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Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present the annual report for The Italy Fund Inc. for the
year ended January 31, 1997. As of that date, the Fund's net asset value (NAV)
per share was $11.94 as compared to $9.56 as of January 31, 1996. Expressed in
U.S. dollar-denominated terms, the Fund's total return based on net asset value
was 28.27% during the year. This compares favorably with a roughly 21.8%
increase over the same period in the Banco Commerciale Index (BCI Index), a
widely followed Italian index which includes all the securities listed on the
Milan Stock Exchange. On January 31, 1997, total net assets in the Italy Fund
amounted to $113.4 million. Since its inception in 1986, the Italy Fund has
consistently outperformed the BCI Index.
Political Overview
Romano Prodi, an economics professor with centrist views, has been Italy's
prime minister since the election held on April 21, 1996. Mr. Prodi heads an
eight-party center-left coalition that used an Olive Tree as an electoral
symbol.
In recent months, reports have circulated expressing doubts that Italy will
be among the first members of the European Monetary Union (EMU). In response,
Mr. Prodi has been engaged in active damage control in an attempt to refute
these reports that question Italy's fitness to join the EMU. Mr. Prodi's goal is
twofold: calm growing concern in the Italian public and silence foreign critics
who do not believe that Italy is making serious and credible efforts to be part
of the EMU.
In our view, if Mr. Prodi fails to rally the government and unions to back
another round of large and ambitious deficit-cutting measures, Italy risks
grossly overshooting the Maastricht 3.0% deficit target this year. In that case,
Italy's entry into the first round of EMU could be compromised, and, under
certain circumstances, Prodi's "Olive Tree" coalition with it.
Moreover, any difficulties in achieving a government consensus on new
deficit reduction measures and the possibility that Italy will not be included
in the first round of EMU could especially be a wake-up call for Italy's bond
markets. However, these possible corrections in the Italian markets are by no
means a fait accompli. At the conclusion of our letter, we outline some key
reasons why we believe the Italian financial markets could still become one of
the most attractive markets outside the U.S. in the years to come.
Italy Begins to Address Illegal Immigration
Italy's government has recently proposed stricter laws to tighten its
border in an attempt to slow down a sharp increase in illegal immigration.
However, the proposed new laws, which are subject to the approval of Parliament,
will give foreigners who have been allowed to stay broader rights. While the
number of foreigners in Italy is still relatively small (i.e., less than 2% of
the population), the waves of illegal immigrants primarily from Eastern Europe
and North Africa that have entered Italy in recent years have begun to overwhelm
the authorities. The proposed new laws would allow Italian authorities to detain
some illegal immigrants for up to the 30 days and then expel them if their
appeals for entry are denied. In addition, the proposed new laws would allow
immigrants to obtain permanent resident cards, vote in local elections and have
guaranteed access to government programs for education, housing and health care.
Economic Overview
Italy's government has indicated that its projected 1997 deficit will be
reduced by the 62.5 trillion lire mini-budget approved last December, leaving
76.5 trillion lire to be covered. Yet the 3.0% of estimated 1997 nominal Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) for EMU membership requires the budget deficit not to
exceed 58 trillion lire. This means a minimum of 18-20 trillion lire in deficit
cuts will be needed in a mini-budget in early spring.
We believe Italy's approach in meeting this 3.0% deficit target for EMU
will involve a tangle of different government accounts and double accounting
combined with some optimistic projections. For example, we think it will be
challenging for Italy's government
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to implement spending restraints and collect the large, one-time "Euro-tax" to
meet the 62.5 trillion lire mini-budget approved last December. Moreover, many
of Italy's previous mini-budgets have generally been implemented only 50%-70%.
Another critical variable is the country's real GDP growth which may be less
than the government's forecast of 1.5%. Our forecast for Italy's real GDP growth
in 1997 is only 1.1%.
Fund's Investment Strategy
During the reporting period, the Italy Fund continued to gradually reduce
its exposure in the insurance and banking industries and slightly increased its
exposure in the automotive and telecommunications industries. The Fund's top
holding as of January 31, 1997 was Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi (ENI), a
diversified energy company that was privatized in 1996 and has performed quite
well for us. However, as a diversified investment company, the Italy Fund is
prohibited from having securities which constitute 5% or more of the portfolio
aggregate to more than 50% of the Fund. In addition, the other 50% of the Fund
must be comprised of at least two securities. Because we could not raise our
significant stake in ENI without sharply reducing the Fund's other 5% plus
holdings, we had to reduce our exposure to ENI during the reporting period.
