuers in a given fixed-income asset class that failed to make scheduled interest or principal payments in the prior 12 months) in Asia to tick up slightly from 2020 year end levels and stay well contained in the mid-single digits.

Despite the strong support of policymakers, we continue to monitor some key risks, including new variants of COVID-19 and how this might affect the economic recovery. Additionally, we are watching the pace of recovery of countries such as China which has largely contained the virus. While we do expect further U.S. stimulus as well as vaccine distribution to solidify the economic recovery going into 2021, we are monitoring for any disruptions to the base case. In this base case, we believe that U.S. dollar-denominated, non-investment grade Asia bonds potentially offer the most attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic that U.S.—China relations could normalize to a more rules-based and engagement-based way of interaction. While the U.S. will continue to focus on rectifying grievances in trade and technology competition, we are hopeful that less erratic, Executive Order-driven policies will reduce Asian markets’ volatility.

As markets continue to assess the uncertainties, we expect idiosyncratic risks and company-specific risks to be the dominant concern for markets. We believe the market will shift its focus to determine to what degree each sector and each company is affected by the imminent vaccine distribution. As a result, dispersion between geographical regions and between different credit qualities will increase going forward.

 
CURRENCY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
US Dollar     100.0  

 

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7,8  
China/Hong Kong     44.0  
Indonesia     17.3  
India     14.2  
Vietnam     6.8  
Switzerland     3.1  
Australia     2.6  
Philippines     2.5  
South Korea     1.7  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     7.8  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
Real Estate     23.9  
Financials     17.0  
Consumer Discretionary     16.6  
Energy     13.8  
Communication Services     7.8  
Materials     6.5  
Health Care     4.3  
Foreign Government Bonds     1.5  
Industrials     0.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     7.8  

 

 
ASSET TYPE BREAKDOWN (%)6,7  
Non-Convertible Corporate Bonds     72.4  
Government Bonds     6.8  
Convertible Corporate Bonds     13.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     7.8  

 

6

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

7

Cash and other assets may include forward currency exchange contracts and certain derivative instruments that have been marked-to-market.

 

8

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

 

22    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

NON-CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS: 72.4%

 

     Face Amount*     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 32.6%    

Honghua Group, Ltd.
6.375%, 08/01/22b

    4,800,000       $4,728,000  

Sino-Ocean Land Treasure III, Ltd.
4.900%c, 09/21/22b,d

    5,600,000       4,696,418  

King Talent Management, Ltd.
5.600%c, 12/04/22b,d

    5,300,000       4,596,110  

Times China Holdings, Ltd.
6.200%, 03/22/26

    3,400,000       3,527,462  

KWG Group Holdings, Ltd.
5.875%, 11/10/24b

    3,200,000       3,289,610  

Wanda Properties International Co., Ltd.
7.250%, 01/29/24b

    2,400,000       2,462,496  

Wanda Group Overseas, Ltd. 7.500%, 07/24/22b

    2,500,000       2,416,554  

CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd. 5.950%, 10/20/25b

    2,000,000       2,150,997  

Logan Group Co., Ltd.
5.250%, 02/23/23b

    1,500,000       1,526,998  

KWG Group Holdings, Ltd.
7.400%, 03/05/24b

    300,000       321,375  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      29,716,020  
   

 

 

 
   
 
INDONESIA: 17.3%

 

Indika Energy Capital III Pte, Ltd. 5.875%, 11/09/24b

    5,000,000       5,125,000  

PB International BV
7.625%, 01/26/22b

    5,300,000       3,418,500  

PT Sri Rejeki Isman
7.250%, 01/16/25b

    3,000,000       3,120,329  

PT Adaro Indonesia
4.250%, 10/31/24b

    2,600,000       2,674,750  

Theta Capital Pte, Ltd.
6.750%, 10/31/26b

    1,500,000       1,417,437  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      15,756,016  
   

 

 

 
   
 
INDIA: 14.3%

 

Tata Motors, Ltd.
5.875%, 05/20/25b

    4,200,000       4,382,700  

Network i2i, Ltd.
5.650%c, 01/15/25d,e

    3,000,000       3,189,000  

ABJA Investment Co. Pte, Ltd. 5.450%, 01/24/28b

    2,900,000       3,067,501  

Network i2i, Ltd.
5.650%c, 01/15/25b,d

    2,200,000       2,338,600  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      12,977,801  
   

 

 

 
   
 
SWITZERLAND: 3.1%

 

Syngenta Finance N.V.
5.182%, 04/24/28b

    1,400,000       1,501,037  

Syngenta Finance N.V.
5.676%, 04/24/48b

    1,100,000       1,143,087  

Syngenta Finance N.V.
4.892%, 04/24/25e

    200,000       214,612  
   

 

 

 

Total Switzerland

      2,858,736  
   

 

 

 
   
 
AUSTRALIA: 2.6%

 

Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, Ltd.
6.750%c, 06/15/26b,d

    2,000,000       2,334,300  
   

 

 

 

Total Australia

      2,334,300  
   

 

 

 
   
 
PHILIPPINES: 2.5%

 

Jollibee Worldwide Pte, Ltd. 3.900%c, 01/23/25b,d

    1,556,000       1,488,936  
     Face Amount*     Value  

Royal Capital BV
4.875%c, 05/05/24b,d

    782,000       $795,657  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      2,284,593  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL NON-CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

 

    65,927,466  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $65,332,298)

   
   

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS: 13.0%

 

 
 
CHINA/HONG KONG: 11.3%

 

Luye Pharma Group, Ltd., Cnv. 1.500%, 07/09/24b

    4,100,000       3,917,878  

Poseidon Finance 1, Ltd., Cnv. 0.000%, 02/01/25b

    3,800,000       3,695,500  

Baozun, Inc., Cnv.
1.625%, 05/01/24

    2,800,000       2,688,303  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      10,301,681  
   

 

 

 
   
 
SOUTH KOREA: 1.7%

 

Kakao Corp., Cnv.
0.000%, 04/28/23b

    1,400,000       1,592,500  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

 

    1,592,500  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

 

    11,894,181  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $12,137,582)

   
   

FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS: 6.8%

 

 
 
VIETNAM: 6.8%

 

Viet Nam Debt & Asset Trading Corp. 1.000%, 10/10/25b

    5,689,000       4,892,540  

Socialist Republic of Vietnam 5.500%, 03/12/28

    1,320,000       1,326,600  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

 

    6,219,140  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL FOREIGN GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS

 

    6,219,140  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $5,892,881)

   
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 92.2%

 

    84,040,787  

(Cost $83,362,761)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 7.8%

 

    7,066,649  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

 

    $91,107,436  
   

 

 

 

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

c

Security is a fix-to-float security, which carries a fixed coupon until a certain date, upon which it switches to a floating rate. Reference rate and spread are provided if the rate is currently floating.

 

d

Perpetual security with no stated maturity date. First call date is disclosed.

 

e

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $3,403,612, which is 3.74% of net assets.

 

*

All Values in USD unless otherwise specified

 

Cnv.

Convertible

 

USD

U.S. Dollar

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Robert J. Horrocks, PhD   Kenneth Lowe, CFA

Lead Manager

  Lead Manager
Satya Patel*  

Co-Manager

   

*   As of August 31, 2020

FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MACSX   MICSX

CUSIP

  577130206   577130842

Inception

  9/12/94   10/29/10

NAV

  $18.05   $18.02

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.09%   0.96%

Portfolio Statistics

 

Total # of Positions

  57

Net Assets

  $1.5 billion

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $134.1 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  36.3%

Benchmark

 

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation. The Fund also seeks to provide some current income.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in dividend-paying common stock, preferred stock and other equity securities, and convertible securities as well as fixed-income securities, of any duration or quality, including high yield securities, of companies located in Asia, which consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region.

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund returned 16.00% (Investor Class) and 16.18% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned 25.36%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 15.52% (Investor Class) and 15.53% (Institutional Class) versus 18.66% for the Index.

Market Environment:

2020 was a remarkable year in many respects, not least of which is the unquestionably surprising strength of the performance of risk assets against a backdrop of a major health crisis that has crippled parts of the global economy. The coronavirus pandemic alongside a disputed U.S. presidential election, rising geopolitical tensions and an equity bull market that is long in the tooth appeared to be sufficient reasons to expect increased volatility, but these factors have been more than offset by a ramping up of aggressive monetary and fiscal support by almost all governmental and central bank regimes globally. This has caused the cost of capital to plummet to levels that most market participants have not witnessed during their careers, and the elevated valuations that follow.

Within Asia, equity market strength is a touch more understandable as the North Asian countries of China, Taiwan and South Korea led the charge. In China’s case, it has done a solid job of dealing with the virus and parts of the country are now functioning relatively normally with activity returning to pre-pandemic levels. For Taiwan and South Korea, both are important players within the technology supply chain that has been one of the few areas of visible and structural growth. Much of the rest of the region suffered a different fate as most markets in Southeast Asia finished the year in negative territory, although India bucked this trend with a late surge on hopes for a significant economic recovery in 2021.

Performance Contributor and Detractors:

The Fund underperformed over the course of the year but delivered solid absolute returns. This is a robust outcome given our more conservative, income-oriented investment approach. Style factors played an important role in relative performance during the year in light of the largest divergence between the performance of “growth” and “income” equities witnessed for some time.

In light of this, a key reason for the Fund’s relative performance was due to what we do not hold in the portfolio as a number of stay-at-home and electric vehicle stocks such as JD.Com, Alibaba, Meituan and Nio which delivered exceptionally strong performance. Although some of these are solid businesses, many do not fit our mandate of balancing growth and income. Elsewhere, the financial sector was the largest detractor to returns for the full year, although it contributed significantly over the fourth quarter. The largest of these was HSBC Group, which fell following a worsened outlook for global trade, questions over Hong Kong’s role in international finance and a suspension of its dividend. Thailand’s Kasikornbank also dropped on declining margins and elevated credit costs as the tourist dependent nation struggled to deal with the pandemic. We exited both positions during the year.

Parts of Southeast Asia also detracted from performance despite solid relative stock selection. SingTel dropped as it cut its dividend and delivered poor earnings due to lower roaming fees, rising price competition and weaker enterprise revenues. Genting Malaysia declined as the current health crisis is likely to impact the casino operator for quite some time.

The largest contributors to performance came from the IT sector with TSMC the strongest of these. The world’s largest semiconductor foundry gained as competitor Intel announced that it may consider outsourcing its own production. This further confirms TSMC’s leading position as we believe it is also likely to gain from increasing content value in Apple’s new iPhone as well as potential wins from other customers. Samsung Electronics rose as it is expected that it can gain smartphone market share from Huawei given U.S. restrictions on the latter’s access to necessary components, as well as

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

24    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
               
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                                                 
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
    

3 Months

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

    

Since
Inception

    

Inception
Date

 

Investor Class (MACSX)

     15.52%        16.00%        6.59%        8.38%        5.37%        9.22%        9/12/94  

Institutional Class (MICSX)

     15.53%        16.18%        6.76%        8.53%        5.52%        5.68%        10/29/10  

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index3

     18.66%        25.36%        8.46%        13.90%        6.80%        5.40% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

               
INCOME DISTRIBUTION HISTORY                                                         
       2020           2019  
      

June

      

December

      

Total

         

June

      

December

      

Total

 

Investor (MACSX)

     $ 0.11        $ 0.06        $ 0.16       $ 0.17        $ 0.18        $ 0.35  

Inst’l (MICSX)

     $ 0.12        $ 0.07        $ 0.18       $ 0.18        $ 0.19        $ 0.38  

Note: This table does not include capital gains distributions. Totals may differ by $0.02 due to rounding. For income distribution history, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

   

30-DAY YIELD:

 

1.37% (Investor Class) 1.44% (Institutional Class)

 

The 30-Day Yield represents net investment income earned by the Fund over the 30-day period ended 12/31/20, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on the Fund’s share price at the end of the 30-day period. The 30-Day Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Fund’s rate of investment income, and it may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate.

 

Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

   

DIVIDEND YIELD: 2.55%

 

The dividend yield (trailing) for the portfolio is the weighted average sum of the dividends paid by each equity security held by the Fund over the 12 months ended 12/31/20 divided by the current price of each equity as of 12/31/20. The annualized dividend yield for the Fund is for the equity-only portion of the portfolio. Please note that this is based on gross equity portfolio holdings and does not reflect the actual yield an investor in the Fund would receive. Past yields are no guarantee of future yields.

 

Source: FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg, MICM

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 8/31/94.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
    

Sector

    

Country

    

% of Net Assets

 

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      Taiwan        7.1%  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

   Communication Services      China/Hong Kong        4.9%  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      South Korea        4.3%  

AIA Group, Ltd.

   Financials      China/Hong Kong        4.1%  

Midea Group Co., Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        2.4%  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

   Industrials      China/Hong Kong        2.4%  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

   Financials      India        2.3%  

Broadcom, Inc.

   Information Technology      United States        2.1%  

Advantech Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      Taiwan        2.0%  

Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund

   Financials      South Korea        2.0%  

% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10

               33.6%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

benefiting from an improving memory cycle. Elsewhere, the Fund’s holdings in domestic demand-oriented Chinese companies such as Tencent, Netease, Jiangsu Yanghe, Yili Industrial and Midea Group all rose significantly. The commonality here is that these are all leaders in their respective fields, and in strong positions to take advantage of a still growing consumer base.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

The final quarter to the year was an active one as increased volatility created a number of disconnects in markets. The largest alterations to the portfolio came in both China and convertible bonds as we exited nine positions and established six new holdings.

A number of new issues during 2020 created some attractive opportunities within the convertible bond market, including South Korean internet giant Kakao and Chinese e-commerce platform Pinduoduo. These additions increased the portfolio’s exposure to leading stay-at-home economy stocks, but done so in a way that we believe will continue to prudently manage risk. Both of these companies are strong credits with net cash balance sheets, and offer an attractive risk-reward skew as growth is likely to remain strong in our view.

Within equities, we added a small position in gold miner Saracen Mineral Holdings. The company is on the verge of merging with Northern Star Resources and in our view, the combined entity should be a business with a well-respected management team, solid production growth and room for synergies that could drive double digit earnings growth.* It also provides the portfolio with some exposure to the precious metal as a means of tail risk given the scale of unprecedented monetary action that has been taken by central banks globally.

These were funded through the sales of convertible bonds in Anta Sports, Bosideng, Haier and CapitaLand as well as equity positions in Jiangsu Yanghe, Lepu Medical, Zhejiang Supor, and KDDI.

Outlook:

Looking to 2021, the backdrop for emerging market and Asian equities appears reasonable. It is likely that the geopolitical landscape will become less erratic than the last few years with renewed hopes of engagement and diplomacy from the new U.S. administration. Further, the alteration in the U.S. Fed’s approach to monetary policy toward targeting average inflation is anticipated to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future. This combined with a growing fiscal deficit in the U.S. and calls to undergo yet more stimulus may continue to put downward pressure on the U.S. dollar—often a key driver of relative returns for emerging markets. Adding to this constructive backdrop is that relative growth expectations in much of Asia are greater to Western counterparts and we have begun to witness earnings upgrades as the economic recovery ensues.

There are, of course, some counter arguments. Chief amongst these are valuations and style bifurcation. Headline multiples of 16.5x FY1 earnings (P/E Ratio is the share price of a stock as of the report date, divided by the forecasted earnings per share for the next 12-month period (FY1)) are lofty and also do not illustrate the degree to which “value” has underperformed “growth” over 2020. (Value stocks are represented by the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Value Index. Growth stocks are represented by the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Growth Index). The “value” index trades at only 10.6x FY1 earnings having delivered a relatively weak 9.9% return over 2020 in comparison to the “growth” index return of 40.4% and 25.5x FY1 earnings multiple. This is arguably justified to a degree, but it remains our belief that the party in high growth equities will not last in perpetuity. A raft of IPOs, SPACs (special-purpose acquisition companies) and elevated retail participation point to speculative behavior that lacks discipline. As a portfolio that aims to deliver attractive risk-adjusted returns across cycles through buying quality companies that display a blend of both growth and income, this backdrop leaves us fairly optimistic from a macroeconomic and style backdrop. We believe that we can generate attractive future portfolio returns as we aim to avoid value traps as well as overpriced conceptual growth stocks, focusing on long-term compounders that provide some income

 

*

Earnings growth is not representative of the Fund’s future performance.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
China/Hong Kong     43.8  
South Korea     13.0  
Taiwan     10.6  
Singapore     7.7  
India     7.4  
France     3.5  
Indonesia     2.5  
Australia     2.5  
United States     2.1  
Vietnam     1.4  
Philippines     1.3  
Thailand     0.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.3  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7  
Information Technology     19.1  
Consumer Discretionary     17.1  
Financials     16.0  
Communication Services     11.4  
Industrials     10.8  
Consumer Staples     8.2  
Real Estate     6.7  
Utilities     3.9  
Health Care     2.3  
Materials     1.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.3  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     54.3  
Large Cap ($10B-$25B)     11.9  
Mid Cap ($3B-10B)     23.2  
Small Cap (under $3B)     7.4  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.3  

 

 
ASSET TYPE BREAKDOWN (%)7,8  
Common Equities and ADRs     85.8  
Convertible Corporate Bonds     9.1  
Preferred Equities     1.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.3  

 

6

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

8

Bonds are not included in the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index.

 

 

26    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 85.8%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 36.1%    

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    1,014,400       $72,989,933  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    4,998,400       60,911,114  

Midea Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,372,079       35,927,468  

Techtronic Industries Co., Ltd.

    2,494,000       35,647,803  

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    4,047,575       27,622,787  

NetEase, Inc. ADR

    286,000       27,390,220  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    429,500       24,520,155  

Minth Group, Ltd.

    4,556,000       24,104,330  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings, Ltd.

    3,143,500       22,455,055  

Guangdong Investment, Ltd.

    12,456,000       22,454,290  

CK Hutchison Holdings, Ltd.

    3,041,672       21,236,451  

Link REIT

    2,214,800       20,114,319  

Ever Sunshine Lifestyle Services Group, Ltd.b

    8,984,000       19,730,360  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd.

   

H Shares

    1,581,500       19,246,249  

China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd. A Shares

    6,508,400       19,172,735  

Jiangsu Expressway Co., Ltd. H Shares

    16,770,000       18,757,227  

HKT Trust & HKT, Ltd.

    14,402,000       18,678,392  

China Resources Land, Ltd.

    4,276,000       17,620,926  

CLP Holdings, Ltd.

    1,726,200       15,961,556  

BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Ltd.

    5,107,500       15,481,991  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      540,023,361  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 10.6%    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    5,586,187       105,676,540  

Advantech Co., Ltd.

    2,419,884       30,208,357  

Taiwan Secom Co., Ltd.

    7,112,000       22,464,481  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      158,349,378  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 9.8%    

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    866,075       64,674,601  

Macquarie Korea Infrastructure Fund

    3,054,814       29,972,197  

Coway Co., Ltd.c

    330,466       22,146,178  

Hanon Systems

    1,478,342       22,132,888  

LEENO Industrial, Inc.

    66,525       8,273,342  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      147,199,206  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 7.7%    

Ascendas, REIT

    10,083,484       22,763,061  

Singapore Technologies Engineering, Ltd.

    7,823,325       22,641,310  

Venture Corp., Ltd.

    1,454,400       21,385,227  

United Overseas Bank, Ltd.

    1,193,000       20,333,989  

Singapore Telecommunications, Ltd.

    10,515,700       18,361,903  

Ascendas India Trust

    8,946,700       9,340,244  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      114,825,734  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 7.4%    

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

    979,513       34,318,171  

Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.

    628,279       24,669,459  

ITC, Ltd.

    8,338,840       23,881,033  

Sanofi India, Ltd.

    182,288       20,766,875  

Embassy Office Parks, REIT

    1,644,000       7,759,027  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      111,394,565  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
FRANCE: 3.5%    

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    46,973       $29,405,165  

Pernod Ricard SA

    121,618       23,356,316  
   

 

 

 

Total France

      52,761,481  
   

 

 

 
   
     
AUSTRALIA: 2.5%    

Macquarie Group, Ltd.

    197,166       21,045,378  

Saracen Mineral Holdings, Ltd.c

    4,641,324       17,029,989  
   

 

 

 

Total Australia

      38,075,367  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 2.5%    

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero

    65,968,800       19,612,752  

PT Ace Hardware Indonesia

    140,400,400       17,160,216  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      36,772,968  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UNITED STATES: 2.1%    

Broadcom, Inc.

    70,600       30,912,210  
   

 

 

 

Total United States

      30,912,210  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 1.4%    

Vietnam Dairy Products JSC

    4,315,311       20,359,776  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      20,359,776  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PHILIPPINES: 1.3%    

Bank of the Philippine Islands

    11,310,504       19,140,324  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      19,140,324  
   

 

 

 
   
     
THAILAND: 0.9%    

Digital Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund F Shares

    32,704,700       14,088,319  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      14,088,319  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL COMMON EQUITIES       1,283,902,689  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $921,941,395)

   

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS: 9.1%

     Face Amount*     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 7.8%    

ESR Cayman, Ltd., Cnv. 1.500%, 09/30/25b

    20,647,000       23,011,082  

Pinduoduo, Inc., Cnv.
0.000%, 12/01/25

    18,223,000       22,474,169  

China Conch Venture Holdings International, Ltd., Cnv.

 

0.000%, 09/05/23b

    HKD 142,000,000       21,119,259  

Baozun, Inc., Cnv.
1.625%, 05/01/24

    19,572,000       18,791,239  

China Education Group Holdings, Ltd., Cnv.

 

2.000%, 03/28/24b

    HKD 111,000,000       16,966,894  

Luye Pharma Group, Ltd., Cnv.
1.500%, 07/09/24b

    14,101,000       13,474,634  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      115,837,277  
   

 

 

 
   
 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS (continued)  

 

     Face Amount*     Value  
SOUTH KOREA: 1.3%    

Kakao Corp., Cnv. 0.000%, 04/28/23b

    17,300,000       $19,678,750  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      19,678,750  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS

 

    135,516,027  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $130,489,111)

   

PREFERRED EQUITIES: 1.8%

     Shares     Value  
SOUTH KOREA: 1.8%    

LG Household & Health Care, Ltd., Pfd.

    41,042       27,149,805  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      27,149,805  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL PREFERRED EQUITIES       27,149,805  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $11,577,044)

   
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 96.7%       1,446,568,521  

(Cost $1,064,007,550)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 3.3%
      49,186,383  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $1,495,754,904  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

c

Non-income producing security.

 

*

All Values in USD unless otherwise specified

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

Cnv.

Convertible

 

HKD

Hong Kong Dollar

 

JSC

Joint Stock Co.

 

Pfd.

Preferred

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

 

USD

U.S. Dollar

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

28    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Yu Zhang, CFA  

Lead Manager

 
Robert Horrocks, PhD   S. Joyce Li, CFA

Co-Manager

  Co-Manager
Sherwood Zhang, CFA  

Co-Manager

 
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MAPIX   MIPIX

CUSIP

  577125107   577130750

Inception

  10/31/06   10/29/10

NAV

  $22.63   $22.62

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.03%   0.93%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.02%   0.93%

Portfolio Statistics

Total # of Positions

  55

Net Assets

  $5.2 billion

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $81.7 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

  37.7%

Benchmark

   

MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Total return with an emphasis on providing current income.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in dividend-paying equity securities of companies located in Asia. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia, and includes developed, emerging and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. The Fund may also invest in convertible debt and equity securities of companies located in Asia.

 

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Dividend Fund returned 31.25% (Investor Class) and 31.29% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index returned 20.07%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 14.52% (Investor Class) and 14.47% (Institutional Class) versus 17.88% for the Index.

Market Environment:

Asian equities delivered a strong performance in 2020, despite the severe blow to the region’s economy by the COVID-19 pandemic. After suffering a steep loss due to the onset of the virus outbreak early in the year, Asian markets quickly found a firm bottom and staged a sharp rebound, thanks to the unprecedented liquidity injection and fiscal stimulus measures by governments. Investors’ confidence was later further bolstered by clear signs of a speedy recovery of the Chinese economy and the breakthrough in COVID vaccine development. The market gained further momentum, pushing Asian equities to a record-high.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

Our total-return investment approach provides the flexibility of investing in both dividend-paying stocks and dividend growth stocks. During the market meltdown early in the year, we aggressively increased our exposure to dividend growth stocks whose valuation was brought down significantly by the market dislocation but whose structural growth remained intact. This pivot towards dividend growth stocks paid off well for the strategy.

From a country perspective, China/Hong Kong contributed most to the Fund’s performance for 2020, helped by both stock selection and an overweight allocation relative to the benchmark. China’s effective response in containing the pandemic and a swift recovery of its economy provided a positive backdrop for Chinese equities to perform well. In addition, the further opening up of China’s onshore capital market attracted strong capital inflow from global investors. Our portfolio benefited from an increased allocation to China-A shares (shares in mainland China-based companies that trade on Chinese stock exchanges such as the Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange), as several of our A-share holdings were among the top-performing stocks for the year. On the other hand, our holdings in India detracted the most from relative performance. As India was lagging behind North Asia in terms of pandemic control, cyclical businesses suffered a demand shock and their shares underperformed.

From a sector perspective, the portfolio’s overweight to and stock selection in consumer discretionary was the top contributor to Fund performance. Our holdings in Chinese auto-parts and auto dealerships performed strongly during the year, as demand recovered quickly in China and the companies further solidified their industry leadership. On the other hand, communication services was the bottom-performing sector. Several of our traditional telecom stocks underperformed during the year, as growth-oriented stocks outperformed value stocks.

Turning to individual stocks, among the top-performing stocks for the year was our holding in LG Chemical based in South Korea. Traditionally considered a petrochemical business, LG Chemical has been investing aggressively in its electric

(continued)

 

 

1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and administrative and shareholder services fee if the Fund’s average daily net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every $2.5 billion average daily net assets of the Fund that are over $3 billion, the advisory fee rate and the administrative and shareholder services fee rate for the Fund with respect to such excess average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%. Any amount waived by Matthews pursuant to this agreement may not be recouped by Matthews. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated (i) at any time by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ prior written notice to Matthews; or (ii) by Matthews at the annual expiration date of the agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trust, in each case without payment of any penalty.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MAPIX)      14.52%        31.25%        8.39%        12.30%        8.46%        9.98%        10/31/06  
Institutional Class (MIPIX)      14.47%        31.29%        8.50%        12.42%        8.57%        8.73%        10/29/10  
MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index4      17.88%        20.07%        7.64%        11.62%        6.68%        5.72% 5    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

                   
INCOME DISTRIBUTION HISTORY                                                               
    2020

 

          2019

 

 
    Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4      Total           Q1      Q2      Q3      Q4      Total  
Investor (MAPIX)   $ 0.04      $ 0.12      $ 0.06      $ 0.00      $ 0.22       $ 0.03      $ 0.12      $ 0.11      $ 0.09      $ 0.36  
Inst’l (MIPIX)   $ 0.05      $ 0.12      $ 0.06      $ 0.00      $ 0.23       $ 0.04      $ 0.12      $ 0.12      $ 0.10      $ 0.37  

Note: This table does not include capital gains distributions. Totals may differ by $0.02 due to rounding and a return of capital. For distribution history please visit matthewsasia.com.

 

   

30-DAY YIELD:

 

Investor Class: 0.86% (0.86% excluding waivers)

Institutional Class: 0.96% (0.96% excluding waivers)

 

The 30-Day Yield represents net investment income earned by the Fund over the 30-day period ended 12/31/20, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on the Fund’s share price at the end of the 30-day period. The 30-Day Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Fund’s rate of investment income, and it may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate.

 

Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

   

DIVIDEND YIELD: 1.80%

 

The dividend yield (trailing) for the portfolio is the weighted average sum of the dividends paid by each equity security held by the Fund over the 12 months ended 12/31/20 divided by the current price of each equity as of 12/31/20. The annualized dividend yield for the Fund is for the equity-only portion of the portfolio. Please note that this is based on gross equity portfolio holdings and does not reflect the actual yield an investor in the Fund would receive. Past yields are no guarantee of future yields.

 

Source: FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg, MICM.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  5

Calculated from 10/31/06.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS6                     
     Sector      Country      % of Net Assets  
Minth Group, Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        6.2%  
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.    Information Technology      Taiwan        4.8%  
LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd.    Materials      South Korea        3.3%  
Breville Group, Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary      Australia        2.9%  
Chongqing Brewery Co., Ltd.    Consumer Staples      China/Hong Kong        2.8%  
KATITAS Co., Ltd.    Real Estate      Japan        2.6%  
Hoya Corp.    Health Care      Japan        2.6%  
MISUMI Group, Inc.    Industrials      Japan        2.4%  
Anritsu Corp.    Information Technology      Japan        2.3%  
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.    Communication Services      China/Hong Kong        2.2%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                32.1%  

 

  6

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

30    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)7,8  
Japan     30.7  
China/Hong Kong     30.7  
South Korea     9.5  
Australia     8.1  
Taiwan     6.2  
Singapore     5.3  
India     2.5  
Philippines     1.5  
Thailand     1.2  
Bangladesh     1.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.1  

 

SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)8  
Consumer Discretionary     26.7  
Information Technology     14.1  
Industrials     12.3  
Financials     9.5  
Communication Services     9.5  
Consumer Staples     8.6  
Health Care     6.5  
Real Estate     5.3  
Materials     3.3  
Energy     1.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.1  

 

MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)8  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     34.3  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     19.2  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     27.5  
Small Cap (under $3B)     15.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.1  

 

7

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

8

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

vehicle (EV) battery business over the last several years. Today, LG Chemical is ranked among the top EV battery makers globally. Recognizing this paradigm shift of the global automobile industry, investors started bidding up share prices of key players along the EV industry value chain, and the company’s share price appreciated significantly. On the flipside, Hyundai Mobis, an auto-parts business also based in South Korea, was among the bottom-performing holdings for the year. Mobis saw a substantial, negative impact from the COVID-19 pandemic as its downstream auto OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers faced both demand collapse and production disruption. Despite the short-term lag underperformance, we believe our investment thesis on Mobis remains valid. A potential value-unlocking, triggered by Hyundai Group’s restructuring and Mobis’ increased focus towards vehicle electrification, could be positive for Mobis’ valuation re-rating and dividend growth.

Portfolio Changes:

In the fourth quarter, we initiated two new financial stocks: AIA Group, a Hong Kong-based life insurance business with strong market presence across Asia, and Postal Savings Bank, a commercial bank with a strong deposit franchise in rural China. The financial sector was the worse-performing sector within Asia during the year and both AIA and Postal Savings Bank underperformed. However, we believe both stocks are currently priced at attractive levels versus their long-term growth potentials, and think the negative impact from COVID has been sufficiently reflected in the underperforming share price. In addition, an improving outlook on economic recovery, helped by vaccine rollouts in 2021, could be a tailwind for interest-rate sensitive stocks like financials to perform.

During the quarter, we exited one stock, China Resources Land, a Chinese real estate developer. We exited our position as our investment thesis for the company—value-unlocking from a potential spinoff of CR Land’s property management business—materialized after a successful listing of its property management division in Hong Kong.

Outlook:

The resurgence of COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout are likely to drive the market volatility in the near term. Taking a more disciplined approach managing the pandemic, Asia is relatively better positioned for a potential post-pandemic economic recovery. Corporate earnings recovery and liquidity conditions should both be closely monitored to determine the strength of the current market rally. Geopolitical factors, especially U.S.—China relations under the Biden administration, will also influence the unfolding of Asia’s market in the new year. We believe a total-return approach, balancing dividend income with dividend growth, should continue to help us uncover attractive market opportunities in 2021.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 91.4%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 30.8%    

Minth Group, Ltd.

    61,253,000       $324,069,910  

Chongqing Brewery Co., Ltd. A Shares

    8,084,870       147,241,962  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    1,618,900       116,486,004  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings, Ltd.

    5,008,700       98,161,758  

Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai A Shares

    10,169,803       96,941,894  

Zhongsheng Group Holdings, Ltd.

    12,812,500       91,523,905  

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp., Ltd. A Shares

    2,010,593       87,518,201  

Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,916,644       86,084,381  

China Education Group Holdings, Ltd.b

    44,063,000       84,991,502  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    6,731,800       82,034,538  

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. A Shares

    4,327,964       80,223,418  

Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c

    131,505,000       74,308,225  

HKBN, Ltd.

    46,034,623       71,306,045  

China East Education Holdings, Ltd.b,c

    28,112,000       67,652,928  

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure, Ltd.

    93,902,000       64,004,076  

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c

    1,609,500       27,211,371  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      1,599,760,118  
   

 

 

 
   
     
JAPAN: 30.7%    

KATITAS Co., Ltd.

    4,186,900       135,099,904  

Hoya Corp.

    964,800       133,619,800  

MISUMI Group, Inc.

    3,777,800       124,015,101  

Anritsu Corp.

    5,461,500       121,921,213  

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    1,302,500       112,797,501  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    159,300       102,261,268  

Lixil Corp.

    4,632,900       100,472,171  

Disco Corp.

    277,700       93,594,045  

TDK Corp.

    598,500       90,303,795  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    5,932,600       89,376,980  

Oriental Land Co., Ltd.

    531,100       87,754,359  

Daifuku Co., Ltd.

    686,500       84,951,340  

Pigeon Corp.

    2,048,200       84,534,813  

BELLSYSTEM24 Holdings, Inc.

    5,045,500       79,189,759  

Shiseido Co., Ltd.

    1,033,300       71,529,427  

MANI, INC.

    2,038,000       55,591,656  

Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.

    2,403,000       32,072,768  
   

 

 

 

Total Japan

      1,599,085,900  
   

 

 

 
   
     
AUSTRALIA: 8.1%    

Breville Group, Ltd.

    7,564,257       148,884,666  

Macquarie Group, Ltd.

    873,108       93,195,013  

Sydney Airport

    18,253,479       90,351,473  

QBE Insurance Group, Ltd.

    12,339,933       80,436,971  

IDP Education, Ltd.

    610,051       9,350,662  
   

 

 

 

Total Australia

      422,218,785  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 6.2%    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR

    1,147,440       125,116,857  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    6,449,469       122,007,654  

Cathay Financial Holding Co., Ltd.

    49,390,000       74,370,528  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      321,495,039  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
SINGAPORE: 5.3%    

Keppel DC, REIT

    38,579,180       $82,151,614  

NetLink NBN Trustb

    94,863,200       69,335,194  

BOC Aviation, Ltd.b,c

    7,703,800       66,680,308  

Ascendas India Trust

    57,288,600       59,808,587  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      277,975,703  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 4.0%    

Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.

    449,593       105,818,979  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    870,241       64,985,699  

Hugel, Inc.d

    225,785       39,062,066  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      209,866,744  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 2.5%    

Minda Industries, Ltd.

    13,619,268       74,543,018  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    2,034,882       55,366,969  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      129,909,987  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PHILIPPINES: 1.5%    

Globe Telecom, Inc.

    1,829,305       77,409,997  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      77,409,997  
   

 

 

 
   
     
THAILAND: 1.2%    

Thai Beverage Public Co., Ltd.

    108,527,600       60,416,517  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      60,416,517  
   

 

 

 
   
     
BANGLADESH: 1.1%    

GrameenPhone, Ltd.

    14,140,431       57,913,199  
   

 

 

 

Total Bangladesh

      57,913,199  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL COMMON EQUITIES       4,756,051,989  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $3,046,234,540)

   
   

PREFERRED EQUITIES: 5.5%

 

 
     
SOUTH KOREA: 5.5%    

LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd.

    488,391       171,930,580  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Pfd.

    1,671,655       113,399,999  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      285,330,579  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL PREFERRED EQUITIES

 

    285,330,579  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $105,374,274)

   
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 96.9%       5,041,382,568  

(Cost $3,151,608,814)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 3.1%

 

    159,553,353  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $5,200,935,921  
   

 

 

 
 

 

32    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

c

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $235,852,832, which is 4.53% of net assets.

 

d

Non-income producing security.

 

Affiliated Issuer, as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (ownership of 5% or more of the outstanding voting securities of this issuer) (See Note 7)

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

Pfd.

Preferred

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      33  


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Sherwood Zhang, CFA  

Lead Manager

   
Yu Zhang, CFA   S. Joyce Li, CFA

Co-Manager

  Co-Manager
FUND FACTS        
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MCDFX   MICDX

CUSIP

  577125305   577130735

Inception

  11/30/09   10/29/10

NAV

  $19.64   $19.64

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.15%   1.02%

Portfolio Statistics

 

Total # of Positions

  47

Net Assets

  $384.6 million

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $67.7 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  81.8%

Benchmark

   

MSCI China Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Total return with an emphasis on providing current income.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in dividend-paying equity securities of companies located in China. China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong. The Fund may also invest in convertible debt and equity securities of companies located in China.

Matthews China Dividend Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews China Dividend Fund returned 24.22% (Investor Class) and 24.37% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI China Index, returned 29.67%. For the quarter ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews China Dividend Fund returned 11.12% (Investor and Institutional Classes), while its benchmark, the MSCI China Index, returned 11.21%.

Market Environment:

Following some early missteps in addressing the pandemic, Chinese authorities acted decisively, limiting internal travel and controlling its borders while working with world health organizations to control the outbreak. In addition, policy actions meant to assist small and medium-size enterprises were implemented including an increase in loan quotas, lowering of borrowing rates, a delay in loan repayments and value added tax (VAT) relief. The result was an early 2020 outperformance of Chinese equities which added support to neighboring country markets.

The second quarter of 2020 was lackluster even though anecdotes from our local offices and official economic data implied that recovery was well under way, however, the uncertainty around the national security law in Hong Kong has shadowed the performance of Chinese equities, especially the market in Hong Kong.

Chinese equities posted strong returns in the third quarter but most of those gains were registered in the first two weeks of the quarter—reflecting increased tensions between the U.S. and China. Nevertheless, consumer discretionary stocks (autos, travel and retail) were the strongest performers due to economic data pointing to a full recovery underway. Chinese equities were strong going into the last quarter of 2020, however, the surprising cancellation of Ant Financial’s IPO caused investors to worry about China’s regulatory risk towards giant internet companies, causing overall sentiment to wane somewhat.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

For the full year of 2020, the Fund’s underweight in the financials sector and security selection in the real estate sector contributed the most to performance. On the other hand, security selection in communication services and consumer staple sectors detracted from Fund performance. Our total-return investment approach provides the flexibility of investing in both dividend-paying stocks and dividend growth stocks. To achieve a balance between dividend growth and current high yield, we maintained certain high dividend yield stocks such as telecom operators. However, these names are likely to underperform during a rally driven by ample global liquidity.

During the fourth quarter, SITC International Holding, a shipping company with focus on intra-Asia routes, was the top contributor to Fund performance. Container shipping rates rose rapidly around the Christmas shopping season which benefited the company. We believe SITC is also well positioned to benefit from regional trade among Asian countries boosted by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Program (RCEP). The Fund’s second largest contributor was Leader Harmonious Drive Systems, the precision parts company we added during the third quarter, as the market started to realize the company’s competence on the global stage. Cathay Media and Education Group was the third largest performance contributor, as it completed an acquisition of an after school tutoring service company, further expanding its art and performance education business into a bigger potential market.

(continued)

 

 

34    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
               
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                                                 
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Year      5 Year      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MCDFX)      11.12%        24.22%        8.75%        13.36%        9.88%        11.06%        11/30/09  
Institutional Class (MICDX)      11.12%        24.37%        8.90%        13.53%        10.07%        10.31%        10/29/10  
MSCI China Index3      11.21%        29.67%        9.22%        15.25%        7.84%        7.55% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

               
INCOME DISTRIBUTION HISTORY                                                         
       2020           2019  
       June        December        Total           June        December        Total  
Investor (MCDFX)      $ 0.36        $ 0.04        $ 0.40       $ 0.24        $ 0.02        $ 0.26  
Inst’l (MICDX)      $ 0.38        $ 0.05        $ 0.42       $ 0.25        $ 0.03        $ 0.28  

Note: This table does not include capital gains distributions. Totals may differ by $0.02 due to rounding. For income distribution history, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

   

30 DAY YIELD:

 

0.97% (Investor Class) 1.06% (Institutional Class)

 

The 30-Day Yield represents net investment income earned by the Fund over the 30-day period ended 12/31/20, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on the Fund’s share price at the end of the 30-day period. The 30-Day Yield should be regarded as an estimate of the Fund’s rate of investment income, and it may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate.

 

Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.

   

DIVIDEND YIELD: 2.73%

 

The dividend yield (trailing) for the portfolio is the weighted average sum of the dividends paid by each equity security held by the Fund over the 12 months ended 12/31/20 divided by the current price of each equity as of 12/31/20. The annualized dividend yield for the Fund is for the equity-only portion of the portfolio. Please note that this is based on gross equity portfolio holdings and does not reflect the actual yield an investor in the Fund would receive. Past yields are no guarantee of future yields.

 

Source: FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg, MICM.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 11/30/09.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
     Sector             % of Net Assets  
Tencent Holdings, Ltd.    Communication Services             7.3%  
Shanghai Baosight Software Co., Ltd.    Information Technology             4.0%  
SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.    Industrials             3.9%  
Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd.    Consumer Staples             3.4%  
Minth Group, Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary             3.4%  
China International Capital Corp., Ltd.    Financials             3.1%  
Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Ltd.    Financials             3.0%  
Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai    Consumer Discretionary             2.8%  
MediaTek, Inc.    Information Technology             2.7%  
Leader Harmonious Drive Systems Co., Ltd.    Industrials             2.7%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                36.3%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      35  


Table of Contents

Matthews China Dividend Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

On the contrary, medical equipment maker AK Medical was the largest performance detractor during the quarter, as the market worried that the centralized procurement of AK Medical’s products could depress its margin. We are closely monitoring the situation. Shimao Services Holding, a residential property manager, was the second largest performance detractor. We participated in the company’s IPO due to its reputation of quality service. However, in a relatively short period of time, the market was flooded with many property managers’ IPO, and when negative news about its parent company’s bad acquisition emerged, Shimao’s shares sold off. In our view, this has very little impact on the company’s own operation, thus, we added to our position during the market selloff. HKBN, the broadband operator in Hong Kong, was the third largest performance detractor during the quarter. The company reported dismal outlook as its customers have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. However, we are still confident in HKBN’s management to maintain its growth longer term.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During the fourth quarter, we re-initiated positions in Postal Saving Bank of China. As China’s economy stabilizes further, we believe the asset quality of the banking sector should also improve. We also initiated a position in Travelsky Technology, the dominant airfare ticketing agency in China. Although its earnings had been impacted by bad debt incurred by one of its customers (a troubled airliner in financial distress), we believe it is largely a one-off situation and should not impact its fundamentals. As Chinese and global air travel could improve further into 2021, we think TravelSky should be well positioned to ride the recovery.

In addition, we rotated capital from Zhong Sheng Group to China Yongda Auto. As the valuation gap between these two companies widens, we think there is more upside potential for Yongda Auto to catch up as the market may be late to recognize its improvements in operations. We also exited our position in China Tower as we were concerned that it could be impacted by Donald Trump’s executive order to exclude Chinese companies with a military link, as the largest shareholders of China Tower are China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom. We also exited KWG Group as we viewed the company’s further upside was limited going forward after it spun off its property service arm.

Outlook:

Unlike many developed economies’ unlimited quantitative monetary easing policy, China’s monetary aggregates have been balanced for several months, offering Chinese policymakers a future cushion to stimulate the economy, if needed. At the same time, China’s rebounding economy and solid mid-teens consensus earnings growth* estimates should support current valuations.

China’s newly released five-year plan could support businesses benefiting from the “dual-circulation” announcement focused on domestic demand and self-sufficiency in key areas of technology, innovation, health care and the digitalization of its economy. Meanwhile China has not given up its participation in the global economy—just in the last quarter alone, China concluded two key trade negotiations, RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation) with mostly Asian counties and a bilateral investment agreement with the European Union. The investment agreement with the European Union includes for the first time, specific language to rein in behavior of State Owned Enterprises. This shows quite significant progress of the long waited reform. Geopolitical factors, especially U.S.—China relations under the Biden administration, will also influence the unfolding of Asia’s market in the new year. We believe a total-return approach, balancing dividend income with dividend growth, should continue to help us uncover attractive market opportunities in 2021.

 

*

Earnings growth is not representative of the Fund’s future performance.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
China/Hong Kong     91.2  
Taiwan     4.1  
Singapore     1.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     2.9  

 

   
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7      
Consumer Discretionary     21.0  
Communication Services     14.7  
Industrials     14.1  
Financials     10.5  
Information Technology     10.2  
Consumer Staples     6.3  
Real Estate     6.0  
Health Care     4.8  
Materials     4.8  
Energy     2.6  
Utilities     2.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     2.9  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     23.8  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     15.6  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     35.0  
Small Cap (under $3B)     22.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     2.9  

 

6

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

 

36    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews China Dividend Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 97.1%

 

     Shares     Value  
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 21.0%    

Specialty Retail: 5.0%

   

China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings, Ltd.

    4,374,500       $7,253,946  

Topsports International Holdings, Ltd.b,c

    4,743,000       7,102,955  

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp., Ltd. A

   

Shares

    114,300       4,975,313  
   

 

 

 
      19,332,214  
   

 

 

 
   

Diversified Consumer Services: 4.3%

   

China Education Group Holdings, Ltd.c

    5,359,000       10,336,778  

Union Medical Healthcare, Ltd.

    5,110,000       3,981,212  

Neusoft Education Technology Co., Ltd.d

    3,232,800       2,085,018  
   

 

 

 
      16,403,008  
   

 

 

 
   

Auto Components: 3.4%

   

Minth Group, Ltd.

    2,444,000       12,930,418  
   

 

 

 
   

Household Durables: 2.8%

   

Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai A Shares

    1,137,104       10,839,248  
   

 

 

 
   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods: 2.3%

   

Bosideng International Holdings, Ltd.

    17,810,000       9,081,371  
   

 

 

 
   

Leisure Products: 1.1%

   

Bafang Electric Suzhou Co., Ltd. A Shares

    148,569       4,353,972  
   

 

 

 
   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 1.1%

   

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Ltd. ADR

    224,100       4,157,055  
   

 

 

 
   

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 0.7%

   

JD Health International, Inc.b,c,d

    133,400       2,581,120  
   

 

 

 
   

Multiline Retail: 0.3%

   

MINISO Group Holding, Ltd. ADRd

    47,600       1,256,164  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

      80,934,570  
   

 

 

 
   
     
COMMUNICATION SERVICES: 14.7%    

Interactive Media & Services: 7.3%

   

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    389,600       28,033,200  
   

 

 

 
   

Diversified Telecommunication Services: 4.4%

 

 

CITIC Telecom International Holdings, Ltd.

    29,061,000       9,145,583  

HKBN, Ltd.

    5,069,957       7,853,189  
   

 

 

 
      16,998,772  
   

 

 

 
   

Entertainment: 3.0%

   

Cathay Media and Education Group, Inc.b,c,d

    8,224,303       8,718,046  

BAIOO Family Interactive, Ltd.b,c

    23,848,000       2,862,923  
   

 

 

 
      11,580,969  
   

 

 

 

Total Communication Services

      56,612,941  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDUSTRIALS: 14.1%    

Machinery: 6.5%

   

Leader Harmonious Drive Systems Co., Ltd. A Sharesd

    465,410       10,434,235  

Shanghai Mechanical and Electrical Industry Co., Ltd. B Shares

    4,976,114       7,387,021  

Weichai Power Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,947,581       7,164,198  
   

 

 

 
      24,985,454  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  

Marine: 3.9%

   

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.

    7,004,000       $15,126,259  
   

 

 

 
   

Trading Companies & Distributors: 1.9%

   

BOC Aviation, Ltd.b,c

    815,900       7,062,029  
   

 

 

 
   

Industrial Conglomerates: 1.8%

   

CK Hutchison Holdings, Ltd.

