|
|
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
|
Executive Offices
|
615 East Michigan Street
|
Milwaukee, WI 53202
|
(800) 730-2932
|
|
A Swiss Investments Fund
|
Semi-Annual Report
|
www.swzfund.com
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended
|
|
June 30, 2023
|
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Managed Distribution Policy Disclosure
In May 2018, The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), acting pursuant to an SEC exemptive order and with the approval of the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), adopted a
managed distribution policy. Under that policy, as resumed by the Board and as currently in effect, the Fund will pay a quarterly distribution stated in terms of a fixed amount of $0.12285 per share of the Fund’s common stock, which equates to an
annualized distribution rate of 6.00% based on the Fund’s net asset value of $8.19 as of October 31, 2022. In accordance with the policy, the Fund distributed on March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, $0.12285 per share to stockholders of record on
March 22, 2023 and June 21, 2023, respectively.
You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the Fund’s distribution or from the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution policy. The
Board reviews the Fund’s managed distribution policy periodically and may amend or terminate the managed distribution policy at any time without prior notice to Fund stockholders, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s
shares.
With each distribution, the Fund will issue a notice to stockholders and a press release which will provide detailed information regarding the amount and composition of the
distribution and other related information. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in the notice to stockholders are only estimates, are likely to change over time, and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts
and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099- DIV for the
calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. Please refer to “Federal Income Tax and Investment Transactions” under Note 5 of the Notes to Financial Statements for information regarding the tax
character of the Fund’s distributions. A copy of the Fund’s Section 19(a) notices is available on the Fund’s website at www.swzfund.com.
The Fund’s total return in relation to changes in net asset value is presented in the Financial Highlights.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Management Discussion and Analysis (as of June 30, 2023)
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2023, The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), as measured by the change in the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”), increased by +13.2% in US
dollars (“USD”) on a total return basis. For the same period, the Fund’s closing share price on the New York Stock Exchange increased by +12.2% in USD on a total return basis. This compares with an increase of 11.5% in the Swiss Performance Index
(the “Index” or the “SPI”) in USD.
Economic environment during the period under review
Global economic review
For the year 2023, the global economy was expected to recover mainly due to re-opening in China after the end of strict COVID-19 restrictions. However, in the first half of the year,
the anticipated recovery in China disappointed, while Western economies stayed stronger than anticipated.
Major central banks further raised interest rates to fight inflation. The Federal Reserve (“Fed”) raised interest rates ten times in a row since spring 2022. In June 2023, for the
first time, the Fed elected to keep the rate steady. The key interest rate in the US remains in a range of 5.00% to 5.25%, the highest level since 2007. The US has so far avoided recession despite most early warning signs flashing red. Robust labor
market conditions and expansive fiscal policy are helping to sustain growth, while core inflation (year over year) remained elevated at 4.4% in June.
The European Central Bank (“ECB”) not only raised interest rates in the eurozone to 4.0%, representing the ninth tightening since last summer and the highest rate since the beginning
of 2008, but it even held out the prospect of further increases. Core inflation (year over year) in Europe crept up to 5.4% in June from 5.3% in May. Growth data showed that the eurozone experienced a mild recession over the winter, with GDP declines
of -0.1% in both fourth quarter of 2022 and first quarter of 2023. Forward-looking data pointed to slowing momentum in the eurozone economy.
Market environment
Global equities gained during the first half of 2023, led by developed markets, notably the US, and buoyed by receding recession worries in these markets. Gains came despite the
collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which caused significant volatility in bank shares, and as enthusiasm over Artificial Intelligence boosted technology stocks.
Worldwide equities, measured by the MSCI World Index, increased +15.4% in USD for the first half of 2023.
With respect to European equities during the first half of 2023, the MSCI
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Europe Index increased +11.7% in EUR, and the strengthening of the EUR translated into a +13.8% USD increase.
Swiss equities, as measured by the SPI, increased by +8.2% in the first half of 2023 (in CHF, which translates to a +11.5% USD increase). Within Switzerland, small and mid-cap
companies, represented by the SPI Extra Index (the “SPIEX”), increased by +10.0% and outperformed the large cap companies segment, represented by the Swiss Market Index Total Return (the “SMIC”), by +1.7%.
In fixed income, government bond yields fell (meaning prices rose) in the first quarter of 2023, followed by rising yields in the second quarter of the year.
All sectors within the SPI performed positively. Utilities showed the strongest performance in the first half of 2023 (+31.0%), followed by Consumer Discretionary (+26.2%),
Industrials (+24.4%) and Materials (+21.2%).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Except as otherwise specifically stated, all information and investment team commentary, including portfolio security positions, is as of June 30, 2023. The views expressed in the
Management Discussion and Analysis section (the “MD&A”) are those of the Fund's portfolio manager and are subject to change without notice. They do not necessarily represent the views of Schroders Investment Management North America Inc. The
MD&A contains some forward-looking statements providing current expectations or forecasts of future events; they do not necessarily relate to historical or current facts. There can be no guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be
realized. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Any discussions of specific securities should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell
those securities. The Fund may buy, sell, or hold any security discussed herein, on the basis of factors described herein or the basis of other factors or other considerations. Fund holdings will change from time to time. Current and future portfolio
holdings are subject to risk, including geopolitical and other risks.
Performance quoted represents past performance and does not guarantee or predict future results.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Swiss Performance Index for the first half of 2023
Source: Schroders, Blackrock Solutions / Aladdin Explore, as of June 30, 2023. Performance measured as total return in USD. Sectors mentioned should not be viewed as a recommendation
to buy/sell. Portfolio composition is subject to change over time. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index or sub-indices.
Performance
The Fund’s NAV increased by +13.3% in USD, which outperformed the Index’s return for the period under review.
In terms of stock picking, overweights in Aryzta, Swissquote, BKW, SFS, SIG, Richemont and Software One, as well as underweights in Credit Suisse and Roche had a positive impact on
relative performance.
The biggest detractors to relative performance came from overweights in Oerlikon, Tecan, Idorsia, Baloise and Logitech. Other detractors to performance came from underweights in Holcim, ABB, SGS, Straumann and Lindt & Spruengli.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
The Fund’s private equity position Aravis Biotech received a distribution in excess of CHF 1.6
million from the sale of a portfolio company.
Portfolio changes
In total, there were 11 purchases and 18 sales of listed equities on a net basis in the first half of 2023. As of June 30, 2023, there were 43 listed companies held by the Fund and 4
direct private equity investments, including one participation in a private equity limited partnership.
New Investments by the Fund
Barry Callebaut
DKSH
Galenica
Additions to Existing Investments
Accelleron
Alcon
Baloise
Givaudan
Julius Baer
Kuehne & Nagel
Sonova
St. Galler KB
Positions Entirely Disposed of
Polypeptide
Reductions in Existing Investments
ABB
AMS
Aryzta
Comet
Geberit
Helvetia
Logitech
Nestlé
Partners Group
Cie Financiere Richemont
SIG Gombibloc
Sika
Software One
Swissquote
The Swatch
UBS
VAT Group
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
The Fund established new positions in Barry Callebaut, DKSH and Galenica.
Barry Callebaut is the world leading cocoa processing and chocolate production company. Barry Callebaut’s share price took a hit in 2022 as they had a production interruption in their biggest plant in Belgium due to contamination with salmonella. The problems
appear to have been solved and production is up and running.
DKSH helps companies to grow their business in existing markets and expand into new ones. DKSH has
its business activities mainly in Asia, a region benefitting from the end of the lock-down in China. The company has undertaken certain initiatives that we anticipate will improve margins.
Galenica is the leading fully integrated healthcare provider in Switzerland. We believe that Galenica
has a resilient business and during the period it became relatively cheap for its earnings visibility.
When the financial sector sold-off during worries about Credit Suisse’s going concern, the Fund
increased the weight in Baloise and Julius Baer. The Fund further increased Kuehne &
Nagel, where it is expected that margins stay sustainably higher than before the Covid-crisis. The Fund also increased its position in Sonova, as the company remains attractively valued within the
sector and compared to its own history.
The Fund sold its entire position in Polypeptide as the company did not appear able to cope adequately with an input cost rise and had
production issues. Partial profits were taken in ABB, Comet, Richemont, SIG Combibloc, Swissquote and VAT Group. The Fund
also reduced its positions in Geberit, Logitech, and UBS, where the Fund’s investment adviser sees a more complex future ahead. Additionally, the Fund reduced its
holding in Software One after the company received a takeover bid.
Outlook
As central banks continue to raise interest rates, signs are appearing that the impact is starting to be felt. Manufacturing activity is trending downwards, especially in Europe and
Asia. Meanwhile, services continue to rebound, probably as households continue to rebalance their spending patterns back to pre-pandemic norms. The new baseline forecast has global GDP growth slowing to 2.4% this year and to 1.9% in 2024. This
represents an upward revision for this year, mostly driven by upgrades to the US forecast. US households have proven to be more resilient, which in turn has allowed companies to pass on more of their costs through prices increases, but has also
allowed them to keep hiring, re-enforcing a robust labour market.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Source: Schroders Economics Group, 25 May 2023.
The forecasted US recession has been pushed out by a quarter, and the profile for the Fed funds forecast has been raised slightly. Inflation has started to fall, but has been stickier
on the back of higher services inflation. The forecast for the eurozone has been revised up slightly as support from stronger export markets is expected to be partially offset by higher interest rates. European inflation has also proven to be more
persistent, but is expected to fall back significantly by early 2024, allowing for rate cuts. China experienced a weaker than expected recovery after authorities loosened Covid-19 restrictions. Other emerging markets also saw economic activity soften
as the pronounced tightening of monetary policies in the US and Europe started to affect these economies.
The investment adviser is convinced that a strong balance sheet will be important in either a recession or in an extended upturn as portfolio companies need to be able to stomach an
interest rate burden that is much heavier than during or pre-Covid. Pricing power remains important, otherwise, the margin increase that some companies may achieve in the first half of 2023 will be transitory and their earnings may fall when they
need to give back falling energy and other input costs or when competition forces them to do so. Accordingly, the investment adviser intends to keep a balanced portfolio with companies that are not expensively valued and which are strongly
capitalised leaders in their field.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Performance at a glance (unaudited)
Average annual total returns for the Fund’s common stock for the periods ended 6/30/2023
Net asset value returns
|
1 year
|
5 years
|
10 years
|
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
|
18.67%
|
8.43%
|
7.29%
|
|
|
|
|
Market price returns
|
|
|
|
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
|
12.18%
|
6.98%
|
7.54%
|
|
|
|
|
Index returns
|
|
|
|
Swiss Performance Index
|
14.51%
|
9.78%
|
8.04%
|
|
|
|
|
Share price as of 6/30/2023
|
|
|
|
Net asset value
|
|
|
$9.70
|
Market price
|
|
|
$8.22
|
Past performance does not predict future performance. The return and value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s share, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The
Fund’s common stock net asset value (“NAV”) return assumes, for illustration only, that dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested at the NAV on the ex-dividend date. The Fund’s common stock market price returns assume that all
dividends and other distributions, if any, were reinvested at the lower of the NAV or the closing market price on the ex-dividend date. NAV and market price returns for the period of less than one year have not been annualized. Returns do not reflect
the deduction of taxes that a stockholder could pay on Fund dividends and other distributions, if any, or the sale of Fund shares.
