<PAGE>
Quarterly Report
October 31, 1999
[GRAPHIC]
The Italy
Fund Inc.
<PAGE>
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present the quarterly report for The Italy Fund Inc. ("Fund")
for the nine months ended October 31, 1999. As of that date, the Fund's net
asset value ("NAV") per share was $16.68, down 1.25% (includes reinvestment for
$1.00 capital gain distributions) for the Fund's nine months ended October 31,
1999. This performance compares to the negative 2.14% (in U.S. dollar terms)
decline over the same time period in the BCI Index (Banco Commerciale Italiana),
a widely followed Italian index that includes all listed securities on the Milan
Stock Exchange. As of October 31, 1999, the Fund's total net assets were roughly
$142 million.
The Fund has continued its program whereby it may repurchase shares of its
common stock in the open market. It is the Fund's intention to repurchase shares
of its stock at such times, prices and amounts deemed advisable. There can be no
assurance that the Board of Directors will continue this program.
Economic and Market Overview
The Italian stock market has not performed as well as all of the other European
indices since the start of 1999. In our view, the primary reason for this
underperformance is that Italy's stock market is more interest-rate sensitive
than other country specific stock markets. Over the last ten months, ten-year
government yields rose to 5.30% as of October 31, 1999 from 4.03% at the end of
1998. This rise in interest rates caused the financial sector, which is 40% of
the Italian market's capitalization, to underperform. We also think that the
recent poor performance of Italy's banking industry is attributable to the
disappointment over the Bank of Italy blocking several corporate deals.
Moreover, Italy's sluggish economy caused depressed consumption and capital
spending. Cyclical industries, which performed nicely in other European markets,
also failed to rally.
While Italy's economy is slowly recovering, the country's economic policy over
the medium term should continue to be dominated by the need to maintain strict
control of public finances in order to reassure its Euro-area partners that it
is committed to the European Union's Stability and Growth Pact. (The Stability
and Growth Pact requires governments to agree with the European Commission on
deficit targets that aim for a balanced budget over the economic cycle.)
According to our analysts, growth in Italy is anticipated to stay anemic (an
annual growth rate of roughly 0.8% in 1999), before improving gradually in 2000
and picking up through 2003. The analysts expect that Italy's recovery will be
driven by an increase in private consumption and investment, prompted by low
inflation, low interest rates and stronger exports due to stronger EU and global
demand.
1
<PAGE>
Investment Strategy
We employ a bottom-up approach toward stock selection. That is, we look for
solid companies with strong growth prospects rather than trying to define
specific economic or market trends. Our belief is that good companies will
thrive over the long term regardless of the financial trend of the moment.
After the spin-off of Telecom Italia Holdings in Telecom Italia Mobile to
Tecnost, the company's bombshell to exchange its own shares to the minority
shareholders of TI reduced the credibility of TI and Tecnost's Chairman, Roberto
Colaninno. (TI is one of the world's largest providers of fixed-line
telecommunications products and services; TIM offers a complete range of
cellular services; and Tecnost develops specialized information technology
services.) Tecnost will become a holding company with 53% of TI and 60% of TIM
instead of an operating company, which was widely anticipated by the investment
community. As a result, many foreign investors dumped telecom stocks and TI and
TIM shares declined 16.5% and 13.9%, respectively, in September 1999.
Although the Fund's latest fiscal quarter was rather dull from a performance
perspective, the period was certainly not uneventful.
. Tecnost/TI/TIM exchange offer: As discussed previously, TI shareholders would
receive shares of questionable value in Tecnost (the debt-laden shell company
Olivetti used to finance its takeover of 52% of TI) in exchange for TI
holdings of 60% in TIM. In our view, this may be a return to a more
unfavorable view of minority shareholders in Italy. If this proposed exchange
offer is approved by the Italian government, the credibility of the country's
stock market may be called into question.
. San Paolo IMI/INA/Generali: After the friendly merger between San Paolo/IMI
(a company that offers commercial and investment banking and personal
financial services) and INA (a company that provides life insurance and
non-life insurance services throughout Italy) was announced, Generali (which
offers life and non-life insurance and reinsurance) spoiled the party and
came in with an unfriendly higher offer, 12 billion Euros, for INA. A
friendly solution was reached between INA and Generali after offering San
Paolo/IMI ownership of Banco di Napoli (a commercial bank). INA shares (i.e.,
5.3% of The Italy Fund as of October 31, 1999) rose 34.1% in September 1999.