    1,006,500       7,027,217  
   

 

 

 

Total Industrials

      54,200,959  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FINANCIALS: 10.5%    

Capital Markets: 4.7%

   

China International Capital Corp., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    4,347,200       11,786,341  

China Everbright, Ltd.

    4,622,000       6,190,002  
   

 

 

 
      17,976,343  
   

 

 

 
   

Banks: 3.0%

   

Postal Savings Bank of China Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c

    20,604,000       11,642,498  
   

 

 

 
   

Insurance: 2.8%

   

New China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. H Shares

    1,771,500       6,910,149  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd. H Shares

    331,000       4,028,143  
   

 

 

 
      10,938,292  
   

 

 

 

Total Financials

      40,557,133  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 10.2%    

Software: 4.0%

   

Shanghai Baosight Software Co., Ltd. B Shares

    3,790,910       15,437,139  
   

 

 

 
   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 2.8%

 

 

MediaTek, Inc.

    396,000       10,560,243  
   

 

 

 
   

IT Services: 2.0%

   

TravelSky Technology, Ltd. H Shares

    3,203,000       7,738,169  
   

 

 

 
   

Communications Equipment: 1.4%

   

Accton Technology Corp.

    477,000       5,378,029  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

      39,113,580  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER STAPLES: 6.3%    

Beverages: 4.5%

   

Tsingtao Brewery Co., Ltd. H Shares

    1,262,000       13,221,850  

Yantai Changyu Pioneer Wine Co., Ltd. B Shares

    1,914,173       3,922,610  
   

 

 

 
      17,144,460  
   

 

 

 

Food Products: 1.8%

   

WH Group, Ltd.b,c

    8,467,500       7,100,441  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

      24,244,901  
   

 

 

 
   
     
REAL ESTATE: 6.0%    

Real Estate Management & Development: 6.0%

 

 

Powerlong Commercial Management Holdings, Ltd.c

    2,319,000       7,438,952  

Excellence Commercial Property & Facilities Management Group, Ltd.c,d

    4,834,000       6,335,215  

Shimao Services Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    3,656,000       5,640,251  

K Wah International Holdings, Ltd.

    7,387,000       3,551,967  
   

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

      22,966,385  
   

 

 

 
   
 

 

matthewsasia.com  |  800.789.ASIA      37  


Table of Contents

Matthews China Dividend Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

COMMON EQUITIES (continued)

 

     Shares     Value  
HEALTH CARE: 4.8%    

Life Sciences Tools & Services: 2.6%

 

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c

    592,700       $10,020,615  
   

 

 

 
   

Pharmaceuticals: 1.4%

 

Livzon Pharmaceutical Group, Inc. H Shares

    1,386,000       5,370,384  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 0.8%

 

AK Medical Holdings, Ltd.b,c

    1,784,000       3,092,724  
   

 

 

 

Total Health Care

      18,483,723  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MATERIALS: 4.8%    

Construction Materials: 2.6%

 

Huaxin Cement Co., Ltd. B Shares

    4,577,692       9,922,033  
   

 

 

 
   

Containers & Packaging: 2.2%

 

Greatview Aseptic Packaging Co., Ltd.

    14,514,000       8,493,857  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

      18,415,890  
   

 

 

 
   
     
ENERGY: 2.6%    

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 2.6%

 

China Suntien Green Energy Corp., Ltd. H

   

Shares

    32,695,000       10,031,161  
   

 

 

 

Total Energy

      10,031,161  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UTILITIES: 2.1%    

Gas Utilities: 2.1%

 

Kunlun Energy Co., Ltd.

    9,298,000       8,058,432  
   

 

 

 

Total Utilities

      8,058,432  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 97.1%       373,619,675  

(Cost $290,469,962)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 2.9%
      11,023,284  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $384,642,959  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $77,609,943, which is 20.18% of net assets.

 

c

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

d

Non-income producing security.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

38    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Taizo Ishida  

Lead Manager

 
Michael J. Oh, CFA*  

Co-Manager

 

*   As of August 31, 2020

FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MPACX   MIAPX

CUSIP

  577130867   577130776

Inception

  10/31/03   10/29/10

NAV

  $39.44   $39.82

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.08%   0.95%

Portfolio Statistics

   

Total # of Positions

    65

Net Assets

   

$2.1 billion

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $61.0 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  42.8%

Benchmark

MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia, and includes developed, emerging and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. The Fund may also invest in the convertible securities, of any duration or quality, of Asian companies.

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Growth Fund returned 46.76% (Investor Class) and 47.01% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index, returned 20.07%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 26.54% (Investor Class) and 26.64% (Institutional Class) versus 17.88% for the Index.

Market Environment:

Equities across Asia were volatile in the year, but broad market indexes tracking the region ultimately generated attractive returns. Global markets fell in the first quarter, as worries surrounding the spread of COVID-19 moved from China throughout Europe to the U.S. and then back to South Asia, including India. Fears of a global growth slowdown turned into reality as governments worldwide began to implement different versions of ‘shelter in place’ to contain the movement of the virus. Early in the year, cyclically sensitive sectors like energy, materials, industrials and financials suffered most while companies related to communication services and technology performed better. In the second quarter, most global financial markets, including Asia’s, began to rise as major economies began to relax prior pandemic-related restrictions. The gradual reopening of businesses—especially those focused on services and consumption— helped bolster sentiment and bring a floor to stock prices globally.

In the third quarter, economic recovery and improved sentiment began to take hold as major economies continued to relax COVID-19 lockdown restrictions even further. China’s V-shaped recovery in manufacturing along with a steady recovery in domestic consumption brought some normalcy to daily life. EM currencies rallied slightly against the U.S. dollar in the third quarter, acting as a slight tailwind for EM equities. Growth stocks outpaced value and small caps outperformed large caps in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw further economic strengthening. Cyclical stocks in beaten-up or export-driven markets such as Indonesia and South Korea rallied most in the fourth quarter, while markets that experienced early recovery like China, Japan and India lagged slightly. Market strength gained momentum following the U.S. Presidential elections in November as markets hoped for less confrontational U.S.—China relations, combined with an announcement of several approved COVID-19 vaccines that were due for distribution early in 2021.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

From a regional perspective, stock selection in China/Hong Kong was a notable contributor to performance. China’s economy went into lockdown and emerged from lockdown earlier than other major economies, boosting local sentiment and asset prices. From a sector perspective, stock selection and our overweight in health care was a notable contributor to performance. Health care stocks occupy an interesting spot in the risk-reward continuum in our view, because they offer the potential for both attractive growth and steady growth.

On the other hand, our underweight to Taiwan and South Korea detracted slightly from relative performance. Our underweight to the information technology sector was also a slight detractor from relative performance, even though stock selection in information technology was a contributor. Large-cap information technology companies, which have a strong presence in Taiwan and South Korea, generated strong gains in the year. The Fund’s underweights are result of our bottom-up stock selection process.

Turning to individual securities, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng, which we purchased during its IPO in mid-August, generated strong gains in the reporting period. China continues to focus on cleaner energy and cleaner transit, fueling demand for EVs. On the other hand, the Chinese health care company Kangji Medical Holdings was a detractor. We exited the company in the fourth quarter to redeploy the capital in higher conviction holdings.

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MPACX)      26.54%        46.76%        15.75%        16.88%        10.48%        11.15%        10/31/03  
Institutional Class (MIAPX)      26.64%        47.01%        15.94%        17.07%        10.67%        10.78%        10/29/10  
MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index3      17.88%        20.07%        7.64%        11.62%        6.68%        7.93% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 10/31/03.

 

         
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                            
     Sector      Country             % of Net Assets  
Bilibili, Inc.    Communication Services      China/Hong Kong             6.0%  
Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.    Health Care      China/Hong Kong             5.0%  
Innovent Biologics, Inc.    Health Care      China/Hong Kong             3.6%  
PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero    Financials      Indonesia             3.0%  
HDFC Bank, Ltd.    Financials      India             2.7%  
Sony Corp.    Consumer Discretionary      Japan             2.7%  
BeiGene, Ltd.    Health Care      China/Hong Kong             2.5%  
Nintendo Co., Ltd.    Communication Services      Japan             2.3%  
Shenzhou International Group Holdings, Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong             2.3%  
XPeng, Inc.    Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong             2.2%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                     32.3%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

40    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
China/Hong Kong     46.7  
Japan     28.1  
India     4.6  
Indonesia     3.5  
Australia     2.8  
United States     2.6  
Taiwan     1.9  
Bangladesh     1.4  
Singapore     0.9  
Vietnam     0.9  
Sri Lanka     0.5  
Switzerland     0.4  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     5.9  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7  
Health Care     38.5  
Consumer Discretionary     15.0  
Communication Services     11.3  
Information Technology     10.0  
Financials     7.8  
Industrials     4.7  
Energy     2.5  
Consumer Staples     2.2  
Real Estate     2.0  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     5.9  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     51.9  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     11.7  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     12.7  
Small Cap (under $3B)     17.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     5.9  

 

6

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

By market capitalization, stock selection among mid-cap stocks (those with a market cap between $3 billion and $10 billion) was also a strong contributor in the period. In our view, mid-cap stocks offer attractive alpha (the excess return on an investment relative to the return on a benchmark index) generation potential because they are often in an earlier stage of growth with a longer trajectory for generating future returns. The spirit of a growth-oriented fund is to capture this early stage growth when possible. While the Fund skews towards large caps in aggregate, we continue to find compelling opportunities in mid caps. On the other hand, stock selection in small caps was a detractor in the period. While the economic recovery is starting to broaden out and include smaller companies, investors gravitated toward larger companies with larger balance sheets amid a year of economic disruption. Small caps remain a focus of our research efforts, particularly in Japan.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

A robust IPO market in China led to a busy fourth quarter in terms of new portfolio additions. We purchased China-based health care companies Jacobio Pharmaceuticals Group, JD Health International, JW Cayman Therapeutics and Remegen Co. In addition, we purchased Chinese real estate management company Shimao Services and Chinese cosmetics company Yatsen Holding. The surge of IPOs created some interesting buying opportunities. Elsewhere in the region, we initiated a small position in the Indian non-banking financials company Bajaj Finance. And in Singapore, we initiated a position in Sea, Ltd.

Outlook:

Looking ahead, we expect China and Japan to remain compelling markets from a bottom-up perspective. U.S.—China trade tensions may linger to some degree, even as the incoming Biden administration appears likely to employ a more nuanced and diplomatic tone. For Japan, as the global economic outlook improves due to vaccine rollouts and lessening impacts of the pandemic, we expect the country’s macro conditions to improve as well. We especially see opportunities among small-cap names in Japan. In both markets, active security selection will remain key in our view. Turning to South and Southeast Asian economies such as India, the outlook is improving in many parts of the region and we continue to look for opportunities in these markets as well.

From a sector perspective, continued prospects for growth in the health care sector remains sound in our view, with attractive compounding potential for bottom-up equity investors. What’s more we find a broader universe of opportunity among health care companies. Whereas a sector such as communication services tends to be dominated by a few large players, we can more easily diversify our exposure within the health care sector because of the breadth and depth of the universe. Parts of the health care sector have seen a rise in valuations, but opportunities remain and we expect the sector to become a much larger part of the indexes and broader universe of stocks in Asia over time. From a bottom-up perspective, we are also finding opportunities in sectors such as real estate and information technology that have been less represented in the portfolio in the past. The core of our process remains in identifying opportunities on a company-by-company basis with strong top-line growth, strong management teams and an ability to grow its market share.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 94.1%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 45.9%    

Bilibili, Inc. ADRb

    1,434,500       $122,965,340  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.b,c,d

    7,719,000       102,364,313  

Innovent Biologics, Inc.b,c,d

    6,984,500       73,757,111  

BeiGene, Ltd. ADRb

    200,000       51,678,000  

Shenzhou International Group Holdings, Ltd.

    2,365,300       46,355,742  

XPeng, Inc. ADRb

    1,048,275       44,897,618  

Shenzhen Inovance Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,817,075       40,459,451  

Baozun, Inc. ADRb

    1,054,700       36,228,945  

Burning Rock Biotech, Ltd. ADRb

    1,528,948       35,318,699  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.b

    1,173,600       34,133,605  

Silergy Corp.

    345,000       29,691,281  

JD Health International, Inc.b,c,d

    1,437,400       27,811,853  

Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    5,620,000       27,235,931  

Chindata Group Holdings, Ltd. ADRb

    1,094,700       26,229,012  

Shimao Services Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    16,182,000       24,964,588  

Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,434,048       24,571,231  

Alphamab Oncologyb,c,d

    11,510,000       24,136,487  

InnoCare Pharma, Ltd.b,c,d

    13,816,000       24,029,516  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    1,023,000       23,724,638  

AK Medical Holdings, Ltd.c,d

    11,702,000       20,286,470  

Yatsen Holding, Ltd. ADRb

    1,044,900       17,763,300  

Peijia Medical, Ltd.b,c,d

    4,867,000       17,759,422  

KE Holdings, Inc. ADRb

    253,067       15,573,743  

RemeGen Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    1,260,500       15,446,407  

Jacobio Pharmaceuticals Group Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    7,456,500       13,619,442  

Genscript Biotech Corp.b

    9,144,000       13,304,268  

JW Cayman Therapeutics Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    2,715,000       9,228,083  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      943,534,496  
   

 

 

 
   
     
JAPAN: 28.1%    

Sony Corp.

    552,500       55,674,369  

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    74,900       48,081,412  

SoftBank Group Corp.

    552,400       42,885,619  

Terumo Corp.

    921,900       38,578,080  

M3, Inc.

    400,400       37,824,718  

AI inside, Inc.b

    51,800       36,875,088  

Nidec Corp.

    289,200       36,586,104  

Keyence Corp.

    55,500       31,219,695  

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    33,600       30,128,443  

PeptiDream, Inc.b

    555,300       28,246,454  

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    427,900       22,830,666  

HEALIOS KKb

    1,149,400       21,956,474  

Freee KKb

    218,700       21,387,481  

Japan Elevator Service Holdings Co., Ltd.

    805,200       20,505,391  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    562,900       20,370,999  

Sysmex Corp.

    168,900       20,323,166  

Sansan, Inc.b

    299,800       19,780,265  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    80,900       16,916,310  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    70,600       16,565,164  

Sosei Group Corp.b

    550,900       9,627,353  
   

 

 

 

Total Japan

      576,363,251  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
INDIA: 4.6%    

HDFC Bank, Ltd.b

    2,837,251       $55,883,876  

Bajaj Finance, Ltd.

    287,951       20,906,777  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    655,967       17,848,163  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      94,638,816  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 3.5%    

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero

    205,971,900       61,236,159  

PT Mayora Indah

    54,105,900       10,438,470  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      71,674,629  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UNITED STATES: 3.3%    

Schrodinger, Inc.b

    352,900       27,942,622  

Frequency Therapeutics, Inc.b

    476,465       16,800,156  

Legend Biotech Corp. ADRb

    537,538       15,137,070  

Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc.b

    69,800       8,505,130  
   

 

 

 

Total United States

      68,384,978  
   

 

 

 
   
     
AUSTRALIA: 2.8%    

Oil Search, Ltd.

    11,936,340       34,208,801  

CSL, Ltd.

    102,838       22,469,338  
   

 

 

 

Total Australia

      56,678,139  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 1.9%    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR

    360,300       39,287,112  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      39,287,112  
   

 

 

 
   
     
BANGLADESH: 1.4%    

Square Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

    6,511,715       16,865,150  

BRAC Bank, Ltd.

    24,353,713       12,736,275  
   

 

 

 

Total Bangladesh

      29,601,425  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 0.9%    

Sea, Ltd. ADRb

    92,200       18,352,410  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      18,352,410  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 0.8%    

Vietnam Dairy Products JSC

    3,739,910       17,645,016  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      17,645,016  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SRI LANKA: 0.5%    

Sampath Bank PLC

    13,125,953       9,607,985  
   

 

 

 

Total Sri Lanka

      9,607,985  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SWITZERLAND: 0.4%    

ADC Therapeutics SAb

    239,500       7,666,395  
   

 

 

 

Total Switzerland

      7,666,395  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 94.1%       1,933,434,652  

(Cost $1,136,293,667)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 5.9%
      120,352,999  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $2,053,787,651  
   

 

 

 
 

 

42    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

c

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $404,364,261, which is 19.69% of net assets.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

JSC

Joint Stock Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Sharat Shroff, CFA    

Lead Manager

   
Inbok Song   Raymond Deng

Co-Manager

  Co-Manager
FUND FACTS        
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MAPTX   MIPTX

CUSIP

  577130107   577130834

Inception

  9/12/94   10/29/10

NAV

  $34.94   $34.90

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.08%   0.94%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.06%   0.92%

Portfolio Statistics

 

Total # of Positions

  64

Net Assets

  $8.8 billion

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $173.1 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

  38.1%

Benchmark

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia ex Japan, which consists of all countries and markets in Asia excluding Japan, but including all other developed, emerging and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region.

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund returned 28.83% (Investor Class) and 28.98% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned 25.36%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 19.32% (Investor Class) and 19.37% (Institutional Class) versus 18.66% for the Index.

Market Environment:

The pandemic created notable disruptions and opportunities in 2020, providing markets and companies with a major accelerant and catalyst for change. The pandemic accelerated the move into areas such as e-commerce, software services and digital platforms into warp speed, creating new opportunities for innovative businesses. Another significant trend is the acceleration of labor reform in India and Indonesia. And finally, we continued to see further deregulation and liberalization of China’s capital markets including greater openness towards foreign investment, which is providing additional liquidity and support for China’s rapidly growing bond and equity markets.

In 2020, corporate earnings across Asia dropped much less than analysts initially feared and we believe that earnings may rebound strongly in 2021. Taiwan and South Korea, for example, contributed significantly to Asia’s growth in 2020. Doing a strong job in containing the pandemic, both economies are also home to companies that are benefiting from the accelerated update in e-commerce and digital services. Another positive trend during the year was companies and management teams’ agility in cutting down costs and reining in capital expenditures. Free cash flow (Free cash flow is a measure of financial performance calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures. Free cash flow (FCF) represents the cash that a company is able to generate after laying out the money required to maintain or expand its asset base.) was resilient in the course of 2020.

While small cap stocks slightly outperformed large caps in 2020—the first time we’ve seen that dynamic in the past five years—the impact of the pandemic was disproportionately felt by small and medium-size businesses. As the economic recovery starts to broaden out, small and mid-sized companies may be able to participate more fully in economic growth.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

During the year, contributors to performance included stock selection in China, Taiwan and South Korea. North Asian economies contained the pandemic relatively faster and companies in these countries responded proactively to the uncertain demand environment. The Fund’s holdings in IT hardware and software, health care and leading consumer brands such as Mediatek, Naver, Wuxi Biologics and China Resources Beer have shown strong core business operation and contributed positively during the year. From the strong equity market, the Fund’s financial holdings in Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd. had positive performance too. Coupled with strong equity market, capital raising activities by mainland Chinese companies have led greater trading volume on the exchange.

On the other hand, the Fund’s relative overweight in India and ASEAN detracted from performance during the year, as these economies took more time to recover from the pandemic and recovery has been more gradual. The Fund’s holdings in the shopping mall operators in Thailand, such as Central Pattana Public Co. Ltd,

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and administrative and shareholder services fee if the Fund’s average daily net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every $2.5 billion average daily net assets of the Fund that are over $3 billion, the advisory fee rate and the administrative and shareholder services fee rate for the Fund with respect to such excess average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%. Any amount waived by Matthews pursuant to this agreement may not be recouped by Matthews. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated (i) at any time by the Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ prior written notice to Matthews; or (ii) by Matthews at the annual expiration date of the agreement upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the Trust, in each case without payment of any penalty.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

44    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
    

3 Months

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

    

Since
Inception

    

Inception
Date

 

Investor Class (MAPTX)

     19.32%        28.83%        8.23%        12.12%        8.06%        9.20%        9/12/94  

Institutional Class (MIPTX)

     19.37%        28.98%        8.40%        12.30%        8.24%        8.17%        10/29/10  

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index4

     18.66%        25.36%        8.46%        13.90%        6.80%        5.40% 5    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  5

Calculated from 8/31/94.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS6                     
    

Sector

    

Country

    

% of Net Assets

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      South Korea        6.3%  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

   Communication Services      China/Hong Kong        5.5%  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      Taiwan        5.4%  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        4.9%  

AIA Group, Ltd.

   Financials      China/Hong Kong        3.4%  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd.

   Financials      China/Hong Kong        3.0%  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.

   Health Care      China/Hong Kong        2.3%  

China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Consumer Staples      China/Hong Kong        2.3%  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

   Financials      India        2.2%  

LG Chem Ltd.

   Materials      South Korea        2.2%  

% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10

               37.5%  

 

  6

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

and the Philippines such as SM Prime Holdings, Inc. were also affected negatively during the year as traffic was restricted to those malls and tenants’ revenue shrunk. Additionally, the impact of the lock down on the asset quality of the banking sector weighed on investors’ sentiment, impacting the Fund’s holdings in India banks, such as HDFC Bank Limited (which we sold in the fourth quarter), and Indonesian banks, such as PT Bank Central Asia. Our approach continues to maintain exposure to those shopping malls and banks with strong balance sheets as we believe long term structural demand is still intact.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During this year, we continued to diversify the portfolio to capture secular growth opportunities that we believe can persist in coming years while maintaining focus on domestically oriented growth in Asia. The continued evolution in the business landscape especially in China, and pandemic-induced volatility in the capital markets allowed us to capture newer growth opportunities for the portfolio. As a result, our weight in consumer discretionary, health care and IT sectors has increased. Meanwhile, the Fund’s weight in financials and consumer staples sectors decreased.

In the fourth quarter, we initiated some new positions, including in Yageo, a Taiwanese listed company that produces computer chips and other electronic components. As a small to mid-cap stock, Yageo appears undervalued relative to its global peers. We also see a strong turnaround story with the company, as its management is focused on new areas of growth and improving its execution. Some of these new positions were funded from capital released from positions like DKSH which we exited during the fourth quarter. The company has taken notable steps to improve cost structure but we believe there may be better growth opportunities elsewhere in the portfolio.

Outlook:

Looking ahead, uncertainty remains in terms of the pace of Asia’s economic recovery. Given the uncertainty of how quickly vaccines can be distributed, how quickly daily patterns may return to normal remain unknown and the strength of the economic recovery in different markets where we invest may not be immediately evident. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities are above their historic averages and in some areas of the market, we believe investors have already priced in a high level of anticipated future growth. All of these emphasize the importance of investing with a long-term view.

At the same time, we see many reasons for optimism. There are three important drivers for equity prices—growth, valuation and liquidity. From a growth perspective, Asia is on a path to economic recovery and the sheer size of the consumer base in Asia works in its favor. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities rose in 2020, so there is less valuation support for the broader market, but we continue to see pockets of opportunity. Finally, turning to market liquidity, we see good liquidity across Asia. We believe the confluence of these drivers will support medium to long-term growth across many parts of Asia.

 

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)7,8  
China/Hong Kong     49.7  
Taiwan     13.6  
South Korea     12.9  
India     11.4  
Indonesia     3.3  
Singapore     2.5  
Philippines     1.9  
Thailand     1.5  
Vietnam     1.1  
Malaysia     0.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.5  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)8  
Information Technology     24.1  
Consumer Discretionary     16.7  
Financials     13.8  
Consumer Staples     11.4  
Communication Services     10.6  
Real Estate     6.4  
Health Care     6.1  
Utilities     4.3  
Industrials     2.9  
Materials     2.2  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.5  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)8  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     60.8  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     18.7  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     17.1  
Small Cap (under $3B)     1.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.5  

 

7

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

8

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

 

46    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 98.5%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 49.6%    

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    6,703,100       $482,313,504  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.b

    12,916,000       375,655,797  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    24,134,000       294,099,876  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd.

    4,835,500       265,235,531  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.b,c,d

    15,494,500       205,477,892  

China Resources Beer Holdings Co., Ltd.

    21,613,775       198,756,232  

Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd. A Shares

    617,173       189,678,963  

ENN Energy Holdings, Ltd.

    11,747,300       172,446,876  

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp., Ltd. A Shares

    3,618,678       157,515,811  

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    22,636,308       154,482,104  

Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd. A Shares

    8,525,841       146,083,262  

Weichai Power Co., Ltd. A Shares

    58,589,367       142,403,493  

Midea Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    8,465,616       128,220,075  

China Resources Land, Ltd.

    29,190,000       120,288,784  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.

    29,295,000       119,598,560  

Topsports International Holdings, Ltd.c,d

    73,548,000       110,142,969  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd. H Shares

    8,801,000       107,104,800  

Yum China Holdings, Inc.

    1,741,201       99,405,165  

China East Education Holdings, Ltd.c,d

    40,962,000       98,577,093  

China Resources Mixc Lifestyle Services, Ltd.b,c,d

    21,165,430       98,149,257  

Xinyi Solar Holdings, Ltd.

    36,406,000       95,464,140  

CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. H Shares

    37,861,500       85,434,111  

JD.com, Inc. ADRb

    945,800       83,135,820  

Ming Yuan Cloud Group Holdings, Ltd.b

    12,327,175       75,917,233  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. H Sharesc,d

    11,697,200       64,384,828  

Midea Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    4,206,937       63,358,187  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. ADRb

    232,775       54,173,726  

Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,256,007       45,674,714  

Shimao Services Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    28,627,000       44,163,964  

TravelSky Technology, Ltd. H Shares

    16,592,000       40,084,825  

JD.com, Inc. A Sharesb

    720,250       31,721,556  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      4,349,149,148  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 13.6%    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    25,197,000       476,663,560  

MediaTek, Inc.

    6,766,000       180,430,820  

Yageo Corp.

    7,672,000       142,006,976  

President Chain Store Corp.

    13,620,608       129,260,613  

Delta Electronics, Inc.

    11,361,182       106,544,536  

Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

    6,897,000       96,085,092  

ASMedia Technology, Inc.

    1,125,000       63,029,176  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      1,194,020,773  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 12.9%    

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    7,429,327       554,788,859  

LG Chem Ltd.

    252,844       192,266,852  

NAVER Corp.

    553,220       149,131,112  

NCSoft Corp.

    105,881       90,904,267  
     Shares     Value  

Mando Corp.

    1,040,573       $56,448,350  

Amorepacific Corp.

    243,504       46,236,817  

Korea Electric Power Corp.

    1,641,895       41,441,853  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      1,131,218,110  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 11.3%    

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

    5,575,438       195,340,780  

Tata Power Co., Ltd.

    158,179,377       163,943,014  

Titan Co., Ltd.

    6,423,426       137,990,925  

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ltd.b

    4,359,159       119,138,702  

Dabur India, Ltd.

    16,112,505       117,924,432  

Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.

    2,303,129       90,432,667  

Info Edge India, Ltd.

    1,350,000       88,063,726  

Container Corp. of India, Ltd.

    8,081,457       44,192,311  

PVR, Ltd.

    2,054,065       37,214,553  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      994,241,110  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 3.3%    

PT Bank Central Asia

    59,006,900       142,237,892  

PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur

    108,422,500       73,919,782  

PT Mitra Keluarga Karyasehatd

    358,729,800       69,738,215  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      285,895,889  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 2.5%    

Sea, Ltd. ADRb

    402,400       80,097,720  

SATS, Ltd.b

    23,207,600       70,023,472  

Venture Corp., Ltd.

    4,577,200       67,302,299  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      217,423,491  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PHILIPPINES: 1.9%    

SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

    203,509,671       163,181,240  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      163,181,240  
   

 

 

 
   
     
THAILAND: 1.5%    

Central Pattana Public Co., Ltd.

    83,172,700       132,426,632  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      132,426,632  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 1.1%    

Vietnam Dairy Products JSC

    19,619,028       92,563,207  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      92,563,207  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MALAYSIA: 0.8%    

IHH Healthcare BHD

    50,774,600       69,519,421  
   

 

 

 

Total Malaysia

      69,519,421  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 98.5%

 

    8,629,639,021  

(Cost $4,903,246,584)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 1.5%
      129,010,517  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $8,758,649,538  
   

 

 

 
 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

c

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $620,896,003, which is 7.09% of net assets.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

BHD

Berhad

 

JSC

Joint Stock Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

48    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Vivek Tanneeru  

Lead Manager

 
Winnie Chwang  

Co-Manager

   
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MASGX   MISFX

CUSIP

  577130727   577130719

Inception

  4/30/15   4/30/15

NAV

  $14.94   $14.92

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.42%   1.29%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.38%   1.20%

Portfolio Statistics

   

Total # of Positions

  55

Net Assets

  $88.0 million

Weighted Average
Market Cap

  $35.0 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

  84.6%

Benchmark

 

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies of any market capitalization located in Asia that Matthews believes satisfy one or more of its environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) standards. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia and includes developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asia region. The Fund may also invest in convertible securities and fixed-income securities, of any duration or quality, including high yield securities, of Asian companies.

 

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia ESG Fund returned 42.87% (Investor Class) and 43.13% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned 25.36%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 25.34% (Investor Class) and 25.43% (Institutional Class) versus 18.66% for the Index.

Market Environment:

Equities across Asia were volatile in the year, but broad market indexes tracking the region ultimately generated attractive returns. Global markets fell in the first quarter, as worries surrounding the spread of COVID-19 moved from China throughout Europe to the U.S. and then back to South Asia, including India. Fears of a global growth slowdown turned into reality as governments worldwide began to implement different versions of “shelter in place” to contain the movement of the virus. But central banks globally, led by the U.S. Federal Reserve, unleashed powerful, and largely effective, monetary stimulus. Many governments also unveiled meaningful fiscal stimulus. Both those actions helped ease worries about a crippling and sustained global recession. They also provided cover for many emerging markets (EM) to undertake their own monetary and fiscal stimuli thereby supporting their economies.

In the third quarter, economic recovery and improved sentiment began to take hold as major economies continued to relax COVID-19 lockdown restrictions even further. China’s V-shaped recovery in manufacturing along with a steady recovery in domestic consumption brought some normalcy to daily life. EM currencies rallied slightly against the U.S. dollar in the third quarter, acting as a slight tailwind for EM equities. Growth stocks outpaced value and small caps outperformed large caps. The fourth quarter saw further economic strengthening. Cyclical stocks in beaten-up or export-driven markets such as Indonesia and South Korea rallied most in the fourth quarter, while markets that experienced early recovery like China, Japan and India lagged slightly. Market strength gained momentum following the U.S. Presidential elections in November as markets hoped for less confrontational U.S.—China relations, combined with an announcement of several approved COVID-19 vaccines that were due for distribution early in 2021.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

From a regional perspective, stock selection in China and South Korea was a notable contributor for the full year. North Asia economies reopened more quickly following the early stages of the pandemic and investor sentiment turned to optimism toward Chinese and South Korean equities. From a sector perspective, stock selection in information technology was a notable contributor. Information technology companies rallied as the pandemic boosted demand for e-commerce and other stay-at-home solutions. Among individual securities, Samsung SDI was a contributor. The company is one of the world’s leading small, automotive and energy storage battery suppliers. It also has a minority equity stake in the world’s largest display company. In addition it also has an electronic materials division with exposure to memory and foundry customers. The company is one of the global leaders in the battery technology primarily used in electric vehicles (EVs) and utility-grade energy storage systems.

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 1.20% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 1.20% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 years      5 years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MASGX)      25.34%        42.87%        13.22%        13.87%        10.65%        4/30/15  
Institutional Class (MISFX)      25.43%        43.13%        13.44%        14.12%        10.89%        4/30/15  
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index4      18.66%        25.36%        8.46%        13.90%        8.07%     

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted Monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gain distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

         
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                              
     Sector      Country               % of Net Assets  
LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd.    Materials      South Korea             6.0%  
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Pfd.    Information Technology      South Korea             5.0%  
Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd.    Financials      China/Hong Kong             4.6%  
Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd.    Information Technology      China/Hong Kong             4.4%  
Bandhan Bank, Ltd.    Financials      India             3.6%  
Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.    Health Care      China/Hong Kong             3.3%  
Shriram City Union Finance, Ltd.    Financials      India             3.2%  
IndusInd Bank, Ltd.    Financials      India             3.0%  
Phoenix Mills, Ltd.    Real Estate      India             3.0%  
Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary      India             2.8%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                     38.9%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

50    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
   
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7      
China/Hong Kong     37.4  
India     21.3  
South Korea     12.2  
Taiwan     11.7  
Japan     5.7  
Bangladesh     3.6  
Singapore     2.6  
United States     1.8  
Thailand     1.3  
Vietnam     0.7  
Indonesia     0.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.6  

 

   
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7      
Information Technology     24.6  
Financials     16.6  
Health Care     14.6  
Industrials     12.9  
Consumer Discretionary     11.2  
Materials     6.0  
Real Estate     5.2  
Communication Services     3.7  
Consumer Staples     3.5  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.6  

 

   
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7      
Mega Cap (over $25B)     30.7  
Large Cap ($10B-$25B)     17.8  
Mid Cap ($3B-10B)     21.7  
Small Cap (under $3B)     28.2  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.6  

 

6

Not all countries are included in the benchmark index.

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

On the other hand, stock selection in India and an overweight to Bangladesh detracted from performance. Sentiment toward South and Southeast Asia was weaker in the early stages of the pandemic, though sentiment began to improve markedly in the second half of the year. Stock selection in financials was a detractor. Indian financials, including Induslnd Bank, struggled amid poor sentiment toward banks but we maintain a positive long-term view on the Indian financials in the portfolio. Going into 2020, the Indian banking system was already dealing with the after effects of several years of anemic growth and the resultant credit cycle was presented with a new challenge in the form of COVID19-related lockdown in India. However, India’s central government announced a slew of fiscal measures to support the economy. Our bank holdings recovered from their first quarter bottoms during the rest of the year as asset quality held up better than expected but share prices still remain below their pre-COVID19 levels.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During the fourth quarter, the Fund initiated a position in Flat Glass, a leading Chinese PV (photo voltaic) glass manufacturer. This is our first initiation in a solar power-related name since the inception of the Fund. Historically, the broader sector was plagued by cyclicality of demand, regulatory and policy uncertainties, excess capacity, intense competition, inability to generate cash flows and excess leverage. With solar power reaching grid parity across much of the globe, the economics have improved meaningfully and no longer need government subsidies in the form of feed-in-tariffs and the policy uncertainty it brings.

During the quarter we also participated in select health care IPOs in China including in JD Health, a leader in the fast growing online pharmacy and consultation business in China. We also exited our positions in South Asian pharmaceutical names such as Lupin and Abbott Laboratories Pakistan to fund more attractive opportunities elsewhere.

Outlook:

Looking ahead, uncertainty remains in terms of the pace of Asia’s economic recovery. Given the uncertainty of how quickly vaccines can be distributed and return to normal daily patterns remain unknown, the strength of the economic recovery in different markets where we invest may not be immediately evident. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities are above their historic averages and in some areas of the market, we believe investors have already priced in a high level of anticipated future growth. All of these emphasize the importance of investing with a long-term view.

At the same time, we see many reasons for optimism. From a growth perspective, Asia is on a path to economic recovery and the sheer size of the consumer base in Asia works in its favor. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities rose in 2020, so there is less valuation support for the broader market, but we continue to see pockets of opportunity. Finally, turning to market liquidity, we see good liquidity across Asia. We believe the confluence of these drivers will support medium to long-term growth across many parts of Asia.

The pandemic accelerated many trends, including the importance of ESG criteria when investing with a long-term view. Through our bottom-up research process, we continue to follow themes that have the potential to improve the quality of life for millions, and even billions, of people in the developing world. These areas of interest include companies that are working to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care, provide more inclusive financing solutions to individuals and small businesses, build more affordable housing and generate sustainable transportation solutions.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 87.3%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 35.4%    

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd.

    73,100       $4,009,661  

Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd. H Shares

    909,000       3,834,452  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.b,c,d

    216,000       2,864,450  

China Conch Venture Holdings, Ltd.

    497,000       2,418,433  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. A Shares

    95,276       2,365,936  

Innovent Biologics, Inc.b,c,d

    219,000       2,312,665  

Meituan B Sharesc,d

    51,800       1,949,931  

Xinyi Glass Holdings, Ltd.

    676,000       1,890,801  

CSPC Pharmaceutical Group, Ltd.

    1,512,960       1,540,406  

ASM Pacific Technology, Ltd.

    110,200       1,455,376  

Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,134,195       1,253,221  

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd. A

   

Shares

    22,200       1,201,712  

Chindata Group Holdings, Ltd. ADRc

    48,400       1,159,664  

Tencent Music Entertainment Group ADRc

    44,700       860,028  

RemeGen Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    56,500       692,362  

JD Health International, Inc.b,c,d

    31,950       618,192  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group,

   

Inc. ADRc

    2,000       371,620  

JW Cayman Therapeutics Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    104,000       353,488  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      31,152,398  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 21.3%    

Bandhan Bank, Ltd.b,c,d

    578,370       3,192,250  

Shriram City Union Finance, Ltd.

    192,833       2,805,940  

IndusInd Bank, Ltd.c

    217,963       2,674,729  

Phoenix Mills, Ltd.c

    249,708       2,649,849  

Mahindra & Mahindra, Ltd.

    251,131       2,483,486  

Lemon Tree Hotels, Ltd.b,c,d

    2,158,440       1,192,222  

NBCC India, Ltd.

    2,921,513       1,167,689  

Marico, Ltd.

    191,275       1,054,895  

Minda Industries, Ltd.

    185,558       1,015,624  

TTK Prestige, Ltd.

    5,866       496,731  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      18,733,415  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 11.7%    

Andes Technology Corp.

    149,000       1,778,226  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ADR

    15,800       1,722,832  

Sporton International, Inc.

    164,903       1,576,653  

Zhen Ding Technology Holding, Ltd.

    384,000       1,562,631  

M31 Technology Corp.

    104,000       1,252,896  

Poya International Co., Ltd.

    47,000       964,441  

Merida Industry Co., Ltd.

    88,000       739,492  

ASMedia Technology, Inc.

    12,000       672,311  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      10,269,482  
   

 

 

 
   
     
JAPAN: 5.7%    

Koa Corp.

    84,400       1,208,969  

Nidec Corp.

    9,200       1,163,873  

UT Group Co., Ltd.c

    30,200       940,145  

Unicharm Corp.

    17,000       806,242  

Tsukui Holdings Corp.

    105,300       559,747  

Sosei Group Corp.c

    21,300       372,232  
   

 

 

 

Total Japan

      5,051,208  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
UNITED STATES: 3.8%    

Legend Biotech Corp. ADRc

    62,688       $1,765,294  

Micron Technology, Inc.c

    21,300       1,601,334  
   

 

 

 

Total United States

      3,366,628  
   

 

 

 
   
     
BANGLADESH: 3.6%    

BRAC Bank, Ltd.

    3,521,927       1,841,864  

GrameenPhone, Ltd.

    319,501       1,308,541  
   

 

 

 

Total Bangladesh

      3,150,405  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 2.6%    

CDL Hospitality Trusts

    1,187,200       1,141,103  

SATS, Ltd.c

    319,700       964,620  

Keppel DC, REIT

    80,300       170,993  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      2,276,716  
   

 

 

 
   
     
THAILAND: 1.3%    

Total Access Communication Public Co., Ltd. NVDR

    1,009,100       1,119,029  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      1,119,029  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 1.1%    

Eugene Technology Co., Ltd.

    33,266       1,023,679  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      1,023,679  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 0.7%    

Nam Long Investment Corp.

    506,869       647,388  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      647,388  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 0.1%    

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero

    302,600       89,964  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      89,964  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL COMMON EQUITIES       76,880,312  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $56,389,005)

   
   

PREFERRED EQUITIES: 11.1%

   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 11.1%    

LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd.

    15,108       5,318,540  

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Pfd.

    15,650       4,406,418  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      9,724,958  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL PREFERRED EQUITIES

 

    9,724,958  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $5,115,280)

   
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 98.4%

 

    86,605,270  

(Cost $61,504,285)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 1.6%
      1,421,570  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $88,026,840  
   

 

 

 
 

 

52    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $11,225,629, which is 12.75% of net assets.

 

c

Non-income producing security.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

NVDR

Non-voting Depositary Receipt

Pfd.

Preferred

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Taizo Ishida   Robert Harvey, CFA

Lead Manager

  Lead Manager
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MEASX   MIASX

CUSIP

  577125883   577125875

Inception

  4/30/13   4/30/13

NAV

  $11.62   $11.68

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.75%   1.62%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.40%   1.19%

Portfolio Statistics

Total # of Positions

  58

Net Assets

  $196.8 million

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $8.5 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

  29.8%

Benchmark

MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia excluding Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Fund may also invest in the convertible securities, of any duration or quality, of companies located in Asia excluding Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore. Under normal market conditions, the Fund is expected to invest a substantial portion of its net assets in the emerging countries and markets in the Asian region, including, but not limited to, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China (including Taiwan, but excluding Hong Kong), India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund returned –2.16% (Investor Class) and –1.94% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, returned 28.77%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 19.17% (Investor Class) and 19.18% (Institutional Class) versus 18.93% for the Index.

Market Environment:

In 2020, there was a notable divergence in performance between the benchmark and the geographies where the Fund typically invests. The benchmark index is dominated by three markets—China/Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan—which collectively made up more than 80% of the index in the reporting period. These markets all had very strong returns. For example, Chinese equites, represented by the MSCI China Index, returned 29.67% for the year ending December 31, 2020, while Korean equities, represented by the Korea Composite Stock Price Index returned 39.76% for the same period. As we have always been focused on the smaller emerging and frontier markets in Asia, Asia’s most undeveloped economies, the Fund has virtually no exposure to the South Korea and Taiwan markets and a large underweight position in China over the number of years. These three giants benefit from global trade and economic trends.

During the year, equity markets among smaller, less developed economies in Asia struggled amid the public health and economic impacts of the pandemic. In economies such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, consumer demand remained weak throughout the year and many consumer-oriented companies were struggling. With low levels of momentum in these markets, investors largely remained on the sidelines. Broad equity markets in Pakistan, Thailand, the Philippines and Malaysia were all negative in the year. Towards the end of the year, many of these markets started to rebound. India, in particular, saw a notable upswing in equity prices as sentiment started to slowly improve. As the economic recovery started to broaden, some investors began to look for more value-oriented opportunities, which often favors less developed markets.

In contrast, equity markets in economies representing the more developed end of the spectrum in Asia—such as China, South Korea and Taiwan—generated much stronger performance during the year. Following volatility in the first quarter, these markets quickly regained significant momentum. South Korea and Taiwan have economies that are largely driven by global demand for information technology, which was strong in the year. As global companies increasingly moved their operations online, there was increased demand for key components of the technology supply chain. Sentiment toward North Asian economies was also stronger due to faster economic re-opening.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

The Fund’s overweight to Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Pakistan detracted from performance during the full year. Sri Lanka’s economy is largely dependent on tourism, which came to a standstill amid the pandemic. While valuations for Sri Lanka

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 1.20% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 1.20% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. Beginning on December 1, 2020 for the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews voluntarily reduced this expense limitation to 1.10% for the Institutional Class and waived a corresponding amount (in annual percentage terms) for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

54    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
         
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                            
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MEASX)      19.17%        -2.16%        -7.24%        2.43%        3.29%        4/30/13  
Institutional Class (MIASX)      19.18%        -1.94%        -7.05%        2.65%        3.51%        4/30/13  
MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index4      18.93%        28.77%        9.34%        14.81%        9.03%     

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gain distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
     Sector      Country      % of Net Assets  
Mobile World Investment Corp.    Consumer Discretionary      Vietnam        3.6%  
Bajaj Finance, Ltd.    Financials      India        3.6%  
Jollibee Foods Corp.    Consumer Discretionary      Philippines        3.5%  
Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank    Financials      Vietnam        3.5%  
Vinh Hoan Corp.    Consumer Staples      Vietnam        3.5%  
British American Tobacco Bangladesh Co., Ltd.    Consumer Staples      Bangladesh        3.3%  
John Keells Holdings PLC    Industrials      Sri Lanka        3.1%  
Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC    Consumer Discretionary      Vietnam        3.0%  
Meezan Bank, Ltd.    Financials      Pakistan        3.0%  
PT Bank Mandiri Persero    Financials      Indonesia        2.7%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                32.8%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

equities are extremely low, negative sentiment prevented a rebound. The government’s efforts to stimulate the economy are putting pressure on its fiscal position, placing downward pressure on its currency and sentiment more broadly. Turning to Indonesia, which is primarily a domestic economy with low exports, recurring lockdowns throughout the year stifled economic activity. On the other hand, stock selection in China/Hong Kong was positive across the full year. China was one of the few economies to have an active IPO market in the year, as domestic Chinese investor sentiment quickly turned bullish as the pandemic in China became contained. The Fund participated in some of those IPOs, which generated attractive returns.

Among individual securities, Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng was a contributor. As one of the leading EV (electric vehicle) companies in China, Xpeng competes with local EV makers, as well as Tesla, which now produces cars in China. In our view, China is a natural market for EVs, where electric two-wheelers are already familiar to many consumers. Elsewhere, Indonesia retailer Ramayana Lestari Sentosa was a detractor. When the virus hit Indonesia and the economy moved into lockdown, sentiment turned negative. However, we expect economic activity in Indonesia to gradually recover and normalize and remain constructive on the holding over the long term.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

In the fourth quarter, we added a position to Bajaj Finance, an Indian financial company. Bajaj uses algorithms for its lending activities. The company has extensive borrowing histories and financial data for many of its customers, allowing them to make decisions very quickly for new loan approvals using proprietary data. Looking ahead, the company plans to offer a broader menu of integrated financial services. We also added a Chinese property services business, Shimao Services, with an attractive growth trajectory. Shimao is working to increase value-added services to their existing clients, while expanding to new segments, such as universities and hospitals.

Outlook:

While smaller and less developed economies bore the brunt of the pandemic’s economic pain, we expect that corporate earnings may rebound strongly as daily life begins to normalize over the coming years. From a weak base in 2020, we see room for earnings growth.* In addition, we see strong valuation support among equity prices. Because these economies have been neglected and many investors are underweight to these markets, we expect to see multiple expansion as earnings start to turn around.

Vietnam continues to have a robust macroeconomic story, with a young, educated workforce and continued inflows of foreign direct investment. Fundamentals remain strong in Vietnam. Pakistan’s market has performed better following a difficult period. With Pakistan’s large population, companies in banks and consumer-facing businesses have a large opportunity set for future growth. Indonesia also has a large population and its economy is quickly reopening. We see opportunities for solid returns from Indonesia as the impact of the virus begins to recede.

The bottom line of these emerging economies are demographics. As these economies with large populations become wealthier, consumer spending tends to naturally rise. Well-managed consumer-oriented companies are poised to tap into this growth, creating long-term structural opportunities for investors.

 

*

Earnings growth is not representative of the Fund’s future performance.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7  
Vietnam     17.4  
Indonesia     12.5  
India     11.6  
China     10.9  
Bangladesh     10.9  
Pakistan     10.8  
Sri Lanka     8.4  
Philippines     8.3  
Thailand     2.5  
Australia     2.2  
Singapore     1.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.4  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7  
Consumer Staples     26.7  
Consumer Discretionary     24.1  
Financials     21.3  
Health Care     5.4  
Industrials     5.3  
Real Estate     4.8  
Materials     3.2  
Energy     3.0  
Information Technology     2.7  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.4  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     8.3  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     8.1  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     18.1  
Small Cap (under $3B)     62.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.4  

 

6

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

 

56    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 96.6%

 

     Shares     Value  
VIETNAM: 17.4%    

Mobile World Investment Corp.

    1,360,605       $7,023,687  

Military Commercial Joint Stock Bankb

    6,958,003       6,945,922  

Vinh Hoan Corp.