The Swiss Performance Index (SPI) is considered Switzerland's overall stock market index. It comprises practically all of the SIX Swiss Exchange-traded equity securities of companies that are domiciled
in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein. You cannot invest directly in an index.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — 96.28%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advertising — 0.48%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,100
|
|
DKSH Holding AG
|
|
$
|
602,532
|
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
|
|
|
An international
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
marketing and services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
group. The company offers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a comprehensive package
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of services that includes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
organizing and running
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the entire value chain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for any product.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $624,087)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
602,532
|
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
Banks — 2.61%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
895
|
|
St Galler Kantonalbank AG
|
|
|
485,190
|
|
|
|
0.38
|
%
|
|
|
|
Offers retail and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
commercial banking
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as well as private and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
institutional banking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Also provides asset
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
management and financial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
planning services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $439,441)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
138,800
|
|
UBS Group AG
|
|
|
2,807,339
|
|
|
|
2.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides retail banking,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
corporate and institutional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
banking, wealth
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
management, asset
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
management and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment banking.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,884,953)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,292,529
|
|
|
|
2.61
|
%
|
Biotechnology — 2.63%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,308
|
|
Idorsia Ltd.1
|
|
|
297,811
|
|
|
|
0.24
|
%
|
|
|
|
Researches, develops,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and manufactures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pharmaceutical, biological,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and diagnostic products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,141,326)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,062
|
|
Lonza Group AG
|
|
|
3,018,019
|
|
|
|
2.39
|
%
|
|
|
|
Produces organic fine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
chemicals, biocides,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
active ingredients, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
biotechnology products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $2,925,070)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,315,830
|
|
|
|
2.63
|
%
|
Building Materials — 3.41%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
820
|
|
Forbo Holding AG
|
|
|
1,176,862
|
|
|
|
0.93
|
%
|
|
|
|
Produces floor coverings,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adhesives and belts for
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
conveying and power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
transmission.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,292,481)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,097
|
|
Geberit AG
|
|
|
573,974
|
|
|
|
0.46
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures and supplies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
water supply pipes and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
fittings, installation, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
drainage and flushing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
systems such as visible
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
cisterns other sanitary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
systems for the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
commercial and residential
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
construction markets.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $482,481)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,912
|
|
Sika AG
|
|
|
2,547,140
|
|
|
|
2.02
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures construction
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
materials, producing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
concrete and mixtures,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
mortar, sealants and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
adhesives, tooling resins,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
anti-static industrial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
flooring, and acoustic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
materials. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
serves customers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,731,659)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,297,976
|
|
|
|
3.41
|
%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chemicals — 1.50%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
570
|
|
Givaudan SA
|
|
$
|
1,889,063
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures and markets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
fragrances and flavors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
from natural and synthetic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ingredients. The Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
sells its products to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manufactures of perfumes,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
beverages, prepared foods,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and consumer goods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,865,973)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,889,063
|
|
|
|
1.50
|
%
|
Computers — 1.82%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,300
|
|
Logitech International SA
|
|
|
1,862,641
|
|
|
|
1.48
|
%
|
|
|
|
Engages in the development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and marketing of hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and software products that
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
enable or enhance digital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
navigation, music and video
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
entertainment, gaming,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
social networking and audio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and video communication.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $424,372)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,000
|
|
SoftwareONE Holding AG
|
|
|
435,992
|
|
|
|
0.34
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides IT services. The
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company offers cloud
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
computing, portfolio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
management, procurement,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
unified communication,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and other related solutions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $400,813)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,298,633
|
|
|
|
1.82
|
%
|
Diversified Financial Services — 3.85%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,600
|
|
Julius Baer Group Ltd.
|
|
|
1,549,169
|
|
|
|
1.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides private banking
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
services. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
advises on wealth
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
management, financial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
planning and investments;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
offers mortgage and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
lending, foreign exchange,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities trading, custody
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and execution services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,180,871)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
Swissquote Group
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holding SA
|
|
|
2,075,672
|
|
|
|
1.64
|
%
|
|
|
|
Through its subsidiaries,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
offers online financial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
services. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
operates an online trading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
system which offers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
customers real-time
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
securities quotes on the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Swiss Stock Exchange.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $986,509)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,408
|
|
VZ Holding AG
|
|
|
1,231,920
|
|
|
|
0.98
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides independent
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial advice to private
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
individuals and companies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The company consults on
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment, tax and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
inheritance planning and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
provides advice regarding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
insurance products and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
coverage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $438,472)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,856,761
|
|
|
|
3.85
|
%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electric — 2.06%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,700
|
|
BKW AG
|
|
$
|
2,596,099
|
|
|
|
2.06
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides energy supply
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
services. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
focuses on the production,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
transportation, trading and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
sale of energy. In addition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to energy supply, the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
company also develops,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
implements and operates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
energy solutions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for its clients.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,177,241)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,596,099
|
|
|
|
2.06
|
%
|
Electronic Components & Equipment — 2.15%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,024
|
|
ABB Ltd.
|
|
|
1,691,817
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides power and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
automation technologies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The company operates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
under segments that include
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
power products, power
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
systems, automation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products, process
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
automation, and robotics.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $872,256)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,967
|
|
Comet Holding AG
|
|
|
1,012,757
|
|
|
|
0.81
|
%
|
|
|
|
Develops, produces, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
distributes components
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and systems for x-ray tubes,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
vacuum condensers, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
radio frequency, as well as
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
other medical products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,012,150)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,704,574
|
|
|
|
2.15
|
%
|
Food — 21.40%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,480,000
|
|
Aryzta AG1
|
|
|
2,454,949
|
|
|
|
1.95
|
%
|
|
|
|
Produces and retails
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
specialty bakery products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company produces
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
French breads, pastries,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
continental breads,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
confections, artisan breads,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
homestyle lunches,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
viennoiserie, patisserie,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
cookies, pizza, appetizers,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and sweet baked goods.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,589,760)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
630
|
|
Barry Callebaut AG
|
|
|
1,216,129
|
|
|
|
0.96
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures cocoa
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and chocolate products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company markets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to industrial food
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manufacturers, chocolatiers,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pastry chefs, bakers, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
retailers globally.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,230,486)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
193,837
|
|
Nestle SA
|
|
|
23,312,872
|
|
|
|
18.49
|
%
|
|
|
|
One of the world’s largest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
processing companies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $12,557,687)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,983,950
|
|
|
|
21.40
|
%
|
Healthcare-Products — 6.07%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,357
|
|
Alcon, Inc.
|
|
|
2,183,037
|
|
|
|
1.73
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures eye care
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
produces and markets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
vitreoretinal and cataract
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
surgery, contact lenses,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and refractive technology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,752,716)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Healthcare-Products — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,416
|
|
Eyesense AG, Series A1,2,3
|
|
$
|
50,466
|
|
|
|
0.04
|
%
|
|
|
|
A spin-out from Ciba
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vision AG. Develops novel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ophthalmic self- diagnostic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
systems for glucose
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
monitoring of diabetes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
patients.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $3,007,048)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,990
|
|
Medacta Group SA
|
|
|
815,494
|
|
|
|
0.65
|
%
|
|
|
|
Produces and distributes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
medical devices. The
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
company develops,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manufactures, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
distributes orthopedic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and neurosurgical
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
medical devices.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $627,328)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,848
|
|
SKAN Group AG
|
|
|
589,388
|
|
|
|
0.47
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides health care
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
supplies. The Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
offers isolators, cleanroom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
devices, and decontamination
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
processes for the aseptic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
production of the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
biopharmaceutical products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $530,142)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,855
|
|
Sonova Holding AG
|
|
|
1,026,391
|
|
|
|
0.81
|
%
|
|
|
|
Designs and produces
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
wireless analog and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
digital in-the-ear and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
behind-the-ear hearing aids
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and miniaturized voice
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
communications systems.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $632,400)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
221,085
|
|
Spineart SA1,2,3
|
|
|
1,309,731
|
|
|
|
1.04
|
%
|
|
|
|
Designs and markets an
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
innovative full range of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
spine products, including
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
fusion and motion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
preservation devices,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
focusing on easy to implant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
high-end products to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
simplify the surgical act.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,554,486)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,382
|
|
Tecan Group AG
|
|
|
1,680,995
|
|
|
|
1.33