Since ENI represents roughly 19% to 23% of the major Italian equity indices, the
Fund always faces a challenge in outperforming the indices whenever ENI does
better than the indices.
From the end of October 1996 to the end of January 1997, the Italy Fund
reduced its insurance industry weighting from 11% to 9% primarily because we
think the margins of many non-life insurance companies peaked in 1995 due mostly
to higher automobile tariffs. Other factors that have also caused us to reduce
our insurance industry weighting include increased price competition among
insurers as Italy's economy grows and the fact that many Italian insurers are
highly capitalized with a significant portion of their assets invested in
low-yielding real estate.
Due to its highly fragmented structure and fierce competitive pressures on
the retail level, the Italy Fund continued to slightly reduce its weighting in
Italy's banking industry. As we have stated in the past, low lending volumes
with declining margins do not bode well for the profitability of many Italian
banks.
Although the Italy Fund increased its weighting in the automobile industry
from October 31, 1996 through January 31, 1997, we sold our position in
automobile manufacturer Fiat and replaced it with more replacement-market
sensitive companies such as Sogefi, Brembo and Pirelli. In our opinion, proposed
changes in Italy's car inspection system (i.e., new cars will be required to be
inspected after four years and thereafter after every two years as opposed to
current rules requiring inspections every ten years and after every four years)
have increased the attractiveness of these types of companies.
In addition, during the reporting period, the Italy Fund initiated a
position in Fila Holding (an athletic footware and apparel retailer) because of
its steady rising market share of the U.S. footware market and excellent apparel
sales in the Far East and Europe. In addition, the Italy Fund reduced its
position in insurer Instituto Nazionale Assic. (INA) after its joint-venture
acquisition with Banco Naz Lavoro (BNL) for Banco di Napoli. We believe INA's
joint-venture acquisition will not improve its future earnings visibility.
The following chart shows these and other changes in the Italy Fund's
industry weightings from October 31, 1996 through January 31, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Industry 1/31/97 10/31/96
- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Automotive 7.43% 6.06%
Banking 11.20 12.70
Construction 3.19 3.14
Consumer Products 6.55 4.79
Energy 14.60 16.85
Engineering 3.75 3.54
Food 3.20 4.02
Insurance 9.12 11.19
Telecommunications 23.85 23.10
Textiles 7.25 3.72
Utilities 5.33 7.89
Miscellaneous 0.53 0.66
Cash 4.00 2.34
------ ------
Total 100.00% 100.00%
</TABLE>
2
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Conclusion
As we stated at the start of this letter, we believe that Italy's financial
markets could very well become among the most attractive outside the U.S.
Despite ongoing political uncertainties and the 15% rise in the Italian stock
market since the beginning of the year, we remain positive about the long-term
upside potential for Italy's stock market because of the following reasons:
--As one of the worst-performing stock markets during the last ten years
while many other world markets have continued to reach all-time highs,
the argument for some type of catch-up for Italy's stock market has, in
our view, grown stronger.
--The 500-basis point decline in both short- and long-term interest rates
has already propelled Italy's bond market, while its stock market has
noticeably lagged. While Maastricht-inspired investor euphoria has been
beneficial for many Italian bonds and the lira, recent market conditions
left Italian equities out in the cold last year.
--Italian mutual fund inflow trends are encouraging. After twenty-two
months of redemptions, Italian equity funds experienced a net inflow of
1.8 trillion lire in January 1997 (out of a total net inflow of 18
trillion lire), after a total net inflow of 368 billion lire in December
1996. Moreover, the decline of T-bill yields to just over 5% and
long-term rates at 7.3% could act as a powerful engine for Italy's stock
market. With the value of Italian fixed income funds at roughly 3,000
trillion lire versus an Italian equity market capitalization of
approximately 225 trillion lire, a switch by Italian investors from fixed
income funds to equity funds could have a tremendously positive affect on
Italian equities.
--With the annual rate of inflation in Italy at only 2.6%, we believe
interest rates have a bit more room to decline further.
--If the introduction of a new Italian tax system (IREP) is approved, we
believe annual corporate profits could rise by roughly 10%-15%.
--As many foreign investors do not own Italian company stocks, any renewed
interest in the Italian equities market could have a very positive effect
on stock prices.
--In our opinion, Italian stocks are relatively inexpensive. While
corporate profits are estimated to rise 18% and 19% in 1997 and 1998
respectively, the Italian stock market is trading well below the
valuation averages of the U.S. and most other European markets.