    3,803,360       6,832,632  

Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC

    1,689,494       5,943,345  

Taisun International Holding Corp.

    601,000       2,611,444  

Nam Long Investment Corp.

    1,505,612       1,923,013  

Thien Long Group Corp.

    1,068,330       1,804,751  

FPT Corp.

    448,400       1,147,230  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      34,232,024  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 12.5%    

PT Bank Mandiri Persero

    11,812,400       5,330,337  

PT Kino Indonesia

    21,306,800       4,126,695  

PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa

    61,600,200       3,405,688  

PT Mayora Indah

    16,785,800       3,238,428  

PT Adira Dinamika Multi Finance

    4,322,700       2,761,075  

PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur

    3,756,200       2,560,884  

PT Gudang Garamb

    612,300       1,787,271  

PT Hexindo Adiperkasa

    6,059,300       1,419,707  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      24,630,085  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 11.6%    

Bajaj Finance, Ltd.

    96,436       7,001,768  

L&T Finance Holdings, Ltd.

    2,906,578       3,732,740  

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Ltd.

    673,190       3,513,043  

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    321,219       2,194,996  

Poly Medicure, Ltd.

    263,369       1,826,820  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    63,394       1,724,883  

Caplin Point Laboratories, Ltd.

    219,706       1,522,905  

Praj Industries, Ltd.

    814,769       1,292,029  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      22,809,184  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CHINA/HONG KONG: 10.9%    

Chindata Group Holdings, Ltd. ADRb

    174,100       4,171,436  

Shimao Services Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    2,394,000       3,693,315  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    148,000       3,432,303  

XPeng, Inc. ADRb

    72,000       3,083,760  

JD Health International, Inc.b,c,d

    148,250       2,868,448  

Yatsen Holding, Ltd. ADRb

    129,500       2,201,500  

KE Holdings, Inc. ADRb

    27,453       1,689,458  

Everest Medicines, Ltd.b,c,d

    43,000       375,507  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      21,515,727  
   

 

 

 
   
     
BANGLADESH: 10.9%    

British American Tobacco Bangladesh Co., Ltd.

    460,292       6,413,130  

Berger Paints Bangladesh, Ltd.

    261,900       4,410,953  

BRAC Bank, Ltd.

    6,241,817       3,264,287  

Marico Bangladesh, Ltd.

    113,074       2,853,601  

Square Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

    1,034,797       2,680,094  

Olympic Industries, Ltd.

    832,242       1,876,595  
   

 

 

 

Total Bangladesh

      21,498,660  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
PAKISTAN: 10.8%    

Meezan Bank, Ltd.

    9,077,666       $5,932,863  

PAK Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.b

    3,345,900       5,074,805  

Indus Motor Co., Ltd.

    587,650       4,405,389  

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Pakistan, Ltd.

    1,257,557       2,086,459  

ICI Pakistan, Ltd.

    396,900       1,887,858  

Hascol Petroleum, Ltd.b

    11,199,510       1,029,542  

Shifa International Hospitals, Ltd.b

    646,751       809,410  
   

 

 

 

Total Pakistan

      21,226,326  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SRI LANKA: 8.4%    

John Keells Holdings PLC

    7,438,130       6,006,716  

Sampath Bank PLC

    6,539,310       4,786,669  

Teejay Lanka PLC

    15,439,483       3,167,073  

Ceylon Cold Stores PLC

    370,786       1,410,288  

Ceylon Tobacco Co. PLC

    214,321       1,190,364  
   

 

 

 

Total Sri Lanka

      16,561,110  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PHILIPPINES: 8.3%    

Jollibee Foods Corp.

    1,714,290       6,974,405  

Cosco Capital, Inc.

    44,191,200       5,210,310  

Universal Robina Corp.

    1,014,610       3,220,203  

STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc.

    85,815,000       831,196  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      16,236,114  
   

 

 

 
   
     
THAILAND: 2.5%    

Thai Beverage Public Co., Ltd.

    8,797,000       4,897,225  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      4,897,225  
   

 

 

 
   
     
AUSTRALIA: 2.2%    

Oil Search, Ltd.

    1,491,542       4,274,666  
   

 

 

 

Total Australia

      4,274,666  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 1.1%    

Yoma Strategic Holdings, Ltd.b

    9,555,766       2,100,765  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      2,100,765  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MALAYSIA: 0.0%    

MR DIY Group M BHDc,d

    50,000       38,782  
   

 

 

 

Total Malaysia

      38,782  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 96.6%

 

    190,020,668  

(Cost $174,705,066)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 3.4%
      6,732,507  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $196,753,175  
   

 

 

 

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

 

c

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $12,603,351, which is 6.41% of net assets.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

BHD

Berhad

 

JSC

Joint Stock Co.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

58    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Michael J. Oh, CFA  

Lead Manager

   
Raymond Deng*  

Co-Manager

 

*   As of August 31, 2020

 
FUND FACTS        
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MATFX   MITEX

CUSIP

  577130883   577125859

Inception

  12/27/99   4/30/13

NAV

  $26.70   $26.91

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.10%   0.95%

Portfolio Statistics

   

Total # of Positions

    38

Net Assets

   

$1.7 billion

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $173.3 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  119.8%

Benchmark

   

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index

 

 

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia that Matthews believes are innovators in their products, services, processes, business models, management, use of technology, or approach to creating, expanding or servicing their markets. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region.

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund returned 86.72% (Investor Class) and 87.01% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned 25.36% over the same period. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 29.06% (Investor Class) and 29.08% (Institutional Class) versus 18.66% for the Index.

Market Environment:

Equities across Asia were volatile in the year, but broad market indexes tracking the region ultimately generated attractive returns. Global markets fell in the first quarter, as worries surrounding the spread of COVID-19 moved from China throughout Europe to the U.S. and then back to South Asia, including India. Fears of a global growth slowdown turned into reality as governments worldwide began to implement different versions of “shelter in place” to contain the movement of the virus. Early in the year, cyclically sensitive sectors like energy, materials, industrials and financials suffered most while companies related to communication services and technology performed better. In the second quarter, most global financial markets, including Asia’s, began to rise as major economies began to relax prior pandemic-related restrictions. The gradual reopening of businesses—especially those focused on services and consumption—helped bolster sentiment and bring a floor to stock prices globally.

In the third quarter, economic recovery and improved sentiment began to take hold as major economies continued to relax COVID-19 lockdown restrictions even further. China’s V-shaped recovery in manufacturing along with a steady recovery in domestic consumption brought some normalcy to daily life. EM currencies rallied slightly against the U.S. dollar in the third quarter, acting as a slight tailwind for EM equities. Growth stocks outpaced value and small caps outperformed large caps in the third quarter. The fourth quarter saw further economic strengthening. Cyclical stocks in beaten-up or export-driven markets such as Indonesia and South Korea rallied most in the fourth quarter, while markets that experienced early recovery like China, Japan and India lagged slightly. Market strength gained momentum following the U.S. Presidential elections in November as markets hoped for less confrontational U.S.—China relations, combined with an announcement of several approved COVID-19 vaccines that were due for distribution early in 2021.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

From a regional perspective, stock selection in China/Hong Kong was a contributor in the full year. Innovative companies in China continued to benefit from trends accelerated by the pandemic, generating attractive equity price gains. From a sector perspective, stock selection in communication services was also a contributor. Companies that provide digital platforms, video sharing and even online classifieds, for example, made gains across the region. Among individual securities, Sea Ltd was a contributor. As a Singapore-based gaming and e-commerce company, Sea is one of the few Internet companies focused on serving customers in South and Southeast Asia with significant scale and market share in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. On the other hand, the Fund’s underweight to South Korea and Taiwan were slight detractors from relative performance, even though stock selection was positive for both. HDFC Bank Ltd, an Indian financials company, was a slight relative detractor. The financial sector overall took longer to recover than other sectors. Financials were weak in the reporting period, but we continue to like the company’s long-term prospects. As one of India’s oldest private sector banks, HDFC is a high-quality bank primarily serving retail customers.

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

            Average Annual Total Returns       

 

      

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MATFX)      29.06%        86.72%        25.35%        22.31%        14.87%        7.05%        12/27/99  
Institutional Class (MITEX)      29.08%        87.01%        25.56%        22.53%        n.a.        19.63%        4/30/13  
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Index3      18.66%        25.36%        8.46%        13.90%        6.80%        7.27% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 12/31/99.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
     Sector      Country      % of Net Assets  

Bilibili, Inc.

   Communication Services      China/Hong Kong        7.0%  

Sea, Ltd.

   Communication Services      Singapore        5.1%  

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      Taiwan        5.0%  

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      South Korea        4.8%  

TAL Education Group

   Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        4.4%  

HDFC Bank, Ltd.

   Financials      India        4.4%  

Meituan

   Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        4.2%  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.

   Health Care      China/Hong Kong        4.1%  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

   Communication Services      China/Hong Kong        4.0%  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary      China/Hong Kong        3.8%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP TEN                46.8%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

 

60    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
   
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6,7      
China/Hong Kong     62.1  
India     8.7  
South Korea     7.9  
Singapore     5.1  
Taiwan     5.0  
France     3.5  
Indonesia     1.9  
United States     1.9  
Vietnam     0.3  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.7  

 

   
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7      
Consumer Discretionary     27.7  
Communication Services     17.1  
Information Technology     15.2  
Financials     12.9  
Health Care     9.5  
Consumer Staples     6.5  
Real Estate     2.9  
Industrials     1.8  
Energy     1.6  
Materials     1.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.7  

 

   
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7      
Mega Cap (over $25B)     78.2  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     13.4  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     2.6  
Small Cap (under $3B)     2.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     3.7  

 

  6

Not all countries are included in the benchmark index.

 

  7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During the fourth quarter, we rotated capital and also trimmed some positions that we believe have reached their full intrinsic value and rotated into other nascent opportunities in innovative companies across the region. As part of this rotation, we added a handful of positions in China, as well as South and Southeast Asia, where we found what we believe to be better growth opportunities at attractive valuations.

We initiated a position in e-commerce company JD.com, which experienced increased demand for its services during the pandemic. As the second largest e-commerce company in China, JD.com has a broad reach and its profitability is improving. Logistics-oriented businesses tend to be very capital intensive in their early years, but with much of JD.com’s logistic infrastructure already in place, we expect that the business may be less capital intensive going forward. China has many metropolitan densities and the complexity of making deliveries to most households is high, creating a competitive moat for an e-commerce player such as JD.com. The new position in JD.com serves as a complement to existing Fund holding Alibaba, another giant in China’s e-commerce space. As we continue to monitor potential regulatory risks associated with Alibaba, owning JD.com is a way for us to increase and diversify our China e-commerce exposure. We expect China’s strong economic recovery to continue to boost e-commerce sales in the year ahead.

Outlook:

Looking ahead, uncertainty remains in terms of the pace of Asia’s economic recovery. As we don’t yet know how quickly vaccines can be distributed, we can’t forecast how quickly daily patterns may return to normal. The strength of the economic recovery in different markets where we invest may not be immediately evident. Also, valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities are above their historic averages. In some areas of the market, we believe investors have already priced in a high level of anticipated future growth. All of these emphasize the importance of investing with a long-term view.

At the same time, we see many reasons for optimism. Asia is on a path to economic recovery and the sheer size of the consumer base in Asia works in its favor. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities rose in 2020, so there is less valuation support for the broader market, but we continue to see pockets of opportunity. Over time, the market will begin to differentiate between companies that can execute well on their vision, and seize market share in an altered business environment. Innovation remains a key driver of growth in Asia. We continue to look for companies that can build deep, competitive moats by differentiating their products and services through creativity, intellectual property and new ways of meeting consumer demand.

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 96.3%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 62.1%    

Bilibili, Inc. ADRb

    1,401,244       $120,114,636  

TAL Education Group ADRb

    1,071,800       76,644,418  

Meituan B Sharesb,c

    1,925,100       72,467,420  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.b,c,d

    5,394,000       71,531,689  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    947,900       68,205,005  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.b

    2,239,700       65,140,623  

AIA Group, Ltd.

    4,949,400       60,313,994  

Innovent Biologics, Inc.b,c,d

    4,882,500       51,559,753  

JD.com, Inc. A Sharesb

    1,162,550       51,201,520  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.

    8,821,000       36,012,251  

XPeng, Inc. ADRb

    812,500       34,799,375  

China Tourism Group Duty Free Corp., Ltd. A Shares

    742,294       32,310,983  

Leader Harmonious Drive Systems Co., Ltd. A Sharesb

    1,410,372       31,619,759  

Li Ning Co., Ltd.

    4,584,500       31,546,653  

Ming Yuan Cloud Group Holdings, Ltd.b

    5,097,000       31,390,009  

JD Health International, Inc.b,c,d

    1,464,150       28,329,431  

China Resources Mixc Lifestyle Services, Ltd.b,c,d

    5,910,600       27,408,893  

Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd. A Shares

    588,595       26,436,227  

Silergy Corp.

    301,000       25,904,567  

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. A Shares

    3,775,690       25,542,384  

KE Holdings, Inc. ADRb

    366,400       22,548,256  

Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,306,657       22,388,491  

Haidilao International Holding, Ltd.c,d

    2,572,000       19,834,360  

Yatsen Holding, Ltd. ADRb

    1,128,000       19,176,000  

Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. A Shares

    282,813       18,502,124  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      1,070,928,821  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 8.7%    

HDFC Bank, Ltd.b

    3,828,981       75,417,473  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    1,031,157       28,056,682  

Bajaj Finance, Ltd.

    385,280       27,973,381  

Info Edge India, Ltd.

    284,032       18,528,086  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      149,975,622  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 7.9%    

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    1,107,620       82,712,100  

LG Household & Health Care, Ltd.

    22,664       33,826,585  

LG Chem Ltd.

    25,530       19,413,444  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      135,952,129  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 5.1%    

Sea, Ltd. ADRb

    442,200       88,019,910  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      88,019,910  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 5.0%    

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

    4,528,000       85,658,316  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      85,658,316  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FRANCE: 3.4%    

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE

    95,486       59,774,372  
   

 

 

 

Total France

      59,774,372  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
INDONESIA: 1.9%    

PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Persero

    112,030,300       $33,306,996  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      33,306,996  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UNITED STATES: 1.9%    

Estee Lauder Companies, Inc. Class A

    123,600       32,901,084  
   

 

 

 

Total United States

      32,901,084  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 0.3%    

Mobile World Investment Corp.b

    1,047,293       5,406,314  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      5,406,314  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 96.3%

 

    1,661,923,564  

(Cost $1,072,224,881)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 3.7%
      63,533,421  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $1,725,456,985  
   

 

 

 

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

c

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

d

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $198,664,126, which is 11.51% of net assets.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

62    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Andrew Mattock, CFA  

Lead Manager

 
Winnie Chwang           

Co-Manager

 

    

FUND FACTS        
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MCHFX   MICFX

CUSIP

  577130701   577130818

Inception

  2/19/98   10/29/10

NAV

  $27.00   $26.94

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.09%   0.93%

Portfolio Statistics

Total # of Positions

  54

Net Assets

  $1.5 billion

Weighted Average
Market Cap

  $192.7 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  52.6%

Benchmarks

MSCI China Index

MSCI China All Shares Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in China. China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong.

Matthews China Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews China Fund returned 43.05% (Investor Class) and 43.23% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI China Index, returned 29.67%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 12.69% (Investor Class) and 12.69% (Institutional Class) versus 11.21% for the Index.

Market Environment:

Chinese equities were stand-out performers among global peers in 2020. Following some early missteps in addressing the pandemic, Chinese authorities shifted gears quickly, acting decisively to limit travel and controlling its borders while working with world health organizations to control the outbreak. In addition, policy actions meant to assist small and medium-size enterprises were implemented including an increase in loan quotas, lowering of borrowing rates, a delay in loan repayments and tax relief. The result was an early 2020 outperformance of Chinese equities. The second quarter of 2020 was lackluster for equity prices, even though anecdotes from our local offices and official economic data implied that recovery was well under way as factory workers reported back to the assembly line, local shops and restaurants accepted walk-in customers and some travel restrictions were lifted.

Chinese equities posted strong returns in the third quarter but most of those gains were registered in the first two weeks of the quarter—reflecting increased tensions between the U.S. and China. Chinese manufacturing data pointed to a continued V-shaped recovery and a bright spot within the data suggested that small, private businesses were beginning to participate in the rebound. In the final quarter of the calendar year, Chinese equity returns were strong again, but lagged other markets in the region. Some growth stocks within the communication services, health care and discretionary sectors took a breather while valued-oriented names within materials, energy and financials outperformed. With the coronavirus pandemic held in check across China, cities, governments, businesses and schools remained open for regular, daily activities. Government micro-reforms in areas such as health care, education and housing continue to support sustainable growth in economic activity.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

Stock selection in information technology, industrials and financials contributed to performance for the full year. A contributor among individual stocks was e-commerce company JD.com, which experienced increased demand for its services during the pandemic. As the second largest e-commerce company in China, JD.com has a broad reach and its profitability is improving. Logistics-oriented businesses tend to be very capital intensive in their early years, but with much of JD.com’s logistic infrastructure already in place, we expect that the business may be less capital intensive going forward. China has many metropolitan densities and the complexity of making deliveries to most households is high, creating a competitive moat for an e-commerce player such as JD.com.

On the other hand, stock selection in health care and materials, as well as an overweight to real estate, detracted from performance for the full year. A detractor among individual stocks was Sinopharm, China’s largest pharmaceutical distributor and one of the few distributors with a meaningful nationwide presence. The company saw weak results in the first half of 2020 owing to negative economic impact from the COVID-19 outbreak. Hospital visitation during the pandemic fell, which reduced pharmaceutical distribution needs. At the same time, the company

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MCHFX)      12.69%        43.05%        14.79%        17.98%        8.05%        11.20%        2/19/98  
Institutional Class (MICFX)      12.69%        43.23%        14.98%        18.18%        8.23%        7.91%        10/29/10  
MSCI China Index3      11.21%        29.67%        9.22%        15.25%        7.84%        5.78% 4    
MSCI China All Shares Index3      13.38%        33.61%        9.51%        11.38%        7.45%        n.a. 5    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 2/28/98.

 

  5

Index performance data prior to 11/25/08 is not available.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
     Sector             % of Net Assets  

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

   Communication Services             10.5%  

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary             9.3%  

JD.com, Inc.

   Consumer Discretionary             5.8%  

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.

   Financials             4.4%  

Bilibili, Inc.

   Communication Services             3.3%  

AIA Group, Ltd.

   Financials             3.1%  

Meituan

   Consumer Discretionary             2.9%  

China International Capital Corp., Ltd.

   Financials             2.7%  

Midea Group Co., Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary             2.5%  

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc.

   Consumer Discretionary             2.5%  

% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10

               47.0%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

64    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6  
China/Hong Kong     99.4  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     0.6  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)6  
Consumer Discretionary     25.8  
Financials     19.1  
Communication Services     13.8  
Information Technology     12.5  
Health Care     8.6  
Industrials     6.2  
Real Estate     4.6  
Materials     4.2  
Consumer Staples     3.5  
Utilities     1.0  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     0.6  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)6  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     66.1  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     16.1  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     14.9  
Small Cap (under $3B)     2.3  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     0.6  

 

6

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

Matthews China Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

saw increased operational expenses associated with the prevention and containment of the virus situation. Sinopharm trades at attractive valuations and commands a still large and dominant presence in China’s healthcare distribution industry. We continue to monitor this position for updates and operational improvements.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During the fourth quarter, we initiated new positions in Kingsoft Corp. and Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co. Kingsoft is a technology company with three main businesses: online gaming, cloud services and software services. The company’s online gaming business provides a stable and growing source of cash flow. Its cloud services business supports companies with growing data and storage needs, including major clients in the social media and entertainment industries. Kingsoft’s software services business is growing beyond its traditional presence in enterprise operating systems into consumer facing software services where penetration of paying users is currently very low with room to grow. In our view, Kingsoft trades at a deep discount to the sum of the parts valuations for each of the individual businesses. Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment is a full-service battery equipment provider with strong ties to China’s largest battery manufacturer, CATL. We believe that on-going growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales will spur capacity growth for batteries. Such increased CapEx (an amount spent by a company to acquire or significantly improve the capacity or capabilities of a long-term asset such as equipment or buildings) investments drives the need for equipment investments. The company also has an opportunity to expand its customer base from mainly Chinese domestic customers to global clients as well.

Outlook:

Going forward, China seems well positioned for continued stability as monetary aggregates have been balanced for several months while China’s rebounding economy and solid mid-teens consensus earnings growth* should support current valuations. The newly released five-year plan could support businesses benefiting from the ‘”dual-circulation” announcement focused on domestic demand and self-sufficiency in key areas of technology, innovation, health care and the digitalization of the economy.

Market participants believe a Biden administration could potentially focus less on trade-related issues, in favor of a multi-lateral approach on topics related to market access, climate change and human rights. Investors expect more predictability and less headline risk associated with U.S.—China relations going forward. On the domestic front, the latest Chinese economic data points to continued recovery led by consumption, manufacturing activity and investment. In addition, analysts expect upside earnings momentum to carry through 2021 driven by robust economic activity.

 

*

Earnings growth is not representative of the Fund’s future performance.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews China Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 99.4%

 

     Shares     Value  
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 25.8%

 

 

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 18.0%

 

 

Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd.b

    4,804,000       $139,722,085  

Meituan B Sharesb,c

    1,173,500       44,174,597  

JD.com, Inc. A Sharesb

    998,780       43,988,693  

JD.com, Inc. ADRb

    499,389       43,896,293  
   

 

 

 
      271,781,668  
   

 

 

 
   

Specialty Retail: 2.7%

   

Zhongsheng Group Holdings, Ltd.

    3,595,000       25,680,268  

China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings, Ltd.

    9,231,000       15,307,162  
   

 

 

 
      40,987,430  
   

 

 

 
   

Household Durables: 2.6%

   

Midea Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,537,352       38,430,690  
   

 

 

 
   

Diversified Consumer Services: 2.5%

   

New Oriental Education & Technology Group, Inc. ADRb

    206,100       38,295,441  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

      389,495,229  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FINANCIALS: 19.1%    

Capital Markets: 8.3%

   

China International Capital Corp., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    14,751,200       39,994,175  

CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. H Shares

    16,021,000       36,151,233  

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, Ltd.

    506,700       27,793,371  

China Merchants Securities Co., Ltd. H Sharesc,d

    13,888,800       20,802,251  
   

 

 

 
      124,741,030  
   

 

 

 
   

Banks: 5.7%

   

China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. A Shares

    9,730,523       65,826,578  

China Construction Bank Corp. H Shares

    27,210,660       20,524,428  
   

 

 

 
      86,351,006  
   

 

 

 
   

Insurance: 5.1%

   

AIA Group, Ltd.

    3,824,000       46,599,732  

Ping An Insurance Group Co. of China, Ltd. A Shares

    2,233,746       29,891,312  
   

 

 

 
      76,491,044  
   

 

 

 

Total Financials

      287,583,080  
   

 

 

 
   
     
COMMUNICATION SERVICES: 13.8%    

Interactive Media & Services: 10.5%

   

Tencent Holdings, Ltd.

    2,202,400       158,471,045  
   

 

 

 
   

Entertainment: 3.3%

   

Bilibili, Inc. ADRb

    582,600       49,940,472  
   

 

 

 

Total Communication Services

      208,411,517  
   

 

 

 
   
   
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 12.5%

 

 

Software: 4.8%

   

Weimob, Inc.b,c,d

    14,247,000       25,683,119  

Kingsoft Corp., Ltd.

    3,222,000       20,832,624  

Thunder Software Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    881,100       15,873,239  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.

    2,299,000       9,385,803  
   

 

 

 
      71,774,785  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 4.6%

 

AVIC Jonhon Optronic Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,597,101       $31,321,069  

Wuxi Lead Intelligent Equipment Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,277,955       16,520,971  

Wingtech Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    938,707       14,311,757  

Luxshare Precision Industry Co., Ltd. A Shares

    865,562       7,481,172  
   

 

 

 
      69,634,969  
   

 

 

 
   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 2.3%

 

 

NAURA Technology Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    688,241       19,134,692  

LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,122,659       15,940,847  
   

 

 

 
      35,075,539  
   

 

 

 
   

IT Services: 0.8%

   

Chinasoft International, Ltd.

    11,168,000       12,481,522  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

      188,966,815  
   

 

 

 
   
     
HEALTH CARE: 8.7%    

Life Sciences Tools & Services: 4.5%

   

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,602,592       29,705,748  

Wuxi Biologics Cayman, Inc.b,c,d

    1,485,000       19,693,096  

Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting Co., Ltd. A Shares

    711,686       17,672,903  
   

 

 

 
      67,071,747  
   

 

 

 
   

Biotechnology: 1.6%

   

Innovent Biologics, Inc.b,c,d

    1,373,500       14,504,315  

Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering Co., Ltd. A Shares

    465,350       9,421,393  
   

 

 

 
      23,925,708  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 1.4%

   

Lepu Medical Technology Beijing Co., Ltd. A Shares

    3,199,579       13,374,899  

China Isotope & Radiation Corp.

    2,285,000       7,937,197  
   

 

 

 
      21,312,096  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Providers & Services: 1.0%

   

Dian Diagnostics Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,628,843       13,851,502  

Sinopharm Group Co., Ltd. H Shares

    611,600       1,483,635  
   

 

 

 
      15,335,137  
   

 

 

 
   

Pharmaceuticals: 0.2%

   

Sino Biopharmaceutical, Ltd.

    2,955,500       2,850,258  
   

 

 

 

Total Health Care

      130,494,946  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDUSTRIALS: 6.2%    

Machinery: 3.3%

   

Estun Automation Co., Ltd. A Sharesb

    7,010,125       32,178,855  

Weichai Power Co., Ltd. A Shares

    7,410,061       18,010,411  
   

 

 

 
      50,189,266  
   

 

 

 
   

Building Products: 1.9%

   

Xinyi Glass Holdings, Ltd.

    10,058,000       28,132,653  
   

 

 

 
   

Electrical Equipment: 1.0%

   

Sunwoda Electronic Co., Ltd. A Shares

    3,291,047       15,566,363  
   

 

 

 

Total Industrials

      93,888,282  
   

 

 

 
   
 

 

66    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews China Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

COMMON EQUITIES (continued)

 

     Shares     Value  
REAL ESTATE: 4.6%    

Real Estate Management & Development: 4.6%

 

 

China Resources Land, Ltd.

    5,350,000       $22,046,763  

CIFI Holdings Group Co., Ltd.

    23,328,000       19,768,333  

Times China Holdings, Ltd.

    10,717,000       14,921,962  

China Overseas Property Holdings, Ltd.

    23,630,000       12,313,737  
   

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

      69,050,795  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MATERIALS: 4.2%    

Chemicals: 3.0%

   

Zhejiang Juhua Co., Ltd. A Shares

    14,085,700       17,588,567  

Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,118,419       15,672,423  

Shandong Sinocera Functional Material Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,680,522       11,677,591  
   

 

 

 
      44,938,581  
   

 

 

 
   

Construction Materials: 1.2%

   

Anhui Conch Cement Co., Ltd. A Shares

    2,361,644       18,774,344  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

      63,712,925  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER STAPLES: 3.5%    

Beverages: 3.5%

   

Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd. A Shares

    90,823       27,913,101  

Wuliangye Yibin Co., Ltd. A Shares

    558,477       25,083,504  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

      52,996,605  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UTILITIES: 1.0%    

Gas Utilities: 1.0%

   

ENN Energy Holdings, Ltd.

    1,052,400       15,448,919  
   

 

 

 

Total Utilities

      15,448,919  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 99.4%       1,500,049,113  

(Cost $1,061,317,626)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 0.6%
      8,822,044  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $1,508,871,157  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

c

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

d

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $120,676,956, which is 8.00% of net assets.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Peeyush Mittal,CFA  

Lead Manager

 
Sharat Shroff, CFA  

Co-Manager

 
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MINDX   MIDNX

CUSIP

  577130859   577130768

Inception

  10/31/05   10/29/10

NAV

  $26.29   $26.65

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.15%   1.03%

Portfolio Statistics

   

Total # of Positions

  60

Net Assets

  $708 million

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $46.5 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  57.4%

Benchmark

 

S&P Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of companies located in India.

Matthews India Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews India Fund returned 16.45% (Investor Class) and 16.65% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index, returned 13.92%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 21.85% (Investor Class) and 21.88% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark returned 24.97%.

Market Environment:

Indian equities suffered large drawdowns early in the year, then rebounded quickly. Markets were down sharply in March amid fears about the pandemic’s economic impact. The government took unprecedented steps to slow the spread of the virus by ordering a nationwide lockdown for 21-days starting on March 25. In addition, the Finance Minister announced significant stimulus early in the year in hopes of aiding low-income households while in lockdown. The Reserve Bank of India took significant steps as well to lower the cost of capital by reducing repurchase agreement (repo) rates and by injecting surplus liquidity to keep the strength of the financial system intact. In the second and third quarters of 2020, Indian shares soared as lockdown restrictions were gradually eased and economic activity started to normalize.

Although its economy has been slow to recover, India’s latest economic data suggests that activity has returned to near pre-pandemic levels. Local sentiment is improving. Economic restrictions in large urban sectors are gradually easing and we are seeing near-normalization of mobility and economic activity. For example, restaurants and bars in Mumbai were allowed to open in early October. Government fiscal accounts are outperforming estimates as tax receipts are coming in higher than expected. In addition, economic output as measured by Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) composite data seems well placed in expansionary territory. Rural India has done substantially better in the last 12 months on back of robust rainfall in the last two monsoons, helping to cushion the negative impact of COVID on India as a whole.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

Stock selection and an overweight to small-cap stocks was a notable contributor to performance in the year. India has a large, rich universe of small companies with low analyst coverage, creating opportunities to generate alpha (the excess return on an investment relative to the return on a benchmark index) via active stock selection. What’s more, as economic recovery began to broaden out, smaller companies began to participate more in the market rally. On the other hand, stock selection and allocation effects among mega-cap stocks was neutral to performance in the year. But we continue to see long-term opportunity among select mega-cap companies, particularly as India continues to move toward a more innovation-based economy, where size and scale are often rewarded in terms of digital platforms and connectivity.

From a sector perspective, stock selection in health care, communication services and industrials contributed to performance, while stock selection in financials, consumer staples and consumer discretionary detracted.

Among individual stocks, Laurus Labs was a contributor. Laurus Labs is one of the lowest cost manufacturer of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) used to formulate drugs, particularly in ARV (antiretroviral) drugs. In the last couple of years, Laurus has integrated into manufacturing and marketing their own formulations, which boosted sales and earnings growth substantially. Stock performance has largely followed the earnings growth* trajectory. Meanwhile, Shriram City Union

(continued)

 

*

Earnings growth is not representative of the Fund’s future performance.

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

68    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020  
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
    

3 Months

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

10 Years

    

Since
Inception

    

Inception
Date

 

Investor Class (MINDX)

     21.85%        16.45%        1.24%        6.84%        6.10%        10.45%        10/31/05  

Institutional Class (MIDNX)

     21.88%        16.65%        1.41%        7.03%        6.29%        5.97%        10/29/10  

S&P Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index3

     24.97%        13.92%        5.14%        11.03%        4.84%        10.30% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from S&P BSE 100 Index and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 10/31/05.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
    

Sector

           

% of Net Assets

 

HDFC Bank, Ltd.

   Financials             8.5%  

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

   Energy             7.6%  

Infosys, Ltd.

   Information Technology             5.9%  

ICICI Bank, Ltd.

   Financials             5.2%  

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

   Financials             4.4%  

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ltd.

   Financials             4.2%  

Info Edge India, Ltd.

   Communication Services             4.0%  

Bajaj Finance, Ltd.

   Financials             3.6%  

Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.

   Information Technology             3.4%  

Bandhan Bank, Ltd.

   Financials             3.0%  

% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10

               49.8%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews India Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

Finance, a non-banking financial that is dependent on capital markets and on banks for funding, detracted. Shriram was negatively impacted as liquidity in small and micro-cap companies dried up during March and April. We continue to like this name given management continued to improve their financial performance on back of a notable improvement in credit quality. The company is well capitalized, with enough liquidity on the balance sheet, and it is one of the lowest valuation financial service names in the portfolio.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

We made a few changes to the portfolio across different sectors, including health care, consumer discretionary, financials and IT services.

Within consumer discretionary, we added Bosch India Limited, a supplier of fuel ignition systems to commercial and passenger vehicles in India. Bosch’s business is likely to be positively impacted in our view on back of a cyclical upturn expected in the auto segment in the country. Bosch has been undergoing a restructuring, limiting its margins, but we think it is almost complete and thus believe its revenue growth may lead to substantially higher growth in earnings.

Within consumer discretionary, we recently participated in the IPO of Burger King India. Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) have been gaining share away from small mom-and-pop restaurants over the years and we expect that trend to only accelerate further post pandemic. Burger King India has a very credible management team with extensive global experience in the QSR segment that we think will help it grow faster than their peers both on revenue and earnings.

We exited Syngene, a Contract Research Organization (CRO), which we held in the portfolio for over two years. While we believe there is substantial opportunity for growth for many years to come, its stock outperformed sharply during the last 12 months and became excessively overpriced. As we do not think the company’s revenue growth will change substantially, we exited our position as we deemed the risk reward was adverse to continue to remain invested.

Outlook:

Entering into 2021, India’s financial system is seeing signs of reopening with loan growth rebounding and credit quality improving. The stronger current account and overall balance of payments bodes well for the Indian rupee and a potential tailwind for foreign investors. Equity valuations are at or slightly above historical averages; however, we believe that current valuations may not fairly incorporate a lower cost of capital making seemingly high valuations actually much more reasonable. In our view, India is sitting at the cusp of an earnings recovery. The overwhelming majority of companies are delivering earnings in excess of expectations; too many companies to count have taken prudent cost-cutting measures to shore up margins.

India’s central government is taking substantial steps to create more manufacturing jobs in the country. It is offering financial incentives to global corporates for setting up factories in the country, as well as changing its legal framework that governs labor laws in the country to make it much easier to do business in India. Corporates across different sectors are also reporting heightened interest in procuring raw materials and finished products from India as part of an increasing wave of China-plus-India supply chain strategy being considered by corporates globally. We believe the change in external environment combined with steps taken by the government has the potential to create positive surprise on India’s economic growth over the next 24-36 months.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6  
India     101.3  
Japan     1.0  
Liabilities in Excess of Cash and Other Assets     -2.3  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)6  
Financials     38.0  
Information Technology     16.4  
Consumer Staples     11.9  
Consumer Discretionary     8.3  
Energy     7.6  
Health Care     6.4  
Communication Services     6.3  
Materials     3.7  
Industrials     3.7  
Liabilities in Excess of Cash and Other Assets     -2.3  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)6  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     50.8  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     9.6  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     21.2  
Small Cap (under $3B)     20.7  
Liabilities in Excess of Cash and Other Assets     -2.3  

 

6

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

 

70    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews India Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 102.3%

 

     Shares     Value  
FINANCIALS: 38.0%    

Banks: 24.1%

   

HDFC Bank, Ltd.b

    3,039,887       $59,875,094  

ICICI Bank, Ltd.b

    4,981,084       36,627,836  

Kotak Mahindra Bank, Ltd.b

    1,096,143       29,958,314  

Bandhan Bank, Ltd.b,c,d

    3,785,081       20,891,339  

Axis Bank, Ltd.b

    1,677,122       14,275,541  

DCB Bank, Ltd.b

    5,440,926       8,897,343  
   

 

 

 
      170,525,467  
   

 

 

 
   

Consumer Finance: 6.9%

   

Bajaj Finance, Ltd.

    349,067       25,344,124  

Shriram City Union Finance, Ltd.

    1,120,472       16,304,148  

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, Ltd.b

    3,020,632       7,239,000  
   

 

 

 
      48,887,272  
   

 

 

 
   

Thrifts & Mortgage Finance: 5.4%

   

Housing Development Finance Corp., Ltd.

    881,231       30,874,767  

LIC Housing Finance, Ltd.

    881,598       4,366,567  

Aavas Financiers, Ltd.b

    117,904       2,741,700  
   

 

 

 
      37,983,034  
   

 

 

 
   

Capital Markets: 0.8%

   

Multi Commodity Exchange of India, Ltd.

    249,386       5,910,378  
   

 

 

 
   

Insurance: 0.8%

   

HDFC Life Insurance Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    588,556       5,463,560  
   

 

 

 

Total Financials

      268,769,711  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 16.4%    

IT Services: 15.6%

   

Infosys, Ltd.

    2,417,874       41,449,088  

Tata Consultancy Services, Ltd.

    611,588       24,014,084  

Tech Mahindra, Ltd.

    937,912       12,535,661  

Mindtree, Ltd.

    413,965       9,426,901  

Larsen & Toubro Infotech, Ltd.c,d

    179,838       9,019,350  

Wipro, Ltd.

    1,633,722       8,653,718  

HCL Technologies, Ltd.

    346,047       4,491,312  

Mphasis, Ltd.

    48,733       1,028,950  
   

 

 

 
      110,619,064  
   

 

 

 
   

Software: 0.8%

   

Birlasoft, Ltd.

    1,523,334       5,165,521  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

      115,784,585  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER STAPLES: 11.9%    

Food Products: 3.2%

   

Zydus Wellness, Ltd.

    733,686       20,010,604  

Britannia Industries, Ltd.

    61,251       3,003,523  
   

 

 

 
      23,014,127  
   

 

 

 
   

Tobacco: 2.5%

   

VST Industries, Ltd.

    345,776       17,558,700  
   

 

 

 
   

Food & Staples Retailing: 2.2%

   

Avenue Supermarts, Ltd.b,c,d

    411,370       15,585,232  
   

 

 

 
   

Personal Products: 2.2%

   

Dabur India, Ltd.

    1,267,254       9,274,797  

Marico, Ltd.

    1,129,181       6,227,509  
   

 

 

 
      15,502,306  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  

Household Products: 1.8%

   

Hindustan Unilever, Ltd.

    385,463       $12,654,383  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

      84,314,748  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 8.3%    

Automobiles: 3.3%

   

Eicher Motors, Ltd.

    276,447       9,590,011  

Hero MotoCorp, Ltd.

    166,274       7,085,980  

Suzuki Motor Corp.

    145,500       6,744,729  
   

 

 

 
      23,420,720  
   

 

 

 
   

Household Durables: 2.4%

   

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Ltd.

    2,075,559       10,831,308  

Whirlpool of India, Ltd.

    177,005       6,376,629  
   

 

 

 
      17,207,937  
   

 

 

 
   

Multiline Retail: 1.0%

   

Trent, Ltd.

    752,915       7,101,939  
   

 

 

 
   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 0.8%

   

Burger King India, Ltd.b

    2,333,250       5,604,207  
   

 

 

 
   

Auto Components: 0.8%

 

Bosch, Ltd.

    30,904       5,417,309  
   

 

 

 
   

Textiles, Apparel & Luxury Goods: 0.0%

 

Vaibhav Global, Ltd.

    8,331       279,572  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

      59,031,684  
   

 

 

 
   
     
ENERGY: 7.6%    

Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels: 7.6%

   

Reliance Industries, Ltd.

    1,905,779       51,854,214  

Reliance Industries, Ltd. - partially paid

    141,310       2,170,741  
   

 

 

 

Total Energy

      54,024,955  
   

 

 

 
   
     
HEALTH CARE: 6.4%    

Pharmaceuticals: 3.6%

   

Laurus Labs, Ltd.c,d

    2,034,941       9,851,950  

Lupin, Ltd.

    331,368       4,434,185  

Neuland Laboratories, Ltd.

    282,302       4,237,218  

Alembic Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.

    286,853       4,055,505  

Caplin Point Laboratories, Ltd.

    473,148       3,279,654  
   

 

 

 
      25,858,512  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 1.0%

   

Poly Medicure, Ltd.

    992,068       6,881,332  
   

 

 

 
   

Life Sciences Tools & Services: 0.9%

   

Divi’s Laboratories, Ltd.

    119,445       6,281,879  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Providers & Services: 0.9%

   

Metropolis Healthcare, Ltd.c,d

    233,464       6,265,948  
   

 

 

 

Total Health Care

      45,287,671  
   

 

 

 
   
     
COMMUNICATION SERVICES: 6.3%    

Interactive Media & Services: 4.0%

   

Info Edge India, Ltd.

    434,782       28,361,869  
   

 

 

 
   

Wireless Telecommunication Services: 1.1%

   

Bharti Airtel, Ltd.

    1,137,528       7,944,052  
   

 

 

 
   

Entertainment: 0.8%

   

PVR, Ltd.

    300,355       5,441,686  
   

 

 

 
   
 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews India Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

COMMON EQUITIES (continued)

 

     Shares     Value  

Media: 0.4%

 

Affle India, Ltd.b

    54,552       $2,830,454  
   

 

 

 

Total Communication Services

      44,578,061  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MATERIALS: 3.7%    

Chemicals: 3.7%

   

Asian Paints, Ltd.

    252,496       9,564,123  

Pidilite Industries, Ltd.

    389,392       9,420,375  

PI Industries, Ltd.

    249,775       7,510,621  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

      26,495,119  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDUSTRIALS: 3.7%    

Machinery: 3.2%

   

Ashok Leyland, Ltd.

    9,936,652       13,003,805  

AIA Engineering, Ltd.

    256,866       6,937,372  

Carborundum Universal, Ltd.

    433,720       2,412,503  
   

 

 

 
      22,353,680  
   

 

 

 
   

Electrical Equipment: 0.5%

   

ABB India, Ltd.

    211,441       3,512,524  
   

 

 

 

Total Industrials

      25,866,204  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 102.3%       724,152,738  

(Cost $529,772,817)

   
   
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF CASH
AND OTHER ASSETS: (2.3%)
      (16,191,458
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $707,961,280  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

c

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $67,077,379, which is 9.47% of net assets.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

72    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS

Taizo Ishida    

Lead Manager

   
Shuntaro Takeuchi    

Co-Manager

   
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional

Ticker

  MJFOX   MIJFX

CUSIP

  577130800   577130792

Inception

  12/31/98   10/29/10

NAV

  $25.27   $25.32

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  0.95%   0.91%

Portfolio Statistics

   

Total # of Positions

  49

Net Assets

  $1.7 billion

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $43.5 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  62.0%

Benchmark

MSCI Japan Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Japan.

Matthews Japan Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Japan Fund returned 29.82% (Investor Class) and 29.85% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI Japan Index, returned 14.91%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 15.87% (Investor Class) and 15.87% (Institutional Class), versus 15.29% for the Index.

Market Environment:

Japan’s equity markets were volatile but resilient in 2020. Equity prices declined sharply in February and March, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, but had rebounded strongly by year end. Swift monetary expansion actions by the major central banks, along with large-scale fiscal policy measures to offset the negative economic impact, improved sentiment toward growth-oriented stocks globally, including Japan. The Bank of Japan announced an option to double exchange-traded fund (ETF) purchases, while the Japanese government passed a significant stimulus package to help bolster the economy.

Against this backdrop, Japanese equities handily outperformed their EAFE counterparts in 2020. We believe this was driven by Japanese corporates’ ample cash balance, which helped to cushion against extreme situations during the COVID outbreak. Equity prices were also bolstered by an incremental improvement in the outlook for corporate profits and economic conditions. Ample liquidity provided by the central banks around the world also benefited the Japanese equity market, as this liquidity lead to improvements in the global manufacturing cycle.

At current levels, we view the recovery scenario has somewhat been reflected in share prices. Going forward, it will be a tug of war between the trajectory of the COVID-19 situation and the pace of vaccine distribution, which will influence the pace and the magnitude of economic recovery.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

From a sector perspective, stock selection in industrials, health care and information technology contributed to Fund performance over the course of the year. On the other hand, stock selection in consumer staples, real estate and financials was a slight detractor, even though these sectors in aggregate were contributors due to allocation effects. From a market-cap perspective, stock selection contributed across all capitalizations—mega, large, mid and small.

Turning to individual securities, photomask inspection equipment maker Lasertec was the largest contributor to the overall performance for the full year. Lasertec is currently the only provider of mask and mask-blank inspection equipment using EUV (extreme ultraviolet lithography) as a light source, and EUV adoption in major foundries and increased usage in memory makers is likely to further enhance the business opportunity of the company. However, we exited the name during the year, as we viewed the market is starting to build lofty expectations to justify the share price momentum.

Medical platformer M3 was also a major contributor to performance with its Japan platform now covering 90% of all doctors. The company is utilizing the platform to expand and disrupt the areas of contract research organizations and career business recruitment and networking, in Japan and other markets. Overseas is a meaningful part of overall revenue, with China being the largest growth driver.

On the other hand, engineer-staffing company Technopro dragged within our portfolio companies. We see long-term trend of labor tightness and trend of outsourcing

(continued)

 

 

1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
   
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020         
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MJFOX)      15.87%        29.82%        9.32%        11.80%        10.66%        7.19%        12/31/98  
Institutional Class (MIJFX)      15.87%        29.85%        9.38%        11.87%        10.76%        11.73%        10/29/10  
MSCI Japan Index3      15.29%        14.91%        6.45%        9.04%        6.80%        4.29% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definitions.

 

  4

Calculated from 12/31/98.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                       
     Sector               % of Net Assets  
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.    Materials             5.3%  
Sony Corp.    Consumer Discretionary             4.8%  
TDK Corp.    Information Technology             3.9%  
SMC Corp.    Industrials             3.6%  
M3, Inc.    Health Care             3.0%  
Keyence Corp.    Information Technology             3.0%  
Hoya Corp.    Health Care             2.8%  
SoftBank Group Corp.    Communication Services             2.8%  
Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.    Industrials             2.7%  
PeptiDream, Inc.    Health Care             2.7%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                34.6%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

74    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6  
Japan     98.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.2  

 

   
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)6      
Information Technology     22.3  
Industrials     19.7  
Consumer Discretionary     16.8  
Health Care     16.8  
Financials     8.5  
Communication Services     7.7  
Materials     7.0  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.2  

 

   
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)6      
Mega Cap (over $25B)     49.3  
Large Cap ($10B-$25B)     27.7  
Mid Cap ($3B-10B)     13.9  
Small Cap (under $3B)     7.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.2  

 

6

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

Matthews Japan Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

in IT engineering remain intact. However, the slowdown of the economy in Japan and other economies overseas may impact the staffing industry both in terms of demand and pricing for staffing services. We exited the stock during the year.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

Our portfolio actions in 2020 occurred in two phases. During the first three months of the year, we reduced the number of names in the Fund and shifted to high-quality names that we believed could generate positive cash flow regardless of the macro economic situation. Later in the year, during July and August, we started to increase our exposure to cyclical growth companies as economic activity started to improve.

In the fourth quarter, we initiated a new position in medical equipment manufacturer Olympus. Olympus had previously struggled with governance issues, including past accounting issues and several large-scaled recalls. However, under new management along with much stronger board oversight, we are seeing some positive changes, especially over the past year, in fundamentals and ESG measures.

We have also participated in a few IPOs, including musical instrument manufacturer Roland and application development platform Yappli. Roland has strong brand equity in its digital musical instruments, with a strong following of “Roland sound” by many professional and amateur music enthusiasts. We also believe with the current capable management, there are company specific margin improvement opportunities in product average selling price growth and reducing stock keeping units (SKUs). Yappli is one of the leading no-code mobile app development companies based in Japan, benefitting from e-commerce growth in Japan.

Outlook:

In terms of market leadership, 2020 turned out to be another great year for growth equity investing. In a recessionary environment coupled with lower interest rates and ample money supply, high-quality, stable growth, large cap, innovation sectors outperformed strongly against value, small cap, cyclical and lower-quality names. We think 2021 will not be such a one-way street like 2020. With profit recovery already baked in current consensus estimates and valuation levels, upside surprise in profits will ever be more important in investment returns going forward. We will continue to look for investment opportunities in high-quality companies that are able to execute well. At the same time we will also seek opportunities in cyclical areas that have a potential to achieve high growth via lower and easier competition.