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
distributes laboratory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
automation components
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and systems. The products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
are mainly used by research
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and diagnostic laboratories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $401,116)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,655,502
|
|
|
|
6.07
|
%
|
Healthcare-Services — 0.72%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,300
|
|
Galenica AG
|
|
|
912,564
|
|
|
|
0.72
|
%
|
|
|
|
Retails pharmaceutical
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products, and services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
customers in Switzerland.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company offers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
health, beauty, and related
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products and services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $902,693)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
912,564
|
|
|
|
0.72
|
%
|
Industrials — 2.08%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,252
|
|
Belimo Holding AG1
|
|
|
624,426
|
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures heating,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ventilation and air
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
conditioning equipment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $144,479)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrials — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
234,000
|
|
OC Oerlikon Corp. AG
|
|
$
|
1,165,488
|
|
|
|
0.92
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures industrial
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
equipment. The Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
produces protective
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
coatings for precision
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
tools and components,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
equipment for textile
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
production, and propulsion
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
technology drive systems.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $2,574,223)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
VAT Group AG
|
|
|
827,139
|
|
|
|
0.66
|
%
|
|
|
|
Developer, manufacturer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and supplier of vacuum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
valves, multi-valve modules
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and edge-welded bellows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for use in semiconductor,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
display and solar panel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manufacturing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $564,824)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,617,053
|
|
|
|
2.08
|
%
|
Insurance — 8.98%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,500
|
|
Baloise Holding AG
|
|
|
2,570,279
|
|
|
|
2.04
|
%
|
|
|
|
Offers group and individual
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
life, health, accident, liability
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
property, and transportation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
insurance to customers in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Europe. The Company also
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
offers private banking and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
asset management services.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $2,684,612)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,700
|
|
Helvetia Holding AG
|
|
|
906,164
|
|
|
|
0.72
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides a broad range
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of life, casualty, liability,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
accident and transportation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
insurance in Switzerland and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in other European countries.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company insures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
individuals, property such
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
as vehicles and buildings,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and consumer goods and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
personal belongings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $579,944)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,130
|
|
Swiss Life Holding AG
|
|
|
2,414,341
|
|
|
|
1.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides life insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and institutional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,109,486)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,430
|
|
Zurich Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group AG
|
|
|
5,428,499
|
|
|
|
4.31
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides insurance-based
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
financial services. The
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
company offers general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and life insurance products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and services for individuals,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
small businesses,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
commercial enterprises,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
mid-sized and large
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
corporations, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
multinational companies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $3,698,494)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,319,283
|
|
|
|
8.98
|
%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Machinery-Diversified — 0.50%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,500
|
|
Accelleron Industries AG
|
|
$
|
634,472
|
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
Develops, produces, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
services turbochargers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and large turbocharging
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
components. The Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
offers turbocharging
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
technologies and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
optimization solutions for
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
engines thereby reducing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the environmental impact
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
with less fuel emissions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $453,434)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
634,472
|
|
|
|
0.50
|
%
|
Metal Fabricate/Hardware — 1.23%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,806
|
|
SFS Group AG
|
|
|
1,554,515
|
|
|
|
1.23
|
%
|
|
|
|
Provides automotive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
products, building and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
electronic components,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
flat roofing and solar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
fastening systems. The
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
company operates
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
production facilities in Asia,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Europe and North America.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $778,990)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,554,515
|
|
|
|
1.23
|
%
|
Packaging & Containers — 1.49%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,000
|
|
SIG Combibloc Group AG
|
|
|
1,875,862
|
|
|
|
1.49
|
%
|
|
|
|
The company, through its
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
subsidiaries, manufactures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and produces bottling
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
machines and systems for
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
industries. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
serves customers worldwide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $746,444)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,875,862
|
|
|
|
1.49
|
%
|
Pharmaceuticals — 22.30%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
142,229
|
|
Novartis AG
|
|
|
14,307,953
|
|
|
|
11.35
|
%
|
|
|
|
One of the leading
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manufacturers of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
branded and generic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pharmaceutical products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $7,366,895)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,177
|
|
Roche Holding AG
|
|
|
13,810,886
|
|
|
|
10.95
|
%
|
|
|
|
Develops and manufactures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pharmaceutical and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
diagnostic products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Produces prescription
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
drugs to treat
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
cardiovascular, infectious
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and autoimmune diseases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and for other areas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
including dermatology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and oncology.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $8,109,729)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,118,839
|
|
|
|
22.30
|
%
|
Private Equity — 2.19%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,928
|
|
Partners Group Holding AG
|
|
|
2,754,379
|
|
|
|
2.19
|
%
|
|
|
|
A global private markets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
investment management
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
firm with investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
programs under
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
management in private
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
equity, private real estate,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
private infrastructure and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
private debt. The firm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manages a broad range of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
customized portfolios for
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
an international clientele
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of institutional investors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners Group is
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
headquartered in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zug, Switzerland.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $2,512,468)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,754,379
|
|
|
|
2.19
|
%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Common Stock — (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retail — 6.66%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,104
|
|
Cie Financiere
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Richemont SA
|
|
$
|
7,306,457
|
|
|
|
5.80
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures and retails
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
luxury goods. Produces
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
jewelry, watches, leather
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
goods, writing instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and men’s and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
women’s wear.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $3,305,992)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,807
|
|
Swatch Group AG –
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Shares
|
|
|
1,088,151
|
|
|
|
0.86
|
%
|
|
|
|
Manufactures finished
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
watches, movements and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
components. Produces
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
components necessary to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
its various watch brand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
companies. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
also operates retail boutiques.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,353,585)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,394,608
|
|
|
|
6.66
|
%
|
Semiconductors — 0.55%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95,940
|
|
ams-OSRAM AG1
|
|
|
690,824
|
|
|
|
0.55
|
%
|
|
|
|
Designs and manufactures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
advanced sensor solutions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The company also delivers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a broad range of technology
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
solutions for consumer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
electronics and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
communication device
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
manufactures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,266,338)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
690,824
|
|
|
|
0.55
|
%
|
Transportation — 1.60%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,802
|
|
Kuehne + Nagel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
International AG
|
|
|
2,012,507
|
|
|
|
1.60
|
%
|
|
|
|
Transports freight
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
worldwide. The company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
operates sea, land, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
rail freight transportation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
businesses and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
warehousing and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
distribution facilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,848,698)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,012,507
|
|
|
|
1.60
|
%
|
|
|
|
Total Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $82,764,652)
|
|
|
121,378,355
|
|
|
|
96.28
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred Stock — 0.03%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industrial Goods & Services — 0.03%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,863
|
|
SelFrag AG Class A1,2,3
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
%
|
|
|
|
Designs, manufactures and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
sells industrial machines
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and processes using
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
selective fragmentation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
technology.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,932,198)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
%
|
|
|
|
Total Preferred Stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $1,932,198)
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
|
|
0.03
|
%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Net
|
|
Shares
|
|
Security
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Limited Partnership — 0.91%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Biotechnology — 0.91%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,294,705
|
|
Aravis Biotech II,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited Partnership1,3,4
|
|
$
|
1,151,904
|
|
|
|
0.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
Makes early stage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
venture investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in the biotechnology &
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pharmaceuticals industry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $213,885)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,151,904
|
|
|
|
0.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
Total Limited Partnership
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $213,885)
|
|
|
1,151,904
|
|
|
|
0.91
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short-Term Investment — 0.28%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
352,358
|
|
U.S. Bank Money
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market Deposit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account, 1.55%5
|
|
|
352,358
|
|
|
|
0.28
|
%
|
|
|
|
(Cost $352,358)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
352,358
|
|
|
|
0.28
|
%
|
|
|
|
Total Short-Term
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $352,358)
|
|
|
352,358
|
|
|
|
0.28
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Investments6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Cost $85,263,093)
|
|
|
122,917,887
|
|
|
|
97.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less Liabilities6
|
|
|
3,149,241
|
|
|
|
2.50
|
%
|
|
|
|
Net Assets
|
|
$
|
126,067,128
|
|
|
|
100.00
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
($126,067,128 ÷12,990,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares outstanding,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$0.001 par value: 50 million
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares authorized)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
9.70
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(continued)
1
|
Non-income producing security.
|
2
|
Value determined using significant unobservable inputs.
|
3
|
Illiquid. There is not a public market for these securities in the United States or in any foreign jurisdiction, including Switzerland. Securities are priced at Fair Value
in accordance with the Fund’s valuation policy and procedures. At the end of the period, the aggregate Fair Value of these securities amounted to $2,547,371 or 2.02% of the Fund’s net assets. Additional information on these securities is as
follows:
|
|
Security
|
Acquisition Date
|
|
Cost
|
|
|
Aravis Biotech II, Limited Partnership
|
July 31, 2007 – May 29, 2018
|
|
$
|
213,885
|
|
|
Eyesense AG – Common Shares
|
July 22, 2010 – October 3, 2011
|
|
|
3,007,048
|
|
|
SelFrag AG – Class A – Preferred Shares
|
December 15, 2011 – January 28, 2014
|
|
|
1,932,198
|
|
|
Spineart SA – Common Shares
|
December 22, 2010 - December 20, 2020
|
|
|
1,554,486
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
6,707,617
|
|
4
|