--Although political uncertainties remain and disagreements continue
between member states regarding Italy's ability to join EMU, we believe
Italy stands a good chance of becoming one of its founding members.
However, our expectation is based on the assumption that Italy will
approve another mini-budget this spring.
In closing, thank you for your investment in the Italy Fund. We look
forward to helping you to achieve your financial goals.
Sincerely,
/s/ Heath B. McLendon
Heath B. McLendon
Chairman of the Board
/s/ Mario d'Urso
Mario d'Urso
President
/s/ Rein W. van der Does
Rein W. van der Does
Investment Officer
March 12, 1997
3
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THE ITALY FUND'S SECTORIAL STRUCTURE
JANUARY 31, 1997 (unaudited)
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Telecommunications ........................................ 24.8%
Energy .................................................... 15.2%
Banking ................................................... 11.7%
Insurance ................................................. 9.5%
Automotive ................................................ 7.7%
Textiles .................................................. 7.6%
Consumer Products ......................................... 6.8%
Utilities ................................................. 5.6%
Engineering ............................................... 3.9%
Construction .............................................. 3.3%
Food ...................................................... 3.3%
Miscellaneous ............................................. 0.6%
</TABLE>
BCI INDEX SECTORIAL STRUCTURE
JANUARY 31, 1997 (unaudited)
[THE FOLLOWING TABLE WAS REPRESENTED BY A PIE CHART IN THE PRINTED MATERIAL.]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Telecommunications ........................................ 31.0%
Energy .................................................... 18.7%
Banking ................................................... 17.7%
Insurance ................................................. 14.5%
Automotive ................................................ 6.8%
Textiles .................................................. 1.9%
Consumer Products ......................................... 1.6%
Utilities ................................................. 0.5%
Engineering ............................................... 2.2%
Construction .............................................. 2.0%
Food ...................................................... 1.8%
Miscellaneous ............................................. 1.3%
</TABLE>
4
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Schedule of Investments as of January 31, 1997
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Security Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS -- 100%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Automotive -- 7.7%
100,000 Brembo S.p.A ......................... $ 1,401,133
1,500,000 Pirelli S.p.A ........................ 3,340,986
1,525,000 Sogefi S.p.A ......................... 3,695,121
---------------
8,437,240
---------------
Banking -- 11.7%
1,700,000 Banca Fideuram S.p.A ................. 4,714,844
180,000 Banca Popolare di Bergamo/
Credito Varesino S.p.A ............. 3,090,146
500,000 Istituto Mobiliare
Italiano S.p.A ..................... 4,900,112
---------------
12,705,102
---------------
Construction -- 3.3%
600,000 Unicem S.p.A. di Risp
NC * ............................... 1,828,083
900,000 Vianini Lavori S.p.A ................. 1,789,314
---------------
3,617,397
---------------
Consumer Products -- 6.8%
325,000 Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
S.p.A .............................. 2,781,033
50,000 Industrie Natuzzi S.p.A. ADR ......... 1,143,750
500,000 La Rinascente S.p.A. di
Risp NC * .......................... 1,299,427
260,000 Recordati S.p.A. di
Risp NC * .......................... 1,146,901
1,000,000 Seat S.p.A. # ........................ 381,472
2,702,500 Seat S.p.A. di Risp NC *# ............ 679,338
---------------
7,431,921
---------------
Energy -- 15.2%
2,300,000 Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi
S.p.A .............................. 12,820,686
750,000 Saipem S.p.A ......................... 3,750,105
---------------
16,570,791
---------------
Engineering -- 3.9%
180,000 Danieli & Co. ........................ 1,475,066
266,750 Danieli & Co. di Risp NC * ........... 1,129,443
800,000 Sasib S.p.A. di Risp NC * ............ 1,651,637
---------------
4,256,146
---------------
Food -- 3.3%
800,041 Finanziaria Autogrill
S.p.A. # ........................... 975,724
1,570,000 Parmalat Finanziaria
S.p.A .............................. 2,659,008
---------------
3,634,732
---------------
Insurance -- 9.5%
220,000 Alleanza Assicurazioni S.p.A ......... 1,657,974
154,000 Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A ......... 3,185,811
1,000,000 Instituto Nazionale Delle
Assicurazioni ...................... 1,381,748
425,700 Riunione Adriatica di
Sicurta S.p.A ...................... 4,126,464
---------------
10,351,997
---------------
Miscellaneous -- 0.6%
850,000 Europa Investimenti+# ................ 264,048
49,639 Quattrocentoduedue Cat B+# ........... 339,242
---------------
603,290
---------------
Telecommunications -- 24.8%
1,000,000 Stet Societa' Finanziaria
Telefonica S.p.A ................... 4,942,981
2,724,500 Stet Societa' Finanziaria
Telefonica S.p.A. di
Risp NC * .......................... 10,706,352
1,916,000 Telecom Italia S.p.A ................. 5,532,938
1,976,000 Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A .......... 5,879,305
---------------
27,061,576
---------------
Textiles -- 7.6%
100,000 Benetton Group S.p.A ................. 1,326,329
55,000 Fila Holding S.p.A. ADR .............. 3,767,500
45,000 Gucci Group N.V. -- NY
Registered Shares ADR .............. 3,138,750
---------------
8,232,579
---------------
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Schedule of Investments as of January 31, 1997 (continued)
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Security Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Utilities -- 5.6%
460,000 Edison S.p.A ......................... $ 2,889,084
356,000 Italgas S.p.A ........................ 1,487,872
756,000 SONDEL - Societa
Nordelettrica S.p.A. # ............. 1,671,175
---------------
6,048,131
---------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
AT VALUE -- 100%
(Cost -- $82,657,466++) .............. $ 108,950,902
===============
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Risp NC -- Risparmio Non-Convertible (non-convertible savings shares).
# Non-income producing security.
+ Restricted security (See Note 4).
++ Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
January 31, 1997
<TABLE>
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (Cost--$82,657,466) ........................................................... $ 108,950,902
Foreign currency (Cost--$5,347,926) ................................................................. 5,346,452