For many years, Japanese equities have not been considered a place to invest by many investors, but rather a place to trade in and out of. Investors tend to buy Japan when things bottom out and improve, then get out when things start to peak. However, the dynamic has meaningfully changed since 2010 as Japanese corporates have been generating improving levels of profits in each bottom of the cycle. 2020 showed another year of resiliency of Japanese corporate profits. We believe Japan’s equity market fundamentals have turned from pure value to cyclical growth, but many global investors are still skeptical of this change. In our opinion, this creates opportunities for attractive alpha (the excess return on an investment relative to the return on a benchmark index) generation through bottom-up, active stock selection.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Japan Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 98.8%

 

     Shares     Value  
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 22.3%    

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 8.9%

 

 

TDK Corp.

    428,400       $64,638,506  

Keyence Corp.

    87,600       49,276,492  

Ibiden Co., Ltd.

    704,900       32,952,081  
   

 

 

 
      146,867,079  
   

 

 

 
   

Software: 4.9%

   

Freee KKb

    205,500       20,096,605  

Oracle Corp. Japan

    143,600       18,718,921  

Sansan, Inc.b

    227,900       15,036,432  

AI inside, Inc.b

    19,300       13,739,174  

Yappli, Inc.b

    133,400       7,493,293  

Plaid, Inc.b

    125,200       4,504,557  

Kaonavi, Inc.b

    14,700       644,488  
   

 

 

 
      80,233,470  
   

 

 

 
   

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 4.5%

 

 

Advantest Corp.

    556,400       41,675,384  

Disco Corp.

    98,800       33,298,854  
   

 

 

 
      74,974,238  
   

 

 

 
   

IT Services: 4.0%

   

OBIC Co., Ltd.

    166,700       33,503,004  

ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corp.

    524,100       18,714,578  

Hennge KKb

    177,900       14,330,995  
   

 

 

 
      66,548,577  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

      368,623,364  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDUSTRIALS: 19.7%    

Professional Services: 7.5%

   

Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

    1,074,600       45,136,378  

SMS Co., Ltd.

    1,151,800       44,168,917  

Nihon M&A Center, Inc.

    516,600       34,546,715  
   

 

 

 
      123,852,010  
   

 

 

 
   

Machinery: 5.9%

   

SMC Corp.

    96,700       59,058,326  

Makita Corp.

    765,400       38,390,268  
   

 

 

 
      97,448,594  
   

 

 

 
   

Electrical Equipment: 2.7%

   

Nidec Corp.

    351,400       44,454,899  
   

 

 

 
   

Road & Rail: 2.5%

 

East Japan Railway Co.

    621,100       41,436,931  
   

 

 

 
   

Building Products: 1.1%

 

Daikin Industries, Ltd.

    82,100       18,264,553  
   

 

 

 

Total Industrials

      325,456,987  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 16.8%    

Specialty Retail: 4.9%

   

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.

    36,900       33,087,487  

Nitori Holdings Co., Ltd.

    113,800       23,795,749  

Hikari Tsushin, Inc.

    98,300       23,064,527  
   

 

 

 
      79,947,763  
   

 

 

 
   

Multiline Retail: 4.8%

   

Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp.

    1,868,700       43,173,907  
     Shares     Value  

Marui Group Co., Ltd.

    2,084,600       $36,709,826  
   

 

 

 
      79,883,733  
   

 

 

 
   

Household Durables: 4.8%

   

Sony Corp.

    786,200       79,223,871  
   

 

 

 
   

Leisure Products: 2.3%

   

Bandai Namco Holdings, Inc.

    345,200       29,894,585  

Roland Corp.

    275,500       8,404,678  
   

 

 

 
      38,299,263  
   

 

 

 
   

Total Consumer Discretionary

      277,354,630  
   

 

 

 
   
     
HEALTH CARE: 16.8%    

Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 7.9%

   

Hoya Corp.

    338,700       46,908,194  

Terumo Corp.

    988,700       41,373,411  

Olympus Corp.

    1,104,700       24,186,187  

Sysmex Corp.

    145,600       17,519,556  
   

 

 

 
      129,987,348  
   

 

 

 
   

Pharmaceuticals: 3.2%

   

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    668,800       35,683,920  

Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    460,000       16,647,112  
   

 

 

 
      52,331,032  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Technology: 3.0%

   

M3, Inc.

    523,500       49,453,646  
   

 

 

 
   

Biotechnology: 2.7%

   

PeptiDream, Inc.b

    880,300       44,778,234  
   

 

 

 

Total Health Care

      276,550,260  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FINANCIALS: 8.5%    

Diversified Financial Services: 4.3%

   

ORIX Corp.

    2,661,800       40,949,444  

eGuarantee, Inc.

    1,364,500       29,742,672  
   

 

 

 
      70,692,116  
   

 

 

 
   

Insurance: 4.2%

   

Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc.

    748,400       38,558,731  

Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc.

    2,084,300       31,400,809  
   

 

 

 
      69,959,540  
   

 

 

 
   

Total Financials

      140,651,656  
   

 

 

 
   
     
COMMUNICATION SERVICES: 7.7%    

Entertainment: 4.4%

   

Nintendo Co., Ltd.

    63,800       40,955,862  

Capcom Co., Ltd.

    485,300       31,473,008  
   

 

 

 
      72,428,870  
   

 

 

 
   

Wireless Telecommunication Services: 2.8%

   

SoftBank Group Corp.

    585,100       45,424,286  
   

 

 

 
   

Media: 0.5%

   

Direct Marketing MiX, Inc.

    334,900       8,507,508  
   

 

 

 

Total Communication Services

      126,360,664  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MATERIALS: 7.0%    

Chemicals: 7.0%

   

Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.

    500,100       87,775,482  
 

 

76    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Japan Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

COMMON EQUITIES (continued)

 

     Shares     Value  

Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.

    809,700       $27,923,671  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

      115,699,153  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 98.8%       1,630,696,714  

(Cost $1,139,085,719)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 1.2%
      20,091,097  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $1,650,787,811  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      77  


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Michael J. Oh, CFA  

Lead Manager

   
Elli Lee  

Co-Manager

   
FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional  

Ticker

  MAKOX   MIKOX

CUSIP

  577130305   577130826

Inception

  1/3/95   10/29/10

NAV

  $6.12   $6.17

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.19%   1.05%

Portfolio Statistics

Total # of Positions

  32

Net Assets

  $154.1 million

Weighted Average
Market Cap

  $151.7 billion

Portfolio Turnover2

  39.6%

Benchmark

Korea Composite Stock Price Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in South Korea.

Matthews Korea Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Korea Fund returned 40.77% (Investor Class) and 40.76% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, returned 39.76%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 29.53% (Investor Class) and 29.62% (Institutional Class) versus 32.53% for the Index.

Market Environment:

South Korean equities were the region’s strongest performers in 2020. A combination of low valuations, a rebound in earnings and a cyclical bounce coming out of COVID-19 proved to be a confluence of upside catalysts, which propelled Korean equity prices higher. Early year optimism surrounding the U.S.—China trade resolution faded quickly as investors weighed potential negative spillover of the coronavirus into slower trade, tourism and demand for Korean products. Korea’s response to COVID-19 was prompt and effective resulting in a relatively fast control over the spread of cases. Upside momentum in South Korean equities continued late into 2020 with improving earnings outlook for 2021 and a rotation to cyclically oriented names driven by global pandemic recovery.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

From a sector perspective, stock selection in information technology and communication services was a notable contributor for the full year. By market cap, stock selection among mega-cap and mid-cap stocks was also a contributor. Among individual stocks, a contributor was Kakao Corp., South Korea’s largest chat platform. The company’s return on investment improved significantly from 2019 with successful monetization into advertisement and commerce revenue. Its financial and content platforms are turning profitable with scale. We expect it to continue to strengthen its network effect within domestic users in Korea even after the COVID-19 pandemic. LG Chem, a lithium ion battery (LiB) manufacturer for automobiles, was another contributor. The company’s management has been establishing solid brand equity and technology in automotive LiB over the last few years. We view management’s decision to separate the LiB business from its existing chemical business to continue focusing on global expansions to be positive in the longer term.

On the other hand, stock selection in consumer staples, including LG Household & Health Care, was a detractor. LG Household and Health Care produces cosmetics and health care products. The company’s high-end cosmetic brand ‘Whoo’ is especially popular amongst Chinese customers and tourists. With the COVID-19 outbreak, travel bans negatively affected LG Household & Health Care sales in its tourist platform while it continued to maintain and improve brand equity in China. We continue to see the company attractive at this valuation with strong brand equity and the marketing capability of the management team.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

In the fourth quarter, we re-initiated a position in Amorepacific Corp, which had previously been a long-held position in the Fund. It recently had a new management team come in to improve channel and brand strategy for both Korea and China. We believe Amorepacific has a solid heritage in its brands and revamping its marketing strategy could improve its bottom line. We continue to monitor the progress of its new management team and how well the team can execute on its strategy in China. We also added Korea’s largest steel mill, POSCO. As the global economy improves, we believe demand for high-end steel will increase.

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

78    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
               
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                                                 
 

 

    

 

      

 

     Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MAKOX)      29.53%        40.77%        4.36%        8.88%        8.38%        6.79%        01/03/95  
Institutional Class (MIKOX)      29.62%        40.76%        4.46%        9.00%        8.52%        9.24%        10/29/10  
Korea Composite Stock Price Index3      32.53%        39.76%        6.38%        11.52%        5.42%        4.36% 4    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  3

Korea Composite Stock Price Index performance data may be readjusted periodically by the Korea Exchange due to certain factors, including the declaration of dividends. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Korea Composite Stock Price Index and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  4

Calculated from 1/3/95.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS5                     
     Sector             % of Net Assets  
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Pfd.    Information Technology             19.4%  
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.    Information Technology             6.8%  
SK Hynix, Inc.    Information Technology             5.0%  
LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd.    Materials             4.8%  
Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.    Information Technology             4.2%  
Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.    Consumer Discretionary             4.2%  
Kakao Corp.    Communication Services             4.2%  
LG Household & Health Care, Ltd., Pfd.    Consumer Staples             4.1%  
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.    Financials             4.1%  
Orion Corp.    Consumer Staples             3.5%  
% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10                60.3%  

 

  5

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Korea Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

Outlook:

Looking ahead, we expect global consumption to see some recovery in 2021 with COVID-19 vaccinations. As always, we believe active security selection is essential to capturing South Korea’s long-term growth potential. We continue to look for companies that can benefit from domestic consumption within Korea, as well as those companies headquartered in Korea that are effectively competing and innovating in global markets. As bottom-up investors, we look for companies that can grow organically without the assistance of strong macroeconomic tailwinds. We also look for companies who can further strengthen business models and bargaining power over the next few years against customers and peers.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)6  

South Korea

    96.4  
Japan     1.9  

Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities

    1.7  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)6  
Information Technology     41.8  
Consumer Discretionary     12.3  
Communication Services     11.7  
Consumer Staples     10.0  
Financials     7.7  
Materials     6.8  
Health Care     5.9  
Industrials     2.2  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.7  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)6  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     53.0  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     23.5  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     8.9  
Small Cap (under $3B)     12.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     1.7  

 

6

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

 

80    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Korea Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 66.6%

 

     Shares     Value  
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 22.4%    

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 9.2%

 

 

SK Hynix, Inc.

    69,937       $7,639,114  

Koh Young Technology, Inc.

    39,456       3,817,460  

LEENO Industrial, Inc.

    21,739       2,703,558  
   

 

 

 
      14,160,132  
   

 

 

 
   

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 6.8%

 

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

    140,211       10,470,329  
   

 

 

 
   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 6.4%

 

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.

    11,277       6,535,561  

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.

    20,271       3,328,971  
   

 

 

 
      9,864,532  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

      34,494,993  
   

 

 

 
   
     
COMMUNICATION SERVICES: 11.7%    

Interactive Media & Services: 7.5%

   

Kakao Corp.

    17,872       6,412,840  

NAVER Corp.

    19,152       5,162,791  
   

 

 

 
      11,575,631  
   

 

 

 
   

Entertainment: 3.3%

 

Nexon Co., Ltd.

    93,900       2,897,276  

NCSoft Corp.

    2,552       2,191,023  
   

 

 

 
      5,088,299  
   

 

 

 
   

Diversified Telecommunication Services: 0.9%

 

 

KINX, Inc.

    19,579       1,296,832  
   

 

 

 

Total Communication Services

      17,960,762  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 8.8%    

Auto Components: 6.4%

   

Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.

    27,457       6,462,449  

Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd.

    60,312       2,191,151  

Hanon Systems

    86,728       1,298,442  
   

 

 

 
      9,952,042  
   

 

 

 
   

Automobiles: 2.4%

   

Kia Motors Corp.

    63,093       3,635,215  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

      13,587,257  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FINANCIALS: 7.7%    

Banks: 6.2%

   

Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.

    214,655       6,369,473  

KB Financial Group, Inc.

    80,162       3,183,797  
   

 

 

 
      9,553,270  
   

 

 

 
   

Capital Markets: 0.9%

   

Kiwoom Securities Co., Ltd.

    11,013       1,286,538  
   

 

 

 
   

Mortgage REITs: 0.6%

   

ESR Kendall Square REIT Co., Ltd.b

    209,517       977,862  
   

 

 

 

Total Financials

      11,817,670  
   

 

 

 
   
     
HEALTH CARE: 5.9%    

Pharmaceuticals: 4.0%

   

Yuhan Corp.

    50,779       3,516,103  

DongKook Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

    100,682       2,713,546  
   

 

 

 
      6,229,649  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  

Biotechnology: 1.9%

   

Hugel, Inc.b

    16,836       $2,912,722  
   

 

 

 

Total Health Care

      9,142,371  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER STAPLES: 5.9%    

Food Products: 4.9%

   

Orion Corp.

    47,276       5,399,045  

Nongshim Co., Ltd.

    7,946       2,196,584  
   

 

 

 
      7,595,629  
   

 

 

 
   

Personal Products: 1.0%

   

Amorepacific Corp.

    7,930       1,505,757  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

      9,101,386  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDUSTRIALS: 2.2%    

Professional Services: 1.2%

   

NICE Information Service Co., Ltd.

    77,815       1,779,869  
   

 

 

 
   

Machinery: 1.0%

   

Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd.

    35,228       1,559,847  
   

 

 

 

Total Industrials

      3,339,716  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MATERIALS: 2.0%    

Metals & Mining: 2.0%

   

POSCO

    12,600       3,148,482  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

 

    3,148,482  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL COMMON EQUITIES

 

    102,592,637  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $69,040,689)

   
   

PREFERRED EQUITIES: 31.7%

 

 
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 19.4%

 

Technology Hardware, Storage & Peripherals: 19.4%

 

 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Pfd.

    440,443       29,878,316  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

 

    29,878,316  
   

 

 

 
   
   
MATERIALS: 4.8%

 

 

Chemicals: 4.8%

   

LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd.

    20,921       7,364,918  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

 

    7,364,918  
   

 

 

 
   
   
CONSUMER STAPLES: 4.1%

 

 

Personal Products: 4.1%

   

LG Household & Health Care, Ltd., Pfd.

    9,644       6,379,628  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

 

    6,379,628  
   

 

 

 
   
 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Korea Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

PREFERRED EQUITIES (continued)

 

     Shares     Value  
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 3.4%

 

 

Automobiles: 3.4%

   

Hyundai Motor Co., Ltd., Pfd.

    65,245       $5,329,739  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

 

    5,329,739  
   

 

 

 
   
   
TOTAL PREFERRED EQUITIES

 

    48,952,601  
   

 

 

 

(Cost $21,880,911)

 

   
   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 98.3%

 

    151,545,238  

(Cost $90,921,600)

 

   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 1.7%

 

    2,577,499  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

 

    $154,122,737  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Non-income producing security.

 

Pfd.

Preferred

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

82    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Vivek Tanneeru*  
Lead Manager  

*   As of August 31, 2020

FUND FACTS
    Investor   Institutional  

Ticker

  MSMLX   MISMX

CUSIP

  577125206   577125867

Inception

  9/15/08   4/30/13

NAV

  $25.93   $25.87

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.57%   1.47%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.39%   1.20%

Portfolio Statistics

 

Total # of Positions

  70

Net Assets

  $207.1 million

Weighted Average
Market Cap

  5.0 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

  111.9%

Benchmark

 

MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of Small Companies located in Asia ex Japan, which consists of all countries and markets in Asia excluding Japan, but including all other developed, emerging and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index.

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund returned 43.68% (Investor Class) and 43.90% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index, returned 26.60%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 22.90% (Investor Class) and 22.94% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark returned 19.72%.

Market Environment:

Equities across Asia were volatile in the year, but broad market indexes tracking the region ultimately generated attractive returns. Global markets fell in the first quarter, as worries surrounding the spread of COVID-19 moved from China throughout Europe to the U.S. and then back to South Asia, including India. Fears of a global growth slowdown turned into reality as governments worldwide began to implement different versions of “shelter in place” to contain the movement of the virus. But central banks globally, led by the U.S. Federal Reserve, unleashed powerful, and largely effective, monetary stimulus. Many governments also unveiled meaningful fiscal stimulus. Both those actions helped ease worries about a crippling and sustained global recession. They also provided cover for many emerging markets (EM) to undertake their own monetary and fiscal stimuli thereby supporting their economies.

In the third quarter, economic recovery and improved sentiment began to take hold as major economies continued to relax COVID-19 lockdown restrictions even further. China’s V-shaped recovery in manufacturing along with a steady recovery in domestic consumption brought some normalcy to daily life. EM currencies rallied slightly against the U.S. dollar in the third quarter, acting as a slight tailwind for EM equities. Growth stocks outpaced value and small caps outperformed large caps. The fourth quarter saw further economic strengthening. Cyclical stocks in beaten-up or export-driven markets such as Indonesia and South Korea rallied most in the fourth quarter, while markets that experienced early recovery like China, Japan and India lagged slightly. Market strength gained momentum following the U.S. Presidential elections in November as markets hoped for less confrontational U.S.—China relations, combined with an announcement of several approved COVID-19 vaccines that were due for distribution early in 2021.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

Stock selection in China/Hong Kong was a notable contributor to performance for the year. As the economic recovery continued to broaden in the year, small companies, especially in the health care and technology space, did well. On the other hand, stock selection and an underweight to South Korea was a detractor. South Korea’s broader markets, led by cyclical sectors such as materials, shipping and shipbuilding rallied late in the year on improving sentiment toward global exports and trade. Our underweight worked against us in this environment.

From a sector perspective, stock selection in information technology was a notable contributor. The expansion of China’s local supply chain development especially in areas such as semiconductors and industrial automation has aided stock performance. Smaller companies are well positioned to participate in this growth,

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 1.20% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 1.20% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

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Table of Contents
               
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                                                 
 

 

    

 

            Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
     3 Months      1 Year      3 Years      5 Years      10 Years      Since
Inception
     Inception
Date
 
Investor Class (MSMLX)      22.90%        43.68%        11.39%        12.21%        6.66%        12.25%        09/15/08  
Institutional Class (MISMX)      22.94%        43.90%        11.62%        12.44%        n.a.        8.15%        04/30/13  
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index4      19.72%        26.60%        3.49%        7.76%        3.35%        7.87% 5    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  5

Calculated from 9/15/08.

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS6                     
     Sector      Country      % of Net Assets  

Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      China/Hong Kong        4.5%  

Silergy Corp.

   Information Technology      China/Hong Kong        4.5%  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology      China/Hong Kong        3.1%  

Phoenix Mills, Ltd.

   Real Estate      India        3.1%  

Innovent Biologics, Inc.

   Health Care      China/Hong Kong        3.1%  

Shriram City Union Finance, Ltd.

   Financials      India        2.6%  

Airtac International Group

   Industrials      China/Hong Kong        2.5%  

Peijia Medical, Ltd.

   Health Care      China/Hong Kong        2.4%  

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary      India        2.3%  

Andes Technology Corp.

   Information Technology      Taiwan        2.2%  

% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10

               30.3%  

 

  6

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

84    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)7,8  
China/Hong Kong     48.5  
India     20.6  
Taiwan     14.5  
South Korea     8.7  
Vietnam     2.2  
Indonesia     1.5  
Philippines     1.4  
Thailand     1.3  
Singapore     0.9  
Malaysia     0.3  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     0.2  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)8  
Information Technology     32.7  
Health Care     21.0  
Industrials     16.9  
Consumer Discretionary     10.6  
Real Estate     6.0  
Consumer Staples     5.5  
Financials     4.6  
Materials     1.5  
Communication Services     0.9  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     0.2  

 

 
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)8,9  
Mega Cap (over $25B)     0.0  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     15.2  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     38.5  
Small Cap (under $3B)     46.1  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     0.2  

 

7

Not all countries where the Fund may invest are included in the benchmark index.

 

8

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

9

The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index.

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

bringing innovative new approaches to existing customer needs. On the other hand, stock selection in health care was a detractor, even though our overweight to the sector was a contributor. While our health care holdings generated attractive total returns in aggregate, they trailed the returns of the benchmark constituents within the sector. We continue to like the long-term prospects of our health care holdings.

Among indivdual stocks, Silergy Corp was a notable contributor. While listed in Taiwan, Silergy is a truly global company with an edge in China. The company designs mixed-signal and analog power management integrated circuits that are used in industrial, consumer, computing and communications. On the other hand, a detractor was property developer Times China, which focuses on developments in the Greater Bay Area in Guangdong province. This area has been earmarked for further development in high-value-adding sectors such as the technology and financial industries, and is likely to see growth in infrastructure connectivity over time. The real estate industry has been sluggish as the pandemic has disrupted sales in China, but we continue to like the company’s long-term prospects in land banking, as well as its attractive valuations.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During the fourth quarter we have initiated a new position in Formosa Sumco Technology Corporation, a Taiwanese semiconductor wafer manufacturing company. The company derives the majority of its revenues from 12-inch wafers while also having meaningful exposure to the 8-inch wafers. Its main customers include foundry and memory companies operating in Taiwan and China. The demand for wafers is expected to continue to recover in 2021 and beyond, providing support to top and bottom line growth. At the same time the industry is also consolidating, thereby potentially bringing in capacity addition and pricing discipline. We find the company reasonably valued.

We also initiated a position in Malaysian home improvement retailer Mr. DIY through the IPO process. Mr. DIY is the largest player in the industry with about 30% market share in an end market that is growing. The company’s value proposition is that it has an offering that is attractively priced at convenient locations in a store format that has a large number of items per store. The company continues to drive sales growth through both new store openings as well as by delivering good like-for-like sales growth, which translates into attractive profit growth driven by its efficient operations. Two new formats—the discount retail format, MR DOLLAR and value-for-money toy store, MR. TOY—offer further growth options.

Outlook:

Looking ahead, uncertainty remains in terms of the pace of Asia’s economic recovery. Given the uncertainty of how quickly vaccines can be distributed, how quickly daily patterns may return to normal remain unknown and the strength of the economic recovery in different markets where we invest may not be immediately evident. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities are above their historic averages and in some areas of the market, we believe investors have already priced in a high level of anticipated future growth. All of these emphasize the importance of investing with a long-term view.

At the same time, we see many reasons for optimism. There are three important drivers for equity prices—growth, valuation and liquidity. From a growth perspective, Asia is on a path to economic recovery and the sheer size of the consumer base in Asia works in its favor. Valuations for Asia ex-Japan equities rose in 2020, so there is less valuation support for the broader market, but we continue to see pockets of opportunity. Finally, turning to market liquidity, we find good liquidity across Asia. We believe the confluence of these drivers will support medium to long-term growth across many parts of Asia.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 99.8%

 

     Shares     Value  
CHINA/HONG KONG: 47.5%    

Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd. H Shares

    2,233,000       $9,419,507  

Silergy Corp.

    109,000       9,380,724  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.

    1,597,000       6,519,847  

Innovent Biologics, Inc.b,c,d

    612,000       6,462,789  

Airtac International Group

    160,000       5,142,500  

Peijia Medical, Ltd.b,c,d

    1,343,000       4,900,535  

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.

    2,089,000       4,511,530  

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,d

    251,800       4,257,113  

Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    949,174       3,994,427  

Yantai China Pet Foods Co., Ltd. A Shares

    449,300       3,953,533  

Ginlong Technologies Co., Ltd. A Shares

    146,210       3,341,800  

Alphamab Oncologyb,c,d

    1,437,000       3,013,391  

Chindata Group Holdings, Ltd. ADRc

    118,900       2,848,844  

Hongfa Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    315,100       2,632,512  

Hua Hong Semiconductor, Ltd.b,c,d

    460,000       2,618,859  

Yihai International Holding, Ltd.

    168,000       2,494,938  

Sichuan Teway Food Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    189,410       2,398,832  

Jiumaojiu International Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    783,000       2,385,885  

InnoCare Pharma, Ltd.b,c,d

    1,364,000       2,372,341  

Winning Health Technology Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    847,080       2,282,065  

Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. A Shares

    49,114       2,260,916  

AK Medical Holdings, Ltd.b,d

    1,304,000       2,260,601  

RemeGen Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,c,d

    151,500       1,856,510  

Times China Holdings, Ltd.

    1,252,000       1,743,239  

ASM Pacific Technology, Ltd.

    105,800       1,397,266  

Venus MedTech Hangzhou, Inc. H Sharesb,c,d

    136,500       1,393,066  

Jacobio Pharmaceuticals Group Co., Ltd.b,c,d

    759,900       1,387,972  

Kangji Medical Holdings, Ltd.c

    515,500       999,615  

Zai Lab, Ltd. ADRc

    900       121,806  
   

 

 

 

Total China/Hong Kong

      98,352,963  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDIA: 20.6%    

Phoenix Mills, Ltd.c

    610,829       6,481,989  

Shriram City Union Finance, Ltd.

    373,802       5,439,246  

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals, Ltd.

    899,980       4,696,547  

Dr. Lal PathLabs, Ltd.b,d

    132,154       4,172,666  

IFB Industries, Ltd.c

    243,339       3,897,683  

Lemon Tree Hotels, Ltd.b,c,d

    5,712,363       3,155,245  

Galaxy Surfactants, Ltd.d

    111,515       3,056,809  

Ashok Leyland, Ltd.

    2,274,606       2,976,710  

Marico, Ltd.

    479,426       2,644,067  

GMR Infrastructure, Ltd.c

    6,885,633       2,499,712  

Finolex Cables, Ltd.

    471,149       2,226,907  

Shankara Building Products, Ltd.

    162,916       779,520  

Gabriel India, Ltd.

    252,296       364,628  

Burger King India, Ltd.c

    116,751       280,423  
   

 

 

 

Total India

      42,672,152  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TAIWAN: 14.5%    

Andes Technology Corp.

    383,000       4,570,877  

Accton Technology Corp.

    394,000       4,442,230  

Yageo Corp.

    228,000       4,220,228  

ASMedia Technology, Inc.

    71,000       3,977,841  
     Shares     Value  

M31 Technology Corp.

    263,000       $3,168,380  

Formosa Sumco Technology Corp.

    643,000       3,096,330  

Sporton International, Inc.

    309,000       2,954,378  

Voltronic Power Technology Corp.

    48,001       1,918,003  

Realtek Semiconductor Corp.

    123,000       1,713,566  
   

 

 

 

Total Taiwan

      30,061,833  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SOUTH KOREA: 8.7%    

Hugel, Inc.c

    22,132       3,828,960  

Eugene Technology Co., Ltd.

    96,713       2,976,104  

Wonik IPS Co., Ltd.c

    71,518       2,918,431  

Koh Young Technology, Inc.

    21,921       2,120,908  

KINX, Inc.

    26,956       1,785,454  

Vitzrocell Co., Ltd.

    113,644       1,729,116  

ESR Kendall Square REIT Co., Ltd.c

    360,692       1,683,428  

LEENO Industrial, Inc.

    8,238       1,024,514  
   

 

 

 

Total South Korea

      18,066,915  
   

 

 

 
   
     
VIETNAM: 2.2%    

Nam Long Investment Corp.

    1,949,055       2,489,392  

Saigon Cargo Service Corp.

    196,750       1,091,428  

FPT Corp.

    406,460       1,039,926  
   

 

 

 

Total Vietnam

      4,620,746  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDONESIA: 1.5%    

PT Mitra Adiperkasac

    54,869,800       3,087,681  
   

 

 

 

Total Indonesia

      3,087,681  
   

 

 

 
   
     
PHILIPPINES: 1.3%    

Wilcon Depot, Inc.

    7,940,500       2,800,357  
   

 

 

 

Total Philippines

      2,800,357  
   

 

 

 
   
     
THAILAND: 1.3%    

Kasikornbank Public Co., Ltd.

    662,900       2,499,469  

Humanica Public Co., Ltd.

    642,400       191,798  
   

 

 

 

Total Thailand

      2,691,267  
   

 

 

 
   
     
UNITED STATES: 1.0%    

Legend Biotech Corp. ADRc

    70,659       1,989,757  
   

 

 

 

Total United States

      1,989,757  
   

 

 

 
   
     
SINGAPORE: 0.9%    

Keppel DC, REIT

    846,600       1,802,774  
   

 

 

 

Total Singapore

      1,802,774  
   

 

 

 
   
     
MALAYSIA: 0.3%    

MR DIY Group M BHDb,d

    788,100       611,280  
   

 

 

 

Total Malaysia

      611,280  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 99.8%       206,757,725  

(Cost $140,393,406)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 0.2%
      384,551  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $207,142,276  
   

 

 

 
 

 

86    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

 

a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $40,848,253, which is 19.72% of net assets.

 

c

Non-income producing security.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

 

BHD

Berhad

 

REIT

Real Estate Investment Trust

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

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Table of Contents

LOGO

 

PORTFOLIO MANAGERS    
Winnie Chwang*    

Lead Manager

   
Andrew Mattock, CFA*    

Lead Manager

   

*   As of August 31, 2020

FUND FACTS    
    Investor   Institutional  

Ticker

  MCSMX   MICHX

CUSIP

  577125404   577125842

Inception

  5/31/11   11/30/17

NAV

  $19.86   $19.90

Initial Investment

  $2,500   $100,000

Gross Expense Ratio1

  1.52%   1.37%

After Fee Waiver and Reimbursement2

  1.43%   1.20%

Portfolio Statistics

 

Total # of Positions

  58

Net Assets

  $383.8 million

Weighted Average Market Cap

  $6.0 billion

Portfolio Turnover3

  152.9%

Benchmark

 

MSCI China Small Cap Index

OBJECTIVE

 

 

Long-term capital appreciation.

STRATEGY

 

 

Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of Small Companies located in China. China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong. The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary benchmark, the MSCI China Small Cap Index.

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited)

For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews China Small Companies Fund returned 82.52% (Investor Class) and 82.89% (Institutional Class), outperforming its benchmark, the MSCI China Small Cap Index, which returned 27.21% over the same period. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 13.65% (Investor Class) and 13.73% (Institutional Class), versus 16.86% for the Index.

Market Environment:

From a global perspective, small companies generally faced greater challenges amid the pandemic than their larger peers, as larger companies tend to have more access to liquidity and resources during periods of economic strain. Nonetheless, small companies in China were strong performers in 2020, providing global investors with meaningful diversification and attractive equity price returns. One reason that China small companies stood out in the year was their focus on domestic demand and opportunities. China’s effective handling of the pandemic meant that its domestic economy re-opened much more quickly than other large economies globally. With the coronavirus pandemic held in check across China, cities, governments, businesses and schools remain open for regular, daily activities. Government micro-reforms in areas such as health care, education and housing continue to support sustainable growth in economic activity.

In addition, as domestic Chinese investors’ sentiment continued to improve throughout the year, the recovery in equity prices quickly broadened to include small and mid-size businesses. The rapid changes brought about by the pandemic created opportunities for innovative businesses to grow and consolidate market share. Trends accelerated by the pandemic included increased e-commerce sales, as well as higher demand for streaming and digital content and entertainment. The pandemic also underscored the need for greater workforce productivity and flexibility, as well as demand for more flexible and scalable health care solutions for a population of over a billion people. While the year began with a great deal of economic uncertainty, it ended on a strong note of optimism by an economy that has experience adapting to rapid change.

Performance Contributors and Detractors:

Stock selection in industrials and information technology were notable contributors in the full year. The only sector that was a slight detractor was materials, where stock selection was negative for the year.

Among individual securities, a contributor was Ginlong Technology Co., a company that manufactures solar inverters for solar energy production. China is very close to achieving grid parity, where the price of renewable energy becomes more competitive with the price of energy produced through fossil fuels. The trajectory of renewable energy expansion in China is very clear in our view and we expect continued solar growth in China given the government’s supportive policies, such as a goal of carbon neutrality by 2060. The solar inverters are a critical component in solar modules and may have more pricing protection when compared to other solar module components given a more consolidated market structure.

(continued)

 
1

Actual 2020 expense ratios.

2

Matthews has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class to 1.20% first by waiving class specific expenses (i.e., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 1.20% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2022 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

3

The lesser of fiscal year 2020 long-term purchase costs or sales proceeds divided by the average monthly market value of long-term securities.

 

88    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
             
PERFORMANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020                                          
 

 

    

 

            Average Annual Total Returns       

 

 
    

3 Months

    

1 Year

    

3 Years

    

5 Years

    

Since
Inception

    

Inception
date

 

Investor Class (MCSMX)

     13.65%        82.52%        26.71%        25.05%        12.48%        05/31/11  

Institutional Class (MICHX)

     13.73%        82.89%        26.99%        n.a.        28.63%        11/30/17  

MSCI China Small Cap Index4

     16.86%        27.21%        2.96%        5.05%        2.37% 5    

Performance assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. For the Fund’s most recent month-end performance, visit matthewsasia.com.

 

 

GROWTH OF A HYPOTHETICAL $10,000 INVESTMENT SINCE INCEPTION—INVESTOR CLASS

 

LOGO

Plotted monthly. The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gains distributions or redemption of Fund shares. Values are in US$.

 

  4

It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Source: Index data from Morgan Stanley Capital International and Bloomberg; total return calculations performed by BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. Please see page 93 for index definition.

 

  5

Calculated from 5/31/11

 

       
TOP TEN HOLDINGS6                     
    

Sector

           

% of Net Assets

 

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.

   Industrials             4.7%  

Weimob, Inc.

   Information Technology             3.8%  

Bilibili, Inc.

   Communication Services             3.3%  

Silergy Corp.

   Information Technology             3.0%  

Ever Sunshine Lifestyle Services Group, Ltd.

   Industrials             2.9%  

Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd.

   Information Technology             2.9%  

Jiumaojiu International Holdings, Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary             2.7%  

Asia Cement China Holdings Corp.

   Materials             2.6%  

China Meidong Auto Holdings, Ltd.

   Consumer Discretionary             2.6%  

Times China Holdings, Ltd.

   Real Estate             2.5%  

% OF ASSETS IN TOP 10

               31.0%  

 

  6

Holdings may combine more than one security from same issuer and related depositary receipts.

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

Portfolio Manager Commentary  (unaudited) (continued)

On the other hand, a slight detractor was Times China, which focuses on developments in the Greater Bay Area in Guangdong province. China’s policymakers have earmarked the region for further development in high-value-adding sectors such as the technology and financial industries, and is likely to see growth in infrastructure connectivity over time. The real estate industry has been sluggish as the pandemic has disrupted sales in China, but we continue to like the company’s long-term prospects in land banking, as well as its attractive valuations.

Notable Portfolio Changes:

During the fourth quarter, we added a position to Estun Automation Co., China’s leading robot manufacturer with strong technical capabilities and an 80% overall rate in component self-sufficiency. Amid recovery in the industrial automation industry in China, the company has seen a rebound in orders, creating positive sentiment and leading to stock price gains in the month. We believe local companies, through price competitiveness and improving quality, stand to gain market share against foreign competitors in this industry, where foreigners still hold the lion’s share of the market.

We also initiated a position in China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings, a luxury auto dealer carrying brands such as BMW and Porsche. Yongda is also seeking to expand and broaden its product portfolio to include other strong performing luxury brands such as Mercedes and Lexus. Overall luxury brands are still growing strongly in China, and the company continues to have the opportunity to deliver more aftermarket sales to a growing base of luxury cars. Yongda also trades at an attractive valuation in our view.

Outlook:

Looking ahead, we expect domestic consumption and services to continue driving China’s economic growth. Expansion of consumer buying power in lower-tier cities will remain a key theme we are following. With the coronavirus pandemic held in check across China, cities, governments, businesses and schools remain open for regular, daily activities. Government micro-reforms in areas such as health care, education and housing continue to support sustainable growth in economic activity. Regardless of the potential for U.S.—China trade tensions to ease under the incoming Biden administration, we expect that the local information technology ecosystem and supply chain within China will continue to develop under its own momentum. While some sectors of China’s equity markets are starting to look expensive, there is still a lot of untapped value that can be uncovered through an active approach to security selection. China is not immune from the potential impact of a slowdown in the global economy, but it may be better positioned to weather any such slowdown by drawing on domestic growth drivers.

 
COUNTRY ALLOCATION (%)7  
China/Hong Kong     91.6  
Taiwan     5.8  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     2.6  

 

 
SECTOR ALLOCATION (%)7  
Information Technology     25.4  
Industrials     22.8  
Health Care     11.8  
Consumer Discretionary     11.7  
Real Estate     8.1  
Materials     6.3  
Consumer Staples     4.4  
Financials     3.6  
Communication Services     3.3  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     2.6  

 

   
MARKET CAP EXPOSURE (%)7,8      
Mega Cap (over $25B)     3.3  
Large Cap ($10B–$25B)     10.8  
Mid Cap ($3B–10B)     58.9  
Small Cap (under $3B)     24.4  
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities     2.6  

 

7

Source: FactSet Research Systems. Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Country allocations and percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.

 

8

The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary benchmark, the MSCI China Small Cap Index.

 

 

90    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa

COMMON EQUITIES: 97.4%

 

     Shares     Value  
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: 25.4%    

Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment: 9.8%

 

Silergy Corp.

    133,000       $11,446,204  

Flat Glass Group Co., Ltd. H Shares

    2,616,000       11,035,123  

WIN Semiconductors Corp.

    619,000       7,640,555  

StarPower Semiconductor, Ltd. A Shares

    199,292       7,362,114  
   

 

 

 
      37,483,996  
   

 

 

 
   

Software: 9.1%

   

Weimob, Inc.b,c,d

    8,144,000       14,681,218  

China Youzan, Ltd.c

    29,684,000       8,865,187  

Kingdee International Software Group Co., Ltd.

    1,875,000       7,654,798  

Ming Yuan Cloud Group Holdings, Ltd.c

    606,000       3,732,067  
   

 

 

 
      34,933,270  
   

 

 

 
   

IT Services: 4.8%

   

21Vianet Group, Inc. ADRc

    230,600       7,999,514  

Chinasoft International, Ltd.

    6,668,000       7,452,255  

Shanghai AtHub Co., Ltd. A Shares

    305,562       2,829,130  
   

 

 

 
      18,280,899  
   

 

 

 
   

Communications Equipment: 1.7%

   

Accton Technology Corp.

    588,000       6,629,521  
   

 

 

 
   

Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components: 0.0%

 

China High Precision Automation Group, Ltd.c,e

    195,000       252  
   

 

 

 

Total Information Technology

      97,327,938  
   

 

 

 
   
     
INDUSTRIALS: 22.8%    

Machinery: 6.4%

   

Airtac International Group

    260,000       8,356,563  

Leader Harmonious Drive Systems Co., Ltd. A Sharesc

    334,582       7,501,143  

Hefei Meiya Optoelectronic Technology, Inc. A Shares

    661,400       4,507,260  

Estun Automation Co., Ltd. A Sharesc

    910,100       4,177,668  
   

 

 

 
      24,542,634  
   

 

 

 
   

Electrical Equipment: 5.6%

   

Ginlong Technologies Co., Ltd. A Shares

    407,610       9,316,401  

Hongfa Technology Co., Ltd. A Shares

    879,955       7,351,609  

Zhejiang HangKe Technology, Inc., Co. A Shares

    390,800       4,968,185  
   

 

 

 
      21,636,195  
   

 

 

 
   

Marine: 4.7%

   

SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd.

    8,328,500       17,986,729  
   

 

 

 
   

Commercial Services & Supplies: 2.9%

   

Ever Sunshine Lifestyle Services Group, Ltd.d

    5,048,000       11,086,248  
   

 

 

 
   

Transportation Infrastructure: 1.7%

   

Hainan Meilan International Airport Co., Ltd. H Sharesc

    1,224,000       6,474,742  
   

 

 

 

Professional Services: 1.5%

   

Centre Testing International Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,359,959       5,723,141  
   

 

 

 

Total Industrials

      87,449,689  
   

 

 

 
   
     Shares     Value  
HEALTH CARE: 11.8%    

Health Care Equipment & Supplies: 3.9%

   

Peijia Medical, Ltd.b,c,d

    1,526,000       $5,568,292  

China Isotope & Radiation Corp.

    1,325,000       4,602,532  

Kangji Medical Holdings, Ltd.c

    1,264,000       2,451,045  

AK Medical Holdings, Ltd.b,d

    1,390,000       2,409,690  
   

 

 

 
      15,031,559  
   

 

 

 
   

Life Sciences Tools & Services: 2.3%

   

Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. H Sharesb,d

    510,900       8,637,645  
   

 

 

 
   

Biotechnology: 1.9%

   

Innovent Biologics, Inc.b,c,d

    267,000       2,819,550  

Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical

   

Engineering Co., Ltd. A Shares

    138,650       2,807,083  

Amoy Diagnostics Co., Ltd. A Shares

    143,285       1,723,073  
   

 

 

 
      7,349,706  
   

 

 

 
   

Pharmaceuticals: 1.4%

   

Asymchem Laboratories (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. A Shares

    118,737       5,465,943  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Providers & Services: 1.4%

   

Dian Diagnostics Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,029,652       5,425,286  
   

 

 

 
   

Health Care Technology: 0.9%

   

Winning Health Technology Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,263,327       3,403,450  
   

 

 

 

Total Health Care

      45,313,589  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY: 11.7%    

Specialty Retail: 4.9%

   

China Meidong Auto Holdings, Ltd.

    2,424,000       9,867,098  

China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings, Ltd.

    4,422,500       7,333,541  

Pou Sheng International Holdings, Ltd.c

    7,441,000       1,767,252  
   

 

 

 
      18,967,891  
   

 

 

 
   

Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure: 2.7%

   

Jiumaojiu International Holdings, Ltd.b,c,d

    3,344,000       10,189,527  
   

 

 

 
   

Diversified Consumer Services: 2.0%

   

China Yuhua Education Corp., Ltd.b,d

    8,940,000       7,796,329  
   

 

 

 
   

Household Durables: 1.1%

   

Joyoung Co., Ltd. A Shares

    848,058       4,186,815  
   

 

 

 
   

Internet & Direct Marketing Retail: 1.0%

   

Tongcheng-Elong Holdings, Ltd.c,d

    2,028,000       3,930,544  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Discretionary

      45,071,106  
   

 

 

 
   
     
REAL ESTATE: 8.1%    

Real Estate Management & Development: 8.1%

 

 

Times China Holdings, Ltd.

    6,833,000       9,514,021  

KWG Group Holdings, Ltd.

    6,405,000       8,751,001  

KWG Living Group Holdings, Ltd.c,d

    5,805,000       4,717,412  

Powerlong Real Estate Holdings, Ltd.

    6,602,000       4,564,783  

China Overseas Property Holdings, Ltd.

    6,505,000       3,389,795  
   

 

 

 

Total Real Estate

      30,937,012  
   

 

 

 
   
 

 

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Table of Contents

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

December 31, 2020

Schedule of Investmentsa (continued)

COMMON EQUITIES (continued)

 

     Shares     Value  
MATERIALS: 6.3%    

Chemicals: 3.7%

   

ENN Natural Gas Co., Ltd. A Shares

    4,154,242       $8,689,142  

Zhejiang Juhua Co., Ltd. A Shares

    4,451,343       5,558,314  
   

 

 

 
      14,247,456  
   

 

 

 
   

Construction Materials: 2.6%

   

Asia Cement China Holdings Corp.

    10,961,500       10,002,719  
   

 

 

 

Total Materials

      24,250,175  
   

 

 

 
   
     
CONSUMER STAPLES: 4.4%    

Food Products: 4.4%

   

Yantai China Pet Foods Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,022,499       8,997,292  

Kemen Noodle Manufacturing Co., Ltd. A Shares

    1,249,100       3,404,128  

Sichuan Teway Food Group Co., Ltd. A Shares

    178,306       2,258,203  

Yihai International Holding, Ltd.

    143,000       2,123,668  
   

 

 

 

Total Consumer Staples

      16,783,291  
   

 

 

 
   
     
FINANCIALS: 3.6%    

Diversified Financial Services: 2.1%

   

Chailease Holding Co., Ltd.

    1,329,000       7,954,756  
   

 

 

 

Capital Markets: 1.5%

   

Haitong International Securities Group, Ltd.

    16,262,000       3,922,036  

China Renaissance Holdings, Ltd.b,d

    1,011,700       2,069,094  
   

 

 

 
      5,991,130  
   

 

 

 

Total Financials

      13,945,886  
   

 

 

 
   
     
COMMUNICATION SERVICES: 3.3%    

Entertainment: 3.3%

   

Bilibili, Inc. ADRc

    148,100       12,695,132  
   

 

 

 

Total Communication Services

      12,695,132  
   

 

 

 
   
     
TOTAL INVESTMENTS: 97.4%       373,773,818  

(Cost $284,676,317)

   
   
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS,
LESS LIABILITIES: 2.6%
      9,995,401  
   

 

 

 

NET ASSETS: 100.0%

      $383,769,219  
   

 

 

 
a

Certain securities were fair valued under the valuation policies approved by the Board of Trustees (Note 2-A).

 

b

Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The security may be resold in transactions exempt from registration normally to qualified institutional buyers. The security has been determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures adopted by the Funds’ Board of Trustees. At December 31, 2020, the aggregate value is $54,171,345, which is 14.12% of net assets.

 

c

Non-income producing security.

 

d

The securities may be resold to qualified foreign investors and foreign institutional buyers under Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

e

Security is valued using significant unobservable inputs and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The aggregate value of Level 3 security is $252 and 0.00% of net assets.

 

ADR

American Depositary Receipt

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

 

92    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Index Definitions

 

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the stock markets of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.

The Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index (ALBI) tracks the total return performance of a bond portfolio consisting of local currency denominated, high quality and liquid bonds in Asia ex Japan. The ALBI includes bonds from the following countries: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) tracks the total return performance of the Asia fixed-rate dollar bond market. JACI is a market capitalization-weighted index comprising sovereign, quasi-sovereign and corporate bonds and is partitioned by country, sector and credit rating. JACI includes bonds from the following countries: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

The MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the stock markets of China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the stock markets of Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The MSCI China Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of Chinese equities that includes H shares listed on the Hong Kong exchange, B shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, Hong Kong-listed securities known as Red Chips (issued by entities owned by national or local governments in China) and P Chips (issued by companies

controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China), and foreign listings (e.g., ADRs).

The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Asia Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the stock markets of China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The MSCI China All Shares Index captures large and mid-cap representation across China A shares, B shares, H shares, Red Chips (issued by entities owned by national or local governments in China), P Chips (issued by companies controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China), and foreign listings (e.g., ADRs). The index aims to reflect the opportunity set of China share classes listed in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and outside of China.

The S&P Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 100 Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the 100 stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The MSCI Japan Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of Japanese equities listed in Japan.

The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) is a market capitalization-weighted index of all common stocks listed on the Korea Stock Exchange.

The MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted small cap index of the stock markets of China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

The MSCI China Small Cap Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted small cap index of the Chinese equity securities markets, including H shares listed on the Hong Kong exchange, B shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, and Hong Kong-listed securities known as Red Chips (issued by entities owned by national or local governments in China) and P Chips (issued by companies controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China), and foreign listings (e.g., ADRs).

 

 

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Table of Contents

Disclosures

 

Fund Holdings: The Fund holdings shown in this report are as of December 31, 2020. Holdings are subject to change at any time, so holdings shown in this report may not reflect current Fund holdings. The Funds file complete schedules of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-PORT. The Funds’ Forms N-PORT are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Complete schedules of investments are also available without charge, upon request, from the Funds by calling us at 800.789.ASIA (2742).

Proxy Voting Record: The Funds’ Statement of Additional Information containing a description of the policies and procedures that the Funds have used to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities, along with each Fund’s proxy voting record relating

to portfolio securities held during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, is available upon request, at no charge, at the Funds’ website at matthewsasia.com or by calling 800.789.ASIA (2742), or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Shareholder Reports and Prospectuses: To reduce the Funds’ expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the Funds’ prospectus and financial reports to that address. This process, called “householding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. At any time you may view the Funds’ current prospectus, summary prospectus and financial reports on our website. If you prefer to receive individual copies of the Funds’ prospectus or financial reports, please call us at 800.789.ASIA (2742).

 

 

94    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (unaudited)

 

We believe it is important for you to understand the impact of fees regarding your investment. All mutual funds have operating expenses. As a shareholder of a mutual fund, you incur ongoing costs, which include costs for portfolio management, administrative services, and shareholder reports (like this one), among others. Operating expenses, which are deducted from a fund’s gross income, directly reduce the investment return of the fund. A fund’s operating expenses are expressed as a percentage of its average net assets. This figure is known as the expense ratio. The following examples are intended to help you understand the ongoing fees (in dollars) of investing in your fund and to compare these costs with those of other mutual funds. The examples are based on an investment of $1,000 made at the beginning of the period shown and held for the entire period.

This table illustrates your fund’s costs in two ways:

Actual Fund Return: This section helps you to estimate the actual operating expenses, after any applicable fee waivers, that you paid over the period. The “Ending Account Value” shown is derived from the fund’s actual return for the past six month period, the “Expense Ratio” column shows the period’s annualized expense ratio, and the “Operating Expenses Paid During Period” column shows the dollar amount that would have been paid by an investor who started with $1,000 in the fund at the beginning of the period. You may use the information here, together with your account value, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. To do so, 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 given for your fund in the first line under the heading entitled “Operating Expenses Paid During Period.”

Hypothetical 5% Return: This section is intended to help you compare your fund’s costs with those of other mutual funds. It assumes that the fund had an annual return of 5% before operating expenses, but that the expense ratio is unchanged. In this case, because the return used is not the fund’s actual return, the results do not apply to your investment. This example is useful in making comparisons to other mutual funds because the Securities and Exchange Commission requires all mutual funds to calculate expenses based on an assumed 5% annual return. You can assess your fund’s costs by comparing this hypothetical example with the hypothetical examples that appear in shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that the operating expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight and help you compare your ongoing costs only and do not reflect any transactional costs such as sales charges (loads), redemption fees, or exchange fees.

Matthews Asia Funds does not charge any sales loads, exchange fees, or 12b-1 fees, but these may be present in other funds to which you compare this data. Therefore, the hypothetical portions of the table are useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds.

 

 

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Table of Contents

December 31, 2020

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (unaudited) (continued)

 

    INVESTOR           INSTITUTIONAL  
    

Beginning
Account

Value
7/1/20

    

Ending
Account

Value
12/31/20

     Expense
Ratio
     Operating
Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/20–
12/31/201
          

Beginning
Account

Value
7/1/20

    

Ending
Account

Value
12/31/20

     Expense
Ratio
     Operating
Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/20–
12/31/201
 
GLOBAL EMERGING MARKETS STRATEGY                                                                              

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,381.60        1.07%        $6.41         $1,000.00        $1,384.30        0.90%        $5.39  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.76        1.07%        $5.43         $1,000.00        $1,020.61        0.90%        $4.57  
ASIA FIXED INCOME STRATEGIES                                                                              

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,093.60        1.12%        $5.89         $1,000.00        $1,094.80        0.90%        $4.74  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.51        1.12%        $5.69               $1,000.00        $1,020.61        0.90%        $4.57  

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,068.60        1.13%        $5.88         $1,000.00        $1,070.00        0.90%        $4.68  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.46        1.13%        $5.74         $1,000.00        $1,020.61        0.90%        $4.57  
ASIA GROWTH AND INCOME STRATEGIES                                                                              

Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,246.70        1.05%        $5.93         $1,000.00        $1,246.90        0.95%        $5.37  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.86        1.05%        $5.33               $1,000.00        $1,020.36        0.95%        $4.82  

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,347.80        0.97%        $5.72         $1,000.00        $1,347.50        0.88%        $5.19  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,020.26        0.97%        $4.93               $1,000.00        $1,020.71        0.88%        $4.47  

Matthews China Dividend Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,194.20        1.13%        $6.23         $1,000.00        $1,194.90        1.01%        $5.57  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.46        1.13%        $5.74         $1,000.00        $1,020.06        1.01%        $5.13  
ASIA GROWTH STRATEGIES                                                                              

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,353.50        1.06%        $6.27         $1,000.00        $1,354.90        0.93%        $5.51  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.81        1.06%        $5.38               $1,000.00        $1,020.46        0.93%        $4.72  

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,352.30        1.01%        $5.97         $1,000.00        $1,353.50        0.89%        $5.27  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,020.06        1.01%        $5.13               $1,000.00        $1,020.66        0.89%        $4.52  

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,419.80        1.37%        $8.33         $1,000.00        $1,421.00        1.20%        $7.30  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,018.25        1.37%        $6.95               $1,000.00        $1,019.10        1.20%        $6.09  

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,305.00        1.34%        $7.76         $1,000.00        $1,305.60        1.18%        $6.84  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,018.40        1.34%        $6.80               $1,000.00        $1,019.20        1.18%        $5.99  

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,470.10        1.09%        $6.77         $1,000.00        $1,471.20        0.95%        $5.90  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.66        1.09%        $5.53               $1,000.00        $1,020.36        0.95%        $4.82  

Matthews China Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,273.90        1.07%        $6.12         $1,000.00        $1,274.00        0.93%        $5.32  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.76        1.07%        $5.43               $1,000.00        $1,020.46        0.93%        $4.72  

Matthews India Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,444.40        1.04%        $6.39         $1,000.00        $1,445.90        0.92%        $5.66  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.91        1.04%        $5.28               $1,000.00        $1,020.51        0.92%        $4.67  

Matthews Japan Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,297.60        0.90%        $5.20         $1,000.00        $1,297.90        0.89%        $5.14  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,020.61        0.90%        $4.57               $1,000.00        $1,020.66        0.89%        $4.52  

Matthews Korea Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,468.00        1.13%        $7.01         $1,000.00        $1,470.90        0.89%        $5.53  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,019.46        1.13%        $5.74               $1,000.00        $1,020.66        0.89%        $4.52  

 

1

Operating expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184 days, then divided by 366.

 

 

96    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

December 31, 2020

Disclosure of Fund Expenses (unaudited) (continued)

 

    INVESTOR           INSTITUTIONAL  
    

Beginning
Account

Value
7/1/20

    

Ending
Account

Value
12/31/20

     Expense
Ratio
     Operating
Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/20–
12/31/201
          

Beginning
Account

Value
7/1/20

    

Ending
Account

Value
12/31/20

     Expense
Ratio
     Operating
Expenses
Paid During
Period
7/1/20–
12/31/201
 
ASIA SMALL COMPANY STRATEGIES                                                                              

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,304.90        1.36%        $7.88         $1,000.00        $1,306.00        1.20%        $6.96  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,018.30        1.36%        $6.90               $1,000.00        $1,019.10        1.20%        $6.09  

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

                       

Actual Fund Return

    $1,000.00        $1,157.90        1.47%        $7.97         $1,000.00        $1,159.70        1.20%        $6.51  

Hypothetical 5% Returns

    $1,000.00        $1,017.75        1.47%        $7.46               $1,000.00        $1,019.10        1.20%        $6.09  

 

1

Operating expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 184 days, then divided by 366.

 

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities   December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Emerging
Markets Equity Fund1
       Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
       Matthews Asia
Credit
Opportunities Fund
 

ASSETS:

              

Investments at value (A) (Note 2-A and 7):

              

Unaffiliated issuers

       $42,993,154          $103,765,224          $84,040,787  

Cash

       1,883,950          9,163,629          3,038,178  

Segregated foreign currency at value

       37,769          21,431          7,582  

Foreign currency at value (B)

       66,961          783          281  

Dividends, interest and other receivable

       55,457          1,890,855          1,554,690  

Receivable for securities sold

       248                   424,980  

Receivable for capital shares sold

       2,361,410          215,314          2,230,718  

Due from Advisor (Note 5)

       32,974                    

Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                1,990,746           

Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swaps

                704,897           

Prepaid expenses

                20,049          8,548  

TOTAL ASSETS

       47,431,923          117,772,928          91,305,764  

LIABILITIES:

              

Cash received as collateral for forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                2,290,000           

Payable for securities purchased

       2,483,382                    

Payable for capital shares redeemed

                114,533          57,547  

Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                280,505           

Deferred foreign capital gains tax liability (Note 2-F)

       68,673          75,369           

Due to Advisor (Note 5)

                35,129          33,319  

Administration and accounting fees payable (Note 5)

       816          2,943          2,399  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 5)

       4,390          13,383          10,351  

Custodian fees payable

       20,889          12,485          6,742  

Intermediary service fees payable (Note 5)

       2,174          17,658          15,944  

Professional fees payable

       15,135          54,726          53,478  

Transfer agent fees payable

       326          1,402          502  

Accrued other expenses payable

       44,041          26,555          18,046  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

       2,639,826          2,924,688          198,328  

NET ASSETS

       $44,792,097          $114,848,240          $91,107,436  

NET ASSETS:

              

Investor Class

       $9,851,383          $40,422,483          $8,855,714  

Institutional Class

       34,940,714          74,425,757          82,251,722  

TOTAL

       $44,792,097          $114,848,240          $91,107,436  

 

1

The Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

98    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Emerging
Markets Equity Fund1
       Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
       Matthews Asia
Credit
Opportunities Fund
 

SHARES OUTSTANDING:

              

(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with a $0.001 par value)

              

Investor Class

       624,899          3,593,488          862,378  

Institutional Class

       2,216,056          6,615,315          8,010,654  

TOTAL

       2,840,955          10,208,803          8,873,032  

NET ASSET VALUE:

              

Investor Class, offering price and redemption price

       $15.76          $11.25          $10.27  

Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price

       $15.77          $11.25          $10.27  

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

              

Capital paid-in

       $37,126,118          $112,099,328          $92,707,235  

Total distributable earnings/(accumulated loss)

       7,665,979          2,748,912          (1,599,799

NET ASSETS

       $44,792,097          $114,848,240          $91,107,436  

(A) Investments at cost:

              

Unaffiliated Issuers

       $36,019,580          $99,699,487          $83,362,761  

(B) Foreign Currency at Cost

       $66,961          $784          $282  

 

1

The Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Asian
Growth and
Income Fund
       Matthews Asia
Dividend Fund
       Matthews China
Dividend Fund
 

ASSETS:

              

Investments at value (A) (Note 2-A and 7):

              

Unaffiliated issuers

       $1,446,568,521          $4,215,591,235          $373,619,675  

Affiliated issuers

                825,791,333           

Cash

       52,043,257          85,129,719          6,025,285  

Segregated foreign currency at value

                176,144          26,619  

Foreign currency at value (B)

                66,995,844          3,299,369  

Dividends, interest and other receivable

       2,587,172          6,950,088          675,322  

Receivable for securities sold

       3,610          10,333,979          1,542,381  

Receivable for capital shares sold

       1,415,117          10,495,313          713,532  

Prepaid expenses

       42,778          44,472          20,187  

TOTAL ASSETS

       1,502,660,455          5,221,508,127          385,922,370  

LIABILITIES:

              

Foreign currency overdraft

       102                    

Payable for securities purchased

       2,127,827          10,997,740          376,780  

Payable for capital shares redeemed

       1,503,958          4,837,833          446,082  

Deferred foreign capital gains tax liability (Note 2-F)

       1,834,628          52,247           

Due to Advisor (Note 5)

       816,367          2,800,656          206,062  

Administration and accounting fees payable (Note 5)

       36,913          123,644          9,429  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 5)

       171,692          574,732          43,356  

Custodian fees payable

       44,238          163,779          26,586  

Intermediary service fees payable (Note 5)

       179,743          576,852          59,760  

Professional fees payable

       49,375          65,786          46,867  

Transfer agent fees payable

       13,753          19,655          3,663  

Accrued other expenses payable

       126,955          359,282          60,826  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

       6,905,551          20,572,206          1,279,411  

NET ASSETS

       $1,495,754,904          $5,200,935,921          $384,642,959  

NET ASSETS:

              

Investor Class

       $673,576,064          $2,292,262,037          $269,191,714  

Institutional Class

       822,178,840          2,908,673,884          115,451,245  

TOTAL

       $1,495,754,904          $5,200,935,921          $384,642,959  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

100    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Asian
Growth and
Income Fund
       Matthews Asia
Dividend Fund
       Matthews China
Dividend Fund
 

SHARES OUTSTANDING:

              

(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with a $0.001 par value)

              

Investor Class

       37,313,103          101,304,386          13,706,779  

Institutional Class

       45,628,521          128,560,302          5,878,667  

TOTAL

       82,941,624          229,864,688          19,585,446  

NET ASSET VALUE:

              

Investor Class, offering price and redemption price

       $18.05          $22.63          $19.64  

Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price

       $18.02          $22.62          $19.64  

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

              

Capital paid-in

       $1,142,163,409          $3,312,645,463          $304,703,583  

Total distributable earnings/(accumulated loss)

       353,591,495          1,888,290,458          79,939,376  

NET ASSETS

       $1,495,754,904          $5,200,935,921          $384,642,959  

(A) Investments at cost:

              

Unaffiliated Issuers

       $1,064,007,550          $2,723,629,989          $290,469,962  

Affiliated Issuers

                427,978,825           

(B) Foreign Currency at Cost

       $—          $65,026,797          $3,221,937  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews Asia
Growth Fund

       Matthews Pacific
Tiger Fund
       Matthews Asia
ESG Fund
 

ASSETS:

              

Investments at value (A) (Note 2-A and 7):

              

Unaffiliated issuers

       $1,933,434,652          $8,629,639,021          $86,605,270  

Cash

       129,295,028          146,385,071          2,171,054  

Segregated foreign currency at value

                254,107          829  

Foreign currency at value (B)

       14,131          295,266          10,026  

Dividends, interest and other receivable

       574,915          11,646,539          87,416  

Receivable for securities sold

       620          4,663,437           

Receivable for capital shares sold

       7,742,926          8,427,270          301,065  

Prepaid expenses

       27,000          37,887          6,676  

TOTAL ASSETS

       2,071,089,272          8,801,348,598          89,182,336  

LIABILITIES:

              

Payable for securities purchased

       13,285,876          12,045          459,513  

Payable for capital shares redeemed

       1,202,369          7,656,943          62,316  

Deferred foreign capital gains tax liability (Note 2-F)

       1,074,790          27,461,055          469,545  

Due to Advisor (Note 5)

       1,072,124          4,673,211          51,858  

Administration and accounting fees payable (Note 5)

       43,889          210,859          1,902  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 5)

       225,381          922,653          9,629  

Custodian fees payable

       76,967          408,348          16,342  

Intermediary service fees payable (Note 5)

       180,907          860,196          7,424  

Professional fees payable

       46,332          90,900          46,499  

Transfer agent fees payable

       10,262          26,176          441  

Accrued other expenses payable

       82,724          376,674          30,027  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

       17,301,621          42,699,060          1,155,496  

NET ASSETS

       $2,053,787,651          $8,758,649,538          $88,026,840  

NET ASSETS:

              

Investor Class

       $784,085,456          $2,585,654,445          $37,384,597  

Institutional Class

       1,269,702,195          6,172,995,093          50,642,243  

TOTAL

       $2,053,787,651          $8,758,649,538          $88,026,840  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

102    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews Asia
Growth Fund

       Matthews Pacific
Tiger Fund
       Matthews Asia
ESG Fund
 

SHARES OUTSTANDING:

              

(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with a $0.001 par value)

              

Investor Class

       19,878,490          73,997,566          2,502,110  

Institutional Class

       31,888,536          176,865,608          3,393,661  

TOTAL

       51,767,026          250,863,174          5,895,771  

NET ASSET VALUE:

              

Investor Class, offering price and redemption price

       $39.44          $34.94          $14.94  

Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price

       $39.82          $34.90          $14.92  

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

              

Capital paid-in

       $1,230,738,886          $4,681,344,298          $64,746,235  

Total distributable earnings/(accumulated loss)

       823,048,765          4,077,305,240          23,280,605  

NET ASSETS

       $2,053,787,651          $8,758,649,538          $88,026,840  

(A) Investments at cost:

              

Unaffiliated Issuers

       $1,136,293,667          $4,903,246,584          $61,504,285  

(B) Foreign Currency at Cost

       $14,133          $289,348          $10,007  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews Emerging
Asia Fund

       Matthews Asia
Innovators Fund
       Matthews
China Fund
 

ASSETS:

              

Investments at value (A) (Note 2-A and 7):

              

Unaffiliated issuers

       $190,020,668          $1,661,923,564          $1,500,049,113  

Cash

       4,806,577          52,173,828          4,242,823  

Segregated foreign currency at value

                31,886          36,761  

Foreign currency at value (B)

       3,152,115          12,388,266          9,417  

Dividends, interest and other receivable

       101,561          886,205           

Receivable for securities sold

       1,828          8,023,739          4,011,476  

Receivable for capital shares sold

       958,528          16,090,335          4,125,651  

Prepaid expenses

       9,081          32,659          25,411  

TOTAL ASSETS

       199,050,358          1,751,550,482          1,512,500,652  

LIABILITIES:

              

Payable for securities purchased

                16,628,531          707  

Payable for capital shares redeemed

       776,277          1,974,622          2,070,464  

Deferred foreign capital gains tax liability (Note 2-F)

       1,126,666          6,115,527           

Due to Advisor (Note 5)

       169,035          881,320          813,355  

Administration and accounting fees payable (Note 5)

       4,829          34,187          35,721  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 5)

       22,674          185,210          171,082  

Custodian fees payable

       70,178          43,484          45,608  

Intermediary service fees payable (Note 5)

       27,183          123,038          167,316  

Professional fees payable

       48,114          46,286          45,594  

Transfer agent fees payable

       2,738          6,711          21,021  

Accrued other expenses payable

       49,489          54,581          258,627  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

       2,297,183          26,093,497          3,629,495  

NET ASSETS

       $196,753,175          $1,725,456,985          $1,508,871,157  

NET ASSETS:

              

Investor Class

       $54,789,084          $631,101,238          $962,713,744  

Institutional Class

       141,964,091          1,094,355,747          546,157,413  

TOTAL

       $196,753,175          $1,725,456,985          $1,508,871,157  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

104    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews Emerging
Asia Fund

       Matthews Asia
Innovators Fund
       Matthews
China Fund
 

SHARES OUTSTANDING:

              

(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with a $0.001 par value)

              

Investor Class

       4,714,656          23,638,273          35,660,234  

Institutional Class

       12,151,764          40,671,552          20,269,500  

TOTAL

       16,866,420          64,309,825          55,929,734  

NET ASSET VALUE:

              

Investor Class, offering price and redemption price

       $11.62          $26.70          $27.00  

Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price

       $11.68          $26.91          $26.94  

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

              

Capital paid-in

       $272,856,233          $1,047,411,853          $1,029,340,617  

Total distributable earnings/(accumulated loss)

       (76,103,058        678,045,132          479,530,540  

NET ASSETS

       $196,753,175          $1,725,456,985          $1,508,871,157  

(A) Investments at cost:

              

Unaffiliated Issuers

       $174,705,066          $1,072,224,881          $1,061,317,626  

(B) Foreign Currency at Cost

       $3,139,413          $12,019,800          $9,417  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews
India Fund

       Matthews
Japan Fund
       Matthews
Korea Fund
 

ASSETS:

              

Investments at value (A) (Note 2-A and 7):

              

Unaffiliated issuers

       $724,152,738          $1,630,696,714          $151,545,238  

Cash

       1,990,421          14,573,556          1,259,440  

Foreign currency at value (B)

       199,396          38,466           

Dividends, interest and other receivable

       3,189,573          395,891          1,423,567  

Receivable for securities sold

       1,947,750          1,192,047           

Receivable for capital shares sold

       989,938          6,776,069          159,987  

Prepaid expenses

       20,896          14,184          14,233  

TOTAL ASSETS

       732,490,712          1,653,686,927          154,402,465  

LIABILITIES:

              

Payable for securities purchased

       274,436          1,395           

Payable for capital shares redeemed

       1,823,203          1,342,545          79,665  

Deferred foreign capital gains tax liability (Note 2-F)

       21,574,211                    

Due to Advisor (Note 5)

       386,188          907,972          81,695  

Administration and accounting fees payable (Note 5)

       17,158          40,376          3,374  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 5)

       81,028          190,937          17,163  

Custodian fees payable

       65,712          21,541          5,463  

Foreign capital gains tax payable (Note 2-F)

       5,560                    

Intermediary service fees payable (Note 5)

       101,664          156,959          16,017  

Professional fees payable

       70,648          49,357          43,489  

Transfer agent fees payable

       19,279          32,629          5,648  

Accrued other expenses payable

       110,345          155,405          27,214  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

       24,529,432          2,899,116          279,728  

NET ASSETS

       $707,961,280          $1,650,787,811          $154,122,737  

NET ASSETS:

              

Investor Class

       $617,908,225          $1,101,819,512          $141,930,573  

Institutional Class

       90,053,055          548,968,299          12,192,164  

TOTAL

       $707,961,280          $1,650,787,811          $154,122,737  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

106    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews
India Fund

       Matthews
Japan Fund
       Matthews
Korea Fund
 

SHARES OUTSTANDING:

              

(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with a $0.001 par value)

              

Investor Class

       23,503,611          43,600,905          23,200,750  

Institutional Class

       3,379,580          21,678,823          1,976,807  

TOTAL

       26,883,191          65,279,728          25,177,557  

NET ASSET VALUE:

              

Investor Class, offering price and redemption price

       $26.29          $25.27          $6.12  

Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price

       $26.65          $25.32          $6.17  

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

              

Capital paid-in

       $564,761,720          $1,117,809,679          $102,244,035  

Total distributable earnings/(accumulated loss)

       143,199,560          532,978,132          51,878,702  

NET ASSETS

       $707,961,280          $1,650,787,811          $154,122,737  

(A) Investments at cost:

              

Unaffiliated Issuers

       $529,772,817          $1,139,085,719          $90,921,600  

(B) Foreign Currency at Cost

       $199,033          $38,470          $—  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Asia
Small Companies
Fund
       Matthews China
Small Companies
Fund
 

ASSETS:

         

Investments at value (A) (Note 2-A and 7):

         

Unaffiliated issuers

       $206,757,725          $373,773,818  

Cash

       1,311,988          5,869,605  

Segregated foreign currency at value

       8,051          50,518  

Foreign currency at value (B)

       348,861          2,787,267  

Dividends, interest and other receivable

       365,091          351,421  

Receivable for securities sold

       61          4,319,328  

Receivable for capital shares sold

       387,959          3,889,051  

Prepaid expenses

       13,714          33,313  

TOTAL ASSETS

       209,193,450          391,074,321  

LIABILITIES:

         

Payable for securities purchased

       344,905          4,508,869  

Payable for capital shares redeemed

       229,233          2,333,233  

Deferred foreign capital gains tax liability (Note 2-F)

       1,144,578           

Due to Advisor (Note 5)

       151,173          219,893  

Administration and accounting fees payable (Note 5)

       4,754          9,732  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees payable (Note 5)

       22,511          42,512  

Custodian fees payable

       28,119          32,627  

Intermediary service fees payable (Note 5)

       28,891          68,788  

Professional fees payable

       50,075          45,785  

Transfer agent fees payable

       3,985          5,165  

Accrued other expenses payable

       42,950          38,498  

TOTAL LIABILITIES

       2,051,174          7,305,102  

NET ASSETS

       $207,142,276          $383,769,219  

NET ASSETS:

         

Investor Class

       $99,572,939          $285,716,953  

Institutional Class

       107,569,337          98,052,266  

TOTAL

       $207,142,276          $383,769,219  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

108    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Assets and Liabilities (continued)   December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Asia
Small Companies
Fund
       Matthews China
Small Companies
Fund
 

SHARES OUTSTANDING:

         

(shares of beneficial interest issued and outstanding, respectively, unlimited number of shares authorized with a $0.001 par value)

         

Investor Class

       3,840,657          14,385,518  

Institutional Class

       4,158,353          4,926,635  

TOTAL

       7,999,010          19,312,153  

NET ASSET VALUE:

         

Investor Class, offering price and redemption price

       $25.93          $19.86  

Institutional Class, offering price and redemption price

       $25.87          $19.90  

NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF:

         

Capital paid-in

       $147,326,097          $291,148,474  

Total distributable earnings/(accumulated loss)

       59,816,179          92,620,745  

NET ASSETS

       $207,142,276          $383,769,219  

(A) Investments at cost:

         

Unaffiliated Issuers

       $140,393,406          $284,676,317  

(B) Foreign Currency at Cost

       $338,073          $2,790,944  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Operations   Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Emerging
Markets Equity Fund1
       Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
       Matthews Asia
Credit
Opportunities Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

              

Dividends—Unaffiliated Issuers

       $211,089          $11,862          $9,470  

Interest

                6,061,839          5,431,283  

Foreign withholding tax

       (28,859        (163,527        (148,217

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

       182,230          5,910,174          5,292,536  

EXPENSES:

              

Investment advisory fees (Note 5)

       88,411          596,035          511,917  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 5)

       1,064          8,670          7,446  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees (Note 5)

       19,089          157,891          135,783  

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

       24,578          30,178          24,300  

Custodian fees

       68,087          44,963          28,412  

Printing fees

       14,490          32,515          36,956  

Intermediary service fees (Note 5)

       10,501          137,687          86,012  

Professional fees

       89,234          68,220          44,822  

Registration fees

       31,113          40,385          38,059  

Transfer agent fees

       736          5,531          2,034  

Trustees fees

       268          6,153          5,024  

Other expenses

       7,051          11,300          5,167  

TOTAL EXPENSES

       354,622          1,139,528          925,932  

Advisory fees waived and expenses waived or reimbursed (Note 5)

       (231,409        (79,780        (62,980

NET EXPENSES

       123,213          1,059,748          862,952  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

       59,017          4,850,426          4,429,584  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, SWAPS, AND FOREIGN CAPITAL GAINS TAXES:               

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       1,629,672          (1,713,313        (2,419,003

Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                (695,797         

Net realized gain (loss) on swaps

                108,731           

Net realized foreign capital gains tax

       (13,013        (29,129         

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions

       (4,312        (109,935        (653

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       6,973,574          577,135          (858,598

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts

                1,571,854           

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swaps

                537,033           

Net change in deferred foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (68,673        (13,642         

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency related translations

       (212        9,783          (7,154

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, foreign currency related transactions, swaps, and foreign capital gains taxes

       8,517,036          242,720          (3,285,408

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

       $8,576,053          $5,093,146          $1,144,176  

 

1

The Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

110    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Operations (continued)   Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Asian
Growth and
Income Fund
       Matthews Asia
Dividend Fund
       Matthews China
Dividend Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

              

Dividends—Unaffiliated Issuers

       $34,764,379          $70,476,727          $10,422,477  

Dividends—Affiliated Issuers (Note 7)

                16,647,513           

Interest

       1,322,962                    

Foreign withholding tax

       (3,037,765        (6,568,392        (509,790

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

       33,049,576          80,555,848          9,912,687  

EXPENSES:

              

Investment advisory fees (Note 5)

       8,900,674          28,948,556          2,257,142  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 5)

       106,962          347,938          27,125  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees (Note 5)

       1,947,630          6,325,613          493,764  

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

       47,383          46,029          39,389  

Custodian fees

       378,790          1,017,993          147,972  

Printing fees

       131,671          216,639          65,202  

Intermediary service fees (Note 5)

       1,776,779          4,663,841          561,437  

Professional fees

       71,368          134,801          52,948  

Registration fees

       86,555          67,871          78,395  

Transfer agent fees

       55,103          79,571          14,513  

Trustees fees

       75,590          253,509          18,937  

Other expenses

       65,377          233,385          15,029  

TOTAL EXPENSES

       13,643,882          42,335,746          3,771,853  

Advisory fees waived and expenses waived or reimbursed (Note 5)

                (134,924         

Administration fees waived (Note 5)

                (134,924         

NET EXPENSES

       13,643,882          42,065,898          3,771,853  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

       19,405,694          38,489,950          6,140,834  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND FOREIGN CAPITAL GAINS TAXES:               

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       (22,085,203        119,890,432          4,853,480  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Affiliated Issuers

                3,079,936           

Net realized foreign capital gains tax

       (130,314                  

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions

       (517,944        (1,667,312        33,158  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       194,734,231          686,455,548          58,871,551  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Affiliated Issuers

                185,495,961           

Net change in deferred foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (1,175,119        (52,247         

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency related translations

       (366,751        1,835,007          90,060  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

       170,458,900          995,037,325          63,848,249  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

       $189,864,594          $1,033,527,275          $69,989,083  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Operations (continued)   Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews Asia
Growth Fund

       Matthews Pacific
Tiger Fund
       Matthews Asia
ESG Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

              

Dividends—Unaffiliated Issuers

       $ 9,537,092          $ 102,117,586          $860,501  

Dividends—Affiliated Issuers (Note 7)

       1,018,954          13,601,464           

Foreign withholding tax

       (838,325        (12,533,873        (90,134

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

       9,717,721          103,185,177          770,367  

EXPENSES:

              

Investment advisory fees (Note 5)

       8,959,032          49,413,522          396,225  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 5)

       107,687          593,894          4,763  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees (Note 5)

       1,955,912          10,799,024          86,489  

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

       41,978          43,378          40,737  

Custodian fees

       517,376          2,635,923          82,335  

Printing fees

       94,444          320,419          20,070  

Intermediary service fees (Note 5)

       1,506,579          7,767,785          59,513  

Professional fees

       68,185          216,062          52,118  

Registration fees

       66,741          97,544          33,495  

Transfer agent fees

       38,627          104,754          1,652  

Trustees fees

       68,124          422,838          3,061  

Other expenses

       59,618          339,627          16,108  

TOTAL EXPENSES

       13,484,303          72,754,770          796,566  

Advisory fees waived and expenses waived or reimbursed (Note 5)

                (648,059        (40,676

Administration fees waived (Note 5)

                (648,059         

NET EXPENSES

       13,484,303          71,458,652          755,890  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

       (3,766,582        31,726,525          14,477  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND FOREIGN CAPITAL GAINS TAXES:               

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       133,071,515          1,120,358,395          3,649,164  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Affiliated Issuers

       (12,745,980        (306,879,579         

Net realized foreign capital gains tax

                (151,563        (27,656

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions

       (455,959        (3,257,080        5,874  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       489,646,086          590,298,039          21,301,063  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Affiliated Issuers

       943,316          339,576,201           

Net change in deferred foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (828,093        3,154,260          (371,525

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency related translations

       23,121          540,652          2,049  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

       609,654,006          1,743,639,325          24,558,969  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

       $605,887,424          $1,775,365,850          $24,573,446  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

112    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Operations (continued)   Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews Emerging
Asia Fund

       Matthews Asia
Innovators Fund
       Matthews
China Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

              

Dividends—Unaffiliated Issuers

       $5,762,681          $4,729,088          $15,556,862  

Foreign withholding tax

       (574,089        (577,348        (981,184

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

       5,188,592          4,151,740          14,575,678  

EXPENSES:

              

Investment advisory fees (Note 5)

       1,966,515          5,427,554          7,375,807  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 5)

       15,732          65,258          88,649  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees (Note 5)

       285,929          1,181,104          1,611,615  

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

       43,463          34,032          35,543  

Custodian fees

       514,909          298,124          336,489  

Printing fees

       39,465          67,180          108,421  

Intermediary service fees (Note 5)

       218,871          934,333          1,679,644  

Professional fees

       77,523          62,043          61,943  

Registration fees

       46,313          56,735          63,021  

Transfer agent fees

       11,307          23,932          82,185  

Trustees fees

       13,653          31,659          54,783  

Other expenses

       26,344          35,907          42,977  

TOTAL EXPENSES

       3,260,024          8,217,861          11,541,077  

Advisory fees waived and expenses waived or reimbursed (Note 5)

       (801,181                  

NET EXPENSES

       2,458,843          8,217,861          11,541,077  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

       2,729,749          (4,066,121        3,034,601  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND FOREIGN CAPITAL GAINS TAXES:               

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       (53,194,494        126,826,325          92,626,200  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Affiliated Issuers

       (6,677,322                  

Net realized foreign capital gains tax

       (2,633        (270,226         

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions

       (738,826        303,356          (29,268

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       23,517,521          522,266,664          327,402,892  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Affiliated Issuers

       4,883,817                    

Net change in deferred foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       618,729          (5,114,598         

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency related translations

       30,497          364,542          (140

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

       (31,562,711        644,376,063          419,999,684  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

       ($28,832,962        $640,309,942          $423,034,285  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents
Statements of Operations (continued)   Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

       

Matthews
India Fund

       Matthews
Japan Fund
       Matthews
Korea Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

              

Dividends—Unaffiliated Issuers

       $8,531,318          $22,398,551          $2,334,856  

Dividends—Affiliated Issuers (Note 7)

       680,966                    

Foreign withholding tax

       (1,177,977        (2,219,081        (383,988

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

       8,034,307          20,179,470          1,950,868  

EXPENSES:

              

Investment advisory fees (Note 5)

       4,415,150          10,928,444          786,229  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 5)

       53,069          131,327          9,450  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees (Note 5)

       964,516          2,392,640          171,771  

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

       42,901          41,799          33,302  

Custodian fees

       339,628          151,015          36,509  

Printing fees

       116,054          134,885          24,046  

Intermediary service fees (Note 5)

       1,171,454          1,128,153          204,073  

Professional fees

       174,397          73,280          46,578  

Registration fees

       50,269          49,389          34,928  

Transfer agent fees

       76,629          126,998          21,894  

Trustees fees

       44,081          104,575          6,903  

Other expenses

       46,519          81,739          9,427  

TOTAL EXPENSES

       7,494,667          15,344,244          1,385,110  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

       539,640          4,835,226          565,758  
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND FOREIGN CAPITAL GAINS TAXES:               

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       (35,147,631        224,879,709          (2,612,290

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Affiliated Issuers

       9,190,775                    

Net realized foreign capital gains tax

       (3,488,659                  

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions

       (539,655        71,001          (238,911

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       96,721,496          85,971,127          44,813,135  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Affiliated Issuers

       (17,867,496                  

Net change in deferred foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (8,262,561                  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency related translations

       63,359          (9,986        5,823  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

       40,669,628          310,911,851          41,967,757  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

       $41,209,268          $315,747,077          $42,533,515  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

114    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents
Statements of Operations (continued)   Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

        Matthews Asia
Small Companies
Fund
       Matthews China
Small Companies
Fund
 

INVESTMENT INCOME:

         

Dividends—Unaffiliated Issuers

       $2,429,178          $3,939,139  

Dividends—Affiliated Issuers (Note 7)

                 

Foreign withholding tax

       (257,675        (113,841

TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME

       2,171,503          3,825,298  

EXPENSES:

         

Investment advisory fees (Note 5)

       1,697,281          2,880,688  

Administration and accounting fees (Note 5)

       13,578          23,046  

Administration and shareholder servicing fees (Note 5)

       247,096          419,631  

Accounting out-of-pocket fees

       48,728          42,861  

Custodian fees

       158,654          165,513  

Printing fees

       40,961          56,430  

Intermediary service fees (Note 5)

       230,526          490,126  

Professional fees

       51,032          50,607  

Registration fees

       38,952          57,154  

Transfer agent fees

       15,850          16,446  

Trustees fees

       9,594          13,058  

Other expenses

       27,078          11,857  

TOTAL EXPENSES

       2,579,330          4,227,417  

Advisory fees waived and expenses waived or reimbursed (Note 5)

       (378,868        (362,019

NET EXPENSES

       2,200,462          3,865,398  

NET INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS)

       (28,959        (40,100
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS, FOREIGN CURRENCY RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND FOREIGN CAPITAL GAINS TAXES:          

Net realized gain (loss) on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       (3,473,489        80,724,170  

Net realized foreign capital gains tax

       (384,457         

Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency related transactions

       (64,430        411,134  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments—Unaffiliated Issuers

       66,275,173          77,853,972  

Net change in deferred foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (85,816         

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on foreign currency related translations

       9,840          14,256  

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

       62,276,821          159,003,532  

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS

       $62,247,862          $158,963,432  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND     

For the Period Ended
December 31,  20201

 

OPERATIONS:

    

Net investment income (loss)

       $59,017  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

       1,612,347  

Net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

       6,973,362  

Net foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (68,673

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

       8,576,053  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

    

Investor Class

       (142,733

Institutional Class

       (739,402

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

       (882,135

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

       37,098,179  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

       44,792,097  

NET ASSETS:

    

Beginning of period

        

End of period

       $44,792,097  

1   The Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020.

    

 

 

MATTHEWS ASIA TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $4,850,426        $5,275,508  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     (2,439,443      2,760,825  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     2,158,772        5,339,732  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (13,642      (61,630

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on swaps

     537,033        167,864  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     5,093,146        13,482,299  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (1,534,269      (1,587,247

Institutional Class

     (3,044,458      (3,115,399

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (4,578,727      (4,702,646

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (2,379,843      7,218,828  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (1,865,424      15,998,481  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     116,713,664        100,715,183  

End of year

     $114,848,240        $116,713,664  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

116    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS ASIA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND   

Year Ended

December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $4,429,584        $2,714,178  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     (2,419,656      1,177,604  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     (865,752      2,960,665  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     1,144,176        6,852,447  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (461,510      (524,567

Institutional Class

     (4,015,909      (2,481,265

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (4,477,419      (3,005,832

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     2,005,951        48,835,145  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (1,327,292      52,681,760  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     92,434,728        39,752,968  

End of year

     $91,107,436        $92,434,728  
MATTHEWS ASIAN GROWTH AND INCOME FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $19,405,694        $24,839,454  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     (22,733,461      33,418,182  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     194,367,480        169,842,257  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (1,175,119      (415,629

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     189,864,594        227,684,264  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (6,537,575      (27,564,628

Institutional Class

     (8,649,109      (26,611,609

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (15,186,684      (54,176,237

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (146,689,345      (101,433,061

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     27,988,565        72,074,966  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     1,467,766,339        1,395,691,373  

End of year

     $1,495,754,904        $1,467,766,339  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS ASIA DIVIDEND FUND   

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $38,489,950        $102,330,702  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     121,303,056        (18,513,511

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     873,786,516        510,591,484  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (52,247      4,810,331  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     1,033,527,275        599,219,006  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (23,374,306      (53,870,328

Institutional Class

     (30,156,523      (70,646,662

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (53,530,829      (124,516,990

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (1,149,516,399      (872,071,489

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (169,519,953      (397,369,473

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     5,370,455,874        5,767,825,347  

End of year

     $5,200,935,921        $5,370,455,874  
MATTHEWS CHINA DIVIDEND FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $6,140,834        $7,645,006  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     4,886,638        (4,537,088

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     58,961,611        39,016,746  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     69,989,083        42,124,664  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (5,445,025      (4,319,260

Institutional Class

     (2,410,206      (1,789,894

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (7,855,231      (6,109,154

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (58,231,512      75,065,788  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     3,902,340        111,081,298  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     380,740,619        269,659,321  

End of year

     $384,642,959        $380,740,619  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

118    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS ASIA GROWTH FUND   

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     ($3,766,582      ($715,202

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     119,869,576        19,441,989  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     490,612,523        228,921,472  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (828,093      511,519  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     605,887,424        248,159,778  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (32,572,017      (4,892,092

Institutional Class

     (52,522,805      (6,690,700

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (85,094,822      (11,582,792

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     329,660,660        36,423,847  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     850,453,262        273,000,833  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     1,203,334,389        930,333,556  

End of year

     $2,053,787,651        $1,203,334,389  
MATTHEWS PACIFIC TIGER FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $31,726,525        $66,894,383  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     810,070,173        216,614,527  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     930,414,892        599,062,809  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     3,154,260        (14,695,530

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     1,775,365,850        867,876,189  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (141,488,071      (85,396,598

Institutional Class

     (348,163,643      (218,660,671

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (489,651,714      (304,057,269

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (1,252,923,288      (145,194,433

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     32,790,848        418,624,487  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     8,725,858,690        8,307,234,203  

End of year

     $8,758,649,538        $8,725,858,690  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS ASIA ESG FUND     

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income (loss)

       $14,477        $222,042  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

       3,627,382        918,570  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

       21,303,112        3,585,929  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       (371,525      (64,762

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

       24,573,446        4,661,779  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

       

Investor Class

       (1,972,642      (254,181

Institutional Class

       (2,742,259      (519,330

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

       (4,714,901      (773,511

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

       12,869,463        18,878,771  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

       32,728,008        22,767,039  

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of year

       55,298,832        32,531,793  

End of year

       $88,026,840        $55,298,832  
MATTHEWS EMERGING ASIA FUND      Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

       

Net investment income (loss)

       $2,729,749        $5,409,950  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

       (60,613,275      (28,825,183

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

       28,431,835        15,008,562  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

       618,729        825,523  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

       (28,832,962      (7,581,148

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

       

Investor Class

       (896,152      (2,211,813

Institutional Class

       (2,554,661      (6,143,721

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

       (3,450,813      (8,355,534

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

       (91,145,049      (39,111,583

REDEMPTION FEES

              55,503  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

       (123,428,824      (54,992,762

NET ASSETS:

       

Beginning of year

       320,181,999        375,174,761  

End of year

       $196,753,175        $320,181,999  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

120    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND   

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     ($4,066,121      $46,812  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     126,859,455        2,617,309  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     522,631,206        68,307,210  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (5,114,598      (579,902

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     640,309,942        70,391,429  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (10,021,958      (517,344

Institutional Class

     (17,156,013      (360,553

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (27,177,971      (877,897

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     807,775,835        (9,182,208

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     1,420,907,806        60,331,324  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     304,549,179        244,217,855  

End of year

     $1,725,456,985        $304,549,179  
MATTHEWS CHINA FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $3,034,601        $8,157,012  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     92,596,932        (10,571,367

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     327,402,752        228,077,121  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     423,034,285        225,662,766  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (11,917,229      (8,017,681

Institutional Class

     (7,418,452      (2,383,141

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (19,335,681      (10,400,822

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     202,777,528        74,020,367  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     606,476,132        289,282,311  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     902,395,025        613,112,714  

End of year

     $1,508,871,157        $902,395,025  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS INDIA FUND   

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $539,640        $26,423  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     (29,985,170      32,455,342  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     78,917,359        (48,195,961

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (8,262,561      (1,438,891

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     41,209,268        (17,153,087

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (18,432,815      (88,576,196

Institutional Class

     (2,686,572      (20,261,209

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (21,119,387      (108,837,405

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (276,535,505      (451,382,627

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (256,445,624      (577,373,119

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     964,406,904        1,541,780,023  

End of year

     $707,961,280        $964,406,904  
MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $4,835,226        $13,902,590  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     224,950,710        120,429,499  

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     85,961,141        491,227,271  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     315,747,077        625,559,360  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (104,936,797      (120,196,392

Institutional Class

     (51,294,781      (74,901,937

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (156,231,578      (195,098,329

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (815,396,878      (995,366,160

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     (655,881,379      (564,905,129

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     2,306,669,190        2,871,574,319  

End of year

     $1,650,787,811        $2,306,669,190  

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

122    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS KOREA FUND   

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     $565,758        $413,405  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     (2,851,201      (2,970,527

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     44,818,958        7,136,355  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     42,533,515        4,579,233  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (1,006,275      (9,142,261

Institutional Class

     (97,392      (1,778,394

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (1,103,667      (10,920,655

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (24,121,054      (3,301,705

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     17,308,794        (9,643,127

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     136,813,943        146,457,070  

End of year

     $154,122,737        $136,813,943  
MATTHEWS ASIA SMALL COMPANIES FUND    Year Ended
December 31, 2020
     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     ($28,959      $1,449,817  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     (3,922,376      (465,246

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     66,285,013        29,646,396  

Net change on foreign capital gains taxes on unrealized appreciation/depreciation

     (85,816      (61,919

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     62,247,862        30,569,048  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (273,613      (493,289

Institutional Class

     (457,565      (598,845

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (731,178      (1,092,134

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     (35,608,664      (34,658,494

REDEMPTION FEES

            25,416  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     25,908,020        (5,156,164

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     181,234,256        186,390,420  

End of year

     $207,142,276        $181,234,256  

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Statements of Changes in Net Assets (continued)

 

MATTHEWS CHINA SMALL COMPANIES FUND   

Year Ended
December 31, 2020

     Year Ended
December 31, 2019
 

OPERATIONS:

     

Net investment income (loss)

     ($40,100      $966,048  

Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     81,135,304        (928,242

Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related translations

     77,868,228        22,074,402  

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     158,963,432        22,112,208  

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:

     

Investor Class

     (41,538,891      (636,765

Institutional Class

     (14,619,496      (367,639

Net decrease in net assets resulting from distributions

     (56,158,387      (1,004,404

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (net) (Note 4)

     185,155,881        12,164,538  

REDEMPTION FEES

            56,296  

Total increase (decrease) in net assets

     287,960,926        33,328,638  

NET ASSETS:

     

Beginning of year

     95,808,293        62,479,655  

End of year

     $383,769,219        $95,808,293  

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

124    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Highlights

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

INVESTOR CLASS    Period Ended
Dec. 311
 

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

     $10.00  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

  

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.04  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     6.08  

Total from investment operations

     6.12  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

  

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.36

Net Asset Value, end of period

     $15.76  

TOTAL RETURN

     61.23% 3 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

  

Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)

     $9,851  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     2.76% 4 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.08% 4 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.45% 4 

Portfolio turnover5

     62.30% 3 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    Period Ended
Dec. 311
 

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

     $10.00  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

  

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.04  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     6.11  

Total from investment operations

     6.15  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

  

Net investment income

     (0.02

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.36

Total distributions

     (0.38

Net Asset Value, end of period

     $15.77  

TOTAL RETURN

     61.55% 3 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

  

Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)

     $34,941  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     2.65% 4 

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.90% 4 

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.44% 4 

Portfolio turnover5

     62.30% 3 

 

1

The Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020.

2

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

3

Not annualized.

4

Annualized.