. ENEL Offering: The world's largest listed electric utility and the world's
largest initial public offering (IPO), 18 billion Euros, was priced on
October 31, 1999 at the top of the suggested range of 3.90 to 4.30 Euros.
Because of concerns about having to sell off its generating capacity and in
anticipation of 25% to 35% tariff reductions in the next few years, we
decided not to participate in this highly promoted offering, despite ENEL's
weighting of 12% in the BCI Index.
2
<PAGE>
During the Fund's fiscal third quarter, we added to our holdings in Ducati Motor
Holding (manufactures high-performance motorcycles), Saipem (international
contractor in the energy sector) and Banco Poplari Di Lodi. Also, we
participated in the IPO of Tiscali (Italy's first Internet provider) and we
reduced our positions in IMI-San Paolo and Sogefi (a holding company for a group
that manufactures components in both the automotive and freight industries).
Lastly, we eliminated our positions in Parmalat (a holding company operating in
the food and beverage industry), Rinascente (a mass retailing company), Tecnost
and Union Immobiliare (which owns a portfolio of real estate)./1/
In our view, Italian stock price valuations continue to be less expensive than
the rest of Europe. For example, Italian stocks on average are selling at 8.9
times 1999 price/cash flow, while European stocks are selling at 11.5 times
price/cash flow and U.S. stocks are selling at 15.6 times price/cash flow. Due
to restructuring and a lower tax rate, we anticipate corporate profits in Italy
should grow by about 19% and 14% in 1999 and 2000, respectively, a level well
above other European countries. Over the medium term, we are positive on the
Italian stock market and believe that it still represents solid investment
opportunity.
As noted in our last letter, despite the Italian stock market's
underperformance, we are positive about investing in Italian stocks in the
coming years. Moreover, we think that the Italian stock market is in a bullish
pattern that is being propelled by the switch by many private investors from
fixed-income portfolios into equity mutual funds.
In closing, thank you for your continued confidence in our investment management
approach. We look forward to serving your investment needs for many years to
come.
Sincerely,
/s/ Heath B. McLendon /s/ Mario d'Urso
Heath B. McLendon Mario d'Urso
Chairman President
/s/ Rein W. van der Does
Rein W. van der Does
Vice President and Investment Officer
November 17, 1999
- --------
/1/ Please note the Fund's holdings are subject to change.
3
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund's Sectorial Structure*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 31, 1999 (unaudited)
[CHART]
Telecommunications - Wireless 8.8%
Utilities 0.2%
Automotive 5.3%
Banking 21.3%
Broadcasting 2.1%
Construction 1.9%
Consumer Staples - Food 4.2%
Consumer Staples - Retail 2.6%
Energy - Exploration 2.4%
Energy - International 8.6%
Engineering 1.2%
Insurance 16.9%
Publishing 3.1%
Miscellaneous 0.2%
Retail 2.9%
Telecommunications - Telephone 15.4%
BCI Index Sectorial Structure
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 31, 1999 (unaudited)
[CHART]
Textiles 1.7%
Automotive 4.4%
Banking 26.9%
Construction 2.1%
Consumer Products 0.1%
Energy 9.5%
Engineering 5.6%
Food 2.5%
Insurance 16.1%
Miscellaneous 4.1%
Paper & Print 4.7%
Telecommunications 22.3%
*As a percentage of total investments.
4
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Schedule of Investments as of October 31, 1999 (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Security Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK -- 100%
Automotive -- 5.3%
331,250 Brembo S.p.A. ................................ $ 3,790,270
800,000 Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.# ................. 2,276,272
600,000 Sogefi S.p.A. ................................ 1,484,580
-----------
7,551,122
-----------
Banking -- 21.3%
800,000 Banca Fideuram S.p.A.@ ....................... 4,856,103
800,000 Banca Nazionale del Lavoro# .................. 2,707,645
140,000 Banca Popolare di Bergamo Credito@
Varesino S.p.A. ............................ 3,009,312
100,000 Banca Popolare Commercio e Industria@ ........ 2,157,917
150,000 BIPOP - Carire S.p.A.@ ....................... 6,347,621
300,000 Banca Popolare di Lodi ....................... 3,717,757
700,000 Banca Popolare di Milano@ .................... 4,697,912
200,000 Monte Dei Paschi ............................. 800,941
139,800 San Paolo IMI S.p.A. ......................... 1,840,038
-----------
30,135,246
-----------
Broadcasting -- 2.1%
300,000 Mediaset S.p.A.@ ............................. 2,988,080
-----------
Construction -- 1.9%
600,000 Unicem S.p.A. di Risp NC++@ .................. 2,699,236
-----------
Consumer Cyclical Textiles -- 2.9%
50,000 Gucci Group N.V. -- NY Registered Shares ..... 4,037,500
-----------
Consumer Staples - Food -- 4.2%
544,027 Autogrill S.p.A.@ ............................ 5,993,915
-----------
Consumer Staples - Retail -- 2.6%
140,000 Industrie Natuzzi S.p.A. ADR ................. 2,555,000
260,000 Recordati S.p.A. di Risp NC++ ................ 1,156,004
-----------
3,711,004
-----------
See Notes to Financial Statements.