Cash ................................................................................................ 24,634
Dividends and interest receivable ................................................................... 148,346
-------------
Total Assets ........................................................................................ 114,470,334
-------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for securities purchased .................................................................... 809,292
Management fees payable ............................................................................. 88,150
Accrued expenses .................................................................................... 140,162
-------------
Total Liabilities ................................................................................... 1,037,604
-------------
Total Net Assets ....................................................................................... $ 113,432,730
=============
NET ASSETS:
Par value of capital shares ......................................................................... $ 95,031
Capital paid in excess of par value ................................................................. 94,936,689
Overdistributed net investment income ............................................................... (917,714)
Accumulated net realized loss from security transactions ............................................ (6,960,473)
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign currencies ................................... 26,279,197
-------------
Total Net Assets
(Equivalent to $11.94 a share on 9,503,089 shares of $0.01 par value
outstanding; 20,000,000 shares authorized) ........................................................ $ 113,432,730
=============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended January 31, 1997
<TABLE>
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends ...................................................................................................... $ 2,508,745
Interest ....................................................................................................... 331,492
Less: Foreign withholding tax .................................................................................. (518,400)
------------
Total Investment Income ........................................................................................ 2,321,837
------------
EXPENSES:
Management fees (Note 2) ....................................................................................... 927,029
Directors' fees ................................................................................................ 129,970
Custody ........................................................................................................ 115,866
Audit and legal ................................................................................................ 69,358
Shareholder communications ..................................................................................... 53,088
Shareholder and system servicing fees .......................................................................... 49,576
Other .......................................................................................................... 33,160
------------
Total Expenses ................................................................................................. 1,378,047
Less: Custody earnings credit .................................................................................. (725)
------------
Net Expenses ................................................................................................... 1,377,322
------------
Net Investment Income ............................................................................................. 944,515
------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES (NOTE 3):
Realized Gain (Loss) From:
Security transactions (excluding short-term securities) ...................................................... 240,720
Foreign currency transactions ................................................................................ (72,017)
------------
Net Realized Gain .............................................................................................. 168,703
------------
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation of Investments and Foreign Currencies:
Beginning of year ............................................................................................ 2,519,552
End of year .................................................................................................. 26,279,197
------------
Increase in Net Unrealized Appreciation ........................................................................ 23,759,645
------------
Net Gain on Investments and Foreign Currencies .................................................................... 23,928,348
------------
Increase in Net Assets From Operations ............................................................................ $ 24,872,863
============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Year
Ended Ended
Statements of Changes in Net Assets 1/31/97 1/31/96
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ......................................................................... $ 944,515 $ 1,131,274
Net realized gain (loss) ...................................................................... 168,703 (3,663,972)
Increase in net unrealized appreciation ....................................................... 23,759,645 216,237
------------- -------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets From Operations ............................................. 24,872,863 (2,316,461)
------------- -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income ......................................................................... (2,280,742) (190,062)
------------- -------------
Decrease in Net Assets From Distributions to Shareholders ..................................... (2,280,742) (190,062)
------------- -------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets ................................................................ 22,592,121 (2,506,523)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year ............................................................................. 90,840,609 93,347,132
------------- -------------
End of year* .................................................................................. $ 113,432,730 $ 90,840,609
============= =============
*Includes undistributed (overdistributed) net investment income of: .............................. $ (917,714) $ 195,998
============= =============
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Notes to Financial Statements
================================================================================
1. Significant Accounting Policies
The Italy Fund Inc. ("Fund") is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a
diversified, closed-end management investment company.