5

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

126    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $11.12        $10.25        $10.98        $10.43        $9.96  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.46        0.50        0.40        0.51        0.50  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

     0.11        0.81        (0.84      0.46        0.38  

Total from investment operations

     0.57        1.31        (0.44      0.97        0.88  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.44      (0.44      (0.25      (0.42      (0.41

Return of capital

                   (0.04              

Total distributions

     (0.44      (0.44      (0.29      (0.42      (0.41

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $11.25        $11.12        $10.25        $10.98        $10.43  

TOTAL RETURN

     5.36%        13.00%        (4.05%      9.40%        8.85%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $40,422        $39,485        $40,698        $63,437        $55,409  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.15%        1.08%        1.23%        1.29%        1.33%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.12%        1.07%        1.15%        1.15%        1.15%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     4.32%        4.61%        3.76%        4.70%        4.85%  

Portfolio turnover2

     39.71%        84.38%        82.32%        36.58%        71.50%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $11.12        $10.25        $10.97        $10.42        $9.96  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.49        0.52        0.42        0.53        0.53  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, forward foreign currency exchange contracts, swaps, foreign currency related transactions, and foreign capital gains taxes

     0.10        0.81        (0.83      0.47        0.36  

Total from investment operations

     0.59        1.33        (0.41      1.00        0.89  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.46      (0.46      (0.27      (0.45      (0.43

Return of capital

                   (0.04              

Total distributions

     (0.46      (0.46      (0.31      (0.45      (0.43

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $11.25        $11.12        $10.25        $10.97        $10.42  

TOTAL RETURN

     5.60%        13.20%        (3.78%      9.67%        9.02%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $74,426        $77,228        $60,017        $31,155        $13,398  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.00%        0.97%        1.04%        1.08%        1.12%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.90%        0.90%        0.90%        0.90%        0.90%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     4.56%        4.81%        4.03%        4.93%        5.13%  

Portfolio turnover2

     39.71%        84.38%        82.32%        36.58%        71.50%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      127  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31      Period Ended
Dec. 31, 20161
 
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017  

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

     $10.57        $9.76        $10.39        $10.13        $10.00  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.46        0.47        0.37        0.44        0.29  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, swaps, and foreign currency related transactions

     (0.29      0.82        (0.67      0.35        0.18  

Total from investment operations

     0.17        1.29        (0.30      0.79        0.47  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.44      (0.44      (0.33      (0.43      (0.32

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.03      (0.04             (0.10      (0.02

Total distributions

     (0.47      (0.48      (0.33      (0.53      (0.34

Net Asset Value, end of period

     $10.27        $10.57        $9.76        $10.39        $10.13  

TOTAL RETURN

     1.80%        13.34%        (2.88%      7.86%        4.66% 3 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)

     $8,856        $12,997        $8,668        $10,201        $10,119  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.14%        1.24%        1.44%        1.86%        2.24% 4  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.14%        1.12%        1.15%        1.15%        1.15% 4  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     4.53%        4.55%        3.62%        4.17%        4.12% 4 

Portfolio turnover5

     48.46%        81.08%        49.06%        27.86%        18.80% 3 
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31      Period Ended
Dec. 31, 20161
 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017  

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

     $10.57        $9.75        $10.39        $10.13        $10.00  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.48        0.50        0.39        0.46        0.30  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, swaps, and foreign currency related transactions

     (0.29      0.82        (0.67      0.36        0.18  

Total from investment operations

     0.19        1.32        (0.28      0.82        0.48  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.46      (0.46      (0.36      (0.46      (0.33

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.03      (0.04             (0.10      (0.02

Total distributions

     (0.49      (0.50      (0.36      (0.56      (0.35

Net Asset Value, end of period

     $10.27        $10.57        $9.75        $10.39        $10.13  

TOTAL RETURN

     2.05%        13.69%        (2.75%      8.13%        4.82% 3 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)

     $82,252        $79,438        $31,085        $21,491        $6,205  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     0.98%        1.07%        1.25%        1.62%        1.99% 4  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.90%        0.90%        0.90%        0.90%        0.90% 4  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     4.79%        4.79%        3.90%        4.45%        4.28% 4  

Portfolio turnover5

     48.46%        81.08%        49.06%        27.86%        18.80% 3 

 

1

Commenced operations on April, 29 2016.

2

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

3

Not annualized.

4

Annualized.

5

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

128    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asian Growth And Income Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $15.73        $13.92        $17.46        $14.94        $16.03  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.21        0.25        0.32        0.33        0.32  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     2.27        2.13        (2.20      2.92        (0.06

Total from investment operations

     2.48        2.38        (1.88      3.25        0.26  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.16      (0.35      (0.32      (0.46      (0.48

Net realized gains on investments

     2        (0.22      (1.34      (0.27      (0.87

Total distributions

     (0.16      (0.57      (1.66      (0.73      (1.35

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

                          2         

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $18.05        $15.73        $13.92        $17.46        $14.94  

TOTAL RETURN

     16.00%        17.26%        (10.96%      21.85%        1.34%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $673,576        $723,815        $799,328        $1,535,746        $1,684,987  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.09%        1.08%        1.08%        1.07%        1.09%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     1.38%        1.67%        1.95%        1.95%        1.90%  

Portfolio turnover3

     36.27%        21.89%        32.24%        23.23%        15.64%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $15.70        $13.89        $17.43        $14.92        $16.02  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.23        0.27        0.35        0.36        0.34  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     2.27        2.14        (2.20      2.91        (0.07

Total from investment operations

     2.50        2.41        (1.85      3.27        0.27  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.18      (0.38      (0.35      (0.49      (0.50

Net realized gains on investments

     2        (0.22      (1.34      (0.27      (0.87

Total distributions

     (0.18      (0.60      (1.69      (0.76      (1.37

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

                          2         

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $18.02        $15.70        $13.89        $17.43        $14.92  

TOTAL RETURN

     16.18%        17.46%        (10.84%      22.00%        1.44%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $822,179        $743,951        $596,364        $1,310,168        $809,254  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     0.96%        0.94%        0.93%        0.93%        0.94%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     1.51%        1.80%        2.14%        2.16%        2.06%  

Portfolio turnover3

     36.27%        21.89%        32.24%        23.23%        15.64%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

Less than $0.01 per share.

3

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      129  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia Dividend Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      20161  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $17.47        $16.05        $19.74        $15.52        $15.36  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.15        0.28        0.37        0.31        0.28  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     5.23        1.50        (2.83      5.02        0.37  

Total from investment operations

     5.38        1.78        (2.46      5.33        0.65  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.22      (0.36      (0.31      (0.69      (0.29

Net realized gains on investments

                   (0.92      (0.42      (0.11

Return of capital

                                 (0.09

Total distributions

     (0.22      (0.36      (1.23      (1.11      (0.49

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

                          3         

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $22.63        $17.47        $16.05        $19.74        $15.52  

TOTAL RETURN

     31.25%        11.17%        (12.72%      34.69%        4.13%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $2,292,262        $2,312,560        $2,728,599        $3,713,276        $2,650,611  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.03%        1.03%        1.02%        1.03%        1.06%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.02%        1.02%        1.01%        1.02%        1.06%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.85%        1.68%        1.97%        1.67%        1.79%  

Portfolio turnover4

     37.73%        30.32%        39.75%        28.11%        39.76%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      20161  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $17.47        $16.04        $19.73        $15.52        $15.35  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.16        0.30        0.39        0.33        0.30  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     5.22        1.50        (2.83      5.01        0.38  

Total from investment operations

     5.38        1.80        (2.44      5.34        0.68  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.23      (0.37      (0.33      (0.71      (0.31

Net realized gains on investments

                   (0.92      (0.42      (0.11

Return of capital

                                 (0.09

Total distributions

     (0.23      (0.37      (1.25      (1.13      (0.51

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

                          3         

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $22.62        $17.47        $16.04        $19.73        $15.52  

TOTAL RETURN

     31.29%        11.35%        (12.64%      34.77%        4.33%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $2,908,674        $3,057,896        $3,039,226        $3,284,070        $2,034,276  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     0.93%        0.93%        0.91%        0.92%        0.94%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.93%        0.92%        0.90%        0.91%        0.93%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.91%        1.80%        2.09%        1.81%        1.91%  

Portfolio turnover4

     37.73%        30.32%        39.75%        28.11%        39.76%  

 

1

Consolidated Financial Highlights. See Note 2-C.

2

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

3

Less than $0.01 per share.

4

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

130    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews China Dividend Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $16.20        $14.32        $17.61        $14.09        $13.79  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.30        0.34        0.41        0.35        0.31  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     3.54        1.80        (2.09      4.85        0.47  

Total from investment operations

     3.84        2.14        (1.68      5.20        0.78  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.40      (0.26      (0.40      (0.49      (0.28

Net realized gains on investments

                   (1.21      (1.19      (0.20

Total distributions

     (0.40      (0.26      (1.61      (1.68      (0.48

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $19.64        $16.20        $14.32        $17.61        $14.09  

TOTAL RETURN

     24.22%        15.00%        (9.98%      37.69%        5.70%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $269,192        $258,111        $196,626        $260,593        $160,400  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.15%        1.15%        1.15%        1.19%        1.22%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     1.79%        2.14%        2.33%        2.12%        2.28%  

Portfolio turnover2

     81.79%        65.69%        66.47%        69.14%        72.96%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $16.20        $14.32        $17.61        $14.09        $13.79  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.31        0.35        0.42        0.37        0.29  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     3.55        1.81        (2.07      4.85        0.51  

Total from investment operations

     3.86        2.16        (1.65      5.22        0.80  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.42      (0.28      (0.43      (0.51      (0.30

Net realized gains on investments

                   (1.21      (1.19      (0.20

Total distributions

     (0.42      (0.28      (1.64      (1.70      (0.50

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $19.64        $16.20        $14.32        $17.61        $14.09  

TOTAL RETURN

     24.37%        15.16%        (9.83%      37.88%        5.90%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $115,451        $122,630        $73,033        $54,147        $27,758  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.02%        1.01%        1.01%        1.04%        1.06%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     1.85%        2.25%        2.44%        2.25%        2.09%  

Portfolio turnover2

     81.79%        65.69%        66.47%        69.14%        72.96%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia Growth Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $28.10        $22.49        $27.25        $21.05        $21.09  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.11      (0.03      2        0.04        0.06  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     13.16        5.91        (4.41      8.14        0.13  

Total from investment operations

     13.05        5.88        (4.41      8.18        0.19  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.15             (0.03      (0.16      (0.23

Net realized gains on investments

     (1.56      (0.27      (0.32      (1.82       

Total distributions

     (1.71      (0.27      (0.35      (1.98      (0.23

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $39.44        $28.10        $22.49        $27.25        $21.05  

TOTAL RETURN

     46.76%        26.18%        (16.25%      39.39%        0.92%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $784,085        $504,538        $463,600        $554,309        $419,516  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.08%        1.09%        1.10%        1.12%        1.14%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.35%      (0.14%      —% 3        0.16%        0.30%  

Portfolio turnover4

     42.78%        38.05%        12.12%        23.19%        13.61%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $28.34        $22.65        $27.45        $21.19        $21.24  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.07      2        0.05        0.09        0.10  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     13.30        5.96        (4.45      8.20        0.13  

Total from investment operations

     13.23        5.96        (4.40      8.29        0.23  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.19             (0.08      (0.21      (0.28

Net realized gains on investments

     (1.56      (0.27      (0.32      (1.82       

Total distributions

     (1.75      (0.27      (0.40      (2.03      (0.28

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $39.82        $28.34        $22.65        $27.45        $21.19  

TOTAL RETURN

     47.01%        26.34%        (16.10%      39.64%        1.06%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $1,269,702        $698,797        $466,733        $296,253        $195,949  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     0.95%        0.94%        0.93%        0.93%        0.96%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.23%      —% 3        0.17%        0.35%        0.47%  

Portfolio turnover4

     42.78%        38.05%        12.12%        23.19%        13.61%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

Less than $0.01 per share.

3

Less than 0.01%.

4

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

132    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $28.74       $26.86       $31.66       $22.92       $23.54  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

          

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.10       0.19       0.24       0.17       0.11  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     8.10       2.68       (3.75     8.96       (0.13

Total from investment operations

     8.20       2.87       (3.51     9.13       (0.02

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

          

Net investment income

     (0.08     (0.15     (0.21     (0.17     (0.13

Net realized gains on investments

     (1.92     (0.84     (1.08     (0.22     (0.47

Total distributions

     (2.00     (0.99     (1.29     (0.39     (0.60

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

           2             2        

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $34.94       $28.74       $26.86       $31.66       $22.92  

TOTAL RETURN

     28.83%       10.72%       (11.11%     39.96%       (0.16%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

          

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $2,585,654       $2,536,844       $2,618,155       $3,335,795       $2,445,183  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.08%       1.08%       1.07%       1.08%       1.09%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.06%       1.05%       1.04%       1.06%       1.08%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.35%       0.66%       0.79%       0.63%       0.47%  

Portfolio turnover3

     38.11%       17.08%       11.48%       9.18%       5.73%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $28.71       $26.83       $31.63       $22.90       $23.52  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

          

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.13       0.23       0.28       0.22       0.16  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     8.11       2.68       (3.74     8.95       (0.14

Total from investment operations

     8.24       2.91       (3.46     9.17       0.02  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

          

Net investment income

     (0.13     (0.19     (0.26     (0.22     (0.17

Net realized gains on investments

     (1.92     (0.84     (1.08     (0.22     (0.47

Total distributions

     (2.05     (1.03     (1.34     (0.44     (0.64

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

           2             2        

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $34.90       $28.71       $26.83       $31.63       $22.90  

TOTAL RETURN

     28.98%       10.90%       (10.94%     40.17%       0.03%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

          

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $6,172,995       $6,189,015       $5,689,079       $6,389,242       $4,207,508  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     0.94%       0.93%       0.90%       0.91%       0.91%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.92%       0.91%       0.88%       0.89%       0.90%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.46%       0.80%       0.95%       0.80%       0.65%  

Portfolio turnover3

     38.11%       17.08%       11.48%       9.18%       5.73%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

Less than $0.01 per share.

3

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia ESG Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $11.08        $9.98        $11.56        $8.97        $9.23  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.01      0.04        0.03        0.05        0.07  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     4.72        1.21        (1.16      2.97        (0.20

Total from investment operations

     4.71        1.25        (1.13      3.02        (0.13

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.01      (0.03      (0.02      (0.27      (0.13

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.84      (0.12      (0.43      (0.16       

Total distributions

     (0.85      (0.15      (0.45      (0.43      (0.13

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $14.94        $11.08        $9.98        $11.56        $8.97  

TOTAL RETURN

     42.87%        12.55%        (9.73%      33.79%        (1.40%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $37,385        $19,291        $9,283        $10,695        $5,376  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.42%        1.54%        2.20%        2.65%        3.54%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.38%        1.42%        1.50%        1.50%        1.48%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.08%      0.41%        0.27%        0.45%        0.77%  

Portfolio turnover2

     84.60%        29.67%        22.93%        28.82%        16.10%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $11.06        $9.96        $11.50        $8.92        $9.17  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.01        0.06        0.06        0.08        0.09  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     4.72        1.21        (1.16      2.95        (0.19

Total from investment operations

     4.73        1.27        (1.10      3.03        (0.10

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.03      (0.05      (0.01      (0.29      (0.15

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.84      (0.12      (0.43      (0.16       

Total distributions

     (0.87      (0.17      (0.44      (0.45      (0.15

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $14.92        $11.06        $9.96        $11.50        $8.92  

TOTAL RETURN

     43.13%        12.74%        (9.52%      34.11%        (1.16%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $50,642        $36,008        $23,249        $7,359        $3,382  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.29%        1.41%        2.01%        2.46%        3.36%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.20%        1.24%        1.25%        1.25%        1.25%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.09%        0.54%        0.55%        0.71%        0.97%  

Portfolio turnover2

     84.60%        29.67%        22.93%        28.82%        16.10%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

134    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Emerging Asia Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $12.07        $12.50        $15.51        $13.18        $11.27  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.12        0.14        0.10        0.07        0.15  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     (0.38      (0.27      (2.82      2.35        2.01  

Total from investment operations

     (0.26      (0.13      (2.72      2.42        2.16  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.19             (0.10      (0.04      (0.13

Net realized gains on investments

            (0.30      (0.19      (0.05      (0.13

Total distributions

     (0.19      (0.30      (0.29      (0.09      (0.26

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

            2        3        3        0.01  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $11.62        $12.07        $12.50        $15.51        $13.18  

TOTAL RETURN

     (2.16%      (1.01%      (17.58%      18.42%        19.25%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $54,789        $84,543        $118,505        $219,596        $145,164  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.75%        1.65%        1.66%        1.70%        1.77%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.40%        1.46%        1.48%        1.48%        1.47%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     1.24%        1.15%        0.72%        0.49%        1.26%  

Portfolio turnover4

     29.80%        18.77%        26.09%        7.74%        34.90%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $12.13        $12.54        $15.57        $13.22        $11.29  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.15        0.17        0.14        0.10        0.21  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     (0.39      (0.28      (2.85      2.37        1.99  

Total from investment operations

     (0.24      (0.11      (2.71      2.47        2.20  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.21             (0.13      (0.07      (0.15

Net realized gains on investments

            (0.30      (0.19      (0.05      (0.13

Total distributions

     (0.21      (0.30      (0.32      (0.12      (0.28

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

            2        3        3        0.01  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $11.68        $12.13        $12.54        $15.57        $13.22  

TOTAL RETURN

     (1.94%      (0.85%      (17.41%      18.70%        19.61%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $141,964        $235,639        $256,669        $275,233        $95,724  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.62%        1.51%        1.50%        1.52%        1.62%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.19%        1.25%        1.25%        1.25%        1.25%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     1.45%        1.39%        0.97%        0.70%        1.72%  

Portfolio turnover4

     29.80%        18.77%        26.09%        7.74%        34.90%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The Fund charged redemption fees through October 31, 2019.

3

Less than $0.01 per share.

4

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      135  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia Innovators Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $14.55        $11.26        $14.19        $10.10        $12.32  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.11      (0.01      (0.01      (0.02      (0.02

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     12.71        3.34        (2.62      5.31        (1.07

Total from investment operations

     12.60        3.33        (2.63      5.29        (1.09

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

                   (0.04      (0.24       

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.45      (0.04      (0.26      (0.96      (1.13

Total distributions

     (0.45      (0.04      (0.30      (1.20      (1.13

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $26.70        $14.55        $11.26        $14.19        $10.10  

TOTAL RETURN

     86.72%        29.60%        (18.62%      52.88%        (9.10%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $631,101        $177,639        $152,449        $175,331        $83,926  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.10%        1.19%        1.19%        1.24%        1.24%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.60%      (0.04%      (0.07%      (0.18%      (0.19%

Portfolio turnover2

     119.81%        80.10%        85.73%        66.51%        92.25%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $14.64        $11.32        $14.26        $10.14        $12.34  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.09      0.01        0.01        0.01        0.01  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     12.81        3.35        (2.62      5.33        (1.08

Total from investment operations

     12.72        3.36        (2.61      5.34        (1.07

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

                   (0.07      (0.26       

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.45      (0.04      (0.26      (0.96      (1.13

Total distributions

     (0.45      (0.04      (0.33      (1.22      (1.13

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $26.91        $14.64        $11.32        $14.26        $10.14  

TOTAL RETURN

     87.01%        29.71%        (18.40%      53.18%        (8.92%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $1,094,356        $126,911        $91,769        $30,957        $16,545  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     0.95%        1.05%        1.02%        1.05%        1.01%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.44%      0.10%        0.07%        0.06%        0.06%  

Portfolio turnover2

     119.81%        80.10%        85.73%        66.51%        92.25%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

136    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews China Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      20161  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $19.12        $14.37        $22.20        $15.47        $18.42  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.05        0.16        0.21        0.16        0.21  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     8.17        4.80        (4.84      8.86        (1.04

Total from investment operations

     8.22        4.96        (4.63      9.02        (0.83

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.06      (0.21      (0.29      (0.37      (0.26

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.28             (2.91      (1.92      (1.29

Return of capital

                                 (0.57

Total distributions

     (0.34      (0.21      (3.20      (2.29      (2.12

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

                                 3  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $27.00        $19.12        $14.37        $22.20        $15.47  

TOTAL RETURN

     43.05%        34.56%        (21.42%      59.37%        (5.18%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $962,714        $718,633        $566,456        $843,508        $495,900  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.09%        1.09%        1.10%        1.09%        1.18%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.22%        0.96%        1.00%        0.78%        1.24%  

Portfolio turnover4

     52.64%        68.93%        96.98%        78.74%        83.82%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      20161  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $19.08        $14.33        $22.17        $15.44        $18.39  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)2

     0.09        0.20        0.33        0.21        0.22  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     8.15        4.80        (4.93      8.84        (1.03

Total from investment operations

     8.24        5.00        (4.60      9.05        (0.81

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.10      (0.25      (0.33      (0.40      (0.28

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.28             (2.91      (1.92      (1.29

Return of capital

                                 (0.57

Total distributions

     (0.38      (0.25      (3.24      (2.32      (2.14

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

                                 3  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $26.94        $19.08        $14.33        $22.17        $15.44  

TOTAL RETURN

     43.23%        34.90%        (21.32%      59.71%        (5.06%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $546,157        $183,762        $46,657        $61,975        $15,874  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     0.93%        0.91%        0.91%        0.93%        1.03%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.40%        1.17%        1.53%        0.99%        1.32%  

Portfolio turnover4

     52.64%        68.93%        96.98%        78.74%        83.82%  

 

1

Consolidated Financial Highlights. See Note 2-C.

2

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

3

Less than $0.01 per share.

4

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      137  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews India Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $23.27        $26.32        $34.31        $25.65        $26.43  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.01        (0.01      (0.05      (0.09      0.01  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     3.81        (0.24      (3.60      9.24        (0.33

Total from investment operations

     3.82        (0.25      (3.65      9.15        (0.32

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.80      (2.80      (4.34      (0.49      (0.46

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $26.29        $23.27        $26.32        $34.31        $25.65  

TOTAL RETURN

     16.51%        (0.88%      (10.09%      35.79%        (1.23%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $617,908        $786,881        $1,077,990        $1,484,045        $967,009  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.15%        1.11%        1.09%        1.09%        1.12%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.05%        (0.03%      (0.16%      (0.30%      0.02%  

Portfolio turnover2

     57.38%        24.00%        20.87%        16.81%        15.76%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $23.55        $26.56        $34.51        $25.77        $26.49  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.05        0.02        0.01        (0.03      0.04  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     3.85        (0.23      (3.62      9.29        (0.30

Total from investment operations

     3.90        (0.21      (3.61      9.26        (0.26

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

                          (0.03       

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.80      (2.80      (4.34      (0.49      (0.46

Total distributions

     (0.80      (2.80      (4.34      (0.52      (0.46

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $26.65        $23.55        $26.56        $34.51        $25.77  

TOTAL RETURN

     16.65%        (0.76%      (9.92%      36.05%        (1.00%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $90,053        $177,526        $463,790        $788,388        $551,202  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.03%        0.94%        0.90%        0.89%        0.91%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.24%        0.09%        0.02%        (0.08%      0.16%  

Portfolio turnover2

     57.38%        24.00%        20.87%        16.81%        15.76%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

138    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Japan Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018     2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $21.51        $18.53        $24.12       $18.83        $18.97  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

             

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.07        0.11        0.09       0.09        0.08  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     6.25        4.73        (4.91     6.13        (0.01

Total from investment operations

     6.32        4.84        (4.82     6.22        0.07  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

             

Net investment income

     (0.13      (0.12      (0.06     (0.20      (0.16

Net realized gains on investments

     (2.43      (1.74      (0.71     (0.73      (0.05

Total distributions

     (2.56      (1.86      (0.77     (0.93      (0.21

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $25.27        $21.51        $18.53       $24.12        $18.83  

TOTAL RETURN

     29.82%        26.08%        (20.18%     33.14%        0.40%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

             

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $1,101,820        $1,466,194        $1,704,102       $2,155,280        $1,685,872  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     0.95%        0.93%        0.91%       0.95%        0.98%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.95%        0.93%        0.91%       0.94%        0.98%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.31%        0.51%        0.40%       0.40%        0.43%  

Portfolio turnover2

     62.03%        25.42%        46.11%       44.34%        55.15%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018     2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $21.55        $18.57        $24.16       $18.86        $19.00  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

             

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.05        0.11        0.11       0.10        0.10  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     6.29        4.74        (4.91     6.14        3  

Total from investment operations

     6.34        4.85        (4.80     6.24        0.10  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

             

Net investment income

     (0.14      (0.13      (0.08     (0.21      (0.19

Net realized gains on investments

     (2.43      (1.74      (0.71     (0.73      (0.05

Total distributions

     (2.57      (1.87      (0.79     (0.94      (0.24

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $25.32        $21.55        $18.57       $24.16        $18.86  

TOTAL RETURN

     29.85%        26.10%        (20.08%     33.23%        0.51%  

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

             

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $548,968        $840,476        $1,167,472       $1,957,214        $1,302,317  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     0.91%        0.88%        0.85%       0.87%        0.88%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     0.91%        0.88%        0.84%       0.86%        0.88%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.25%        0.53%        0.46%       0.46%        0.54%  

Portfolio turnover2

     62.03%        25.42%        46.11%       44.34%        55.15%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

3

Less than $0.01 per share.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      139  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Korea Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $4.38        $4.58        $6.91        $5.25        $6.15  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.02        0.01        0.06        0.06        0.02  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     1.76        0.16        (1.61      2.22        (0.41

Total from investment operations

     1.78        0.17        (1.55      2.28        (0.39

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.04             (0.13      (0.29      (0.08

Net realized gains on investments

            (0.37      (0.65      (0.33      (0.43

Total distributions

     (0.04      (0.37      (0.78      (0.62      (0.51

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $6.12        $4.38        $4.58        $6.91        $5.25  

TOTAL RETURN

     40.77%        3.80%        (22.21%      43.70%        (6.32%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $141,931        $113,388        $127,080        $192,431        $142,726  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.19%        1.15%        1.14%        1.15%        1.15%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.50%        0.28%        1.01%        0.90%        0.41%  

Portfolio turnover2

     39.62%        36.63%        35.60%        25.37%        34.73%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $4.42        $4.61        $6.95        $5.27        $6.18  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.01        0.01        0.04        0.10        (0.02

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     1.79        0.17        (1.60      2.21        (0.37

Total from investment operations

     1.80        0.18        (1.56      2.31        (0.39

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.05             (0.13      (0.30      (0.09

Net realized gains on investments

            (0.37      (0.65      (0.33      (0.43

Total distributions

     (0.05      (0.37      (0.78      (0.63      (0.52

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $6.17        $4.42        $4.61        $6.95        $5.27  

TOTAL RETURN

     40.76%        4.01%        (22.15%      44.11%        (6.31%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $12,192        $23,426        $19,377        $32,587        $7,462  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets

     1.05%        1.05%        1.02%        1.01%        0.97%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.28%        0.29%        0.67%        1.51%        (0.31%

Portfolio turnover2

     39.62%        36.63%        35.60%        25.37%        34.73%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

140    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $18.10        $15.50        $22.89        $19.05        $19.41  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.02      0.12        0.12        0.02        0.09  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     7.92        2.57        (4.20      5.68        (0.37

Total from investment operations

     7.90        2.69        (4.08      5.70        (0.28

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.05      (0.09      (0.08      (0.10      (0.08

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.02             (3.23      (1.76       

Total distributions

     (0.07      (0.09      (3.31      (1.86      (0.08

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

            2        3        3        3  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $25.93        $18.10        $15.50        $22.89        $19.05  

TOTAL RETURN

     43.68%        17.38%        (18.05%      30.59%        (1.44%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $99,573        $96,229        $111,456        $208,339        $254,226  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.57%        1.60%        1.51%        1.49%        1.49%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.39%        1.45%        1.46%        1.46%        1.47%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.11%      0.72%        0.53%        0.09%        0.45%  

Portfolio turnover4

     111.87%        59.10%        69.79%        67.13%        44.44%  
 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $18.06        $15.46        $22.86        $19.03        $19.40  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.01        0.15        0.16        0.07        0.12  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments, foreign currency related transactions and foreign capital gains taxes

     7.91        2.58        (4.19      5.67        (0.36

Total from investment operations

     7.92        2.73        (4.03      5.74        (0.24

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.09      (0.13      (0.14      (0.15      (0.13

Net realized gains on investments

     (0.02             (3.23      (1.76       

Total distributions

     (0.11      (0.13      (3.37      (1.91      (0.13

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

            2        3        3        3  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $25.87        $18.06        $15.46        $22.86        $19.03  

TOTAL RETURN

     43.90%        17.65%        (17.86%      30.85%        (1.24%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $107,569        $85,006        $74,935        $232,954        $174,962  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.47%        1.46%        1.37%        1.35%        1.34%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.20%        1.24%        1.25%        1.25%        1.25%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.08%        0.85%        0.73%        0.34%        0.64%  

Portfolio turnover4

     111.87%        59.10%        69.79%        67.13%        44.44%  

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The Fund charged redemption fees through October 31, 2019.

3

Less than $0.01 per share.

4

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

matthewsasia.com  |   800.789.ASIA      141  


Table of Contents

Financial Highlights (continued)

Matthews China Small Companies Fund

The tables below set forth financial data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period presented.

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31  
INVESTOR CLASS    2020      2019      2018      2017      2016  

Net Asset Value, beginning of year

     $12.84        $9.58        $11.89        $8.21        $8.79  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

              

Net investment income (loss)1

     (0.03      0.14        0.09        0.07        0.10  

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     10.42        3.24        (2.23      4.27        (0.28

Total from investment operations

     10.39        3.38        (2.14      4.34        (0.18

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

              

Net investment income

     (0.13      (0.13      (0.05      (0.11      (0.03

Net realized gains on investments

     (3.24             (0.16      (0.56      (0.37

Total distributions

     (3.37      (0.13      (0.21      (0.67      (0.40

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

            0.01 2        0.04        0.01        3  

Net Asset Value, end of year

     $19.86        $12.84        $9.58        $11.89        $8.21  

TOTAL RETURN

     82.52%        35.41%        (17.68%      53.88%        (2.35%

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

              

Net assets, end of year (in 000’s)

     $285,717        $63,432        $41,740        $35,209        $16,101  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.52%        1.62%        1.97%        2.34%        2.24%  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.43%        1.42%        1.50%        1.50%        1.50%  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     (0.14%      1.25%        0.78%        0.66%        1.17%  

Portfolio turnover4

     152.86%        68.17%        76.67%        67.22%        63.15%  

 

 

 

   Year Ended Dec. 31      Period Ended
Dec. 31,  20175
 
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS    2020      2019      2018  

Net Asset Value, beginning of period

     $12.86        $9.59        $11.87        $11.90  

INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:

           

Net investment income (loss)1

     0.04        0.15        0.11        (0.01

Net realized gain (loss) and unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments and foreign currency related transactions

     10.42        3.26        (2.21      0.67  

Total from investment operations

     10.46        3.41        (2.10      0.66  

LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM:

           

Net investment income

     (0.18      (0.15      (0.05      (0.13

Net realized gains on investments

     (3.24             (0.16      (0.56

Total distributions

     (3.42      (0.15      (0.21      (0.69

Paid-in capital from redemption fees (Note 4)

            0.01 2        0.03         

Net Asset Value, end of period

     $19.90        $12.86        $9.59        $11.87  

TOTAL RETURN

     82.89%        35.68%        (17.48%      6.19% 6 

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

           

Net assets, end of period (in 000’s)

     $98,052        $32,376        $20,740        $476  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets before any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator (Note 5)

     1.37%        1.51%        1.79%        2.09% 7  

Ratio of expenses to average net assets after any reimbursement, waiver or recapture of expenses by Advisor and Administrator

     1.20%        1.24%        1.25%        1.25% 7  

Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets

     0.20%        1.34%        1.05%        (1.20% )7 

Portfolio turnover4

     152.86%        68.17%        76.67%        67.22% 6 

 

1

Calculated using the average daily shares method.

2

The Fund charged redemption fees through October 31, 2019.

3

Less than $0.01 per share.

4

The portfolio turnover rate is calculated on the Fund as a whole without distinguishing between classes of shares issued.

5

Commenced operations on November 30, 2017.

6

Not annualized.

7

Annualized.

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

142    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1.

ORGANIZATION

Matthews Asia Funds (the “Trust”) is an open-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Trust currently issues seventeen separate series of shares (each a “Fund”, and collectively, the “Funds”): Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund, Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, Matthews China Dividend Fund, Matthews Asia Growth Fund, Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund, Matthews Asia ESG Fund, Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews Asia Innovators Fund, Matthews China Fund, Matthews India Fund, Matthews Japan Fund, Matthews Korea Fund, Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, and Matthews China Small Companies Fund. The Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund commenced investment operations on April 30, 2020. Each Fund currently offers two classes of shares: Investor Class and Institutional Class. Each class of shares has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights and the same terms and conditions, except each class may be subject to different class expenses as outlined in the relevant prospectus and each class has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters solely affecting such class.

 

2.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds in preparation of their financial statements. Each Fund follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standard Codification Topic 946 Financial Services—Investment Companies. The accounting policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

A.

SECURITY VALUATION: The value of the Trust’s securities is based on market quotations for those securities, or on their fair value determined by the valuation policies approved by the Funds’ Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Market quotations and valuation information are provided by commercial pricing services or securities dealers that are independent of the Funds and Matthews International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”), in accordance with procedures established by the Funds’ Board. Foreign exchange-traded securities are valued as of the close of trading on the primary exchange on which they trade. Securities that trade in over-the-counter markets, including most debt securities (bonds), may be valued by other third-party vendors or by using indicative bid quotations from dealers or market makers, or other available market information. Market values for securities are determined based on quotations, market data or other information from the principal (or most advantageous) market on which the security is traded. Market quotations for equity securities used by the Funds include last reported sale prices, or, if such prices are not reported or available, bid and ask prices. Swap agreements are valued utilizing quotes received daily by the Funds’ pricing service or through brokers, which are derived using daily swap curves and models that incorporate a number of market data factors, such as discounted cash flows, trades and values of the underlying reference instruments. Foreign currency exchange contracts are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices and are determined at the close of business on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). Interpolated values are derived when the settlement date of the contract is an interim date for which quotations are not available. The Funds may also utilize independent pricing services to assist them in determining a current market value for each security based on sources believed to be reliable.

The Board has delegated to the Board’s Valuation Committee the responsibility for oversight of the fair valuation process under the Trust’s Pricing and Valuation Policy. The Board’s Valuation Committee, in turn, has delegated the determination of fair value prices under Matthews’ Pricing and Valuation Procedures to Matthews’ Valuation Committee (the “Valuation Committee”). The Board’s Valuation Committee will review and approve fair value determinations by Matthews’ Valuation Committee in accordance with the Pricing and Valuation Policy. When fair value pricing is employed, the prices of securities used by a Fund to calculate its Net Asset Value (“NAV”) may differ from any quoted or published prices for the same securities for that day. All fair value determinations are made subject to the Board’s oversight. Events affecting the value of foreign investments may occur between the time at which they are determined and when the Funds calculate their NAV, which is normally the close of trading on the NYSE. If such events render market quotations unreliable, and the impact of such events can be reasonably determined, the investments will be valued at their fair value in accordance with pricing policies. The fair value of a security held by the Funds may be determined using the services of third-party pricing services to assist in this process.

The books and records of the Funds are maintained in U.S. dollars. Transactions, portfolio securities, and assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated and recorded in U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate as of the close of trading on the NYSE. The Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from changes in market prices on securities held. Accordingly, such changes are included within Change in net unrealized appreciation/depreciation on investments on the Statement of Operations. Translation gains or losses resulting from changes in the exchange rate during the reporting period and realized gains and losses on the settlement of foreign currency transactions are reported in the results of operations for the current period. The Funds isolate that portion of gains and losses on investments in fixed income securities that is due to changes in foreign exchange rate from that which is due to changes in market prices of securities.

Foreign securities held by the Funds may be traded on days and at times when the NYSE is closed. Accordingly, the value of the Funds may be significantly affected on days when shareholders have no access to the Funds.

 

B.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS: The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities (foreign securities that are valued based on market quotations).

Level 2: Other significant observable inputs. Certain foreign securities may be fair valued by Matthews using information such as quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, and foreign exchange. Additionally, external pricing services are used when the Funds determine that events affecting the value of foreign securities which occur between the time at which they are determined and the close of trading on the NYSE render market quotations unreliable.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs. Level 3 securities are valued based on significant unobservable inputs as determined under the direction of the Board. Characterization of such securities as Level 3 securities are not necessarily an indication of their liquidity or the risk associated with investing in these securities. A significant change in the unobservable inputs could result in a significantly lower or higher value in such Level 3 securities and could impact overall Fund performance. Level 3 securities consisted of equities that, as of December 31, 2020, were suspended from trading.

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Levels for Multi-Country Funds (1 of 2):

Summary of inputs used to determine the fair valuation of multi-country Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2020.

 

     Matthews
Emerging Markets
Equity Fund
    Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
    Matthews Asia
Credit
Opportunities Fund
    Matthews Asian
Growth and
Income Fund
    Matthews Asia
Dividend Fund
    Matthews Asia
Growth Fund
 
Assets:            
Investments:            

Level 1: Quoted Prices

           

Common Equities:

           

Argentina

    $587,547       $—       $—       $—       $—       $—  

Bangladesh

                            57,913,199       16,865,150  

Brazil

    1,241,180                                

China/Hong Kong

    3,434,244                   51,910,375             441,725,030  

India

    1,916,239                                

Mexico

    1,414,637                                

Netherlands

    907,893                                

Peru

    590,472                                

Poland

    1,390,223                                

Russia

    730,590                                

Singapore

    557,340                               18,352,410  

Sri Lanka

                                  9,607,985  

Switzerland

                                  7,666,395  

Taiwan

                            125,116,857       39,287,112  

United States

                      30,912,210             68,384,978  

Zambia

    723,431                                

Level 2: Other Significant Observable Inputs

           

Foreign Government Obligationsa

          28,499,935       6,219,140                    

Non-Convertible Corporate Bondsa

          64,480,563       65,927,466                    

Convertible Corporate Bondsa

          10,784,726       11,894,181       135,516,027              

Common Equities:

           

Australia

                      38,075,367       422,218,785       56,678,139  

Bangladesh

                                  12,736,275  

Brazil

    1,598,969                                

China/Hong Kong

    9,995,815                   488,112,986       1,599,760,118       501,809,466  

France

    1,149,339                   52,761,481              

India

    3,092,960                   111,394,565       129,909,987       94,638,816  

Indonesia

    739,780                   36,772,968             71,674,629  

Japan

                            1,599,085,900       576,363,251  

Mexico

    283,380                                

Philippines

    565,079                   19,140,324       77,409,997        

Russia

    1,875,657                                

Singapore

    908,145                   114,825,734       277,975,703        

South Africa

    490,169                                

South Korea

    2,731,428                   147,199,206       209,866,744        

Taiwan

    2,610,611                   158,349,378       196,378,182        

Thailand

                      14,088,319       60,416,517        

United Kingdom

    537,623                                

Vietnam

    309,358                   20,359,776             17,645,016  

Preferred Equities:

           

South Korea

    2,611,045                   27,149,805       285,330,579        

Total Market Value of Investments

    $42,993,154       $103,765,224       $84,040,787       $1,446,568,521       $5,041,382,568       $1,933,434,652  

 

a

Industry, countries, or security types are disclosed on the Schedule of Investments.

 

144    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Levels for Multi-Country Funds (2 of 2):

Summary of inputs used to determine the fair valuation of multi-country Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2020.

 

     Matthews Pacific
Tiger Fund
    Matthews
Asia ESG
Fund
   

Matthews
Emerging Asia
Fund

    Matthews Asia
Innovators Fund
    Matthews Asia
Small Companies
Fund
 
Assets:          
Investments:          

Level 1: Quoted Prices

         

Common Equities:

         

Bangladesh

    $—       $1,308,541       $13,823,420       $—       $—  

China/Hong Kong

    379,027,932       4,055,354       18,083,424       329,021,009       6,215,132  

India

                            645,051  

Malaysia

                38,782             611,280  

Pakistan

                16,151,521              

Singapore

    80,097,720                   88,019,910        

South Korea

                            1,683,428  

Sri Lanka

                16,561,110              

Taiwan

          1,722,832                    

United States

          3,366,628             32,901,084       1,989,757  

Level 2: Other Significant Observable Inputs

         

Common Equities:

         

Australia

                4,274,666              

Bangladesh

          1,841,864       7,675,240              

China/Hong Kong

    3,970,121,216       27,097,044       3,432,303       741,907,812       92,137,831  

France

                      59,774,372        

India

    994,241,110       18,733,415       22,809,184       149,975,622       42,027,101  

Indonesia

    285,895,889       89,964       24,630,085       33,306,996       3,087,681  

Japan

          5,051,208                    

Malaysia

    69,519,421                          

Pakistan

                5,074,805              

Philippines

    163,181,240             16,236,114             2,800,357  

Singapore

    137,325,771       2,276,716       2,100,765             1,802,774  

South Korea

    1,131,218,110       1,023,679             135,952,129       16,383,487  

Taiwan

    1,194,020,773       8,546,650             85,658,316       30,061,833  

Thailand

    132,426,632       1,119,029       4,897,225             2,691,267  

Vietnam

    92,563,207       647,388       34,232,024       5,406,314       4,620,746  

Preferred Equities:

         

South Korea

          9,724,958                    

Total Market Value of Investments

    $8,629,639,021       $86,605,270       $190,020,668       $1,661,923,564       $206,757,725  

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Levels for Single Country Funds:

Summary of inputs used to determine the fair valuation of the single country Funds’ investments as of December 31, 2020.

 

     Matthews China
Dividend Fund
    Matthews
China Fund
    Matthews
India Fund
    Matthews
Japan Fund
    Matthews
Korea Fund
    Matthews
China Small
Companies
Fund
 
Assets:            
Investments:            

Level 1: Quoted Prices

           

Common Equities:

           

Communication Services

    $—       $49,940,472       $—       $8,507,508       $—       $12,695,132  

Consumer Discretionary

    10,079,357       82,191,734       5,604,207       8,404,678              

Financials

                            977,862        

Information Technology

                      11,997,850             7,999,514  

Real Estate

    11,975,466                               4,717,412  

Level 2: Other Significant Observable Inputs

           

Common Equities:

           

Communication Services

    56,612,941       158,471,045       44,578,061       117,853,156       17,960,762        

Consumer Discretionary

    70,855,213       307,303,495       53,427,477       268,949,952       13,587,257       45,071,106  

Consumer Staples

    24,244,901       52,996,605       84,314,748             9,101,386       16,783,291  

Energy

    10,031,161             54,024,955                    

Financials

    40,557,133       287,583,080       268,769,711       140,651,656       10,839,808       13,945,886  

Health Care

    18,483,723       130,494,946       45,287,671       276,550,260       9,142,371       45,313,589  

Industrials

    54,200,959       93,888,282       25,866,204       325,456,987       3,339,716       87,449,689  

Information Technology

    39,113,580       188,966,815       115,784,585       356,625,514       34,494,993       89,328,172  

Materials

    18,415,890       63,712,925       26,495,119       115,699,153       3,148,482       24,250,175  

Real Estate

    10,990,919       69,050,795                         26,219,600  

Utilities

    8,058,432       15,448,919                          

Preferred Equities:

           

Consumer Discretionary

                            5,329,739        

Consumer Staples

                            6,379,628        

Information Technology

                            29,878,316        

Materials

                            7,364,918        

Level 3: Significant Unobservable Inputs

           

Common Equities:

           

Information Technology

                                  252  

Total Market Value of Investments

    $373,619,675       $1,500,049,113       $724,152,738       $1,630,696,714       $151,545,238       $373,773,818  

Levels for Derivatives Financial Instruments:

Summary of inputs used to determine the fair valuation of the Funds’ derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2020.

 

      Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
 

Derivative Financial Instruments1

  

Assets

  
Level 2: Other Significant Observable Inputs   

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

     $1,990,746  

Interest Rate Swaps

     704,897  
  

 

 

 
     $2,695,643  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities

  
Level 2: Other Significant Observable Inputs   

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts

     ($280,505)  
  

 

 

 

 

1

Derivative financial instruments are forward foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swaps are valued at the unrealized appreciation/depreciation on the instrument.

 

146    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Changes in the Balances of Level 3 Securities:

The Funds’ policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 during the reporting period.

 

     Matthews
China Small
Companies Fund
 
    Common
Equities —
Information
Technology
 
Balance as of 12/31/19 (market value)   $ 250  
Accrued discounts/premiums      
Realized gain/(loss)      
Change in unrealized appreciation/ (depreciation)     2  
Purchases      
Sales      
Transfers in to Level 3      
Transfer out of Level 3      
Balance as of 12/31/20 (market value)   $ 252  
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation on Level 3 investments held as of 12/31/20*   $ 2  

 

*

Included in the related amounts on the Statements of Operations.

 

C.

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION: The accompanying consolidated financial highlights of Matthews China Fund and Matthews Asia Dividend Fund (the “Investing Funds”) for the 2016 period include the accounts of the Matthews CF-U Series and Matthews ADF-U Series (the “U Series Funds”), respectively. The U Series Funds were series of Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company registered under the 1940 Act. All of the interests offered by U Series Funds were exclusively owned by the Investing Funds. The U Series Funds primarily invested in the stocks of Chinese companies listed on Mainland China Stock Exchanges, and traded and denominated in the currency of China, the Renminbi. To allow U Series Funds to invest in China A Shares Matthews applied for and received a license from the China Securities Regulatory Commission as a Qualified Foreign Investor (“QFI”) and had been allocated by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of China an initial quota of $100 million in June 2014, and an additional quota of $440 million in July 2015, representing the equivalent value in Renminbi of China A Shares that the Funds could purchase. Access to the quota was subject to Matthews’ trade allocation procedures and access allocation procedures. The U Series Funds were subject to the same investment policies and restrictions that apply to Investing Funds. Intercompany accounts and transactions had been eliminated in the consolidation process. The U Series Funds were intended to be disregarded entities for tax purposes. Therefore, no federal tax provision was required. Consolidated financial statements included expenses that were accrued for and paid by the Investing Funds. These included on-going operational costs as well as costs in connection with the launching of the U Series Funds.

In September 2016, the Board of Directors of the Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC adopted resolutions authorizing the termination and liquidation of the Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC. Consequently, as of September 30, 2016, the U Series Funds sold their securities and effectively ceased investment operations. The outstanding interests of each U Series Fund were redeemed by its respective Investing Fund. The Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC filed an initial application for deregistration as a registered investment company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in October 2016, which was subsequently granted in February 2017.

 

D.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-U.S. COMPANIES: Investments by the Funds in the securities of non-U.S. companies may involve investment risks not typically associated with investments in U.S. issuers. These risks include possible political, economic, social and religious instability, inadequate investor protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asia Pacific region (including in countries where the Funds may invest, as well as in the broader region); international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption; and military activity. Foreign securities may be subject to greater fluctuations in price than securities of domestic corporations or the U.S. government. Foreign investing may also include the risk of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of funds or other assets, currency crises and exchange controls, the imposition of foreign withholding tax on the interest income payable on such instruments, the possible seizure or nationalization of foreign deposits or assets, or the adoption of other foreign government restrictions that might adversely affect the foreign securities held by the Funds. Additionally, Asia Pacific countries may utilize formal or informal currency exchange controls or “capital controls” that may limit the ability to repatriate investments or income or adversely affect the value of portfolio investments. The economies of many Asia Pacific countries differ from the economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as their rate of growth, inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and dependence on other economies, financial system stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes in global trade.

Certain Asia Pacific countries are highly dependent upon and may be affected by developments in the economies of other countries. Non-U.S. companies are subject to different accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, practices, and requirements than U.S. companies. There is generally less government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers, and listed companies abroad than in the United States, which may result in less transparency with respect to a company’s operations, and make obtaining information about them more difficult (or such information may be unavailable).

Among other risks of investing in foreign markets are the variable quality and reliability of financial information and related audits of companies. In some cases, financial information and related audits can be unreliable and not subject to verification. Auditing firms in some of these markets are not subject to independent inspection or oversight of audit quality. For example, China does not allow the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to inspect the work that auditors perform in China for Chinese companies that sell stock into U.S. markets. This can result in investment decisions being made based on flawed or misleading information.