Affiliated Company. An affiliated company is a company in which the Fund has ownership of at least 5% of the company’s outstanding voting securities or an equivalent interest
in the company. Details related to affiliated company holdings are as follows:
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
|
as of
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
|
Realized
|
|
|
Unrealized
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Interest
|
|
|
as of
|
|
|
Name of Issuer
|
12/31/22
|
|
|
Additions
|
|
|
Reductions
|
|
|
Gain/(Loss)
|
|
|
Gain/(Loss)
|
|
|
Actions
|
|
|
Income
|
|
|
6/30/23
|
|
|
Aravis Biotech II,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited Partnership
|
$
|
1,302,142
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
217,940
|
|
|
$
|
1,446,061
|
|
|
$
|
(1,814,239
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,151,904
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,302,142
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
217,940
|
|
|
$
|
1,446,061
|
|
|
$
|
(1,814,239
|
)
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,151,904
|
|
5
|
Rate shown is the seven day annualized yield as of June 30, 2023.
|
6
|
All of the Fund’s investments and other assets are pledged as collateral in accordance with a credit agreement with U.S. Bank, National Association.
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Schedule of Investments by Industry (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
(concluded)
PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
|
|
% of Net Assets as of June 30, 2023
|
|
Pharmaceuticals
|
22.30%
|
Food
|
21.40%
|
Insurance
|
8.98%
|
Retail
|
6.66%
|
Healthcare-Products
|
6.07%
|
Diversified Financial Services
|
3.85%
|
Biotechnology
|
3.54%
|
Building Materials
|
3.41%
|
Banks
|
2.61%
|
Private Equity
|
2.19%
|
Electronic Components & Equipment
|
2.15%
|
Industrials
|
2.08%
|
Electric
|
2.06%
|
Computers
|
1.82%
|
Transportation
|
1.60%
|
Chemicals
|
1.50%
|
Packaging & Containers
|
1.49%
|
Metal Fabricate/Hardware
|
1.23%
|
Healthcare-Services
|
0.72%
|
Semiconductors
|
0.55%
|
Machinery-Diversified
|
0.50%
|
Advertising
|
0.48%
|
Short-Term Investment
|
0.28%
|
Industrial Goods & Services
|
0.03%
|
Other Assets Less Liabilities
|
2.50%
|
|
100.00%
|
TOP 10 PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
|
|
% of Net Assets as of June 30, 2023
|
|
Nestle SA
|
18.49%
|
Novartis AG
|
11.35%
|
Roche Holding AG
|
10.95%
|
Cie Financiere Richemont SA
|
5.80%
|
Zurich Insurance Group AG
|
4.31%
|
Lonza Group AG
|
2.39%
|
UBS Group AG
|
2.23%
|
Partners Group Holding AG
|
2.18%
|
BKW AG
|
2.06%
|
Baloise Holding AG
|
2.04%
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (Unaudited)
|
June 30, 2023
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated issuers, at value (cost $85,049,208)
|
|
$
|
121,765,983
|
|
Investments in affiliated issuers, at value (cost $213,885)
|
|
|
1,151,904
|
|
Total Investments, at value (cost $85,263,093)
|
|
|
122,917,887
|
|
Foreign currency (cost $3,656,664)
|
|
|
3,704,886
|
|
Tax reclaims receivable
|
|
|
1,311,565
|
|
Interest receivable
|
|
|
3,561
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
38,490
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
127,976,389
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued Fees and Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Payable for investments purchased
|
|
|
1,622,152
|
|
Investment advisory
|
|
|
74,974
|
|
Directors
|
|
|
73,477
|
|
Legal
|
|
|
55,483
|
|
Audit
|
|
|
27,512
|
|
Custody
|
|
|
2,411
|
|
Other
|
|
|
53,252
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
1,909,261
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
126,067,128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Composition of Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
88,897,845
|
|
Total distributable earnings
|
|
|
37,169,283
|
|
Net assets
|
|
$
|
126,067,128
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Asset Value Per Share:
|
|
|
|
|
($126,067,128 ÷ 12,990,705 shares outstanding,
|
|
|
|
|
$0.001 par value: 50 million shares authorized)
|
|
$
|
9.70
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
|
Investment Income:
|
|
|
|
Dividend (less of foreign tax withheld of $459,257)
|
|
$
|
2,744,194
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
27,386
|
|
Total income
|
|
|
2,771,580
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
Investment advisory fees (Note 2)
|
|
|
431,615
|
|
Directors’
|
|
|
155,026
|
|
Legal (Note 3)
|
|
|
107,578
|
|
Officer
|
|
|
67,173
|
|
Administration (Note 3)
|
|
|
62,615
|
|
Delaware franchise tax (Note 9)
|
|
|
61,500
|
|
Printing and shareholder reports
|
|
|
34,210
|
|
Audit (Note 3)
|
|
|
27,512
|
|
Custody (Note 3)
|
|
|
25,349
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
24,647
|
|
Transfer agency (Note 3)
|
|
|
16,354
|
|
Commitment fee (Note 9)
|
|
|
10,487
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
10,200
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
1,034,266
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
1,737,314
|
|
Realized and Unrealized Gains on Investments and Foreign Currency Translations:
|
|
|
|
|
Net realized gain from:
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated issuers
|
|
|
86,390
|
|
Foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
191,590
|
|
Total net realized gain from unaffiliated and
|
|
|
|
|
affiliated issuers and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
277,980
|
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation from:
|
|
|
|
|
Investments in unaffiliated issuers
|
|
|
11,259,227
|
|
Investments in affiliated issuers
|
|
|
1,446,061
|
|
Foreign currency translations
|
|
|
76,551
|
|
Total net change in unrealized appreciation from
|
|
|
|
|
unaffiliated and affiliated issuers, and foreign currency translations
|
|
|
12,781,839
|
|
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on
|
|
|
|
|
Investments and Foreign Currency Translations
|
|
|
13,059,819
|
|
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations
|
|
$
|
14,797,133
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2023
|
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$
|
14,797,133
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net increase in net assets applicable to
|
|
|
|
|
common shareholders resulting from operations to net cash
|
|
|
|
|
provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases of investments
|
|
|
(6,507,419
|
)
|
Proceeds from sales of investments
|
|
|
9,435,766
|
|
Net purchases and sales of short-term investments
|
|
|
(21,328
|
)
|
Return of capital distributions received from underlying investments
|
|
|
1,603,805
|
|
Increase in tax reclaims receivable
|
|
|
(13,677
|
)
|
Increase in dividends and interest receivable
|
|
|
(614
|
)
|
Increase in other assets
|
|
|
(18,054
|
)
|
Increase in payable for investments purchased
|
|
|
1,622,152
|
|
Increase in payable to Adviser
|
|
|
4,717
|
|
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(42,023
|
)
|
Net realized gains from investments
|
|
|
(86,390
|
)
|
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) from investments
|
|
|
(12,705,288
|
)
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
8,068,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
Distributions paid to common shareholders
|
|
|
(3,216,720
|
)
|
Repurchase of common stock
|
|
|
(1,687,598
|
)
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(4,904,318
|
)
|
Net change in cash
|
|
$
|
3,164,462
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash:
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period*
|
|
|
540,424
|
|
End of period*
|
|
$
|
3,704,886
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash financing activities not included herein consist of interest paid
|
|
|
10,487
|
|
* Cash included in the Statement of Cash Flows comprised of foreign currency.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
|
|
For the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
For the
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2023
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
December 31, 2022
|
|
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
$
|
1,737,314
|
|
|
$
|
920,814
|
|
Total net realized gain from unaffiliated and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
affiliated issuers and foreign currency transactions
|
|
|
277,980
|
|
|
|
2,080,182
|
|
Total net change in unrealized appreciation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(depreciation) from unaffiliated and affiliated issuers,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
foreign currency and foreign currency translations
|
|
|
12,781,839
|
|
|
|
(30,399,182
|
)
|
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from operations
|
|
|
14,797,133
|
|
|
|
(27,398,186
|
)
|
Distributions to Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From earnings
|
|
|
(3,216,720
|
)
|
|
|
(2,977,194
|
)
|
From return of capital
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(5,241,653
|
)
|
Total distributions to stockholders
|
|
|
(3,216,720
|
)
|
|
|
(8,218,847
|
)
|
Capital Stock Transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of shares repurchased through
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
stock repurchase program (Note 6)
|
|
|
(1,687,598
|
)
|
|
|
(120,928
|
)
|
Total decrease from capital share transactions
|
|
|
(1,687,598
|
)
|
|
|
(120,928
|
)
|
Total increase (decrease) in net assets
|
|
|
9,892,815
|
|
|
|
(35,737,961
|
)
|
Net Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning of period
|
|
|
116,174,313
|
|
|
|
151,912,274
|
|
End of period
|
|
$
|
126,067,128
|
|
|
$
|
116,174,313
|
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Financial Highlights
|
|
For the Six
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2023
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
2018
|
|
Per Share Operating Performance:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net asset value at the beginning of period
|
|
$
|
8.80
|
|
|
$
|
11.50
|
|
|
$
|
10.45
|
|
|
$
|
9.71
|
|
|
$
|
7.96
|
|
|
$
|
14.10
|
|
Income from Investment Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income1
|
|
|
0.13
|
|
|
|
0.07
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.05
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
0.14
|
|
Net realized and unrealized
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gain (loss) on investments2
|
|
|
0.98
|
|
|
|
(2.15
|
)
|
|
|
1.58
|
|
|
|
1.24
|
|
|
|
1.88
|
|
|
|
(1.35
|
)
|
Total from investment activities
|
|
|
1.11
|
|
|
|
(2.08
|
)
|
|
|
1.63
|
|
|
|
1.29
|
|
|
|
1.89
|
|
|
|
(1.21
|
)
|
Gain from tender offer
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.30
|
4
|
Capital change resulting from
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
the issuance of fund shares
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)4
|
Anti-dilutive effect of common
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
share repurchase program
|
|
|
0.03
|
|
|
|
0.00
|
5
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.01
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Less Distributions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.06
|
)
|
|
|
(0.08
|
)
|
|
|
(0.12
|
)
|
|
|
(0.10
|
)
|
Net realized gains
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.16
|
)
|
|
|
(0.09
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.02
|
)
|
|
|
(5.01
|
)
|
Return of Capital
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
(0.40
|
)
|
|
|
(0.43
|
)
|
|
|
(0.48
|
)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total distributions
|
|
|
(0.24
|
)
|
|
|
(0.62
|
)
|
|
|
(0.58
|
)
|
|
|
(0.56
|
)
|
|
|
(0.14
|
)
|
|
|
(5.11
|
)
|
Net asset value at end of period
|
|
$
|
9.70
|
|
|
$
|
8.80
|
|
|
$
|
11.50
|
|
|
$
|
10.45
|
|
|
$
|
9.71
|
|
|
$
|
7.96
|
|
Market value per share at the end of period
|
|
$
|
8.22
|
|
|
$
|
7.56
|
|
|
$
|
9.94
|
|
|
$
|
8.94
|
|
|
$
|
8.41
|
|
|
$
|
6.90
|
|
Total Investment Returns:3,6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Based on market value per share
|
|
|
12.16
|
%
|
|
|
-17.62
|
%
|
|
|
18.25
|
%
|
|
|
14.18
|
%
|
|
|
24.00
|
%
|
|
|
-10.90
|
%
|
Based on net asset value per share
|
|
|
13.16
|
%
|
|
|
-17.97
|
%
|
|
|
16.09
|
%
|
|
|
14.29
|
%
|
|
|
23.80
|
%
|
|
|
-6.98
|
%
|
Ratios to Average Net Assets:7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net expenses
|
|
|
1.68
|
%9
|
|
|
1.68
|
%8
|
|
|
1.40
|
%
|
|
|
1.80
|
%
|
|
|
2.13
|
%
|
|
|
1.44
|
%
|
Gross expenses
|
|
|
1.68
|
%9
|
|
|
1.68
|
%8
|
|
|
1.40
|
%
|
|
|
1.80
|
%
|
|
|
2.13
|
%
|
|
|
1.44
|
%
|
Net investment income
|
|
|
2.82
|
%
|
|
|
0.74
|
%
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
|
|
0.48
|
%
|
|
|
0.10
|
%
|
|
|
1.12
|
%
|
Supplemental Data and Ratios
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets at end of period (000’s)
|
|
$
|
126,067
|
|
|
$
|
116,174
|
|
|
$
|
151,912
|
|
|
$
|
138,040
|
|
|
$
|
128,864
|
|
|
$
|
105,577
|
|
Average net assets during the period (000’s)
|
|
$
|
124,341
|
|
|
$
|
123,684
|
|
|
$
|
144,019
|
|
|
$
|
125,666
|
|
|
$
|
118,960
|
|
|
$
|
305,270
|
|
Portfolio turnover rate
|
|
|
5
|
%
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
|
|
11
|
%
|
|
|
12
|
%
|
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
|
21
|
%
|
1
|
Calculated using the average shares method.
|
2
|
Includes net realized and unrealized currency gains and losses.
|
3
|
Total investment return based on market value differs from total investments return based on net asset value due to changes in the relationship between the market value of
the Fund’s shares and its NAV per share.
|
4
|
On November 20, 2018, the Fund accepted for cash purchase 24,638,918 shares of the Fund’s common stock at a price equal to $7.86 per share, which represented 98% of the
Fund’s NAV per share of $8.02 as of the close of the regular trading session of the New York Stock Exchange on November 19, 2018. As a result of the purchase of the 24,638,918 shares, the Fund had 13,267,111 shares of common stock outstanding
as of November 20, 2018.
|
5
|
Less than 0.5 cents per share.
|
6
|
Not annualized for years less than one year.
|
7
|
Annualized for years less than one year.
|
8
|
If interest expense and commitment fees had been excluded, the expense ratios would have been lower by 0.05% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
|
9
|
If commitment fees had been excluded, the expense ratios would have been lower by 0.02% for the six months ended June 30, 2023.
|
See Notes to Financial Statements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
A. Organization
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Act”), as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund is
organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital through investment in equity and equity-linked securities of Swiss companies. The Fund may also acquire and hold equity and
equity-linked securities of non-Swiss companies in limited instances.
B. Securities Valuation
The Fund values its investments in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”).
When valuing listed equity securities, the Fund uses the last sale price on the securities exchange or national securities market on which such securities primarily are traded (the “Primary Market”)
prior to the calculation of the Fund’s net asset value (“NAV”). When valuing equity securities that are not listed (except privately-held companies and private equity limited partnerships) or that are listed but have not traded on a day on which the
Fund calculates its NAV, the Fund uses the mean between the bid and asked prices for that day. If there are no asked quotations for such a security, the value of such security will be the most recent bid quotation on the Primary Market on that day.
On any day when a security’s Primary Market is closed because of a local holiday or other scheduled closure, but the New York Stock Exchange is open, the Fund may use the prior day’s closing prices to value such security regardless of the length of
the scheduled closing.
When valuing fixed-income securities, if any, the Fund uses the last bid price prior to the calculation of the Fund’s NAV. If there is no current bid price for a fixed-income security, the value of such
security will be the mean between the last quoted bid and asked prices on that day. Overnight and certain other short-term fixed-income securities with maturities of less than 60 days will be valued by the amortized cost method, unless it is
determined that the amortized cost method would not represent the fair value of such security.
In accordance with Rule 2a-5 under the Act, the Fund’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) has designated the Fund’s investment adviser, Schroder Investment Management North America Inc., as the Fund’s
valuation designee (the “Valuation Designee”) for purposes of determining fair value in good faith of securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or for which the market quotations that are available are considered unreliable (a
“Fair Value”). The Valuation Designee may use the Fund’s fair valuation procedures to establish the Fair Value of securities when, for example, a significant event occurs between the time the market closes and the time the Valuation Designee values
its investments. After consideration of various factors, the Valuation Designee may value the securities at their last reported price or at some other value.
Swiss exchange-listed options, if any, including Eurex-listed options, are valued at their most recent sale price (latest bid for long options and the latest ask for short options) on the Primary
Market, or
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
if there are no such sales, at the average of the most recent bid and asked quotations on such Primary Market, or if such quotations are not available, at the last bid quotation (in the case of
purchased options) or the last asked quotation (in the case of written options). If, however, there are no such quotations, such options will be valued using the implied volatilities observed for similar options or from aggregated data as an input to
a model. Options traded in the over-the-counter market, if any, are valued at the price communicated by the counterparty to the option, which typically is the price at which the counterparty would close out the transaction. Option contracts, if any,
that are neither exchange-listed nor traded in the over-the-counter market, and where no broker can provide a quote or approved pricing vendor a price, may be valued using the implied volatilities observed for similar instruments or from aggregated
market data received from services (e.g., Bloomberg) as an input to a widely accepted model.
The Fund is permitted to invest in investments that do not have readily available market quotations. For such investments, the Valuation Designee determines their Fair Value. The aggregate value of
these investments amounted to $2,547,371, or 2.02% of the Fund’s net assets at June 30, 2023 and are listed in Note 3 to the Schedule of Investments.