The significant accounting policies followed by the Fund are: (a) security
transactions are accounted for on trade date; (b) securities traded on national
securities markets are valued at the closing prices in the primary exchange on
which they are traded; securities for which no sale was reported on that date
are valued at the mean between the bid and ask prices. Securities which are
listed or traded on more than one exchange or market are valued at the
quotations on the exchange or market determined to be the primary market for
such securities. If bid and ask quotations are not available, then
over-the-counter securities will be valued as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors; (c) securities maturing within 60 days are valued at cost
plus accreted discount, or minus amortized premium, as applicable; (d) gains or
losses on the sale of securities are calculated by using the specific
identification method; (e) interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium
and accretion of discount, is recorded on an accrual basis; (f) dividend income
is recorded on the ex-dividend date; foreign dividends are recorded on the
ex-dividend date or as soon as practical after the Fund determines the existence
of a dividend declaration after exercising reasonable due diligence; (g)
dividends and distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend
date; (h) the accounting records are maintained in U.S. dollars. All assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars
based on the rate of exchange of such currencies against U.S. dollars on the
date of valuation. Purchases and sales of securities, and income and expenses
are translated at the rate of exchange quoted on the respective date that such
transactions are recorded. Differences between income and expense amounts
recorded and collected or paid are adjusted when reported by the custodian bank;
(i) the Fund intends to comply with the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, pertaining to regulated investment companies
and to make distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from
substantially all Federal income and excise taxes; (j) the character of income
and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax
regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles.
Reclassifications were made to the Fund's capital accounts to reflect permanent
book/tax differences and income and gains available for distributions under
income tax regulations; and (k) estimates and assumptions are required to be
made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from
operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic
environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining
these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
In addition, the Fund may enter into forward exchange contracts in order to
hedge against foreign currency risk. These contracts are marked to market daily,
by recognizing the difference between the contract exchange rate and the current
market rate as an unrealized gain or loss. Realized gains or losses are
recognized when the contracts are settled.
As of January 31, 1997, there were no open forward foreign currency
contracts.
2. Management Agreement and Transactions with Affiliated Persons
Smith Barney Mutual Funds Management Inc. ("SBMFM"), a subsidiary of Smith
Barney Holdings, Inc. ("SBH"), acts as investment manager of the Fund. The Fund
pays SBMFM a fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.95% of the average daily net
assets for all management and administrative services. This fee is calculated
daily and paid monthly.
All officers (except one) and one Director of the Fund are employees of
Smith Barney Inc.
10
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
================================================================================
3. Securities Transactions
During the year ended January 31, 1997, the aggregate cost of purchases and
proceeds from sales of investments (including maturities, but excluding
short-term securities) were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
<S> <C>
Purchases $45,426,986
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 51,613,812
================================================================================
</TABLE>
At January 31, 1997, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of investments were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
<S> <C>
Gross unrealized appreciation $27,661,453 *
Gross unrealized depreciation (1,368,017)*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation $26,293,436 *
================================================================================
</TABLE>
* Substantially the same for Federal income tax purposes.
4. Securities Valued by the Fund's Board of Directors
Certain of the Fund's investments are valued at the direction of the Fund's
Board of Directors; these securities are restricted as to resale and have been
valued in good faith, taking into consideration the appropriate economic,
financial and other pertinent available information pertaining to the restricted
securities. The table below shows all securities valued by the Fund's Board of
Directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Acquisition 1/31/97 Value Per Percentage of
Security Shares Date Fair Value Unit Net Assets Cost
-------- ------ ---- ---------- ---- ---------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Europa Investimenti .................. 850,000 7/02/91 $264,048 $ 0.31 0.2% $623,396
Quattrocentoduedue
Cat B ............................. 49,639 3/21/94 339,242 6.83 0.3 295,889
-------- --- --------
Total ........................... $603,290 0.5% $919,285
======== === ========
</TABLE>
5. Capital Loss Carryforwards
At January 31, 1997, the Fund had, for Federal income tax purposes,
approximately $6,960,000 of capital loss carryforwards available to offset
future capital gains. To the extent that these carryforward losses are used to
offset capital gains, it is probable that the gains so offset will not be
distributed. The amount and expiration of the carryforwards are indicated below.