Foreign stock markets may not be as developed or efficient as those in the United States, and the absence of negotiated brokerage commissions in certain countries may result in higher brokerage fees. The time between the trade and settlement dates of securities transactions on foreign exchanges ranges from one day to four weeks or longer and may result in higher custody charges. Custodial arrangements may be less well developed than in

 

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the United States. Foreign securities are generally denominated and pay distributions in foreign currencies, exposing the Funds to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Investing in any country in the Asia Pacific region will also entail risks specific and unique to that country, and these risks can be significant and change rapidly.

Changes in interest rates in each of the countries in which the Funds may invest, as well as interest rates in more-developed countries, may cause a decline in the market value of an investment. Generally, fixed income securities will decrease in value when interest rates rise and can be expected to rise in value when interest rates decline. As interest rates decline, debt issuers may repay or refinance their loans or obligations earlier than anticipated. The issuers of fixed income securities may, therefore, repay principal in advance. This would force the Funds to reinvest the proceeds from the principal prepayments at lower rates, which reduces the Funds’ income.

 

E.

DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: It is the policy of Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund and Matthews China Dividend Fund to distribute net investment income on a semi-annual basis and capital gains, if any, annually. It is the policy of Matthews Asia Dividend Fund to distribute net investment income on a quarterly basis and capital gains, if any, annually. It is the policy of Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund to distribute net investment income on a monthly basis and capital gains, if any, annually. Each of the other Funds distributes a net investment income and capital gains, if any, annually. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from U.S. GAAP.

The tax character of distributions paid for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020    Ordinary
Income
       Net Long-Term
Capital Gains
       Total Taxable
Distributions
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $882,135          $—          $882,135  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      4,578,727                   4,578,727  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      4,477,419                   4,477,419  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      14,794,758          391,926          15,186,684  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      53,530,829                   53,530,829  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      7,855,231                   7,855,231  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      16,807,423          68,287,399          85,094,822  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      129,852,518          359,799,196          489,651,714  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      2,311,656          2,403,245          4,714,901  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      3,450,813                   3,450,813  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      8,251,347          18,926,624          27,177,971  
Matthews China Fund      13,513,444          5,822,237          19,335,681  
Matthews India Fund      4,523,843          16,595,544          21,119,387  
Matthews Japan Fund      8,236,537          147,995,041          156,231,578  
Matthews Korea Fund      1,103,667                   1,103,667  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      596,420          134,758          731,178  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      34,983,716          21,174,671          56,158,387  

 

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019    Ordinary
Income
       Net Long-Term
Capital Gains
       Total Taxable
Distributions
 
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      $4,702,646          $—          $4,702,646  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      2,963,829          42,003          3,005,832  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      35,418,572          22,400,844          57,819,416  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      124,516,990                   124,516,990  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      6,111,641                   6,111,641  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      373,187          12,060,061          12,433,248  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      59,773,643          269,683,012          329,456,655  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      204,697          588,349          793,046  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      244          8,355,290          8,355,534  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund               976,006          976,006  
Matthews China Fund      10,400,822                   10,400,822  
Matthews India Fund      1,864,672          115,678,091          117,542,763  
Matthews Japan Fund      14,895,033          190,758,914          205,653,947  
Matthews Korea Fund      133          10,920,522          10,920,655  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      1,036,516          79,318          1,115,834  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      1,012,660                   1,012,660  

 

F.

INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS AND INCOME: Securities transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold or on the following business day. Financial statements reflect security transactions on trade date. Gains or losses on the sale of securities are determined on the identified cost basis. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Interest income, including amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on debt securities, is recognized daily on an accrual basis. Dividend income is generally recorded on the ex-dividend date net of any foreign taxes withheld at the source. Dividend income for certain issuers headquartered in countries which the Funds invest may not be recorded until approved by the shareholders (which may occur after the ex-dividend date) if, in the judgment of management, such dividends are not reasonably determined as of the ex-dividend date. Income and realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments are allocated to each class of shares based on its relative net assets.

 

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The Funds may be subject to foreign taxation related to income received, capital gains on the sale of securities and certain foreign currency trans- actions in the foreign jurisdictions in which they invest. Foreign taxes, if any, are recorded based on the tax regulations and rates that exist in the foreign markets in which the Funds invest. When a capital gain tax is determined to apply, the Funds record an estimated deferred tax liability in an amount that may be payable if the securities were disposed of on the valuation date.

 

G.

FUND EXPENSE ALLOCATIONS: The Funds account separately for the assets, liabilities and operations of each Fund. Estimated expenses are accrued daily. Direct expenses of each Fund or class are charged to that Fund or class while general expenses are allocated pro-rata among the Funds based on net assets or other appropriate methods.

 

H.

CASH, CASH OVERDRAFTS, AND FOREIGN CURRENCY: QFI accounts (i.e., the accounts through which the QFI quota is accessed) are required by the local market to maintain a cash reserve. The cash reserve is based upon a fixed ratio of the QFI’s approved investment quota, which is defined as the amount remitted into its special Renminbi (RMB) cash account. These amounts, if any, are included in “Segregated foreign currency at value”

on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. The fixed ratio is set at 0.08 percent for the Shanghai and 0.06 percent for the Shenzhen market. When any of the Funds’ cash balances are overdrawn, a Fund is charged an overdraft fee by the custodian of 1.00% above the 30-day LIBOR rate on outstanding balances. These amounts, if any, are included in “Other expenses” on the Statements of Operations.

 

I.

USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

J.

RECENT ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE: In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848)—Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The amendments in the ASU provide optional temporary financial reporting relief from the effect of certain types of contract modifications due to the planned discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank-offered based reference rates as of the end of 2021. The ASU is effective for certain reference rate-related contract modifications that occur during the period March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of applying this ASU.

 

3.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Each of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may engage in derivative transactions for a variety of purposes, including managing interest rate, currency and credit exposure. Derivative transactions in which each Fund may engage include financial futures contracts, swaps and/or forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

Certain derivative transactions may result in each Fund’s exposure to a currency to exceed the value of the Fund’s assets and the Fund could be exposed to currency risk whether or not it holds a bond or other instrument denominated in that currency. The gross notional value of derivative financial instruments and transactions could exceed the value of the Fund’s net assets, although the net market value of these instruments and transactions, on a marked-to-market basis, at most times, is expected to be substantially lower.

The primary risks associated with the use of derivative financial instruments are: (i) Matthews may not correctly predict the direction of currency exchange rates, interest rates, security prices, or other economic factors; (ii) Matthews may not correctly predict changes in the value of derivative financial instruments and related underlying instruments or assets, which may result in disproportionately increased losses and/or reduced opportunities for gains; (iii) imperfect correlation between the change in market value of the securities held by a Fund and the price of financial futures contracts and credit default swaps contracts; (iv) the lack of, or a reduction in the liquidity of, any secondary market for the instrument, and the resulting inability to close the position (or exit the position) when desired; (v) losses, which are potentially unlimited, due to unanticipated market movements; (vi) the value of the instrument may change unfavorably due to movements in the value of the referenced foreign currencies; (vii) a Fund may suffer disproportionately heavy losses relative to the amount invested; (viii) changes in the value of the derivatives may not match or fully offset changes in the value of hedged or related portfolio securities, thereby failing to achieve the hedging or investment purpose for the derivative transaction; and (ix) the other party to the instrument may fail to fulfill its obligation.

Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts: The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to gain or reduce exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk. A forward foreign currency exchange contract is an agreement between two parties to buy and sell a currency at a set exchange rate on a future date. The contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as an unrealized gain or loss. When the contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the difference between the value at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed. The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund do not offset financial assets and financial liabilities on forward foreign currency contacts in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as they are not subject to netting arrangements.

Swaps: The Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund may enter into swap contracts to manage exposure to issuers, markets and securities to reduce their risk exposure to defaults of corporate and/or sovereign issuers or to create exposure to corporate and/or sovereign issuers to which they are not otherwise exposed (credit risk). Such contracts are agreements between the Funds and a counterparty to make periodic net payments on a specified notional amount or a net payment upon termination. Swap agreements are privately negotiated in the OTC market and may be entered into as a bilateral contract (“OTC Swaps”) or centrally cleared (“centrally cleared swaps”).

For OTC swaps, any upfront premiums paid and any upfront fees received are shown as swap premiums paid and swap premiums received, respectively, in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and amortized over the term of the contract. The daily fluctuation in market value is recorded as unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on OTC Swaps in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. Payments received or paid are recorded in the Statements of Operations as realized gains or losses, respectively. When an OTC swap is terminated, a realized gain or loss is recorded in the Statements of Operations equal to the difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and the Funds’ basis in the contract, if any. Generally, the basis of the contract is the amortized premium received or paid.

The Funds may buy credit default swaps on single-name issuers (corporate or sovereign), a combination or basket of single-name issuers or traded indexes. Credit default swaps are agreements in which the protection buyer pays fixed periodic payments to the seller in consideration for a promise from the protection seller to make a specific payment should a negative credit event take place with respect to the referenced entity (e.g., bankruptcy, failure to pay, obligation acceleration, repudiation, moratorium or restructuring). As a buyer, if an underlying credit event occurs, the Funds will either (i) receive from the seller an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap and deliver the referenced security or underlying securities comprising the index, or (ii) receive a net settlement of cash equal to the notional amount of the swap less the recovery value of the security or underlying securities comprising the index.

The Funds may enter into interest rate swaps to gain or reduce exposure to interest rates or to manage duration, the yield curve or interest rate (interest rate risk).

 

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Interest rate swaps are agreements to exchange cash flows based on the difference between specified interest rates applied to a notional principal amount for a specified period of time. Risks related to the use of interest rate swaps include the potential for unanticipated movements in interest or currency rates, the possible failure of a counterparty to perform in accordance with the terms of the swap agreements and potential government regulation that could adversely affect the Funds’ swap investments.

Counterparty Credit Risk: A derivative contract may suffer a mark to market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

A Fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on OTC derivatives is generally limited to the aggregate unrealized gain netted against any collateral held by such Fund.

With exchange traded futures and centrally cleared swaps, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, the credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency) of the clearing broker or clearinghouse. Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange traded futures and centrally cleared swaps with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

In order to better define its contractual rights and to secure rights that will help the Funds mitigate their counterparty risk, a Fund may enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreement (“ISDA Master Agreement”) or similar agreement with its derivative contract counterparties. An ISDA Master Agreement is a bilateral agreement between each Fund and a counterparty that governs OTC derivatives and typically contains, among other things, collateral posting terms and netting provisions in the event of a default and/or termination event. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, each Fund may, under certain circumstances, offset with the counterparty certain derivative financial instruments’ payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment. The provisions of the ISDA Master Agreement typically permit a single net payment in the event of default including the bankruptcy or insolvency of the counterparty. However, bankruptcy or insolvency laws of a particular jurisdiction may impose restrictions on or prohibitions against the right of offset in bankruptcy, insolvency or other events. In addition, certain ISDA Master Agreements allow counterparties to OTC derivatives to terminate derivative contracts prior to maturity in the event a Fund’s net assets decline by a stated percentage or the Fund fails to meet the terms of its ISDA Master Agreements, which would cause the Fund to accelerate payment of any net liability owed to the counterparty.

Collateral requirements: For derivatives traded under an ISDA Master Agreement, the collateral requirements are typically calculated by netting the mark to market amount for each transaction under such agreement and comparing that amount to the value of any collateral currently pledged by a Fund and the counterparty. Cash collateral that has been pledged to cover obligations of a Fund, if any, is reported separately on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as cash pledged as collateral. Non-cash collateral pledged by a Fund, if any, is noted in the Schedules of Investments.

For financial reporting purposes, the Funds do not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities that are subject to netting arrangements in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities.

The Funds have implemented the disclosure requirements pursuant to FASB Accounting Standards update No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, that requires disclosures to make financial statements that are prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. Under this guidance the Funds disclose in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset such as instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. In addition, the Funds disclose collateral received and posted in connection with master netting agreements or similar arrangements.

As of December 31, 2020, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund had $704,897 in gross/net assets in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities for OTC Interest Rate Swaps and gross assets of $1,990,746 and gross liabilities of $280,505 for the Forward foreign currency exchange contracts with Bank of America, N.A. The Fund received cash collateral of $2,290,000 from Bank of America, N.A. for the open OTC Interest Rate Swaps and Forward foreign currency exchange contracts.

Levels for Derivative Financial Instruments:

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the effects of derivative financial instruments on the statement of Assets and Liabilities was as follows:

 

     Statements of Assets and Liabilities Location          Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
 
  Asset Derivatives    
  Unrealized appreciation on forward foreign    
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts   currency exchange contracts       $1,990,746  
Interest rate contracts   Unrealized appreciation on Swaps       $704,897  
     

 

 

 
  Total       $2,695,643  
     

 

 

 
  Liability Derivatives    
  Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign    
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts   currency exchange contracts       ($280,505
     

 

 

 

 

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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, the effects of derivative financial instruments on the Statements of Operations were as follows:

 

Derivative type   Statements of Operations Location          Matthews Asia
Total Return
Bond Fund
 

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

     
Foreign currency contracts:      

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on forward foreign    
  currency exchange contracts       ($695,797
Interest rate swaps:      

Interest rate contracts

  Net realized gain (loss) on swaps       108,731  
     

 

 

 
  Total       ($587,066
     

 

 

 

Net Change In Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

     
Foreign currency contracts:      

Forward foreign currency exchange contracts

  Net change in unrealized appreciation/    
  depreciation on forward foreign currency    
  exchange contracts       $1,571,854  
Interest rate swaps:      

Interest rate contracts

  Net change in unrealized appreciation/    
  depreciation on swaps       537,033  
     

 

 

 
  Total       $2,108,887  
     

 

 

 

In regards to the forward foreign currency exchange contracts entered into by the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, the average notional ending quarterly amounts purchased in USD were $3,390,616 and the average notional ending quarterly amounts sold in USD were $28,292,973. In regards to the interest rate swap contracts entered into by the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, where the Fund receives the fixed rate and pays the floating rate, the average notional ending quarterly amounts in USD was $18,783,633.

 

4.

CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

 

     For the Period Ended
December 31, 2020
                   
      Shares      Amount                    

MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY FUND1

               

Investor Class

               

Shares sold

     686,270        $9,426,163            

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     9,155        141,361            

Shares redeemed

     (70,526      (932,459          

Net increase

     624,899        $8,635,065            

Institutional Class

               

Shares sold

     2,223,270        $28,523,375            

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     35,661        550,602            

Shares redeemed

     (42,875      (610,863          

Net increase

     2,216,056        $28,463,114            
     Year Ended December 31, 2020        Year Ended December 31, 2019  
      Shares      Amount        Shares        Amount  

MATTHEWS ASIA TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND

               

Investor Class

               

Shares sold

     1,083,279        $11,623,935          531,369          $5,763,612  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     141,335        1,519,805          145,300          1,576,564  

Shares redeemed

     (1,183,090      (12,428,981        (1,094,258        (11,768,876

Net increase (decrease)

     41,524        $714,759          (417,589        ($4,428,700

Institutional Class

               

Shares sold

     1,515,846        $16,313,403          1,930,123          $20,678,547  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     266,617        2,867,164          247,825          2,689,277  

Shares redeemed

     (2,113,734      (22,275,169        (1,084,707        (11,720,296

Net increase (decrease)

     (331,271      ($3,094,602        1,093,241          $11,647,528  

 

1

The Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020.

 

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     Year Ended December 31, 2020      Year Ended December 31, 2019  
      Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

MATTHEWS ASIA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     336,236        $3,381,135        539,096        $5,563,787  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     45,500        454,092        50,305        523,714  

Shares redeemed

     (748,744      (7,561,725      (248,407      (2,552,245

Net increase (decrease)

     (367,008      ($3,726,498      340,994        $3,535,256  

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     2,782,828        $28,528,306        4,598,478        $48,037,680  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     357,209        3,561,328        188,769        1,969,854  

Shares redeemed

     (2,644,333      (26,357,185      (459,087      (4,707,645

Net increase

     495,704        $5,732,449        4,328,160        $45,299,889  

MATTHEWS ASIAN GROWTH AND INCOME FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     3,961,184        $60,658,602        4,872,266        $72,535,793  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     414,608        6,411,390        1,729,925        26,744,737  

Shares redeemed

     (13,087,303      (193,520,450      (18,009,566      (272,354,103

Net (decrease)

     (8,711,511      ($126,450,458      (11,407,375      ($173,073,573

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     16,675,711        $241,076,588        25,459,302        $387,665,569  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     539,050        8,348,939        1,643,462        25,409,900  

Shares redeemed

     (18,977,781      (269,664,414      (22,634,082      (341,434,957

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,763,020      ($20,238,887      4,468,682        $71,640,512  

MATTHEWS ASIA DIVIDEND FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     18,393,530        $327,832,632        23,080,251        $386,877,636  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     1,364,682        22,897,673        3,039,442        51,047,011  

Shares redeemed

     (50,820,426      (839,219,405      (63,800,331      (1,067,632,982

Net (decrease)

     (31,062,214      ($488,489,100      (37,680,638      ($629,708,335

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     27,263,064        $494,209,691        47,879,707        $804,748,356  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     1,601,889        26,818,513        3,784,649        63,570,444  

Shares redeemed

     (75,380,880      (1,182,055,503      (66,039,551      (1,110,681,954

Net (decrease)

     (46,515,927      ($661,027,299      (14,375,195      ($242,363,154

MATTHEWS CHINA DIVIDEND FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     5,086,753        $83,510,641        8,109,547        $128,681,746  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     324,393        5,319,517        266,077        4,182,441  

Shares redeemed

     (7,641,018      (122,487,729      (6,173,811      (97,098,245

Net increase (decrease)

     (2,229,872      ($33,657,571      2,201,813        $35,765,942  

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     2,188,458        $36,200,262        4,062,893        $64,306,979  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     141,907        2,334,298        113,134        1,780,502  

Shares redeemed

     (4,022,936      (63,108,501      (1,706,106      (26,787,635

Net increase (decrease)

     (1,692,571      ($24,573,941      2,469,921        $39,299,846  

MATTHEWS ASIA GROWTH FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     6,332,050        $199,075,749        4,541,007        $115,967,177  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     841,073        31,582,289        171,836        4,780,476  

Shares redeemed

     (5,251,278      (155,528,257      (7,367,330      (188,876,592

Net increase (decrease)

     1,921,845        $75,129,781        (2,654,487      ($68,128,939

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     11,686,984        $374,999,073        7,619,976        $196,483,749  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     1,035,121        39,231,079        173,818        4,875,584  

Shares redeemed

     (5,490,464      (159,699,273      (3,742,483      (96,806,547

Net increase

     7,231,641        $254,530,879        4,051,311        $104,552,786  

 

152    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2020      Year Ended December 31, 2019  
      Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

MATTHEWS PACIFIC TIGER FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     11,494,193        $323,117,327        14,430,758        $406,894,363  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     4,049,821        136,114,507        2,845,287        81,033,776  

Shares redeemed

     (29,801,297      (804,232,720      (26,486,333      (742,801,344

Net (decrease)

     (14,257,283      ($345,000,886      (9,210,288      ($254,873,205

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     32,673,931        $930,496,306        49,951,152        $1,407,060,783  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     9,489,700        318,569,231        6,705,677        190,776,524  

Shares redeemed

     (80,886,550      (2,156,987,939      (53,091,456      (1,488,158,535

Net increase (decrease)

     (38,722,919      ($907,922,402      3,565,373        $109,678,772  

MATTHEWS ASIA ESG FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     1,158,839        $13,647,419        1,184,049        $12,826,439  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     137,055        1,944,810        22,962        252,585  

Shares redeemed

     (534,956      (5,887,129      (395,976      (4,181,719

Net increase

     760,938        $9,705,100        811,035        $8,897,305  

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     926,661        $10,601,157        1,081,878        $11,684,318  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     130,435        1,848,265        31,337        344,077  

Shares redeemed

     (919,166      (9,285,059      (191,932      (2,046,929

Net increase

     137,930        $3,164,363        921,283        $9,981,466  

MATTHEWS EMERGING ASIA FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     1,355,070        $13,153,567        1,977,945        $25,017,512  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     77,283        889,530        184,599        2,200,419  

Shares redeemed

     (3,724,899      (37,271,230      (4,636,314      (57,325,455

Net (decrease)

     (2,292,546      ($23,228,133      (2,473,770      ($30,107,524

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     5,256,576        $50,319,287        10,746,157        $135,847,255  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     217,150        2,512,428        496,581        5,949,041  

Shares redeemed

     (12,750,832      (120,748,631      (12,287,844      (150,800,355

Net (decrease)

     (7,277,106      ($67,916,916      (1,045,106      ($9,004,059

MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     16,759,785        $327,955,742        3,537,078        $45,933,297  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     382,354        9,734,744        34,901        503,279  

Shares redeemed

     (5,711,686      (102,327,504      (4,901,397      (63,792,703

Net increase (decrease)

     11,430,453        $235,362,982        (1,329,418      ($17,356,127

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     35,927,684        $638,421,510        2,497,746        $33,297,458  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     641,718        16,460,072        24,526        355,872  

Shares redeemed

     (4,565,306      (82,468,729      (1,965,087      (25,479,411

Net increase

     32,004,096        $572,412,853        557,185        $8,173,919  

MATTHEWS CHINA FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     12,452,138        $271,393,461        9,307,763        $160,049,101  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     439,212        11,437,067        413,049        7,823,154  

Shares redeemed

     (14,817,095      (306,488,611      (11,566,339      (197,267,770

Net (decrease)

     (1,925,745      ($23,658,083      (1,845,527      ($29,395,515

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     14,433,258        $305,009,425        8,093,642        $133,433,967  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     150,149        3,902,370        47,201        892,099  

Shares redeemed

     (3,946,034      (82,476,184      (1,765,278      (30,910,184

Net increase

     10,637,373        $226,435,611        6,375,565        $103,415,882  

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2020      Year Ended December 31, 2019  
      Shares      Amount      Shares      Amount  

MATTHEWS INDIA FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     3,731,964        $77,035,488        7,731,394        $200,765,536  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     701,233        17,909,487        3,684,970        85,638,714  

Shares redeemed

     (14,741,778      (293,039,660      (18,554,986      (473,744,143

Net (decrease)

     (10,308,581      ($198,094,685      (7,138,622      ($187,339,893

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     1,492,567        $31,919,210        6,857,047        $178,913,179  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     67,204        1,739,240        607,390        14,279,727  

Shares redeemed

     (5,718,773      (112,099,270      (17,386,942      (457,235,640

Net (decrease)

     (4,159,002      ($78,440,820      (9,922,505      ($264,042,734

MATTHEWS JAPAN FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     8,852,810        $182,401,034        14,040,067        $281,660,571  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     4,158,146        101,541,934        5,462,457        117,661,321  

Shares redeemed

     (37,589,119      (763,750,870      (43,276,411      (904,215,429

Net (decrease)

     (24,578,163      ($479,807,902      (23,773,887      ($504,893,537

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     7,824,784        $169,693,016        10,666,389        $222,188,400  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     1,657,417        40,556,999        1,514,104        32,674,366  

Shares redeemed

     (26,813,590      (545,838,991      (36,054,972      (745,335,389

Net (decrease)

     (17,331,389      ($335,588,976      (23,874,479      ($490,472,623

MATTHEWS KOREA FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     5,337,759        $24,520,467        2,059,086        $9,109,614  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     169,261        990,180        2,084,515        8,984,260  

Shares redeemed

     (8,176,532      (36,303,789      (6,006,394      (26,550,755

Net (decrease)

     (2,669,512      ($10,793,142      (1,862,793      ($8,456,881

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     611,636        $2,752,528        3,918,143        $17,759,942  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     16,173        95,256        393,829        1,709,218  

Shares redeemed

     (3,952,334      (16,175,696      (3,210,203      (14,313,984

Net increase (decrease)

     (3,324,525      ($13,327,912      1,101,769        $5,155,176  

MATTHEWS ASIA SMALL COMPANIES FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     912,505        $17,527,272        1,052,343        $17,606,463  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     10,897        265,676        26,715        477,400  

Shares redeemed

     (2,398,390      (43,904,418      (2,952,819      (50,877,217

Net (decrease)

     (1,474,988      ($26,111,470      (1,873,761      ($32,793,354

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     1,801,293        $34,711,625        2,286,863        $38,931,702  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     17,873        434,666        31,309        558,232  

Shares redeemed

     (2,368,411      (44,643,485      (2,456,706      (41,355,074

Net (decrease)

     (549,245      ($9,497,194      (138,534      ($1,865,140

MATTHEWS CHINA SMALL COMPANIES FUND

           

Investor Class

           

Shares sold

     17,317,321        $313,524,452        2,414,807        $28,243,922  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     2,174,869        40,735,303        48,885        626,223  

Shares redeemed

     (10,047,670      (187,020,006      (1,880,948      (20,832,077

Net increase

     9,444,520        $167,239,749        582,744        $8,038,068  

Institutional Class

           

Shares sold

     8,861,679        $147,262,680        1,234,398        $13,977,800  

Shares issued through reinvestment of distributions

     733,518        13,768,124        25,389        325,995  

Shares redeemed

     (7,186,555      (143,114,672      (904,930      (10,177,325

Net increase

     2,408,642        $17,916,132        354,857        $4,126,470  

 

154    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

5.

INVESTMENT ADVISORY FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

Matthews, a registered investment advisor under the 1940 Act, provides the Funds with investment management services. Pursuant to the prior Investment Advisory Agreement dated August 13, 2004, as amended (the “Prior Advisory Agreement”) and the current Investment Advisory Agreement dated February 1, 2016, as amended (the “Current Advisory Agreement,” and together with the Prior Advisory Agreement, the “Advisory Agreement”), the Funds pay Matthews (i) for management and advisory services; and (ii) for certain administrative services, an annual fee as a percentage of average daily net assets. Under the Advisory Agreement each of the Funds, other than Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, and Matthews China Small Companies Fund (the “Family-Priced Funds”), pays Matthews 0.75% of their aggregate average daily net assets up to $2 billion, 0.6834% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $2 billion up to $5 billion, 0.65% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $5 billion up to $25 billion, 0.64% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $25 billion up to $30 billion, 0.63% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $30 billion up to $35 billion, 0.62% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $35 billion up to $40 billion, 0.61% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $40 billion up to $45 billion, and 0.60% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $45 billion. Each of the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund paid Matthews an annual fee of 0.55% of such Fund’s annual average daily net assets pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Each of the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, and the Matthews China Small Companies Fund pays Matthews an annual fee of 1.00% of the average daily net assets of such Fund up to $1 billion and 0.95% of the average daily net assets of such Fund over $1 billion pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. Each Fund pays Matthews a monthly fee at the annual rate using the applicable management fee calculated based on the actual number of days of that month and based on the Fund’s average daily net asset value for the month.

Pursuant to a fee waiver letter agreement, effective as of September 1, 2014, between the Trust, on behalf of the Family-Priced Funds, and Matthews (as amended from time to time, the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), for each Family-Priced Fund, Matthews has agreed to waive a portion of the fee payable under the Advisory Agreement and a portion of the fee payable under the Administration and Shareholder Services Agreement, if any Family-Priced Fund’s average daily net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every $2.5 billion average daily net assets of a Family-Priced Fund that are over $3 billion, the fee rates that otherwise would be applied for calculating fees payable under the Advisory Agreement and the Administration and Shareholder Services Agreement for such Family-Priced Fund with respect to such excess average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%.

Investment advisory fees charged, waived fees and reimbursed additional expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020, were as follows:

 

      Gross Advisory Fees        Advisory Fees
Waived and
Expenses Waived or
Reimbursed in
Excess of the
Expense Limitation
       Net Advisory Fee/
(Net Reimbursement)
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $88,411          ($231,409        ($142,998
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      596,035          (79,780        516,255  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      511,917          (62,980        448,937  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      8,900,674                   8,900,674  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      28,948,556          (134,924        28,813,632  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      2,257,142                   2,257,142  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      8,959,032                   8,959,032  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      49,413,522          (648,059        48,765,463  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      396,225          (40,676        355,549  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      1,966,515          (801,181        1,165,334  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      5,427,554                   5,427,554  
Matthews China Fund      7,375,807                   7,375,807  
Matthews India Fund      4,415,150                   4,415,150  
Matthews Japan Fund      10,928,444                   10,928,444  
Matthews Korea Fund      786,229                   786,229  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      1,697,281          (378,868        1,318,413  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      2,880,688          (362,019        2,518,669  

Under a written agreement between the Funds and Matthews (the “Operating Expense Agreement”), Matthews agrees to waive fees and reimburse expenses to a Fund if its expense ratio exceeds a certain percentage level. Effective April 30, 2020 for all Funds, except the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, this level is 1.20% for the Institutional Class. Prior to April 30, 2020, Matthews had agreed to voluntarily reduce the expense limitation to 1.20% for the Institutional Class beginning on November 1, 2019. Matthews agrees to reduce the expense ratio by waiving an equal amount of non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) for the Investor Class. Effective December 1, 2020 for the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews voluntarily reduced this expense limitation to 1.10% for the Institutional Class and waived a corresponding amount (in annual percentage terms) for the Investor Class. Because certain expenses of the Investor Class may be higher than those of the Institutional Class and because class specific expenses may be waived solely for the Institutional Class, total annual Fund expenses for the Investor Class may exceed 1.20%. For the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund, the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund this level is 0.90% for the Institutional Class. Matthews agrees to reduce the expense ratio by waiving an equal amount of non-class specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) for the Investor Class. Because certain expenses of the Investor Class may be higher than those of the Institutional Class and because class specific expenses may be waived solely for the Institutional Class, total annual Fund expenses for the Investor Class may exceed 0.90%. In turn, if the expenses of a Fund, other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, fall below the level noted within three years after Matthews has made such a reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount of the recoupment available not to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. For the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, any amount waived for prior fiscal years is not subject to recoupment. This agreement will continue through April 30, 2021, may be extended for additional periods not exceeding one year, and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

Waived Fees Subject to Possible Future Recoupment:

On December 31, 2020, the amounts expired and subject to possible future recoupment under the expense limitation agreement are as follows:

 

     Expired December 31,               Expiring December 31,  
      2020                2021        2022        2023  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $—             $—          $—          $231,409  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      156,429             156,459          67,253          40,676  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      878,171             1,073,964          997,574          801,181  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      272,597             308,001          336,966          378,868  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      184,162             275,220          167,178          362,019  

The Funds have an Administration and Shareholder Services Agreement dated August 13, 2004, as amended (the “Shareholder Services Agreement” or “Services Agreement”), in which the Funds pay an annual administration and shareholder servicing fee to Matthews, as a percentage of the average daily net assets of each Fund in aggregate, computed and prorated on a daily basis. Under the Shareholder Services Agreement, the Funds in the aggregate pay Matthews 0.25% of their aggregate average daily net assets up to $2 billion, 0.1834% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $2 billion up to $5 billion, 0.15% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $5 billion up to $7.5 billion, 0.125% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $7.5 billion up to $15 billion, 0.11% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $15 billion up to $22.5 billion, 0.10% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $22.5 billion up to $25 billion, 0.09% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $25 billion up to $30 billion, 0.08% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $30 billion up to $35 billion, 0.07% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $35 billion up to $40 billion, 0.06% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $40 billion up to $45 billion, and 0.05% of their aggregate average daily net assets over $45 billion.

Administration and shareholder servicing fees charged, for the year ended December 31, 2020, were as follows:

 

      Gross
Administration and
Shareholder
Servicing Fees
       Administration and
Shareholder
Servicing Fees
Waived in Excess  of
Expense Limitation
       Net
Administration and
Shareholder
Servicing Fees
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $19,089          $—          $19,089  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      157,891                   157,891  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      135,783                   135,783  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      1,947,630                   1,947,630  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      6,325,613          (134,924        6,190,689  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      493,764                   493,764  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      1,955,912                   1,955,912  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      10,799,024          (648,059        10,150,965  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      86,489                   86,489  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      285,929                   285,929  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      1,181,104                   1,181,104  
Matthews China Fund      1,611,615                   1,611,615  
Matthews India Fund      964,516                   964,516  
Matthews Japan Fund      2,392,640                   2,392,640  
Matthews Korea Fund      171,771                   171,771  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      247,096                   247,096  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      419,631                   419,631  

In addition to the fees paid to the Funds’ transfer agent, the Funds bear the cost of fees paid to certain service providers or intermediaries, including supermarkets, which provide transfer agency, record-keeping and shareholder servicing to certain shareholders. These fees are referred to as intermediary service fees on the Statements of Assets and Liabilities as well as the Statements of Operations. Additional information concerning these services and fees is contained in the Funds’ prospectuses.

BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (“BNY Mellon”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, serves as the Funds’ administrator, and in that capacity, performs various administrative and accounting services for each Fund. BNY Mellon also serves as the Funds’ transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent and registrar. An officer of BNY Mellon serves as Assistant Treasurer to the Funds. Total fees incurred by the Funds for administration and accounting services for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

      Administration and
Accounting fees
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $1,064  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      8,670  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      7,446  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      106,962  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      347,938  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      27,125  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      107,687  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      593,894  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      4,763  

 

156    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

      Administration and
Accounting fees
 
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      $15,732  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      65,258  
Matthews China Fund      88,649  
Matthews India Fund      53,069  
Matthews Japan Fund      131,327  
Matthews Korea Fund      9,450  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      13,578  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      23,046  

As of December 31, 2020, Matthews and its affiliates held significant shares in the Funds as follows:

 

      Shares held by Matthews
and its Affiliates
       Percentage of
Outstanding Shares
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      620,331          22%  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      876,880          10%  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      1,050,642          18%  

Certain officers and Trustees of the Funds are also officers and directors of Matthews. All officers serve without compensation from the Funds. The Funds paid the Independent Trustees $1,109,740 in aggregate for regular compensation during the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

6.

INVESTMENTS

The value of investment transactions made for affiliated and unaffiliated holdings for the year ended December 31, 2020 were as follows:

 

      Affiliated Purchases        Proceeds from
Affiliated Sales
       Unaffiliated
Purchases
       Proceeds from
Unaffiliated Sales
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $—          $—          $46,036,835          $11,646,928  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund                        40,741,724          47,766,774  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund                        43,161,838          39,256,943  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund                        468,649,264          631,633,741  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      2,837,881          38,122,537          1,630,584,215          2,857,688,490  
Matthews China Dividend Fund                        267,015,693          327,690,467  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund                        706,549,644          555,318,350  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund                        2,793,332,591          4,607,081,501  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund                        57,552,869          50,507,089  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund                        56,663,769          154,181,589  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund                        1,665,434,621          954,382,308  
Matthews China Fund                        752,761,014          566,906,289  
Matthews India Fund                        383,426,758          673,968,570  
Matthews Japan Fund                        981,836,744          1,913,598,704  
Matthews Korea Fund                        45,541,918          70,371,066  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund                        182,054,165          210,625,453  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund                        531,188,456          401,641,796  

 

7.

HOLDINGS OF 5% VOTING SHARES OF PORTFOLIO COMPANIES

The 1940 Act defines “affiliated companies” to include investments in portfolio companies in which a fund owns 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Funds below held 5% or more of the outstanding voting shares of the noted portfolio companies. During this period, other Funds in the Trust may also have held voting shares of the issuers at levels below 5%.

Investments in affiliates:

A summary of transactions in securities of issuers affiliated with a Fund for the year ended December 31, 2020 is as follows:

 

     Value at
Dec. 31, 2019
    Purchases     Sales     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
Jan. 1, 2020–
Dec. 31, 2020
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
Dec. 31, 2020
    Shares
Dec. 31, 2020
   

Dividend

Income

Jan. 1, 2020–

Dec. 31, 2020

 
MATTHEWS ASIA DIVIDEND FUND

 

             
Name of Issuer:                

Anritsu Corp.†

    $164,799,203       $        —       $55,129,579       $30,302,846       ($18,051,257     $        —             $2,023,412  

BELLSYSTEM24 Holdings, Inc.

    87,951,535             6,879,993       (1,791,027     (90,756     79,189,759       5,045,500       2,020,057  

Breville Group, Ltd.

    96,607,872             3,947,919       1,725,889       54,498,824       148,884,666       7,564,257       2,160,462  

China Steel Chemical Corp.†

    58,070,775             48,274,052       (23,275,873     13,479,150                   649,364  

Eiken Chemical Co., Ltd.†

    67,587,182             63,144,440       (16,403,538     11,960,796                   473,876  

KATITAS Co., Ltd.

    92,256,441       2,542,270 ††      3,150,744       760,288       42,691,649       135,099,904       4,186,900       1,060,556  

Minda Industries, Ltd.

    71,216,192       295,611 ††      3,848,324       504,104       6,375,435       74,543,018       13,619,268       79,287  

Minth Group, Ltd.

    238,203,085             19,551,577       10,979,532       94,438,870       324,069,910       61,253,000       5,636,386  

Yuexiu Transport Infrastructure, Ltd.

    84,277,091             743,980       277,715       (19,806,750     64,004,076       93,902,000       2,544,113  
                       

Total Affiliates

          $3,079,936       $185,495,961       $825,791,333         $16,647,513  
                       

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

     Value at
Dec. 31, 2019
    Purchases     Sales     Net Realized
Gain (Loss)
Jan. 1, 2020–
Dec. 31, 2020
    Net Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
    Value at
Dec. 31, 2020
    Shares
Dec. 31, 2020
   

Dividend

Income

Jan. 1, 2020–

Dec. 31, 2020

 
MATTHEWS ASIA GROWTH FUND

 

             
Name of Issuer:                

Rozetta Corp.†

    $18,601,381       $—       $11,551,303       ($6,338,554     ($711,524     $—             $—  

Sampath Bank PLC†

    19,610,214             5,249,643       (6,407,426     1,654,840                   1,018,954  
                       

Total Affiliates

          ($12,745,980)       $943,316       $—         $1,018,954  
                       
MATTHEWS PACIFIC TIGER FUND

 

             
Name of Issuer:                

DKSH Holding AG†

    $219,652,228       $—       $247,193,456       ($40,131,262     $67,672,491       $—             $3,885,186  

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co., Ltd. H Shares†

    150,920,324             108,734,391       11,942,321       10,256,574                   2,666,816  

Guotai Junan Securities Co., Ltd. H Shares†

    145,823,286             120,619,098       (58,158,513     32,954,325                   3,641,895  

Orion Holdings Corp.†

    86,931,374             62,047,221       (182,118,564     157,234,411                    

Tata Power Co., Ltd.†

    142,780,167             11,881,993       (38,413,561     71,458,400                   3,407,567  
                       

Total Affiliates

          ($306,879,579)       $339,576,201       $—         $13,601,464  
                       
MATTHEWS EMERGING ASIA FUND

 

             
Name of Issuer:                

PAK Suzuki Motor Co., Ltd.†

    $7,778,239       $—       $1,991,545       ($6,037,981     $5,326,093       $—             $—  

Vietnam National Seed Group JSC†

    4,375,315             3,293,698       (639,341     (442,276                  
                       

Total Affiliates

          ($6,677,322     $4,883,817       $—         $—  
                       
MATTHEWS INDIA FUND

 

             
Name of Issuer:                

VST Industries, Ltd.†

    $48,471,387             $22,235,967       $9,190,775       ($17,867,496     $—             $680,966  
                       

Total Affiliates

          $9,190,775       ($17,867,496     $—         $680,966  
                       

 

Issuer was not an affiliated company as of December 31, 2020.

††

Includes equity offering and stock dividend during the period.

 

8.

INCOME TAX INFORMATION

It is the policy of the Funds to comply with all requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“the Code”), applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute substantially all of their taxable income to their shareholders. The Funds have met the requirements of the Code applicable to regulated investment companies for the year ended December 31, 2020. Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.

Management has analyzed the Funds’ tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years (current and prior three tax years), and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Funds’ financial statements. The Funds’ federal and state income and federal excise tax returns for tax years for which the applicable statutes of limitations have not expired are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state departments of revenue.

As of December 31, 2020, the components of accumulated earnings/deficit on tax basis were as follows:

 

      Undistributed
Ordinary Income
     Undistributed
Long-Term
Capital Gains
     Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $ 811,325        $ —        $ —  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      213,010               (2,010,677
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      240,577               (2,459,194
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      3,940,181               (24,031,922
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      20,010,000        35,767,994         
Matthews China Dividend Fund      1,532,371               (4,675,538
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      26,665,170        16,872,519         
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      24,527,644        354,104,228         
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      683,012        317,352         
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      1,988,171               (92,267,599
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      70,648,640        27,155,008         
Matthews China Fund      37,519,561        10,044,226         
Matthews India Fund                    (12,607,260
Matthews Japan Fund      1,848,353        43,023,810         
Matthews Korea Fund      444,906               (7,494,179
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      284,010               (4,292,103
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      5,076,626        2,815,707         

 

158    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

      Late Year
Losses*
     Other Temporary
Differences
     Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)**
     Total Accumulated
Earnings/(Deficit)
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $—        $—        $6,854,654        $ 7,665,979  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund                    4,546,579        2,748,912  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund                    618,818        (1,599,799
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund                    373,683,236        353,591,495  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund                    1,832,512,464        1,888,290,458  
Matthews China Dividend Fund                    83,082,543        79,939,376  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund                    779,511,076        823,048,765  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund                    3,698,673,368        4,077,305,240  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund                    22,280,241        23,280,605  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund                    14,176,370        (76,103,058
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund                    580,241,484        678,045,132  
Matthews China Fund                    431,966,753        479,530,540  
Matthews India Fund      1,611,640               157,418,460        146,422,840  
Matthews Japan Fund                    488,105,969        532,978,132  
Matthews Korea Fund                    58,927,975        51,878,702  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund                    63,824,272        59,816,179  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund                    84,728,412        92,620,745  

 

*

The Funds have elected to defer certain qualified late-year losses and recognize such losses in the next fiscal year.

**

The differences between book-basis and tax-basis unrealized appreciation/depreciation is attributable primarily to the tax deferral of losses on wash sales and passive foreign investment company (PFIC) mark to market adjustments.

As of December 31, 2020, the Funds have capital loss carryforwards available to offset future realized capital gains through the indicated expiration dates as follows:

 

     Amount With No Expiration           
      Short-term
Losses
       Long-term
Losses
       Total  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      $1,879,869          $ 130,808          $2,010,677  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      1,503,334          955,860          2,459,194  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund               24,031,922          24,031,922  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      2,259,438          2,416,100          4,675,538  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      659,043          91,608,556          92,267,599  
Matthews India Fund               12,607,260          12,607,260  
Matthews Korea Fund      1,420,024          6,074,155          7,494,179  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund               4,292,103          4,292,103  

The following Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards in the current year:

 

      Utilized
Capital Loss
Carryforwards
 
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      $82,955,984  
Matthews China Fund      24,326,229  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      453,542  

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 future taxable years will be required to be utilized prior to any losses incurred in pre-enactment taxable years, which generally expire after eight years from when they are incurred. 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.

U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV. The permanent differences are primarily attributable to investments in PFICs, non-deductible expenses, foreign currency reclassification, NOL (net operating loss) adjustments, capital gains tax, distributions in excess of current earnings and profits, re-characterization of distributions, investment in swaps, adjustments on distributions related to taxable spinoffs and the utilization of accumulated earnings and profits distributed to shareholders on redemptions of shares as part of the dividends paid deduction for income tax purposes. For the year ended

 

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Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

December 31, 2020, permanent differences in book and tax accounting have been reclassified to paid-in capital, undistributed net investment income (loss) and accumulated realized gain (loss) as follows:

 

      Increase/
(Decrease)
Capital paid-in
       Increase/
(Decrease)
Total Distributable
Earnings/
(Accumulated Loss)
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $ 27,939          $ (27,939)  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund                
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund                
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund                
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund                
Matthews China Dividend Fund                
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      7,557,524          (7,557,524
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      40,647,963          (40,647,963
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      293,638          (293,638
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund                
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      2,939,588          (2,939,588
Matthews China Fund      2,827,341          (2,827,341
Matthews India Fund      (1,878,668        1,878,668  
Matthews Japan Fund      19,003,275          (19,003,275
Matthews Korea Fund                
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund                
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      20,433,671          (20,433,671

As of December 31, 2020, the tax cost of investments, including derivatives, and the related net unrealized appreciation and depreciation were as follows:

 

      Tax Cost     

Gross
Unrealized
Appreciation

     Gross
Unrealized
Depreciation
    Net Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
 
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $ 36,069,615        $ 7,573,335        $ (649,796)       $ 6,923,539  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      100,242,096        9,341,795        (4,441,190     4,900,605  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      83,414,506        3,631,666        (3,005,385     626,281  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      1,070,696,705        452,248,603        (76,376,787     375,871,816  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      3,210,808,781        1,984,392,872        (153,819,085)       1,830,573,787  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      290,630,123        96,308,918        (13,319,366     82,989,552  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      1,152,845,532        846,306,156        (65,717,036)       780,589,120  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      4,904,135,204        3,931,145,911        (205,642,094     3,725,503,817  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      63,857,021        27,284,849        (4,536,600)       22,748,249  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      174,724,787        41,920,104        (26,624,223     15,295,881  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      1,075,955,841        596,228,620        (10,260,897)       585,967,723  
Matthews China Fund      1,068,082,191        458,015,755        (26,048,833     431,966,922  
Matthews India Fund      545,052,036        251,374,330        (72,273,628)       179,100,702  
Matthews Japan Fund      1,142,593,271        500,346,356        (12,242,913     488,103,443  
Matthews Korea Fund      92,630,755        61,909,090        (2,994,607)       58,914,483  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      141,775,705        70,585,616        (5,603,596     64,982,020  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      289,059,930        106,567,698        (21,853,810)       84,713,888  

 

9.

PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY RISKS

Pandemics and other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), can result, and in the case of COVID-19 is resulting, in market volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 or other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible. The resulting adverse impact on the value of investment in the Funds could be significant and prolonged.

 

160    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


Table of Contents

Notes to Financial Statements (continued)

 

10.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On February 12, 2021, the Board of Trustees of the Matthews International Funds (d/b/a Matthews Asia Funds) approved the tax-free reorganization (the “Reorganization”) of the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund (the “Target Fund”) into the Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund (the “Acquiring Fund”), which is expected to be renamed the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund on or about April 30, 2021. To effectuate the Reorganization, the Target Fund will transfer all of its assets to the Acquiring Fund, and the Acquiring Fund will assume all of the liabilities of the Target Fund. On the date of the closing of the Reorganization, shareholders of the Target Fund will receive Institutional Class or Investor Class shares, as applicable, of the Acquiring Fund equal in aggregate net asset value to the value of their shares of the Target Fund, in exchange for their shares of the Target Fund. The Reorganization is expected to be effective on or about April 29, 2021. After such date, the Target Fund will be terminated as a series of the Trust.

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Matthews Asia Funds and Shareholders of each of the seventeen funds listed in the table below

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the schedules of investments, of each of the funds indicated in the table below (constituting Matthews Asia Funds, hereafter collectively referred to as the “Funds”) as of December 31, 2020, the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets for each of the periods indicated in the table below, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of December 31, 2020, the results of each of their operations and changes in each of their net assets for each of the periods indicated in the table below, and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Fund   Statement of Operations  

Statement of Changes in

Net Assets

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund  

For the period April 30, 2020 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2020

 

 

For the period April 30, 2020 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 2020

 

Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund (formerly known as Matthews Asia Strategic Income Fund)

  For the year ended December 31, 2020   For each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund        
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund        
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund        
Matthews China Dividend Fund        
Matthews Asia Growth Fund        
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund        
Matthews Asia ESG Fund        
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund        
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund        
Matthews China Fund        
Matthews India Fund        
Matthews Japan Fund        
Matthews Korea Fund        
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund        
Matthews China Small Companies Fund        

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of December 31, 2020 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, CA

February 25, 2021

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in Matthews Asia Funds since 2007.