5
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Schedule of Investments as of October 31, 1999 (unaudited)(continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Security Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Energy Exploration -- 2.4%
800,000 Saipem S.p.A.................................... $ 3,429,124
-----------
Energy - International -- 8.6%
2,072,000 ENI S.p.A.@..................................... 12,176,577
-----------
Engineering -- 1.2%
180,000 Danieli & Co.@.................................. 980,050
266,750 Danieli & Co. di Risp NC++...................... 785,070
-----------
1,765,120
-----------
Insurance -- 16.9%
494,999 Alleanza Assicurazioni S.p.A.@.................. 5,037,503
350,000 Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A.@.................. 11,275,725
2,500,000 Instituto Nazionale Delle Assicurazioni@........ 7,586,348
-----------
23,899,576
-----------
Miscellaneous -- 0.2%
850,000 Europa Investimenti#+........................... 207,640
-----------
Publishing -- 3.1%
200,000 Gruppo Editoriale L'Espresso@................... 4,330,551
-----------
Retail -- 2.9%
500,000 Buffetti S.p.A.................................. 4,132,943
-----------
Telecommunications - Telephone -- 15.4%
1,532,220 Telecom Italia S.p.A.@.......................... 13,288,430
1,724,500 Telecom Italia S.p.A. di Risp NC++.............. 8,492,171
-----------
21,780,601
-----------
Telecommunications - Wireless -- 8.8%
1,100,000 Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A.@................... 6,885,277
1,500,000 Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A. di Risp NC++....... 5,199,815
5,000 Tiscali S.p.A................................... 343,763
-----------
12,428,855
-----------
See Notes to Financial Statements.
6
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Schedule of Investments as of October 31, 1999 (unaudited)(continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shares Security Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Utilities -- 0.2%
25,000 ACEA S.p.A. $ 278,017
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
AT VALUE -- 100%
(Cost-- $97,398,807*) $141,545,107
=============
- ---------------
# Non-income producing security.
@ All or a portion of this security is on loan (See Note 6).
++ Risp NC -- Risparmio Non-Convertible (non-convertible savings shares).
+ Security restricted as to re-sale (See Note 4).
* Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
7
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
For the Nine Months Ended October 31, 1999 (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS:
Investments, at value (Cost -- $97,398,807)..................... $ 141,545,107
Foreign currency, at value (Cost -- $1,417,743)................. 1,393,434
Collateral for securities loaned (Note 6)....................... 40,244,476
Dividends and interest receivable............................... 799,901
------------
Total Assets.................................................... 183,982,918
------------
LIABILITIES:
Payable for securities loaned (Note 6).......................... 40,244,476
Payable to bank................................................. 1,419,710
Management fees payable......................................... 97,815
Accrued expenses................................................ 126,825
------------
Total Liabilities............................................... 41,888,826
------------
Total Net Assets................................................ $142,094,092
============
NET ASSETS:
Par value of capital shares..................................... $ 85,174
Capital paid in excess of par value............................. 94,836,235
Treasury stock, at cost (Note 7)................................ (14,515,303)
Undistributed net investment income............................. 1,312,051
Accumulated net realized gain from security transactions........ 16,245,547
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and foreign
currencies..................................................... 44,130,388
============
Total Net Assets
(Equivalent to $16.68 a share on 8,517,414 shares of $0.01
par value outstanding; 20,000,000 shares authorized)............ $142,094,092
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
8
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Statement of Operations
For the Nine Months Ended October 31, 1999 (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Dividends....................................................... $ 2,990,242
Interest........................................................ 197,029
Less: Foreign withholding tax................................... (449,778)
------------
Total Investment Income......................................... 2,737,493
------------
EXPENSES:
Management fees (Note 2)........................................ 1,088,872
Custody......................................................... 99,014
Audit and legal................................................. 72,847
Directors' fees................................................. 61,144
Shareholder communications...................................... 36,841
Shareholder and system servicing fees........................... 24,062
Other........................................................... 16,982
------------
Total Expenses.................................................. 1,399,762
------------
Net Investment Income........................................... 1,337,731
------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES (NOTE 3):
Realized Gain From:
Security transactions (excluding short-term securities)...... 18,426,015
Foreign currency transaction................................. 93,617
------------
Net Realized Gain............................................... 18,519,632
------------
Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation of Investments
and Foreign Currencies:
Beginning of period.......................................... 69,844,785
End of period................................................ 44,130,388
------------