Expiration occurs on January 31 of the year indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
2002 2004 2005
---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Carryforward Amounts ................................ $1,755,000 $5,027,000 $178,000
========== ========== ========
</TABLE>
11
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
================================================================================
6. Concentration of Risk
Because the Fund concentrates its investments in securities issued by
Italian corporations, its portfolio may be subject to special risks and
considerations not typically associated with investing in a broader range of
domestic securities. In addition, the Fund is more susceptible to factors
adversely affecting the Italian economy than a fund not concentrated in these
issuers to the same extent.
12
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Financial Highlights
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Set forth below is per share operating performance data for a share of
common stock outstanding throughout each year; total return and ratios to
average net assets are also provided. This information has been derived from
information provided in the financial statements and market price data for the
Fund's shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995 1994(1) 1993
====================================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Year .................... $9.56 $9.82 $9.84 $8.43 $11.08
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) From Operations:
Net investment income .............................. 0.10 0.15 0.09 0.12 0.19
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) ............ 2.52 (0.39) 0.06 1.72 (2.84)
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Income (Loss) From Operations ................... 2.62 (0.24) 0.15 1.84 (2.65)
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Dilution in NAV From Rights Offering .................. -- -- -- (0.32) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Offering Expenses Charged to Paid-in Capital .......... -- -- -- (0.03) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less Distributions From:
Net investment income .............................. (0.24) (0.02) (0.06) (0.07) --
Overdistribution of net investment income .......... -- -- (0.11) -- --
Net realized gains ................................. -- -- -- -- --
Capital ............................................ -- -- -- (0.01) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total Distributions ................................... (0.24) (0.02) (0.17) (0.08) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of Year .......................... $11.94 $9.56 $9.82 $9.84 $8.43
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Market Value, End of Year ............................. $10.00 $8.25 $8.75 $12.38 $8.88
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return, Based on Market Value ................... 24.49% (5.51)% (27.90)% 40.54%# (6.58)%
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Total Return, Based on Net Asset Value ................ 28.27% (2.43)% (3.68)% 33.04% (24.64)%
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Net Assets, End of Year (000's) ....................... $113,433 $90,841 $93,347 $93,518 $53,384
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Net investment income .............................. 0.97% 1.12% 0.85% 1.30% 2.04%
Expenses* .......................................... 1.42 1.42 1.69 1.69 1.70
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................... 47% 58% 42% 46% 33%
Average commissions per share paid on
equity transactions(2) ............................. $0.01 $0.00** -- -- --
</TABLE>
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(1) Per share amounts have been calculated using the monthly average share
method, which more appropriately presents per share data for the period
since the use of the undistributed method does not accord with results of
operations.
(2) As of September 1995, the SEC instituted new guidelines requiring the
disclosure of average commissions per share.
# The total return for the year ended January 31, 1994, adjusted for the
effect of the rights offering completed in January of 1994 is 45.85%
(unaudited).
* During the years ended January 31, 1997 and January 31, 1996, the Fund
earned credits from the custodian which reduce service fees incurred. If
the credits are taken into consideration, the ratio of expenses to average
net assets would have been 1.42% and 1.41%, respectively. Prior year
numbers have not been restated to reflect this credit.