 

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Tax Information (unaudited)

 

For shareholders who do not have a December 31, 2020 tax year-end, this notice is for informational purposes. For the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, the Funds report the following items with regard to distributions paid during the period. All reports are based on financial information available as of the date of this annual report and, accordingly, are subject to change. For each item, it is the intention of each Fund to report the maximum amount permitted under the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder.

1. Qualified Dividend Income

The Funds report a portion of the ordinary income distributed during the year ended December 31, 2020 as Qualified Dividend Income (“QDI”) as defined in the Internal Revenue code as follows:

 

      QDI Portion  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      8.23%  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      67.10%  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      71.87%  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      64.19%  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      59.38%  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      36.42%  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      19.25%  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      3.29%  
Matthews China Fund      18.16%  
Matthews India Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Japan Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Korea Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      66.12%  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      0.93%  

2. Dividends Received Deduction

The Funds report a Dividend Received Deduction pursuant to Section 854 of the Internal Revenue Code for the year ended December 31, 2020 as follows:

 

Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      0.06%  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      5.43%  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      0.00%  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      0.51%  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      0.00%  
Matthews China Fund      0.00%  
Matthews India Fund      5.77%  
Matthews Japan Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Korea Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      0.00%  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      0.00%  

 

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3. Long-Term Capital Gain Distributions

The Funds report Long-Term Capital Gain distributions pursuant to Section 852(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year ended December 31, 2020 as follows:

 

      Long-Term Capital Gains  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $ —  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund       
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund       
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      391,926  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund       
Matthews China Dividend Fund       
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      68,287,399  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      359,799,196  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      2,403,245  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund       
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      18,926,624  
Matthews China Fund      5,822,237  
Matthews India Fund      16,595,544  
Matthews Japan Fund      147,995,041  
Matthews Korea Fund       
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      134,758  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      21,174,671  

4. Foreign Taxes Paid

The Funds have elected to pass through to their shareholders the foreign taxes paid for year ended December 31, 2020 as follows:

 

      Foreign Source Income      Foreign Taxes Paid  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      $209,817        $25,933  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      5,514,337        163,527  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund              
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      35,356,958        2,848,820  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      87,019,756        6,242,017  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      12,022,968        509,790  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      10,542,564        838,325  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      114,957,646        12,533,873  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      829,038        89,619  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      5,718,417        574,090  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      4,690,144        516,657  
Matthews China Fund      15,506,829        981,184  
Matthews India Fund              
Matthews Japan Fund      22,208,773        2,219,081  
Matthews Korea Fund      2,331,516        383,988  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      2,309,698        257,675  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      5,479,049        113,841  

 

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5. Qualified Interest Income

The Funds report a portion of the net income dividends distributed during the year ended December 31, 2020, as Qualified Interest Income (QII), as defined in the Internal Revenue Code as follows:

 

      QII Portion  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      0.01%  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      0.13%  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      0.18%  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      0.27%  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      0.30%  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      0.62%  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      0.20%  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      0.10%  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      0.01%  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      1.29%  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      0.00%  
Matthews China Fund      0.10%  
Matthews India Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Japan Fund      1.69%  
Matthews Korea Fund      1.44%  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      0.60%  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      0.14%  

6. Qualified Short-Term Capital Gain Dividends

The Funds designate a portion of the short term capital gain dividends distributed during the year ended December 31, 2020, as Qualified Short Term Gain, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code as follows:

 

      Short-Term Gains  
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund      0.00%  
Matthews China Dividend Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Growth Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Asia ESG Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Emerging Asia Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund      100.00%  
Matthews China Fund      100.00%  
Matthews India Fund      100.00%  
Matthews Japan Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Korea Fund      0.00%  
Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund      0.00%  
Matthews China Small Companies Fund      100.00%  

 

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Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (unaudited)

 

The Funds, which are series of the Trust, have retained Matthews International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”) to manage their assets pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement dated as of February 1, 2016, as amended (the “Advisory Agreement”), which has been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Funds, including all of the Trustees who are not “interested persons” (“Independent Trustees”), within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as well as by the shareholders of each Fund in accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act. Following an initial two-year term with respect to each Fund, the Advisory Agreement continues in effect from year-to-year provided that the continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Funds, or by the Board of Trustees, and, in either event, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust casting votes in person at a meeting called for that purpose (the “Annual 15(c) Process”).

At a meeting held on August 25-27, 2020 (the “Meeting”), the Board, including the Independent Trustees, approved the continuation of the Advisory Agreement for an additional one-year term beginning February 1, 2021 with respect to each Fund including the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund. Although that Fund commenced operations on April 30, 2020 and the Advisory Agreement did not need to be renewed for that Fund, it was included as part of the approval in order to coordinate the renewal schedule for all Funds.

At the Meeting and at prior meetings, the Board received and considered information (both written and oral) provided to assist it in the review of the Advisory Agreement and made assessments with respect to each Fund. The Independent Trustees were advised by independent legal counsel with respect to these matters. In addition, the Board received in-person presentations about the Funds throughout the year. Among the information considered by the Board were responses to a detailed information request sent on behalf of the Independent Trustees by their independent legal counsel. Matthews furnished extensive information in response to this request with respect to many subjects relating to the Advisory Agreement and addressed many of the factors discussed below, including but not limited to information about the services provided by Matthews, its structure, organization, operations and personnel, the financial condition of Matthews and the profitability to Matthews from the Advisory Agreement, compliance procedures and resources, investment performance of the Funds, expenses of the Funds, brokerage and portfolio transactions, distribution and marketing of the Funds, shareholder services and relationships with intermediaries, and other information considered relevant.

In considering information relating to management fee levels, which the Board considers to be the advisory and administrative fees both separately and on a combined basis, the Board considered, among other things, information provided by Matthews as to Fund management services and fees as compared to advisory services and fees charged by Matthews

to its institutional clients and pooled vehicles organized outside of the United States. The Trustees also considered information provided by an independent data provider, Broadridge, comparing the investment performance and the fee and expense levels of each Fund to appropriate peer groups of mutual funds, as well as performance data provided by Matthews with respect to unmanaged benchmarks and pooled vehicles or other accounts managed by Matthews with similar investment objectives and/or strategies to the Funds, as applicable.

The Independent Trustees also considered that they had previously engaged an Independent Consultant (“Independent Consultant”) with substantial industry experience in providing fund boards with analysis to assist them in their Annual 15(c) Process. The Independent Trustees considered the work and analysis performed by the Independent Consultant in that engagement to review the process for selecting appropriate peer groups for the Funds as helpful in their review for the Annual 15(c) Process. Furthermore, throughout the course of the year, the Board received a wide variety of materials relating to the services provided by Matthews, including reports on each Fund’s investment results, portfolio composition, portfolio trading practices, shareholder services, and other information relating to the nature, extent, and quality of services provided by Matthews to the Funds. The Board also took into account that, under the Administration and Shareholder Services Agreement, Matthews provides additional services to the Funds that are essential to the operation of the Funds and that, although Matthews is separately compensated under that agreement, these additional services are provided in connection with Matthews’ advisory relationship with the Funds.

In addition to the information furnished by Matthews, the Trustees were provided with a legal memorandum from their independent legal counsel discussing their fiduciary duties related to their approval of the continuation of the Advisory Agreement and discussed these matters with their counsel.

Prior to the Meeting, a working group of Independent Trustees and independent legal counsel had met with representatives of Matthews to review relevant information in connection with the Annual 15(c) Process. Thereafter, all of the Independent Trustees had met separately with their independent legal counsel to review all of the information provided in connection with the Annual 15(c) Process. At these sessions, the Independent Trustees asked Matthews to provide certain additional information and to respond to certain additional questions at the Meeting. The Independent Trustees then reviewed this supplemental information, which was provided prior to and at the Meeting. The Independent Trustees discussed the renewal of the Advisory Agreement with representatives of Matthews and among themselves in private sessions on various occasions at which no representatives of Matthews were present.

The Trustees’ determinations at the Meeting were made on the basis of each Trustee’s business judgment after consideration of all the information presented. In deciding to recommend the renewal of the Advisory Agreement with

 

 

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respect to each Fund, the Independent Trustees did not identify any single factor or particular piece of information that, in isolation, was controlling. Each Independent Trustee may also have weighed factors differently. This summary describes the most important, but not all, of the factors considered by the Board and the Independent Trustees.

 

1.

The nature, extent and quality of the services provided by Matthews under the Advisory Agreement.

The Trustees considered the overall financial strength and stability of Matthews and its ability to provide a high level and quality of services to the Funds. The Trustees considered the experience and qualifications of the executive and portfolio management personnel at Matthews who are responsible for providing services to the Funds and who are responsible for the daily management of the Funds’ portfolios. The Trustees noted that Matthews has expanded its professional staff at both senior and junior levels over the past several years. They also reviewed recent personnel developments relevant to certain of the Funds and efforts by Matthews to provide appropriate support to those Funds, including, but not limited to, Matthews’ recent hirings to further strengthen or maintain current capabilities and to support future potential growth of assets and the expansion of its business. Among the improved capabilities noted by the Independent Trustees over the past several years are enhanced risk analytical resources and related professionals, including the appointment of a new Global Head of Risk and Compliance and ongoing enhancements to compliance, risk management, technology, business infrastructure, operations, marketing and client service, as well as enhancements to financial intermediary oversight and valuation practices.

The Trustees considered Matthews as well positioned to continue to provide high quality services to the Funds under various market conditions, as demonstrated by past periods of volatile and challenging securities markets that have caused either contracting revenues or rapidly expanding assets at different times, including the recent market volatility relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trustees attributed much of that past stability to Matthews’ emphasis on preserving and enhancing portfolio management team resources, careful business planning and management, as well as its solid financial condition and strong cash reserves.

As in past years, the Trustees considered the technical capabilities of Matthews, including the design and implementation of its disaster recovery and business continuity infrastructure. In this regard, the Trustees took into account the operation of Matthews’ business continuity plan during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the oversight it has provided to the operation of the business continuity plans of major Trust service providers, and Matthews’ reporting to the Board regarding all of these matters. The Trustees also considered the Chief Compliance Officer’s report regarding Matthews’ compliance resources, risk assessment and other compliance initiatives and programs. The Trustees concluded that Matthews has implemented a robust and diligent compliance process, and demonstrates a strong commitment to a culture of compliance. The Independent Trustees took into

consideration Matthews’ description of its supervision of the activities of the Funds’ various service providers, as well as supporting the Independent Trustees’ responsibilities and requests and its responsiveness to questions and/or concerns raised by the Trustees throughout the year.

The Trustees noted the significant role played by Matthews with respect to the valuation of portfolio securities, including research and analysis related to fair valued securities and due diligence and oversight of pricing vendors. In particular the Trustees took into account the work performed by Matthews over the past year in connection with securities that were principally traded on markets that had been temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Trustees concluded that Matthews had the quality of personnel and other investment resources essential to performing its duties under the Advisory Agreement, and that the nature, overall quality, cost and extent of such management services are fully satisfactory.

 

2.

The investment performance of the Funds.

The Trustees reviewed the short-term and long-term performance of each Fund on both an absolute basis and in comparison to appropriate peer funds and benchmark indices for various periods ending June 30, 2020. The Trustees considered investment results in light of each Fund’s objective, strategies and market conditions, noting periods during which there were challenging investment conditions in various Asian markets. The Trustees also noted the difficulty of fairly benchmarking performance for certain of the Funds as well as the difficulty of establishing appropriate peer groups or benchmark indices for certain of the Funds because of the lack of other funds with a similar investment focus and of unmanaged benchmarks that closely match the Funds’ portfolios. The Independent Trustees reviewed information as to peer group selections presented by Broadridge and took into account the work previously done by the Independent Consultant in reviewing the peer group selection process.

When reviewing the Funds’ performance against unmanaged benchmarks, the Trustees took into account that the Funds, because they are actively managed, may have significant differences in portfolio construction than unmanaged benchmarks as well as significant differences in objectives and risks. For these reasons, the Trustees placed greater emphasis on a Fund’s performance against peers as opposed to the unmanaged benchmarks.

The Trustees reviewed each Fund’s performance on a case-by-case basis and noted that some Funds had outperformed their Performance Universe over certain periods and/or exceeded the return of their respective benchmark while others underperformed their Performance Universe over certain periods and/or trailed the return of their respective benchmark. In considering each Fund’s investment results, the Board placed greater emphasis on each Fund’s long-term performance track record rather than shorter-term performance. The Board also took into account that each Fund’s track record was measured as of a specific ending date, and that track records can vary as of different measurement dates.

 

 

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Therefore, in reviewing a Fund that is currently underperforming, the Trustees also considered the broader perspective of the Fund’s performance over varying time periods, the market conditions experienced during the periods under review, as well as the outlook for the Fund going forward in light of expected future market conditions.

The Trustees discussed with Matthews the fact that certain periods of underperformance may be transitory while other periods of underperformance may be caused by factors that warrant further consideration. To the extent of any concerns about performance with respect to any particular period for a Fund, the Trustees noted that Matthews had provided an explanation for that performance and explained its reasons for maintaining a consistent investment philosophy. In addition, the Trustees recognized actions taken by Matthews from time to time in response to performance concerns, such as changes to members of a portfolio management team. A summary of each Fund’s performance track record is provided below.

For Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance was very strong for the since-inception period, ranking in the first quintile against the peer group, in the third quintile for five years, fourth quintile for three years and fifth quintile for one year. The Trustees also noted that the Fund outperformed the median of its peer group for the five-year and since-inception periods and underperformed the median for the one-year and three-year periods. The Board considered Matthews’ discussion regarding the factors contributing to the recent underperformance and took into account recent changes implemented in the portfolio designed to help improve performance.

For Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund has experienced difficult performance since inception, ranking in the fifth quintile for the one-year and three-year periods against the peer group and in the fourth quintile for the five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees further noted that the Fund underperformed its peer group median for each of those periods. The Trustees considered Matthews’ view as to reasons for the Fund’s underperformance. The Board also took into account recent changes implemented in the portfolio that were designed to improve performance and noted the very recent improved performance over the short-term. The Board also noted that the Fund had generally experienced less volatility compared to the peer group.

For Matthews Korea Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund performed at or above the median of its peer group for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees took into account, however, that the peer universe for the Fund was very small, with only a few comparable funds and that, therefore, relative peer performance was less useful than if the peer universe were larger.

For Matthews China Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance had ranked in the second quintile for the one-year and since-inception periods and the first quintile for the three-year and five-year periods. The Trustees also noted that the Fund outperformed the median of its peer funds over each of those periods.

For Matthews Japan Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance had ranked in the first quintile for the one- and three-year periods and in the second quintile for the five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees also noted that the Fund outperformed the median of its peer funds over each of those periods.

For Matthews Asia Innovators Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund has ranked in the first quintile for each of the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees also noted that the Fund outperformed the median of its peer funds over each of those periods.

For Matthews Asia Growth Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund had strong performance over all time periods, ranking in the first quintile for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods and outperforming the median of its peer group for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees took into account, however, that principally due to the Fund’s exposure to Japan, the peer universe for the Fund was small, with only a few comparable funds and that therefore relative peer performance was of less use than if the peer universe were larger.

For Matthews India Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund ranked in the fifth quintile for the one- and three-year periods and fourth quintile for the five-year period, underperforming the median of its peer group for each of those periods, but outperformed the median of its peer funds and ranked in the first quintile for the since-inception period. The Trustees took into consideration Matthews’ discussions regarding the factors that had contributed to the Fund’s underperformance. They also consider management’s effort to improve performance such as the engagement of a new portfolio manager and changes in portfolio construction. They noted very recent improved short-term performance.

For Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund outperformed the median of its peer group and ranked in the second quintile for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees took into account, however, that principally due to the Fund’s exposure to Japan, the peer universe for the Fund was small, with only a few comparable funds and that therefore relative peer performance was of less use than if the peer universe were larger.

For Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund ranked above the median for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods, with only three funds in the peer group. The Trustees considered further that one of the three peer group funds was not focused on Asian small cap investments and, therefore, was considered to be of limited use in evaluating the Fund’s performance.

For Matthews China Dividend Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund ranked in the fourth quintile of its peer group over the one-year period but had strong relative performance over all longer time periods, ranking in the second quintile for the three-year and five-year periods and first quintile for the since-inception period. The Trustees also noted that the Fund had underperformed its peer group median for the one-year period but outperformed its peer group median for the three-year,

 

 

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Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (unaudited) (continued)

 

five-year and since-inception periods. The Trustees took into consideration Matthews’ discussions regarding the factors that had contributed to the recent underperformance and also took into account recent changes implemented in the portfolio that were designed to improve performance.

For Matthews China Small Companies Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance was above its peer group for the one-year period and since-inception period, but took into account the very small size of the peer group, with only three funds in the peer group.

For Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance had ranked in the second quintile for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods and the third quintile for the since-inception period. The Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed its peer group median for the one-year, three-year and five-year periods and slightly underperformed that median for the since-inception period. The Trustees recognized that the peer groups included mostly broader emerging market hard currency debt funds not focused on Asia, making the peer group less useful in comparing relative performance than if their principal investment strategies were more closely aligned with the Fund’s investment focus. The Trustees also considered that the Fund’s name and principal investment strategy had changed effective January 31, 2020.

For Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund had experienced difficult relative performance for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods, ranking in the fifth quintile among its peer funds for each of those periods. The Trustees took into account Matthews’ explanation of the reasons for the Fund’s relative poor performance, noting that performance was recently negatively impacted by events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. They also considered Matthews’ view that the Fund was unique and differs from most funds in its peer group due to its investment focus on frontier countries, such as Pakistan. After reviewing the Fund’s performance, the Trustees requested that management consider a voluntary and temporary reduction in the Fund’s total net operating expenses and further review the Fund to determine if other changes would be appropriate.

For Matthews Asia ESG Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund had outperformed its peer group median for the one-year, three-year, five-year and since-inception periods and had ranked in the second quintile for each of those periods. The Trustees noted that the peer group funds did not have a similar ESG strategy as the Fund.

For Matthews Asia Value Fund, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance had ranked in the fifth quintile for the one-year and three-year periods and in the third quintile for the since-inception period. The Trustees also noted that the Fund had underperformed the peer group median for each of those periods. The Trustees further noted that, as previously approved by the Board, the Fund had ceased the sale of shares as of August 25, 2020, and would be liquidated on or about September 30, 2020.

For Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Funds, the Trustees noted that the Fund’s performance had ranked in the fifth quintile for the one-year and three-year periods and in the second quintile for the since-inception period. The Trustees also noted that the Fund had outperformed the peer group median for the since-inception period but had underperformed that median for the one-year and three-year periods. The Trustees took into consideration Matthews’ discussions regarding the factors that had contributed to the shorter-term underperformance. The Trustees took into account, however, that the peer universe for the Fund was small, with only a few comparable funds, and that therefore relative peer performance was of less use than if the peer universe were larger.

After review, the Trustees concluded that each Fund’s overall performance was satisfactory or was being addressed as needed. The Trustees also reviewed Matthews’ trading policies and efforts to obtain best overall execution for the Funds in the various markets in which the Funds trade securities. The Trustees noted the relatively low turnover rates in the various equity Funds and Matthews’ consistent adherence to its long-standing investment approach, which emphasizes fundamental bottom-up driven investment selection in light of its view of regional economic conditions.

 

3.

The extent to which Matthews realizes economies of scale as the Funds grow larger and whether Fund investors benefit from any economies of scale.

The Trustees first noted the substantial work done over recent years between the Board and Matthews to establish fee structures for both the Advisory Agreement and other agreements that recognize the sharing of economies of scale that can arise as assets in the Funds grow through the use of breakpoints. In particular, they noted that the management fee structure contains breakpoints for the group-priced Funds as well as for certain individually priced Funds. That structure enhances the ability of the Funds and their shareholders to benefit from past and potential future economies of scale. They discussed the structure and level of these breakpoints and concluded that they continue to be appropriate given the sizes of the Funds and potential future growth. The Trustees further noted that additional economies of scale have been and will continue to be shared with shareholders of the Funds through fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements pursuant to the Operating Expenses Agreement, fee waivers pursuant to the Fee Waiver Agreement, and the breakpoints in the fees payable under the Services Agreement. The Trustees also noted that the Advisor had recommended, and the Trustees agreed, to remove redemption fees from the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund and Matthews China Small Companies Fund in an effort to promote asset growth. As another example of economies of scale, the Trustees noted that Matthews was successful in negotiating lower fees with the Funds’ custodian, first in 2014 and again in 2019, resulting in additional savings to the Funds.

The Trustees next discussed Matthews’ ongoing investment in its technology, systems, staffing and other aspects of its business that can benefit the Funds, noting that all these

 

 

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endeavors are a means by which Matthews is sharing economies of scale with the Funds and their shareholders through reinvestment in products and services that are designed to benefit the Funds and their shareholders. The Trustees considered the new personnel hired over recent years, as well as planned hiring, and the extent to which that hiring could be expected to benefit shareholders. The Trustees also recognize that the Funds’ total assets have fluctuated, especially in certain strategies. Those fluctuations affect any economies of scale that could be enjoyed. As a result, the Trustees remain satisfied about the extent to which economies of scale have been and will continue to be shared with the Funds and their shareholders.

 

4.

The costs of the services provided by Matthews and others.

The Trustees considered the management fees and total fees and expenses of each Fund in comparison to the management and advisory fees and other fees and expenses of other funds in each Fund’s relevant peer group. The Trustees reviewed information developed by Broadridge as to appropriate peer groups for each Fund for these purposes and took into account the work previously done by the Independent Consultant in reviewing these peer groups. The Board placed greater emphasis on management fees, which include both advisory and administrative fees, as the basis of comparison rather than advisory fees alone.

The Trustees considered both the gross management fee rates charged by Matthews, as well as the effective management fee rates after taking into consideration the fees waived and expenses reimbursed pursuant to the Operating Expenses Agreement and the Fee Waiver Agreement. The Trustees considered that the contractual advisory rates (excluding administrative services) for the Funds were generally very competitive and often lower than those of the relevant peer group averages. The Trustees also considered that the total expense ratios paid by shareholders of the Funds, which are most representative of a shareholder’s net investment results, were also very competitive, with all but the relatively newer or smaller Funds ranking below the peer group averages. The Trustees noted that Matthews’ continued efforts in recent years had resulted in, for many of the Funds, reduced expenses over time. The Trustees also noted that, as an example of those efforts, in 2019 the Advisor had agreed to lower the level of the expense cap for the Institutional Class of each Fund (other than the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund) by 5 basis points to 1.20%, thereby effectively lowering the expenses for the Investor Class of those Funds by the same amount, resulting in cost reductions for the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, Matthews China Small Companies Fund, Matthews Asia ESG Fund and Matthews Asia Value Fund. It was noted that the larger Funds already operate under the reduced expense cap but now have additional downside protection in the event that their assets decrease.

The Trustees also compared Matthews’ advisory fees with those of Matthews’ separate accounts and other investment

products, noting that the Funds’ advisory expenses were not disadvantageous (not being substantially higher than the separate accounts’ rates). The Trustees agreed that advisory fees for the Funds appeared to be appropriate in comparison and taking into account the differences in services between these products and the Funds, including the differences in the frequency of net asset value calculations and other operational and compliance activities.

The Trustees’ overall assessment with respect to each Fund was that, taking into account the considerations noted below, the contractual advisory fee rates, the total expense ratio, and the effective or net advisory fee rates were fair and reasonable.

For the Matthews Asia Total Return Bond Fund and the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund, actual management fees were above the peer group medians, but the contractual management fees were below the peer group medians. The Trustees noted that in 2018 Matthews had agreed to a reduction in its advisory fee rate from 0.65% to 0.55% and to forego recovery of any fees waived prior to that reduction.

For the Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, Matthews Asia Value Fund, Matthews China Small Companies Fund and Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, the actual management fees were above the peer group medians due to their small size, but the contractual management fee for the Matthews Asia Value Fund was below its peer group median while the contractual management fees for the Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund, Matthews China Small Companies Fund and Matthews Emerging Asia Fund were above their respective peer group medians. The Trustees considered that these Funds each had breakpoints in its management fee schedule and noted that in 2019 the Advisor had recommended, and the Trustees agreed, to remove redemption fees from the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund and Matthews China Small Companies Fund in order to promote asset growth and realize economies of scale. With respect to the Matthews Asia Value Fund, the Trustees took into account that the Fund was scheduled to be liquidated on or about September 30, 2020. With respect to the Matthews Emerging Asia Fund, the Trustees noted that they had asked management to consider a voluntary and temporary reduction in the Fund’s total net operating expenses and further review the Fund to determine whether other actions would be appropriate.

For the Matthews Japan Fund, Matthews Korea Fund, Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund, Matthews Growth and Income Fund and Matthews Asia Innovators Fund, the actual management fees were equal to or above peer group medians, but the contractual management fees were near or below the peer group medians.

For the Matthews Japan Fund, the actual management fee was below the peer group median, but the contractual management fee was above the peer group median.

For the Matthews China Fund, Matthews Asia Growth Fund, Matthews India Fund, Matthews Asia Dividend Fund, Matthews China Dividend Fund and Matthews Asia ESG Fund, both the actual management fees and the contractual management fees were below the respective peer group medians.

 

 

170    MATTHEWS ASIA FUNDS


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Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (unaudited) (continued)

 

5.

The profits to be realized by Matthews and its affiliates from the relationships with the Funds.

The Trustees reviewed information provided by Matthews regarding the costs of sponsoring and operating the Funds and information regarding the profitability to Matthews of the Advisory Agreement both on a fund-by-fund basis and overall for the family of Funds. In considering profitability, the Trustees discussed and considered the methodology employed by Matthews in calculating profit margins but also considered other elements relevant to discussions of profitability, such as the entrepreneurial risk undertaken by Matthews in sponsoring and maintaining the Funds and risks associated with commitments to maintain Fund expense ratios. The Trustees also reviewed information provided regarding the structure and manner in which Matthews’ investment professionals were compensated and their respective views of the relationship of such compensation to the attraction and retention of quality personnel. The Trustees considered Matthews’ willingness to invest in technology, infrastructure and professional staff to reinforce and offer services and to accommodate changing regulatory requirements and industry practices.

The Trustees noted that Matthews appeared to be sufficiently profitable to operate as a viable investment management firm, able to honor its obligations as a sponsor of the Funds, including the Funds that did not generate a profit for Matthews, without earning excessive profits from any particular Fund or from the overall relationship with the Funds. The Trustees noted that, with fluctuations in asset levels in some prior years, volatility in revenues and profitability could be expected from time to time in the future, but they also noted the continued expenditures on personnel and other resources. The Board also considered information relating to the profitability of a limited number of publicly traded investment advisers, although the Board noted that this information was of limited utility because it was comprised of a limited universe of advisers, did not provide any information as to how profitability was determined and did not limit profitability analysis to the performance of advisory services to registered investment companies. The Board further noted that these advisers differed significantly from Matthews because they were not solely dedicated to investment in the Asian markets.

Based on information received, the Trustees noted that Matthews’ overall profitability from the Advisory Agreement appeared not to be excessive at the current time, whether considered inclusive or exclusive of distribution costs.

 

6.

Ancillary benefits.

The Trustees requested and received from Matthews information concerning other benefits received by Matthews as a result of its respective relationship with the Funds, including various service arrangements with Matthews. These potential benefits included, among other things, the use of soft dollars as well as potential benefits resulting from the structure of compensation arrangements between the Trust, the Adviser and financial intermediaries in the areas of shareholder servicing and sub-transfer agency services. The Board concluded that such benefits were consistent with those generally derived by investment advisers to mutual funds or were otherwise not unusual.

7.

Conclusions.

Based on their review, including their consideration of each of the factors referred to above, and assisted by the advice of independent counsel to the Independent Trustees, the Board, including the Independent Trustees, concluded that the Advisory Agreement was fair and reasonable with respect to each Fund and its shareholders, and that the renewal of the Advisory Agreement would be in the best interests of each Fund and its shareholders. The Board did not indicate that any single factor was determinative of its decision to approve the Advisory Agreement, but indicated that the Board based its determination on the total mix of information available to it.

 

 

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Statement Regarding Liquidity Risk Management Program

The Securities and Exchange Commission adopted Rule 22e-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Liquidity Rule”) to promote effective liquidity risk management throughout the open-end investment company industry.

The Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of the Matthews International Funds, (the “Funds”) met on November 17-19, 2020 (the “Meeting”) to review the Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Program”) of the Funds, in accordance with the requirements of the Liquidity Rule. The Board has appointed the Liquidity Risk Management Committee (“LRMC”), a sub-committee of the Enterprise Risk Management Committee of Matthews International Capital Management, LLC, as Program Administrator.

At the Meeting, the LRMC provided the Board with a report that addressed the operation of the Program and assessed its adequacy and effectiveness of implementation, including the operation of each Fund’s Highly Liquid Investment Minimum (“HLIM”) where applicable, and any material changes to the Program (the “Report”). The Report covered the period from October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020 (the “Program Reporting Period”).

The Report included a Portfolio Liquidity Profile of each Fund as of September 30, 2020. The Report also discussed the methodology utilized in establishing a Fund’s HLIM and Reasonably Anticipated Trading Size (“RATS”) and noted applicable changes during the period as well as proposed changes suggested by the LRMC to the HLIM or RATS for certain Funds. The Report also discussed the impact to the Program as a result of worldwide market disruptions which occurred in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic, and in particular as a result of extended exchange closures in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

There were no material changes to the Program during the Program Reporting Period. The Report provided to the Board stated that the LRMC concluded that based on the operation of the functions, as described in the Report, the Program is adequately designed and implemented and is operating effectively pursuant to the requirements of the Liquidity Rule.

 

 

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Trustees and Officers of the Funds (unaudited)

The operations of each Fund are under the direction of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees establishes each Fund’s policies and oversees and reviews the management of each Fund. The Board meets regularly to review the activities of the officers, who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Funds. The Statement of Additional Information, which includes additional information about Fund Trustees, is available without charge by calling 800.789.2742 or by visiting the Funds’ website, matthewsasia.com. The Trustees and executive officers of the Funds, their year of birth, business address, principal occupations during the past five years and other trusteeships/directorships are set forth below:

 

Name, Year of Birth,

Address and Position(s)

Held with Trust

   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served1
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
  

Other Trusteeships/Directorships

(number of portfolios) Held by Trustee

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES         

JONATHAN F. ZESCHIN

Born 1953

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Chairman of the Board of

Trustees and Trustee

   Trustee since 2007 and Chairman of the Board since 2014    Partner (since 2009), Essential Investment Partners, LLC (investment advisory and wealth management).    17    Trustee (2019), Russell Investment Funds (9 portfolios) and Russell Investment Company (32 portfolios).

TOSHI SHIBANO

Born 1950

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee

   Since 2003    Faculty (since 2000), General Electric’s John F. Welch Leadership Center; President (since 1995), Executive Financial Literacy, Inc. (financial executive development programs); Faculty Director and Executive Education Lecturer (1995–2016), Center for Executive Education, Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley; Adjunct Professor (2000–2011), Columbia Graduate School of Business; Associate Professor (2001–2005), Thunderbird School of Global Management; Visiting Assistant Professor (2000), Stanford Graduate School of Business; Assistant Professor (1995–2000), University of Chicago Graduate School of Business; Assistant Professor (1988–1995), Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley.    17     

RHODA ROSSMAN

Born 1958

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee

   Since 2006    Council Member (since 2019), California Catastrophe Response Council; Vice President, Corporate Investment Officer (2007–2010), Senior Vice President and Treasurer (2003–2007), The PMI Group, Inc. (mortgage insurer).    17     

RICHARD K. LYONS

Born 1961

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee

   Since 2010    Chief Innovation and Entrepreneurship Officer (since 2020), UC Berkeley; Dean (2008–2018), Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley; Chief Learning Officer (2006–2008), Goldman Sachs (investment banking and investment management); Executive Associate Dean (2005–2006), Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley.    17    Trustee (since 2018), Syntax ETF Trust; Trustee (2001–2006), Barclays Global Investor Funds and Master Investment Portfolios (15 Portfolios); Trustee (2000–2006), iShares, Inc. (24 Portfolios) and iShares Trust (over 70 Portfolios); Trustee (1994–2006) and Chairman of the Board (2000–2006), Matthews Asia Funds (9 Portfolios).

 

1

Each Trustee serves for an indefinite term, until retirement age or until his/her successor is elected. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.

 

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Name, Year of Birth,

Address and Position(s)

Held with Trust

   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served1
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
  

Other Trusteeships/Directorships

(number of portfolios) Held by Trustee

INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES         

CHRISTOPHER LEE

Born 1967

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee

   Since 2015    Consultant and Associate Professor (since 2017), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Lecturer (part-time) (2013-2019), The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Private Investor and Partner (since 2012), FAA Investments (financial holding company); Managing Director, Asia Region, and Head of Global Markets Investment Products & db-X (2010– 2012), Deutsche Bank AG (financial services); Managing Director, Equity Risk Management Products, and Head of Intermediary Business (2002–2010), UBS AG (financial services); Vice President, Global Markets & Investment Bank (2000–2002), Vice President, International Private Clients Group (1997–2000), Associate, Debt and Equity Markets Group (1995–1997), Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. (brokerage and investment management).    17    Director (since 2017), Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute; Director (2013–2018), Asian Master Funds (Australia) (1 Portfolio); Trustee (since 2013), African Wildlife Foundation; Trustee (2010-2016), Oakland Museum of California.

GALE K. CARUSO

Born 1957

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee

   Since 2015    Formerly President and Chief Executive Officer (1999–2003), Zurich Kemper Life (life insurance and annuities); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (1994–1999), Scudder Canada Investor Services, Ltd. (investment management); Managing Director (1986–1999), Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (investment management).    17    Trustee (since 2006), Pacific Select Fund (57 Portfolios) and Pacific Funds Series Trust (39 Portfolios); Director (2005– 2012), Make-A-Wish Foundation of Maine; Director (2005–2009), LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc.

Name, Year of Birth,

Address and Position(s)

Held with Trust

   Term of
Office and
Length of
Time Served1
  

Principal Occupation(s)

During Past 5 Years

   Number of
Portfolios in
Fund Complex
Overseen by
Trustee
  

Other Trusteeships/Directorships

(number of portfolios) Held by Trustee

INTERESTED TRUSTEES2         

WILLIAM J. HACKETT

Born 1967

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee and

President

   President since 2008 and Trustee since 2015    Director (since 2016), Chief Executive Officer (since 2009), President (since 2008) and Secretary (2007-2016), Matthews (investment management); President (2013-2017), Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC (registered investment company); Director (2010–2020), Matthews Global Investors S.à r.l. (Luxembourg) (investment management); Director (since 2010), Matthews Global Investors (Hong Kong) Limited (investment management); Partner (2002–2007), Deloitte & Touche, LLP (accounting).    17    Chairman (since 2010), Director (since 2009), Matthews Asia Funds SICAV (Luxembourg) (12 Portfolios); Director (since 2009), Matthews Asian Selections Funds, PLC (Ireland) (1 Portfolio).

ROBERT J. HORROCKS, PhD

Born 1968

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Trustee and Vice President

   Vice President since 2009 and Trustee since 2018    Chief Investment Officer (since 2009), Director of Research (2008–2009), Matthews (investment management); Head of Research (2006–2008), Mirae Asset Management (investment management); Chief Investment Officer (2003–2006), Everbright Pramerica (investment management).    17    None

 

1

Each trustee serves for an indefinite term, until retirement age or until his/her successor is elected. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.

2

A trustee is considered an “interested person” of the Trust as defined under the 1940 Act because of an ownership interest in the Advisor or an office held with the Trust or the Advisor.

 

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Name, Year of Birth,

Address and Position(s)

Held with Trust

   Term of Office
and Length of
Time Served1
   Principal Occupation(s) During Past 5 Years    Other Trusteeships/
Directorships
(number of
portfolios)
Held by Officer
OFFICERS WHO ARE NOT TRUSTEES   

JOHN P. McGOWAN

Born 1964

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Vice President and

Secretary

   Since 2005    Head of Fund Administration (since 2009), Chief Administrative Officer (2007– 2008), Chief Operating Officer (2004–2007), Matthews (investment management); Vice President and Secretary (2013-2017), Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC (registered investment company); Director (since 2010), Matthews Asia Funds SICAV (Luxembourg) (investments); Director (2010–2020), Matthews Global Investors S.à r.l. (Luxembourg) (investment management); Director (since 2004), Matthews Asian Selections Funds, PLC (Ireland) (investments).    Director, Matthews Asian Selections Funds Plc (1 Portfolio); Director, Matthews Asia Funds SICAV (Luxembourg) (12 Portfolios).

SHAI A. MALKA

Born 1973

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Treasurer

   Since 2005    Vice President of Fund Accounting and Operations (since 2010), Senior Manager of Fund Accounting and Operations (2004–2009), Matthews (investment management); Treasurer (2013-2017), Matthews A Share Selections Fund, LLC (registered investment company).    None

DAVID MONROE

Born 1963

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Vice President

   Since 2014    General Counsel (since 2015), Deputy General Counsel (2014), Matthews (investment management); Chief Legal Officer (2006–2013), Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. (investment management).    None

GAZALA KHAN

Born 1969

Four Embarcadero Center

Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

Chief Compliance Officer

and Anti-Money

Laundering Officer

   Since 2019    Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer (since 2019), Matthews Asia Funds (registered investment company); Chief Compliance Officer (2009-2019), Goldman Sachs Trust and Variable Insurance Trust (registered investment company).    None

 

1

Each trustee serves for an indefinite term, until retirement age or until his/her successor is elected. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Trustees.

 

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Matthews Asia Funds              

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

Matthews International Capital Management, LLC

Four Embarcadero Center, Suite 550

San Francisco, CA 94111

800.789.ASIA

 

CUSTODIAN

Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

50 Post Office Square

Boston, MA 02110

    

ACCOUNT SERVICES

Matthews Asia Funds

P.O. Box 9791

Providence, RI 02940

800.789.ASIA

 

LEGAL COUNSEL

Paul Hastings LLP

101 California Street, 48th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111

    

ADMINISTRATOR &

TRANSFER AGENT

BNY Mellon

760 Moore Road

King of Prussia, PA 19406

 

LOGO

 

P.O. Box 9791  |  Providence, RI 02940  |  matthewsasia.com  |  800.789.ASIA (2742)

 

Matthews Asia Funds are distributed in the United States by Foreside Funds Distributors LLC, Berwyn, Pennsylvania

Matthews Asia Funds are distributed in Latin America by HMC Partners

 

LOGO

 

AR-1220

 

  176


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(b) Not applicable.


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Item 2.

Code of Ethics.

 

  (a)

The registrant, as of the end of the period covered by this report, has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party.

 

  (c)

There have been no amendments, during the period covered by this report, to a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, and that relates to any element of the code of ethics description.

 

  (d)

The registrant has not granted any waivers, including an implicit waiver, from a provision of the code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, regardless of whether these individuals are employed by the registrant or a third party, that relates to one or more of the items set forth in paragraph (b) of this item’s instructions.


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Item 3.

Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

  (a)

As of the end of the period covered by the report, the registrant’s board of directors has determined that the registrant has four audit committee financial experts serving on its audit committee, Toshi Shibano, Jonathan F. Zeschin, Richard K. Lyons and Christopher F. Lee, each of whom is “independent.”

 

  (b)

Prof. Shibano is a member of the Faculty of the General Electric Corporate Leadership Development Center. He has served as an Executive Education Lecturer at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, an Adjunct Professor at the Columbia Graduate School of Business, and on the faculties of Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management, Stanford Graduate School of Business, the University of Chicago School of Business and the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales. He regularly reviews current research in accounting both for use in instruction of courses and for internal faculty evaluation. He has experience analyzing and evaluating financial statements at the appropriate level of complexity through his professional activities on the educational faculties referenced above.

Prof. Shibano also has extensive experience in executive education worldwide (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Finland, Italy, Mexico, India) and has developed innovative new programs in financial analysis, management control systems and strategy implementation. Prof. Shibano has published in the Journal of Accounting Research, the Journal of Accounting and Economics, the Rand Journal of Economics, and the Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, on the topics of strategic audit risk, accounting standard setting, international accounting standards, tax minimization, foreign currency risk management, and organizational structure. Prof. Shibano received his MBA from the Haas School at UC Berkeley and earned his PhD at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, earning the highest academic honors in both programs. Prof. Shibano has gained additional accounting expertise as a member and former Chair of the Audit Committee of Matthews International Funds.

Mr. Zeschin is Partner of Essential Investment Partners, LLC, a wealth management and investment advisory firm. He is also the portfolio manager for that firm’s Essential Growth Portfolio. Essential Investment Partners, LLC succeeded to the business of Essential Advisers, Inc. Prior to forming Essential Advisers, Inc., Mr. Zeschin held senior executive positions with Founders Asset Management, Inc., Invesco Funds Group, and Stein Roe & Farnham, Inc. Mr. Zeschin holds a Masters of Management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University, with majors in Finance and Marketing, and a Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting with distinction from the University of Michigan. He holds a Certified Public Accountant license from the state of Colorado and is a Certified Financial Planner certificant. Mr. Zeschin is a former chair of the ICI’s Accounting Treasurer’s Committee and a former member of the AICPA Investment Companies committee. Mr. Zeschin was previously the chairman of the Board of Trustees of two NYSE listed closed-end funds. He has served on the audit committees of mutual fund boards since 2002. He has experience analyzing and evaluating financial statements at the appropriate level of complexity through his professional activities referenced above. Mr. Zeschin has gained additional accounting expertise as a member of the Audit Committee of Matthews International Funds.

Mr. Lyons is a Professor of Finance and Economics at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and has served as the university’s Chief Innovation and


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Entrepreneurship Officer since 2020. Mr. Lyons oversaw the accounting and finance functions at the Haas School of Business when he served as Dean from 2008 to 2018. From 2006 to 2008 Mr. Lyons was on leave from UC Berkeley to serve as Chief Learning Officer at Goldman Sachs. In that role he interacted regularly with the leadership of the Securities Division, which oversees all Sales and Trading at Goldman Sachs. His teaching is primarily in International Finance and Currency Markets in both the MBA and Master’s in Financial Engineering programs. These courses include content on international accounting standards. His research for over two decades has been on the functioning of currency markets and, more recently, on the functioning of cryptocurrency markets.

Mr. Lee is an associate professor (part-time) of science practice in financial mathematics at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology where he teaches courses in capital markets and risk management. In addition, Mr. Lee was the chairman and currently is a member of the Audit Committee of Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI). HKSI conducts all the licensing examinations and professional development of securities professionals in Hong Kong. Since HKSI receives funding from the Securities and Futures Commission and the Financial Services & Treasury Bureau of Hong Kong, the Audit Committee must provide the oversight in selecting professional auditing firms and preparing annual financial reports that are in compliance with government rules and regulations. Furthermore, Mr. Lee has served as a member of the Audit Committee at other large organizations such as the Oakland Museum of California and the Washington DC based African Wildlife Foundation. Mr. Lee was designated as Chair of the Audit Committee of Matthews International Funds on November 19, 2020.


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Item 4.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

Audit Fees

 

  (a)

The aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years are $575,080 in 2019 and $569,330 in 2020.

Audit-Related Fees

 

  (b)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the principal accountant 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 are $0 in 2019 and $0 in 2020.

Tax Fees

 

  (c)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning are $150,170 in 2019 and $155,322 in 2020. Tax fees include services provided by the principal accountant for tax return preparations.

All Other Fees

 

  (d)

The aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by the principal accountant, other than the services reported in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Item are $0 in 2019 and $0 in 2020.

 

  (e)(1)

Disclose the audit committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures described in paragraph (c)(7) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

Pre-Approval of Auditor Services.

Pre-Approval Requirements. Before the Auditor is engaged by the Trust to render audit related or permissible non-audit services, either:

 

  (i)

The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all audit related services and permissible non-audit services (e.g., tax services) to be provided to the Trust; or


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  (ii)

The Audit Committee shall establish policies and procedures governing the Auditor’s engagement. Any such policies and procedures must (1) be detailed as to the particular service and (2) not involve any delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to the Adviser. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more of its members the authority to grant pre-approvals. The pre-approval policies and procedures shall include the requirement that the decisions of any member to whom authority is delegated under this Section 4(e) shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

De Minimis Exceptions to Pre-Approval Requirements. Pre-approval for a service provided to the Trust other than audit, review or attest services is not required if: (1) the aggregate amount of all such non-audit services provided to the Trust constitutes not more than 5 percent of the total amount of revenues paid by the Trust to the Auditor during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided; (2) such services were not recognized by the Trust at the time of the engagement to be non-audit services; and (3) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and are approved by the Audit Committee or by one or more members of the Audit Committee to whom authority to grant such approvals has been delegated by the Audit Committee.

Pre-Approval of Non-Audit Services Provided to the Adviser and Certain Control Persons. With respect to services that have a direct impact on the operations or financial reporting of the Trust, the Audit Committee shall pre-approve all such non-audit services proposed to be provided by the Auditor to (i) the Adviser and (ii) any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Adviser that provides ongoing services to the Trust.

Application of De Minimis Exception: The de minimis exceptions set forth above under Section 4(e)(ii) apply to pre-approvals under this Section 4(e)(iii) as well, except that the “total amount of revenues” calculation for Section 4(e)(iii) services is based on the total amount of revenues paid to the Auditor by the Trust and any other entity that has its services approved under this Section (i.e., the Adviser or any control person).

 

  (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)

Not Applicable

 

  (d)

Not Applicable


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  (f)

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year that were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees was 0%.

 

  (g)

The aggregate non-audit fees billed by the registrant’s accountant for services rendered to the registrant, and 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 adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for each of the last two fiscal years of the registrant was $582,960 in 2019 and $564,492 in 2020.

 

  (h)

The registrant’s audit committee of the board of directors 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) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5.

Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.

Investments.

 

(a)

Schedule of Investments in securities of unaffiliated issuers as of the close of the reporting period is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1(a) of this form.

 

(b)

Not applicable.


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Item 7.

Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 8.

Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 9.

Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.

Not applicable.

 

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 directors, where those changes were implemented after the registrant last provided disclosure in response to the requirements of Item 407(c)(2)(iv) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.407) (as required by Item 22(b)(15) of Schedule 14A (17 CFR 240.14a-101)), or this Item.

 

Item 11.

Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a)

The registrant’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) (17 CFR 270.30a-3(c))) are effective, as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report that includes the disclosure required by this paragraph, based on their evaluation of these controls and procedures required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(b)) and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (17 CFR 240.13a-15(b) or 240.15d-15(b)).

 

  (b)

There were no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the 1940 Act (17 CFR 270.30a-3(d))) that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


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Item 12.

Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

Not applicable.

 

Item 13.

Exhibits.

 

  (a)(1)

Code of ethics, or any amendment thereto, that is the subject of disclosure required by Item 2 is attached hereto.

 

  (a)(2)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the 1940 Act and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.

 

  (a)(3)

Not applicable.

 

  (a)(4)

Not applicable.

 

  (b)

Certifications pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the 1940 Act and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are attached hereto.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

(Registrant)    Matthews International Funds   
By (Signature and Title)*   

/s/ William J. Hackett

  
   William J. Hackett, President   
   (principal executive officer)   
Date    March 5, 2021   

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By (Signature and Title)*   

/s/ William J. Hackett

  
   William J. Hackett, President   
   (principal executive officer)   
Date    March 5, 2021   
By (Signature and Title)*   

/s/ Shai Malka

  
   Shai Malka, Treasurer   
   (principal financial officer)   
Date    March 5, 2021   

 

* 

Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.