Various inputs are used to determine the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1—
|
unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
|
|
|
Level 2—
|
other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices of similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)
|
|
|
Level 3—
|
significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
|
The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of June 30, 2023:
|
|
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Other Significant
|
|
|
Significant
|
|
|
Valued at
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices
|
|
|
Observable Inputs
|
|
|
Unobservable Inputs
|
|
|
NAV**
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Investments in Securities*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
$
|
120,018,158
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
1,360,197
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
121,378,355
|
|
Preferred Stock
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
Limited Partnership
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
1,151,904
|
|
|
|
1,151,904
|
|
Money Market Deposit Account
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
352,358
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
352,358
|
|
Total Investments in Securities
|
|
$
|
120,018,158
|
|
|
$
|
352,358
|
|
|
$
|
1,395,467
|
|
|
$
|
1,151,904
|
|
|
$
|
122,917,887
|
|
*
|
Please see the Schedule of Investments for industry classifications.
|
**
|
As of June 30, 2023, certain of the Fund’s investments were valued using net asset value (“NAV”) per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient for fair value and
have been excluded from the fair value hierarchy in accordance with ASU 2015-07. The fair value amount presented in this table is intended to permit reconciliation of the amounts presented in the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented
in the statement of assets and liabilities.
|
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
The Fund values its investment in a private equity limited partnership in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 820-10-35, “Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per
Share (Or its Equivalent)” (“ASC 820-10-35”). ASC 820-10-35 permits a reporting entity to measure the fair value of an investment that does not have a readily determinable fair value, based on the NAV of the investment as a practical expedient,
without further adjustment, unless it is probable that the investment will be sold at a value significantly different than the NAV. If the NAV of the investment is not as of the Fund’s measurement date, then the NAV should be adjusted to reflect any
significant events that may change the valuation. Inputs and valuation techniques for these adjustments may include fair valuations of the partnership and its portfolio holdings provided by the partnership’s general partner or manager, other
available information about the partnership’s portfolio holdings, values obtained on redemption from other limited partners, discussions with the partnership’s general partner or manager and/or other limited partners and comparisons of
previously-obtained estimates to the partnership’s audited financial statements. In using the unadjusted NAV as a practical expedient, certain attributes of the investment that may impact its fair value are not considered. Attributes of those
investments include the investment strategies of the privately held companies and may also include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the investor’s ability to redeem its investments at the measurement date and any unfunded commitments.
Inputs and valuation techniques used by the Valuation Designee to value the Fund’s Level 3 investments in privately-held companies may include the following: acquisition cost; fundamental analytical
data; discounted cash flow analysis; nature and duration of restrictions on disposition of the investment; public trading of similar securities of similar issuers; economic outlook and condition of the industry in which the issuer participates;
financial condition of the issuer; and the issuer’s prospects, including any recent or potential management or capital structure changes. Although these valuation inputs may be observable in the marketplace as is characteristic of Level 2
investments, the privately-held companies, categorized as Level 3 investments, generally are highly illiquid in terms of resale.
When valuing Level 3 investments, management also may consider potential events that could have a material impact on the operations of a privately-held company. Not all of these factors may be
considered or available, and other relevant factors may be considered on an investment-by-investment basis. The table below summarizes the techniques and unobservable inputs for the valuation of Level 3 investments.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
Quantitative Information about certain Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
|
|
Value at
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2023
|
|
Valuation Technique
|
Unobservable Inputs
|
|
Range1
|
|
Healthcare-Products
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EyeSense AG, Series A—Common Shares
|
|
$
|
50,466
|
|
Market approach
|
Latest round of financing with
|
|
70-90%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
an additional discount as a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
going concern using a
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
probability weighted approach
|
|
|
|
Spineart SA—Common Shares
|
|
|
1,309,731
|
|
Market approach
|
Based on listed trading
|
|
15-25%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
multiples, cross checked to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
secondary share purchase
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
with additional discount for
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
lack of marketability
|
|
|
|
Industrial Goods & Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SelFrag AG Class A—Preferred Shares
|
|
|
35,270
|
|
Market approach
|
Latest round of financing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
with an additional discount
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for lack of marketability
|
|
40-60%
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,395,467
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
Significant changes in any of these ranges would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. A change in the discount rate is accompanied by a
directionally opposite change in fair value.
|
The following is a reconciliation of Level 3 assets for which significant unobservable inputs were used to determine fair value.
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Preferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2022
|
|
$
|
1,384,260
|
|
|
$
|
48,722
|
|
|
$
|
1,432,982
|
|
Change in Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation
|
|
|
(24,063
|
)
|
|
|
(13,452
|
)
|
|
|
(37,515
|
)
|
Net Realized Gain (Loss)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gross Purchases
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Gross Sales
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Transfer out of Level 3
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Balance as of June 30, 2023
|
|
$
|
1,360,197
|
|
|
$
|
35,270
|
|
|
$
|
1,395,467
|
|
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) during the period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for Level 3 investments held at June 30, 2023
|
|
|
(24,063
|
)
|
|
|
(13,452
|
)
|
|
|
(37,515
|
)
|
C. Derivative Instruments
GAAP requires enhanced disclosure that enables investors to understand how and why an entity uses derivatives, how derivatives are accounted for, and how derivative instruments affect an entity's
results of operations and financial position.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
The Fund did not hold any derivative instruments during the period ended June 30, 2023.
D. Securities Transactions and Investment Income
Securities transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are determined by comparing the proceeds of a sale or the cost of a purchase to a specific offsetting transaction.
Dividend income, net of any foreign taxes withheld, is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Interest income, including amortization of premium and accretion of discount, is accrued daily. Estimated
expenses are also accrued daily.
The Fund records Swiss withholding tax as a reduction of dividend income, net of any amount reclaimable from Swiss tax authorities in accordance with the tax treaty between the United States and
Switzerland.
Distributions received from securities that represent a return of capital or capital gains are recorded as a reduction of cost of investment and/or as a realized gain.
E. Distributions
The Fund makes distributions at least annually to the extent it has any federally taxable net investment income and makes distributions of any net realized capital gains to the extent that they exceed
any capital loss carryforwards. The Fund determines the size and nature of these distributions in accordance with provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Fund records dividends and distributions on the
ex-dividend date.
In May 2018, the Board adopted a managed distribution policy that permits the Fund to distribute long-term capital gains more frequently than once per year as permitted by the Act. Distributions under
the managed distribution plan may consist of net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital (or other capital sources). In August 2018, the Board
suspended until further notice any distributions that would otherwise be payable pursuant to the managed distribution policy. In November 2019, the Board approved the resumption of distributions pursuant to the managed distribution policy. The Board
may change or terminate the managed distribution policy at any time without prior notice to Fund stockholders, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s shares. On March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, in accordance with the
Fund’s managed distribution policy as then in effect, the Fund paid quarterly distributions of $0.12285 per share of the Fund’s common stock to all stockholders of record as of March 22, 2023 and June 21, 2023, respectively.
F. Federal Income Taxes
The Fund’s policy is to continue to comply with the requirements of the Code that are applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute all its taxable income to its stockholders.
Therefore, no federal income tax provision is required.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
Income and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations, which may differ from GAAP. See Note 5 for federal income tax treatment of foreign currency
gains/losses.
Management has analyzed the Fund’s tax positions taken on federal income tax returns for all open tax years and has concluded that no provision for federal income tax is required in the Fund’s financial
statements. The Fund files federal tax returns which remain open for examination generally for the current year and the three prior years. In addition, the Fund holds investments in Switzerland and other foreign tax jurisdictions. Withholding taxes
on foreign interest and dividends have been provided for in accordance with each applicable country’s tax rules and rates.
G. Foreign Currency Translation
The Fund maintains its accounting records in U.S. dollars. The Fund’s assets are invested primarily in Swiss equities. In addition, the Fund can make its temporary investments in Swiss franc-denominated
bank deposits, short-term debt securities and money market instruments. Substantially all income received by the Fund is in Swiss francs. The Fund’s NAV, however, is reported, and distributions from the Fund are made, in U.S. dollars, resulting in
gain or loss from currency conversions in the ordinary course of business. Historically, the Fund has not entered into transactions designed to reduce currency risk and does not intend to do so in the future. The cost basis of foreign denominated
assets and liabilities is determined on the date that they are first recorded within the Fund and translated to U.S. dollars. These assets and liabilities are subsequently valued each day at prevailing exchange rates. The difference between the
original cost and current value denominated in U.S. dollars is recorded as unrealized foreign currency gain/loss. In valuing securities transactions, the receipt of income and the payment of expenses, the Fund uses the prevailing exchange rate on the
transaction date.
Net realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency shown in the Fund’s financial statements result from the sale of foreign currencies, from currency gains or losses realized between the
trade and settlement dates of securities transactions, and from the difference between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund’s books and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts actually received or
paid.
When calculating realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments, the Fund does not separate the gain or loss attributable to changes in the foreign currency price of the security from the gain
or loss attributable to the change in the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency. Other foreign currency translations resulting in realized and unrealized gain or loss are disclosed separately.
H. Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the increases and decreases in net assets from operations during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
I. Concentration of Market Risk
The Fund primarily invests in securities of Swiss issuers. Such investments may carry certain risks not ordinarily associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include future
political and economic developments, unfavorable movements in the Swiss franc relative to the U.S. dollar, and the possible imposition of exchange controls and changes in governmental law and restrictions. In addition, concentrations of investments
in securities of issuers located in a specific region expose the Fund to the economic and government policies of that region and may increase risk compared to a fund whose investments are more diversified.
Note 2—Fees and Transactions with Affiliates
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA”) and its affiliate, Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd” and together with SIMNA, “Schroders”), serve as the
Fund’s investment adviser and investment sub-adviser, respectively. The Fund pays SIMNA an annual advisory fee of 0.70% of the Fund’s average month-end net assets up to $250 million, 0.60% of such assets in excess of $250 million and up to $350
million, 0.55% of such assets in excess of $350 million and up to $450 million, 0.50% of such assets in excess of $450 million and up to $550 million, and 0.45% of such assets in excess of $550 million. As compensation for its investment sub-advisory
services, SIMNA Ltd receives 63% of the advisory fee paid by the Fund to SIMNA.
The Fund pays each Director who is not an “interested person” (as such term is defined in the Act) of the Fund or Schroders (“Non-Interested Directors”), $42,000 annually in compensation, except for the
Chairman of the Board to whom the Fund pays an annual fee of $56,000 and for the Chairs of the Audit, the Pricing and the Governance/Nominating Committees to each of whom the Fund pays an annual fee of $48,000. In addition, the Fund pays each
Non-Interested Director $2,000 for each Board meeting attended in person, and $750 for each Board meeting attended by telephone. Each Director who is a member of a Committee will be paid a fee of $750 for each Committee meeting attended, whether in
person or by telephone. The Board or a Committee may establish ad hoc committees or subcommittees. Any Committee or sub-committee member may be compensated by the Fund for incremental work outside of the regular meeting process based on the value
determined to be added to the Fund. In July 2018, the Board approved a change to its By-Laws and Board committee charters to provide that each Director who is not an “interested person” of Schroders or its affiliates will be entitled to receive the
above fees. The Fund pays an annual fee of $25,000 to the President and Chief Executive Officer, $30,000 to the Chief Financial Officer, $25,000 to the Secretary and $54,000 to the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund.
Note 3—Other Service Providers
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC is the Fund’s transfer agent. U.S. Bank, N.A. serves as the Fund’s custodian and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, provides
administration and portfolio accounting services to the Fund. The Fund pays these service providers’ fees, which are accrued daily and paid monthly.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
In addition to its other service provider fees, the Fund incurs certain professional fees, including fees of its outside legal counsel as well as fees of its independent registered public accounting
firm. Those fees vary depending on the nature of the Fund’s activities each year.