** Amount represents less than $0.01.
13
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Independent Auditors' Report
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The Shareholders and Board of Directors of The Italy Fund Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, of The Italy Fund Inc. as of January 31, 1997, the
related statement of operations for the year then ended and the statement of
changes in net assets and financial highlights for each of the years in the
two-year period then ended. These financial statements and financial highlights
are the responsibility of the Fund's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements and financial highlights based
on our audits. The financial highlights for each of the years in the three-year
period ended January 31, 1995 were audited by other auditors whose report
thereon, dated March 10, 1995, expressed an unqualified opinion on those
financial highlights.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
January 31, 1997, by correspondence with the custodian. As to securities
purchased but not received, we performed other appropriate auditing procedures.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The
Italy Fund Inc. as of January 31, 1997, the results of its operations for the
year then ended and the changes in its net assets and financial highlights for
each of the years in the two-year period then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
New York, New York
March 14, 1997
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Realized
and Unrealized Net Increase
Gain (Loss) on (Decrease) in
Investment Net Investment Investments and Net Assets
Income Income (Loss) Foreign Currencies From Operations
----------------------- ------------------------ ------------------------ -------------------------
Quarter Ended Total Per Share Total Per Share Total Per Share Total Per Share
- ------------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
April 30, 1993 ........... $ 208,399 $0.03 $ (22,200) $0.00 $ (633,996) $(0.10) $ 4,646,508 $0.73
July 31, 1993 ............ 1,164,578 0.19 946,601 0.14 (673,685) (0.10) 2,566,981 0.41
October 31, 1993 ......... 231,050 0.04 (51,313) (0.01) (330,679) (0.05) 1,139,682 0.17
January 31, 1994 ......... 163,184 0.03 (104,964) (0.01) (1,350,029) (0.21) 4,843,089 0.53
April 30, 1994 ........... 262,201 0.03 37,867 0.01 376,390 0.04 21,587,589 2.27
July 31, 1994 ............ 1,568,187 0.17 933,702 0.10 2,317,766 0.24 (12,011,879) (1.26)
October 31, 1994 ......... 275,691 0.03 19,893 0.00 578,197 0.06 (6,426,246) (0.68)
January 31, 1995 ......... 396,171 0.04 (152,088) (0.02) (2,089,977) (0.22) (1,682,024) (0.18)
April 30, 1995 ........... 252,540 0.03 (74,178) (0.01) (1,556,369) (0.16) (6,441,384) (0.68)
July 31, 1995 ............ 1,539,509 0.16 1,141,497 0.12 (1,724,100) (0.18) 4,471,408 0.47
October 31, 1995 ......... 287,963 0.03 (81,879) (0.01) (172,867) (0.02) (6,926,030) (0.72)
January 31, 1996 ......... 282,141 0.03 145,834 0.02 (210,636) (0.02) 6,579,545 0.69
April 30, 1996 ........... 176,114 0.02 (188,803) (0.02) (1,589,084) (0.16) (1,777,887) (0.18)
July 31, 1996 ............ 1,944,252 0.20 1,539,905 0.16 2,953,107 0.31 4,493,012 0.47
October 31, 1996 ......... 57,105 0.01 (336,620) (0.04) 3,116,522 0.33 2,779,902 0.29
January 31, 1997 ......... 144,366 0.02 (69,967) (0.01) 19,447,803 2.05 19,377,836 2.04
</TABLE>
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)
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Pursuant to the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (the
"Plan"), shareholders of the Fund whose shares are registered in their own name
may elect to have all distributions automatically reinvested in additional
shares of the Fund by First Data Investor Services Group, Inc., ("First Data"),
as agent under the Plan. Distributions with respect to shares registered in the
name of shareholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, which hold shares for
others (that is, in "street name"), may be reinvested by the broker or nominee
in additional shares under the Plan, but only if the service is provided by the
broker or nominee. Investors who own Fund shares registered in the street name
should consult their broker or nominee for details regarding reinvestment.
Shareholders who do not participate in the Plan will receive all distributions
in cash paid in dollars by check mailed directly to the shareholder by First
Data as dividend paying agent.
The number of shares of common stock participants in the Plan in lieu of a
cash dividend is determined in the following manner. Whenever the market price
of Fund shares is equal to or exceeds the net asset value of Fund shares at the
time such shares are valued for the purpose of determining the number of shares
equivalent to the cash dividend or distribution, participants will be issued
shares of the Fund at net asset value. If net asset value exceeds the market
price of Fund shares at such time, or if the Fund should declare a dividend or
other distribution payable only in cash, First Data will buy Fund shares in the
open market, on the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, as soon as practicable
after the record date for the dividend or distribution, until it has expended
for such purchases all of the cash that would otherwise be payable to the
participants. The number of purchased shares that will then be credited to the
participants' accounts is based on the average per share purchase price of Fund
shares so purchased, including brokerage commissions. Shares issued by the Fund
are not issued at a discount of more than 5 percent from the then current market
value of the Fund's shares. If the market price exceeds the net asset value of
Fund shares before First Data has completed its purchases, the average per share
purchase price paid by First Data may exceed the net asset value of the Fund's
shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer shares than if the dividend or
distribution had been paid in shares issued by the Fund.