Decrease in Net Unrealized Appreciation......................... (25,714,397)
------------
Net Loss on Investments and Foreign Currencies.................. (7,194,765)
------------
Decrease in Net Assets From Operations.......................... $(5,857,034)
============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
9
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets
For the Nine Months Ended October 31, 1999 (unaudited)
and the Year Ended January 31, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 31 January 31
------------- -------------
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income.......................... $ 1,337,731 $ 937,810
Net realized gains............................. 18,519,632 16,172,261
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized
appreciation................................ (25,714,397) 20,528,139
------------- -------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
From Operations............................. (5,857,034) 37,638,210
------------- -------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income.......................... -- (1,902,135)
Net realized gains............................. (8,610,514) (2,370,825)
------------- -------------
Decrease in Net Assets From
Distributions to Shareholders............... (8,610,514) (4,272,960)
------------- -------------
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Treasury stock acquired........................ (11,120,060) (3,395,244)
------------- -------------
Decrease in Net Assets From
Fund Share Transactions..................... (11,120,060) (3,395,244)
------------- -------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets.............. (25,587,608) 29,970,006
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period............................ 167,681,700 137,711,694
------------- -------------
End of period*................................. $142,094,092 $167,681,700
============= =============
* Includes undistributed (overdistributed)
net investment income of:.................... $ 1,312,051 $ (119,297)
============= =============
See Notes to Financial Statements.
10
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Significant Accounting Policies
The Italy Fund Inc. ("Fund"), a Maryland corporation, is registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, as a non-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 price in the primary exchange on
which they are traded; securities for which no sales price was reported on that
date are valued at the mean between the bid and ask price. 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, which approximates value;
(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 or 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. At January 31, 1999, reclassifications were made to the capital
accounts of the Fund to reflect permanent book/tax differences and income and
gains available for distributions under income tax regulations. Net investment
income, net realized
11
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
gains and net assets were not affected by this change; 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.
2. Management Agreement and Transactions with Affiliated Persons
SSB Citi Fund Management LLC ("SSBC"), formerly known as SSBC Fund Management
Inc., a subsidiary of Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc. ("SSBH"), acts as
investment manager of the Fund. The Fund pays SSBC 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 Salomon
Smith Barney Inc. ("SSB"), another subsidiary of SSBH.
For the nine months ended October 31, 1999, SSB received no brokerage
commissions.
3. Investments
During the nine months ended October 31, 1999, the aggregate cost of purchases
and proceeds from sales of investments (including maturities, but excluding
short-term securities) were as follows:
Purchases....................................................... $27,330,881
===========
Sales........................................................... $49,933,013
===========
At October 31, 1999, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of investments for Federal income tax purposes were
substantially as follows:
Gross unrealized appreciation................................... $46,923,798
Gross unrealized depreciation................................... (2,777,498)
===========
Net unrealized appreciation..................................... $44,146,300
===========
12
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Securities Valued by the Fund's Board of Directors
One of the Fund's investments is valued at the direction of the Fund's Board of
Directors; this security is restricted as to resale and has been valued in good
faith, taking into consideration the appropriate economic, financial and other
pertinent available information pertaining to the restricted security. The table
below shows the security valued by the Fund's Board of Directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Acquisition 10/31/99 Value Per Percentage of
Security Shares Date Fair Value Unit Net Assets Cost
- -------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- ------------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Europa Investimenti 850,000 7/2/91 $207,640 $0.24 0.14% $623,396
</TABLE>
5. 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.
6. Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund has an agreement with its custodian whereby the custodian may lend
securities owned by the Fund to brokers, dealers and other financial
organizations. Fees earned by the Fund on securities lending are recorded as
interest income. Loans of securities by the Fund are collaterized by cash, U.S.
government securities or high quality money market instruments that are
maintained at all times in an amount at least equal to the current market value
of the loaned securities, plus a margin which may vary depending on the type of
securities loaned. The custodian establishes and maintains the collateral in a
segregated account. The Fund maintains exposure for the risk of any losses in
the investment of amounts received as collateral.