Note 4—Capital Share Transactions
The Fund is authorized to issue up to 50 million shares of capital stock. Transactions in capital shares were as follows:
|
|
For the Period Ended
|
|
|
For the Year Ended
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2023
|
|
|
December 31, 2022
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
Dividends Reinvested
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Repurchased through Stock Repurchase Program (Note 6)
|
|
|
(205,045
|
)
|
|
|
(1,687,598
|
)
|
|
|
(16,504
|
)
|
|
|
(120,928
|
)
|
Repurchased from Tender Offer (Note 7)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Net Increase/(Decrease)
|
|
|
(205,045
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,687,598
|
)
|
|
|
(16,504
|
)
|
|
$
|
(120,928
|
)
|
Note 5—Federal Income Tax and Investment Transactions
The tax character of distributions paid during 2022 and 2021 were as follows:
|
|
2022
|
|
|
2021
|
|
Ordinary Income
|
|
$
|
810,137
|
|
|
$
|
907,509
|
|
Return of Capital
|
|
|
5,241,653
|
|
|
|
5,667,420
|
|
Long-Term Capital Gains
|
|
|
2,167,057
|
|
|
|
1,076,948
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
8,218,847
|
|
|
$
|
7,651,877
|
|
Under current tax law, capital losses and specified ordinary losses realized after October 31 may be deferred and treated as occurring on the first business day of the following fiscal year. The Fund
did not defer any post-October capital and currency losses and other late-year deferrals for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Capital loss carryovers retain their character as either long-term capital losses or short-term capital losses and are applied as a new loss on the first day of the immediately succeeding tax year.
During the tax year ending December 31, 2022, the Fund did not have any capital loss carryovers.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings on a tax basis were as follows:
Tax cost of investments
|
|
$
|
88,977,674
|
|
Unrealized appreciation
|
|
|
37,699,931
|
|
Unrealized depreciation
|
|
|
(12,040,572
|
)
|
Net unrealized appreciation
|
|
|
25,659,359
|
|
Net unrealized on foreign currency
|
|
|
4,375
|
|
Undistributed ordinary income
|
|
|
—
|
|
Undistributed long-term capital gains
|
|
|
—
|
|
Distributable earnings
|
|
|
—
|
|
Other accumulated losses
|
|
|
(74,864
|
)
|
Total distributable earnings
|
|
$
|
25,588,870
|
|
The differences between book basis and tax basis distributable earnings are primarily attributable to tax deferral of wash sales and investments in partnerships.
Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are treated as ordinary income and loss, respectively, for federal income tax purposes.
The following summarizes all distributions declared by the Fund during the year ended December 31, 2022:
Record Date
|
|
Payable Date
|
|
Ordinary Income
|
|
|
Return of Capital
|
|
|
ST Cap Gains
|
|
|
LT Cap Gains
|
|
|
Total Distribution
|
|
3/22/22
|
|
3/31/22
|
|
$
|
0.01641201
|
|
|
$
|
0.10618706
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
0.04390093
|
|
|
$
|
0.16650
|
|
6/21/22
|
|
6/30/22
|
|
|
0.01641201
|
|
|
|
0.10618706
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.04390093
|
|
|
|
0.16650
|
|
9/21/22
|
|
9/30/22
|
|
|
0.01641201
|
|
|
|
0.10618706
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.04390093
|
|
|
|
0.16650
|
|
12/20/22
|
|
12/30/22
|
|
|
0.01210940
|
|
|
|
0.07834883
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
0.03239176
|
|
|
|
0.12285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.62235
|
|
There were no reclassifications made between total distributable earnings and paid-in capital.
Note 6—Stock Repurchase Program
Pursuant to authorization by the Board, the Fund began open market purchases of its common stock on the New York Stock Exchange in 1999. The Board has authorized a stock repurchase program permitting
such purchases by the Fund in each subsequent year, except for 2014. The principal purpose of the stock repurchase program has been to enhance stockholder value by increasing the Fund’s NAV per share.
On December 7, 2018, the Fund announced the Board’s approval of the Fund’s stock repurchase program for 2019. Under the 2019 program, the Fund was authorized to make open-market repurchases of its
common stock of up to 250,000 shares. The Fund did not repurchase any common stock pursuant to the program during the year ended December 31, 2019. On December 13, 2019, the Fund announced the Board’s approval of the Fund’s stock repurchase plan for
2020 of up to 250,000 shares of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Fund
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (continued)
repurchased 54,857 shares of its capital stock in the open market at a cost of $449,102. The weighted average discount of these purchases comparing the average purchase price to net asset value at the
close of the New York Stock Exchange was 16.33%.
On December 12, 2020, the Board approved the Fund’s stock repurchase plan for 2021 of up to 250,000 shares of common stock. The Fund did not repurchase any common stock pursuant to the plan during the
year ended December 31, 2021. On December 10, 2021, the Board approved the Fund’s stock repurchase program for 2022 of up to 250,000 shares of common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Fund repurchased 16,504 shares of its capital
stock in the open market at a cost of $120,928. The weighted average discount of these purchases comparing the average purchase price to net asset value at the close of the New York Stock Exchange was 14.09%.
On December 15, 2022, the Board approved the Fund’s stock repurchase program for 2023 of up to 250,000 shares of common stock. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Fund repurchased 205,045
shares of its capital stock in the open market at a cost of $1,687,598. The weighted average discount of these purchases comparing the average purchase price to net asset value at the close of the New York Stock Exchange was 16.32%.
The Fund intends to repurchase shares of its common stock, at such times and in such amounts as is deemed advisable and in accordance with applicable law, subject to various factors, including the
limitations imposed by the federal securities laws governing the repurchase of an issuer’s stock by the issuer and the Fund’s available cash to repurchase shares of the Fund’s common stock below NAV.
Note 7—Capital Commitments
As of June 30, 2023, the Fund maintains an illiquid investment in one private equity limited partnership. This investment appears in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. The Fund’s capital commitment for
this partnership is shown in the table below:
|
Original Capital
|
Unfunded
|
Investments
|
Commitment*
|
Commitment*
|
Private Equity Limited Partnership—International(a)
|
|
|
Aravis Biotech II, Limited Partnership
|
$3,632,706
|
$ —
|
*
|
The original capital commitment represents 3,250,000 Swiss francs, which has been fully funded as of December 31, 2022. The Swiss franc/U.S. dollar exchange rate as of June
30, 2023 was used for conversion and equaled 0.89465 as of such date.
|
(a)
|
This category consists of one private equity limited partnership that invests primarily in venture capital companies in the biotechnology and medical technology sectors.
There is no redemption right for the interest in this limited partnership. Instead, the nature of investments in this category is that distributions are received through the realization of the underlying assets of the limited partnership.
|
Note 8—Investment Transactions
The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of investments, other than short-term obligations, for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $6,507,419 and $9,435,766, respectively.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) (concluded)
Note 9—Credit Facility
The Fund and U.S. Bank, National Association (“U.S. Bank”) are party to a credit agreement, dated as of March 29, 2023, pursuant to which U.S. Bank has made available to the Fund a $15,000,000 committed
credit facility. Interest is charged on outstanding borrowings under the credit facility at the annual rate of the prime rate minus 2.10%. The Fund is responsible for paying a commitment fee to U.S. Bank on the unused portion of the credit facility
at an annual rate of (i) 0.250% of the unused amount of the credit facility if the used amount of the credit facility is less than 75% of the credit facility or (ii) 0.175% of the unused amount of the credit facility if the used amount of the credit
facility is 75% or more of the credit facility. The credit facility will terminate on March 27, 2024. The Fund has pledged its assets as collateral to secure its obligations under the credit agreement. The Fund retains the risk and rewards of the
ownership of the assets pledged to secure its obligations under the credit agreement. As of June 30, 2023, the amount of total outstanding borrowings under the credit agreement was $0.
For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Fund’s activity under the credit facility activity was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
Maximum Amount
|
Average Daily
|
Maximum Amount
|
Interest
|
Commitment
|
Average
|
Available
|
Borrowings
|
Outstanding
|
Expense
|
Fee
|
Interest Rate
|
$15,000,000
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
$10,487
|
N/A
|
Note 10—Subsequent Events
The Fund has evaluated the need for disclosures and/or adjustments resulting from subsequent events through the date financial statements were available to be issued. Based on this evaluation, no
adjustments or additional disclosures were deemed to be required to the financial statements as of June 30, 2023.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Information Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)
At an in-person meeting held on March 24, 2023, all of the members of the Fund’s Board of Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) of the
Fund (the “Independent Directors”), constituting a majority of the Fund’s Board of Directors, considered and approved a proposal to renew (i) the Investment Advisory Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014 (the “Advisory Agreement”), between the Fund
and Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA”), and (ii) the Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2014, as amended as of November 1, 2015, as of September 19, 2017 and as April 1, 2020 (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement” and,
together with the Advisory Agreement, the “Agreements”), between SIMNA and Schroder Investment Management North America Limited (“SIMNA Ltd.” and, together with SIMNA, the “Adviser”). Prior to the meeting, Fund counsel requested, and the Adviser
provided, materials to aid the Directors in their consideration of the proposal. It was noted that the Directors met over the course of the year with investment advisory personnel from the Adviser and regularly review detailed information regarding
the Fund. In addition, the Board held a meeting via video conference on March 20, 2023 with counsel and representatives of the Adviser to commence review of the materials provided and the relevant legal considerations. In approving the continuation
of the Agreements, the Directors considered all factors that they considered relevant, including the specific factors described below. The Directors did not identify any one factor as all-important or controlling, and each Director attributed
different weights to the various factors.
The Directors considered various data and information regarding the nature, extent and quality of services provided, including, among other things, information about the background and experience of
senior management and investment personnel responsible for managing the Fund. The Directors considered the information provided regarding the portfolio managers and other resources dedicated to the Fund and the investment philosophy and process and
disciplined investment approach followed by those individuals in managing the Fund, including the importance of dedicated Switzerland-based portfolio managers.
The Directors reviewed the Fund’s investment performance, determining that the Fund’s performance should be evaluated against the achievement of the Fund’s investment objective of seeking long-term
capital appreciation through investment primarily in equity and equity-linked securities of Swiss companies. The Directors considered the Fund’s performance against the Swiss Performance Index (the “SPI”) and against a list of non-U.S. funds that
invest in Swiss equities in the Morningstar Category “Switzerland Large-Cap Equity (offshore territories)”, which includes two non-U.S. funds advised by the Adviser. Although the performance data for funds included in the list included one-year,
two-year, three-year, five-year and 10-year returns ended December 31, 2022, the Directors considered most relevant the total returns for the one-year, three-year, and five year periods ended December 31, 2022 due to the fact that the Adviser
commenced management of the Fund effective July 1, 2014.
The Directors noted that the Fund’s total return based on net asset value on an absolute basis was -17.97% for the one year period ended December 31, 2022, and that its total return based on share price
over that period was -17.62%, both slightly underperforming the 17.16% decrease in the SPI
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Information Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)
(continued)
for the same period. The Directors also noted that for the three year and five year periods ending December 31, 2022, the Fund’s annualized total return based on share price underperformed the SPI by
0.23% and 1.96%, respectively, and that the Fund’s annualized total return based on net asset value under underperformed the SPI for those periods by 0.97% and 1.55%, respectively. The Directors noted that for the quarter ended December 31, 2022,
the Fund outperformed the SPI based on a total return net asset value basis by 1.27 and share price basis by 2.17% and that for the two month period ended February 28, 2023, the Fund slightly outperformed the SPI on a total return net asset value
basis by 0.15% and slightly underperformed based on share price by 0.42%. The Directors also noted that the Fund generally outperformed the Adviser’s non-U.S. peer funds on a total return net asset value basis for the one-year, three year and
five-year periods ended December 31, 2022. The Directors also observed that, unlike the Fund, the returns of the SPI and the peer funds were not subject to the same regulatory restrictions, including issuer and concentration limits, applicable to
the Fund by virtue of the Investment Company Act.