Participants in the Plan have the option of making additional semi-annual
cash payments to First Data in any amount from $100 to $3,000 for investment in
Fund shares. First Data uses all funds so received (as well as any dividends and
capital gains distributions received in cash) to purchase Fund shares in the
open market on or about February 15 and August 15 of each year.
Plan participants are not subject to any charge for reinvesting dividends
or capital gains distributions. Each Plan participant will, however, bear a pro
rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to First Data's open
market purchases of Fund shares in connection with the reinvestment of dividends
or capital gains distributions.
The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions
does not relieve Plan participants of any income tax that may be payable on the
dividends or capital gains distributions. A participant in the Plan is treated
for federal income tax purposes as having received, on the dividend payment
date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal to the cash that the
participant could have received instead of shares.
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited) (continued)
================================================================================
A shareholder may terminate participation in the Plan at any time by
notifying First Data in writing. A termination will be effective immediately if
notice is received by First Data not less than 10 days before any dividend or
distribution record date. Otherwise, the termination will be effective, with
respect to any subsequent dividends or distributions, on the first day after the
dividend or distribution has been credited to the participant's account in
additional shares of the Fund. Upon termination and according to a participant's
instructions, First Data will either (i) issue certificates for the shares
credited to a shareholder's Plan account together with a check representing any
fractional shares or (ii) sell such shares in the market.
Information concerning the Plan may be obtained from First Data at
1-800-331-1710.
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Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase at
market prices shares of its common stock in the open market.
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
Additional Information (unaudited)
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On May 15, 1996 the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Fund was held
for the purpose, of voting on the following matters:
1. To approve or disapprove for the Fund the election of Paul R. Hardin
and George M. Pavia as Directors; and
2. To approve or disapprove the selection of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as the
independent auditors for the current fiscal year of the Fund.
The results of the vote on Proposal 1 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% of Votes % of
Directors Votes For Shares Voted Against Shares Voted
===========================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dr. Paul R. Hardin 6,435,207.339 96.90% 205,318.151 3.10%
George M. Pavia 6,422,367.531 96.71 218,157.959 3.29
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The results of the vote on Proposal 2 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% of Votes % of Votes % of
Votes For Shares Voted Against Shares Voted Abstained Shares Voted
===========================================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
6,588,854.318 99.22% 26,021.814 0.39% 25,648.358 0.39%
===========================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
The following directors, representing the balance of the Board of Directors,
continue to serve as Directors: Paolo M. Cucchi, Alesandro C. di Montezemolo,
Mario d'Urso and Heath B. McLendon.
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Tax Information (unaudited)
================================================================================
The following tax information represents fiscal year end disclosures of
various tax benefits passed through to shareholders for the current year end.
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1997, the total amount of income
received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries and possessions of
the United States was $0.2989 per share (representing a total of $2,840,237).
The total amount of taxes paid by the Fund to such countries was $0.0546 per
share (representing a total of $518,400).
The above figures may differ from those cited elsewhere in this report due
to differences in the calculations of income and capital gains for Securities
and Exchange Commission (book) purposes and Internal Revenue Service (tax)
purposes.
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER AND
ADMINISTRATOR
Smith Barney Mutual Funds Management Inc.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
ADVISORY BOARD
Andrea Farace
Pierre Henchoz
Ing. Dott. Ettore Lolli
Dott. Pietro Manes
DIRECTORS
Heath B. McLendon
Paolo M. Cucchi
Alesandro C. di Montezemolo
Dr. Paul R. Hardin
George M. Pavia
Mario d'Urso
OFFICERS
Heath B. McLendon
Chairman of the Board
Mario d'Urso
President
Lewis E. Daidone
Senior Vice President
and Treasurer
Rein W. van der Does
Investment Officer
Irving P. David
Controller
Christina T. Sydor
Secretary
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THE ITALY FUND INC.
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[LOGO] ITA
This report is sent to the shareholders of The Italy Fund Inc. 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.
Comparisons between changes in the Fund's net asset value per share and changes
in The Banca Commerciale Italiana Index should be considered in light of the
Fund's investment policy and objectives, the characteristics and quality of the
Fund's investments, the size of the Fund and variations in the Lira/Dollar
exchange rate. This Index generally reflects ordinary shares (as opposed to
savings shares).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ITALY FUND INC.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
(212) 816-4605
FD01090 3/97
ANNUAL
REPORT
January 31, 1997