The Directors reviewed the information provided by the Adviser and compiled by Broadridge showing a comparison of the Adviser’s fee rate for the Fund, as well as the Fund’s expense ratio, compared to a
peer group of U.S. registered closed-end funds selected independently by Broadridge having similar objectives, strategies and asset sizes as the Fund. The Directors noted that the Fund ranked in the first quintile with respect to the Adviser’s
contractual fee, second quintile with respect to the Adviser’s actual fee, fifth quintile with respect to the Fund’s total expenses and fifth quintile with respect to the Fund’s non-management expenses. The Directors considered that in November 2018
the Fund completed a large self-tender offer that reduced the size of the Fund and thereby increased expense ratios for the Fund commencing in 2019. The Directors considered that the peer non-U.S. funds advised by the Adviser had higher management
fees compared to the Fund.
The Directors considered information regarding the profitability of the Fund’s advisory arrangements to the Adviser. The Adviser discussed the methodology utilized for determining its profitability.
The Directors determined that the level of profitability did not appear inappropriate or unreasonable at this time. The Directors noted that the Adviser experienced a decrease in profitability in 2022 compared to 2021 due to a decrease in the dollar
amount of assets under management during the year. During 2022 the Fund had average net assets of $123.7 million whereas during 2021 the Fund had average net assets of $144 million.
The Directors considered that the Fund is a closed-end fund and that it was not expected to have meaningful asset growth absent primarily a rights offering or an acquisition. They did not view the
potential for realization of economies of scale as the Fund’s assets grow to be a meaningful factor in their deliberations, and that due to the Fund’s significant tender offer completed in November 2018, it does not appear that the Fund will likely
experience economies of scale in the near future. The Non-Interested Directors noted, however, that the advisory fee rate schedule under the Advisory Agreement contains multiple breakpoints commencing with assets of U.S. $250 million and above and
that these breakpoints would benefit stockholders.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Information Regarding Approval of Investment Advisory Agreement (Unaudited)
(concluded)
The Directors considered information regarding the financial position of each of SIMNA and SIMNA Ltd. and were satisfied that they each have adequate resources to continue to perform the services
required under the Agreements.
The Directors considered other benefits that the Adviser or its parent could be considered to derive from their relationship with the Fund, including the marketing value of the Fund’s performance in
attracting other clients. The Directors determined that these benefits were relatively minor and did not affect their overall assessment of the reasonableness of the relationship.
Based on the evaluation of these factors, the Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, unanimously concluded that the Fund’s advisory fee rate was reasonable in relation to the service
rendered by the Adviser and, therefore, approved the continuation of the Agreements.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Additional Information (Unaudited)
This report is sent to the stockholders of the Fund for their information. It is not a prospectus, circular or representation intended for use in the purchase or sale of shares of the Fund or of any
securities mentioned in this report.
Proxy Voting Information
A description of the policies and procedures that the Fund uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available, without charge and upon request, by calling (800) 730-2932
and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. The Fund’s proxy voting record for the twelve-month period ended June 30 is available, without charge and upon request, by calling (800) 730-2932 and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Availability of Quarterly Portfolio Schedules
The Fund files its complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Part F of Form N-PORT. The Fund’s Part F of Form N-PORT are available on
the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors of the Fund and the Advisor have adopted Codes of Ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 under the Act and Rule 204A-1 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended the “Codes”).
The Codes apply to the personal investing activities of various individuals including directors and officers of the Fund, the Fund’s portfolio managers and designated officers, directors and employees of the Advisor. The provisions of the Codes place
restrictions on individuals who are involved in managing the Fund’s portfolio, who help execute the portfolio managers’ decisions or who come into possession of contemporaneous information concerning the investment activities of the Fund.
The fundamental principle of the Codes is that the individuals covered by the Codes have a fiduciary responsibility to the Fund and its stockholders. They are, therefore, required at all times to place
the interests of the Fund and the stockholders first and to conduct all personal securities transactions in a manner so as to avoid any actual or potential conflict of interest or abuse of their position of trust.
Portfolio managers and other individuals, within the Advisor, with knowledge of Fund investment activities are prohibited from purchasing or selling a security during a blackout period of 30 calendar
days before and after the date on which the Fund effects a trade in the same or a similar security. They are also prohibited from engaging in short-term trading of Swiss equity or equity-linked securities.
Additionally, the Fund’s portfolio managers are prohibited from participating in any initial public offering or private placement of Swiss equity and equity-linked securities and other covered
individuals must obtain prior clearance before doing so.
The Advisor’s Code provides that any individual subject to such Code and who violates the provisions of the Code is required to reverse the transaction and to turn over any resulting profits to the
Fund. The Fund and the Advisor have adopted compliance procedures and have appointed compliance officers to ensure that all covered individuals comply with the Codes.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Additional Information (Unaudited) (concluded)
Federal Tax Distribution Information
The Fund designates 100% of its ordinary income dividend distributions for the qualified dividend rate (QDI) as defined in Section 1(h)(11) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The amounts may differ from those elsewhere in this report because of difference between tax and financial reporting requirements. For federal income tax purposes, distributions from short-term capital
gains are classified as ordinary income. The Fund designated 0.00% of taxable ordinary income distributions designated as short-term capital gain distributions under Internal Revenue Section 871 (k)(2)(C).
The Fund intends to elect to pass through to stockholders the income tax credit for taxes paid to foreign countries. Foreign source income and foreign tax expense per outstanding shares on December 31,
2022, were $0.26 and $0.04 per share, respectively.
Foreign Income Information
Pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Fund designates the following amounts as foreign taxes paid for the year ended December 31, 2022. Foreign taxes paid for purposes of Section 853
may be less than actual foreign taxes paid for financial statement purposes.
Gross Foreign
|
Foreign Taxes
|
Gross Foreign
|
Foreign Taxes
|
Shares Outstanding
|
Source Income
|
Pass-through
|
Source Income Per Share
|
Pass-through Per Share
|
at 12/31/22
|
$3,473,999
|
$489,567
|
$0.26326651
|
$0.03710035
|
13,195,750
|
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Certain Information Concerning Directors (Unaudited)
The following tables set forth certain information about each person currently serving as a Director of the Fund, including his or her beneficial ownership of Common Stock of the Fund. All information
presented in the tables is as of June 30, 2023.
|
Position(s)
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Name,
|
with Fund
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Held By Director
|
Address1 & Age
|
(Since)
|
During At Least The Past Five Years
|
During At Least The Past Five Years
|
Class I
|
Richard Dayan
|
Director (2018);
|
President and owner of
|
Trustee of High Income Securities
|
|
Member of the
|
Cactus Trading since 1990
|
Fund since 2018
|
Age: 79
|
Audit Committee (2018);
|
|
|
|
Member of the
|
|
|
|
Governance/
|
|
|
|
Nominating
|
|
|
|
Committee (2018)
|
|
|
Moritz A. Sell
|
Director (2017);
|
Principal, Edison Holdings GmbH;
|
Trustee of High Income Securities
|
|
Member and
|
Senior Advisor, Markston
|
Fund since 2018; Director of FAX
|
Age: 55
|
Chair of the Audit
|
International LLC until 2019; Director,
|
(Aberdeen Asia Pacific Income
|
|
Committee (2017);
|
Market Strategist and Head of
|
Fund) and FCO (Aberdeen Global
|
|
Lead Independent
|
Proprietary Trading (London Branch),
|
Income Fund) since 2018; Director of
|
|
Director (2018)
|
Landesbank Berlin AG and
|
IAF (Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund)
|
|
|
Landesbank Berlin Holding AG
|
since 2004; Director of Aberdeen
|
|
|
(formerly, Bankgesellschaft Berlin AG)
|
Greater China Fund until 2018;
|
|
|
from 1996 to 2013
|
Chairman and Director of
|
|
|
|
Aberdeen Singapore Fund
|
|
|
|
until 2018
|
Class II
|
Andrew Dakos*
|
Director
|
Partner, Bulldog Investors, LLP;
|
President and Director of Special
|
|
(2017) and
|
Partner, Ryan Heritage, LLP;
|
Opportunities Fund, Inc. since
|
Age: 57
|
Chairman (2018)
|
Principal of the former general partner
|
2009; Trustee, Crossroads
|
|
|
of several private investment
|
Liquidating Trust (formerly,
|
|
|
partnerships in the Bulldog
|
Crossroads Capital, Inc.) from
|
|
|
Investors group of private funds;
|
2015-2020; President and Trustee of
|
|
|
Principal of the managing general
|
High Income Securities Fund since
|
|
|
partner of Bulldog Investors
|
2018; Director, Brookfield DTLA
|
|
|
General Partnership
|
Fund Office Trust Investor Inc.
|
|
|
|
since 2017
|
*
|
Mr. Dakos is considered an “interested person” of the Fund within the meaning of the 1940 Act (and a Class II Interested Director of the Fund) as a result of his position as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fund.
|
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Certain Information Concerning Directors (Unaudited) (concluded)
|
Position(s)
|
|
Other Directorships
|
Name,
|
with Fund
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Held By Director
|
Address1 & Age
|
(Since)
|
During At Least The Past Five Years
|
During At Least The Past Five Years
|
Class III
|
Phillip F. Goldstein
|
Director (2018);
|
Partner of Bulldog Investors, LLP
|
Chairman and Director of The
|
|
Member and
|
since 2009; Partner of Ryan
|
Mexico Equity and Income Fund,
|
Age: 78
|
Chair of the
|
Heritage, LLP; Principal of the former
|
Inc. since 2000; Chairman,
|
|
Governance/
|
general partner of several private
|
Director and Secretary of Special
|
|
Nominating
|
investment partnerships in the
|
Opportunities Fund, Inc. since
|
|
Committee (2018)
|
Bulldog Investors group of private
|
2009; Chairman, Trustee and Secretary
|
|
|
funds since 2009; Principal of the
|
of High Income Securities Fund since
|
|
|
managing general partner of
|
2018; Director of Brookfield DTLA
|
|
|
Bulldog Investors General Partnership
|
Fund Office Trust Investor Inc.
|
|
|
|
since 2017; MVC Capital, Inc. from
|
|
|
|
2012-2020; Trustee of Crossroads
|
|
|
|
Liquidating Trust (formerly,
|
|
|
|
Crossroads Capital, Inc.) from
|
|
|
|
2016-2020
|
Gerald Hellerman
|
Director (2018);
|
Chief Compliance Officer of
|
Director of Mexico Equity and
|
|
Member of the
|
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund,
|
Income Fund, Inc. since 2001;
|
Age: 85
|
Audit Committee
|
Inc. from 2001 through March 31,
|
Special Opportunities Fund, Inc.
|
|
(2018); Member
|
2020 and Special Opportunities
|
since 2009; Fiera Capital Series Trust
|
|
and Chair of the
|
Fund, Inc. from 2009 through
|
since 2017; Trustee of High
|
|
Pricing Committee
|
March 31, 2020; Managing Director
|
Income Securities Fund since 2018;
|
|
(2018)
|
of Hellerman Associates (a financial
|
MVC Capital, Inc. from
|
|
|
and corporate consulting firm)
|
2003-2020; Trustee of Crossroads
|
|
|
since 1993 (which terminated
|
Liquidating Trust (formerly, Crossroads
|
|
|
activities as of December 31, 2013)
|
Capital, Inc.) from 2017-2020
|
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Certain Information Concerning Officers (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth certain information about each person serving as an Officer of the Fund as of June 30, 2023.
Officers2
|
Name,
|
Position(s)
|
Term of Office and
|
Principal Occupation(s)
|
Address1 & Age
|
with Fund
|
Length of Time Served
|
During At Least The Past Five Years
|
Andrew Dakos
|
President and
|
President and Chief
|
Partner, Bulldog Investors, LLP;
|
|
Chief Executive
|
Executive Officer since 2019;
|
Partner, Ryan Heritage, LLP;
|
Age: 57
|
Officer; Director
|
Chairman since 2018;
|
Principal of the former general
|
|
and Chairman.
|
Director since 2017
|
partner of several private
|
|
|
|
investment partnerships in the
|
|
|
|
Bulldog Investors group of private
|
|
|
|
funds; Principal of the managing
|
|
|
|
general partner of Bulldog
|
|
|
|
Investors General Partnership
|
Thomas Antonucci
|
Chief Financial
|
Since 2019
|
Director of Operations,
|
|
Officer
|
|
Bulldog Investors, LLP;
|
Age: 54
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
and Treasurer of Special
|
|
|
|
Opportunities Fund; Treasurer
|
|
|
|
of High Income Securities Fund
|
Stephanie Darling
|
Chief Compliance
|
Since 2019
|
General Counsel and Chief
|
|
Officer
|
|
Compliance Officer of Bulldog
|
Age: 53
|
|
|
Investors, LLP; Chief Compliance
|
|
|
|
Officer of Ryan Heritage, LLP,
|
|
|
|
High Income Securities
|
|
|
|
Fund, Special Opportunities Fund,
|
|
|
|
Inc., and Mexico Equity and
|
|
|
|
Income Fund, Inc.; Principal of The
|
|
|
|
Law Office of Stephanie Darling;
|
|
|
|
Editor-in-Chief of The
|
|
|
|
Investment Lawyer
|
Rajeev Das
|
Secretary
|
Since 2019
|
Head of Trading, Bulldog
|
|
|
|
Investors, LLP
|
Age: 54
|
|
|
|
1
|
The address for each Director and Executive Officer is c/o The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc., 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
|
2
|
Each Executive Officer serves on a year-to-year basis for an indefinite term, until his or her successor is elected and qualified.
|
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited)
Terms and Conditions
Pursuant to this Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the “Plan”) of The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”), unless a holder (each, a “Stockholder”) of the Fund’s shares of common stock (the
“Common Shares”) otherwise elects, all income dividends, capital gain distributions and returns of capital, if any (collectively referred to herein as “dividends”), on such Stockholder’s Common Shares will be automatically reinvested by Equiniti
Trust Company, LLC, as agent for Stockholders in administering the Plan (the “Plan Administrator”), in additional Common Shares of the Fund. Stockholders who elect not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends payable in cash directly to
the Stockholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, as the Dividend Disbursing Agent. Stockholders may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive
all dividends in cash by contacting the Plan Administrator. Enrollment, purchase or sales of shares and other transactions or services offered by the Plan can be directed to the Plan Administrator through the following:
Telephone
Telephone the Plan Administrator: 1-888-556-0425.
In Writing
You may also write to the Plan Administrator at the following address: Equiniti Trust Company, LLC, PO Box 922, Wall Street Station, New York, NY 10269-0560. Be sure to include your
name, address, daytime phone number, social security or tax I.D. number and a reference to The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. on all correspondence.
Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary and may be terminated at any time without penalty by providing notice in writing to the Plan Administrator at least 3 business days prior to any
dividend payment date for that dividend to be payable in cash. A request for termination that is received less than 3 business days prior to any dividend payment date will be processed by the Plan Administrator, but you will have that dividend
reinvested in additional Common Shares. However, all subsequent dividends will be payable in cash unless and until you resume participation in the Plan. To resume participation in the Plan, your request to enroll in the Plan must be received by the
record date for that dividend distribution. If received after the record date, your participation in the Plan will begin with the next dividend declaration.
Whenever the Fund declares a dividend, payable either in Common Shares or in cash, participants in the Plan will receive a number of Common Shares determined in accordance with the following provisions
and non-participants in the Plan will receive cash. The Common Shares will be acquired by the Plan Administrator for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either: (i) through the receipt of additional unissued
but authorized Common Shares from the Fund (“newly issued Common Shares”) or (ii) by purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market (“open-market purchases”) on the New York Stock Exchange, the primary national securities exchange on which
the Common Shares are traded, or elsewhere.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited) (continued)
If, on the payment date for any dividend, the net asset value (“NAV”) per Common Share is equal to or less than the market price per Common Share (plus estimated brokerage trading fees) (such condition
being referred to herein as “market premium”), the Plan Administrator will invest the dividend amount in newly issued Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of newly issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant’s account
will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the dividend by the NAV per Common Share on the date the Common Shares are issued, provided that, if the NAV per Common Share is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per Common
Share on the date of issuance, the dollar amount of the dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the date of issuance for purposes of determining the number of shares issuable under the Plan.
If, on the payment date for any dividend, the NAV per Common Share is greater than the market price of the Common Shares (plus estimated brokerage trading fees) (such condition being referred to herein
as “market discount”), the Plan Administrator will invest the dividend amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in open-market purchases.
In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any dividend, the Plan Administrator will have until the last business day before the next date on which the Common Shares trade on an
“ex-dividend” basis or in no event more than 30 days after the record date for such dividend, whichever is sooner (the “last purchase date”), to invest the dividend amount in Common Shares acquired in open-market purchases. If, before the Plan
Administrator has completed its open-market purchases, the market price of a Common Share exceeds the NAV per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid by the Plan Administrator may exceed the NAV of the Common Shares, resulting
in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares than if the dividend had been paid in newly issued Common Shares on the dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty with respect to open-market purchases, if the Plan Administrator is unable to
invest the full dividend amount in open-market purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period, the Plan Administrator may cease making open-market purchases and may invest the
uninvested portion of the dividend amount in newly issued Common Shares at the NAV per Common Share at the close of business on the last purchase date provided that, if the NAV is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per Common
Share, the dollar amount of the dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the date of issuance for purposes of determining the number of Common Shares issuable under the Plan.
The Plan Administrator maintains all registered Stockholders’ accounts in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by Stockholders
for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant generally will be held by the Plan Administrator in non-certificated form
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited) (continued)
in the name of the Plan participant, although the Plan Administrator will issue certificates for whole Common Shares upon your request. Certificates for fractional Common Shares will not be issued.
In the case of Stockholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold Common Shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Administrator will administer the Plan on the basis of the
number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record Stockholder and held for the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of dividends payable either in Common Shares or in cash. However, each participant will pay a pro
rata share of brokerage trading fees incurred with respect to the Plan Administrator’s open-market purchases of Common Shares in connection with the reinvestment of dividends under the Plan.
Participants in the Plan may sell any or all of their Common Shares in their Plan accounts by contacting the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator currently charges $15.00 for the transaction, plus
$0.10 per Common Share for this service. Participants also may withdraw their Common Shares from their Plan accounts and sell those Common Shares through their broker.
Neither the Fund nor the Plan Administrator will provide any advice, make any recommendations, or offer any opinion with respect to whether or not you should purchase or sell your Common Shares or
otherwise participate in the Plan. You must make independent investment decisions based on your own judgment and research. The Common Shares held in Plan accounts are not subject to protection under the Securities Investor Protection Act of 1970.
Neither the Fund nor the Plan Administrator will be liable for any good faith act or for any good faith omission to act, including, without limitation, any claim or liability arising out of failure to
terminate a participant’s account upon the participant’s death, the prices at which Common Shares are purchased or sold for a participant’s account, the times when purchases or sales of Common Shares are made, or fluctuations in the market value of
Common Shares. However, nothing contained in this provision affects a Stockholder’s right to bring a cause of action based on alleged violations of the federal securities laws.
Voting
Each Stockholder proxy will include those Common Shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies
for Common Shares held pursuant to the Plan in accordance with the instructions of the participants.
Taxation
The automatic reinvestment of dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such dividends.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan (Unaudited) (concluded)
Amendments to Plan
The Fund reserves the right to suspend, amend or terminate the Plan at any time. All Stockholders of record, both participants and non-participants in the Plan, will be notified of any suspension,
termination or significant amendment of the Plan. If the Plan is terminated, Common Shares held in the participants’ accounts will be distributed to the participants. Any change in the source of purchase of Common Shares under the Plan from open
market purchases or direct issuance by the Plan Administrator does not constitute an amendment to the Plan.
THE SWISS HELVETIA FUND, INC.
Directors and Officers
Andrew Dakos
|
Gerald Hellerman1,4
|
Chairman, President and
|
Director
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
Thomas Antonucci
|
Richard Dayan1,5
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
Director
|
Stephanie Darling
|
Phillip Goldstein2
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
Director
|
Rajeev Das
|
Moritz Sell3,6
|
Secretary
|
Director
|
|
1
|
Audit Committee Member
|
4
|
Pricing Committee Chair
|
2
|
Governance Nominating
|
5
|
Governance Committee
|
|
Committee Chair
|
|
Member
|
3
|
Audit Committee Chair
|
6
|
Lead Independent Director
|
Investment Adviser
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc.
7 Bryant Park
New York, NY 10018-3706
(800) 730-2932
Investment Sub-adviser
Schroder Investment Management North America Ltd.
1 London Wall Place
London, EC2Y, United Kingdom
Administrator
U.S. Bank Global Fund Services
Custodian
U.S. Bank, N.A.
Transfer Agent
Equiniti Trust Company, LLC
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
(888) 556-0425
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Tait, Weller & Baker LLP
The Investment Adviser
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is managed by Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. (“SIMNA Inc.”).
SIMNA Inc. is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). It provides asset management products and services to a broad range of clients including
Schroder Series Trust and Schroder Global Series Trust, investment companies registered with the SEC. SIMNA Inc. is part of a global asset management firm with approximately $923.1 billion in assets under management and administration as of June 30,
2023.
Executive Offices
The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(800) 730-2932
For inquiries and reports:
(800) 730-2932
email: swzintermediary@schroders.com
Website Address
www.swzfund.com
The Fund
The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end investment company whose objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation through investment in equity and equity-linked securities of Swiss companies. The
Fund also may acquire and hold equity and equity-linked securities of non-Swiss companies in limited instances.
The Fund is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “SWZ”.
Net Asset Value is calculated daily by 6:15 P.M. (Eastern Time). The most recent calculation is available by accessing the Fund’s website www.swzfund.com. Net Asset Value is also published weekly in Barron’s, the Monday edition of The Wall Street Journal and the Sunday edition of The New York Times.
(b) Not applicable for this Registrant.
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 6. Investments.
Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under item 1 of the Form.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable for semi-annual reports.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed‑End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
The following purchases were made by or on behalf of the registrant or any “affiliated purchaser,” as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, of shares of the registrant’s equity securities that are
registered by the Registrant pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act made in the period covered by this report.
Period
|
(a)
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
|
(b)
Average Price Paid
per Share (or Unit)
|
(c)
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
|
(d)
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs
|
1/1/23 – 1/31/23
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
2/1/23 – 2/28/23
|
4,510
|
7.80
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
3/1/23 – 3/31/23
|
8,168
|
7.71
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
4/1/23 – 4/30/23
|
177,533
|
8.24
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
5/1/23 – 5/31/23
|
12,649
|
8.34
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
6/1/23 – 6/30/23
|
2,185
|
8.07
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Total
|
205,045
|
8.06
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a)
|
The Registrant’s President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as
of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d‑15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the
disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and
by the Registrant’s service provider.
|
(b)
|
There were no changes in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
|
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
The registrant did not engage in securities lending activities during the fiscal period reported on this Form N-CSR.
Item 13. Exhibits.
(a)
|
(1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an
exhibit. Not applicable.
|
(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c‑1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or
more persons. None.
(4) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
(Registrant) The Swiss Helvetia Fund, Inc.
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Andrew Dakos
Andrew Dakos, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date 8/29/2023
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/ Andrew Dakos
Andrew Dakos, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date 8/29/2023
By (Signature and Title) /s/ Thomas Antonucci
Thomas Antonucci, Chief Financial Officer
Date 8/29/2023