13
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At October 31, 1999, the Fund loaned common stocks having a value of $39,738,060
and holds the following collateral for loaned securities:
Security Description Value
===============================================================================
Time Deposits:
Banco Bilbao, Milan, 5.410% due 11/1/99 $ 161,086
Bank of Austria, 5.438% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Banque Bruxelles Lambert London, 5.406% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Barclays Bank PLC, 5.410% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
BNP, 5.410% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Caisse de Depots et Consign, Paris, 5.375% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt, 5.390% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Credit Commerciale de France, 5.375% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Credit Suisse, London, 5.410% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Den Danske-Copenhagen, 5.375% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
KBC, Brussels, 5.375% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Nordeutsche Landesbank G.C., 5.410% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Norwest Bank, Grand Cayman, 5.344% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Paribas London, 5.406% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Societe Generale, 5.390% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Svenska Stockholm, 5.375% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Toronto Dominion, London, 5.406% due 11/1/99 1,920,232
Commercial Paper:
Associates First Capital, 5.352% due 11/1/99 1,919,376
General Electric Credit, 5.332% due 11/1/99 46,491
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 5.352% due 11/1/99 1,919,376
New Center Asset Trust, 5.352% due 11/1/99 1,403,881
UBS Finance, Inc., 5.382% due 11/1/99 1,919,371
Repurchase Agreement:
Bear Stearns, 5.405% due 11/1/99 2,151,183
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $40,244,476
===============================================================================
Income earned by the Fund from securities loaned for the nine months ended
October 31, 1999 was $206,590.
14
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)(continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Capital Stock
At October 31, 1999, the Fund had authority to issue 20,000,000 shares of common
stock with a par value of $0.01 per share.
On October 27, 1998, the Fund commenced a share repurchase plan. As of October
31, 1999, repurchased shares totalled 985,675.
15
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set forth below is per share operating performance data for a share of common
stock outstanding throughout each year ended January 31, except where noted.
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>
1999(1) 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period...................... $18.09 $14.49 $11.94 $9.56 $9.82 $9.84
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Income (Loss) From Operations:
Net investment income.................... 0.16 0.17 0.07 0.10 0.15 0.09
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) (2)........................ (0.81) 3.82 2.50 2.52 (0.39) 0.06
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total Income (Loss) From
Operations............................... (0.65) 3.99 2.57 2.62 (0.24) 0.15
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Gains From Repurchase of
Treasury Stock (2)....................... 0.24 0.07 -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Less Distributions From:
Net investment income.................... -- (0.20) (0.02) (0.24) (0.02) (0.17)
Net realized gains....................... (1.00) (0.26) -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total Distributions......................... (1.00) (0.46) (0.02) (0.24) (0.02) (0.17)
-------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value, End of Period.............. $16.68 $18.09 $14.49 $11.94 $9.56 $9.82
======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Market Value, End of Period................. $14.000 $14.938 $12.125 $10.000 $8.250 $8.750
======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Total Return, Based on
Market Value*............................ 0.38%++ 26.96% 21.53% 24.49% (5.51)% (27.90)%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Total Return, Based on
Net Asset Value*......................... (1.25)%++ 28.66% 21.59% 28.27% (2.43)% (3.68)%
======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Net Assets, End of
Period (000's).............................. $142,094 $167,682 $137,712 $113,433 $90,841 $93,347
======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Net investment income.................... 1.17%+ 0.58% 0.61% 0.97% 1.12% 0.85%
Expenses (3)............................. 1.22+ 1.22 1.29 1.42 1.42 1.69
Portfolio Turnover Rate..................... 18% 22% 16% 47% 58% 42%
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) For the nine months ended October 31, 1999 (unaudited).
(2) Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) from prior year has been
reclassified to conform with current period presentation. The reallocation
of gain (loss) between operation and treasury stock transactions for the
year ended January 31, 1999 has not been audited by the Fund's external
auditors.
(3) During the years ended January 31, 1997 and January 31, 1996, the Fund
earned credits from the custodian which reduced service fees incurred. If
the credits are taken into consideration, the ratios 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.
* The total return calculation assumes that dividends are reinvested in
accordance with the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan.
++ Total return is not annualized as it may not be representative of the total
return for the year.
+ Annualized.
16
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Increase
Net Realized (Decrease) in
Investment Net Investment and Unrealized Net Assets
Income (Loss) Income (Loss) Gain (Loss) From Operations
--------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Per Per Per Per
Quarter Ended Total Share Total Share Total Share Total Share
------------ ----- ------------ ------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
April 30, 1997.......... $ 106,945 $0.01 $ (238,794) $(0.03) $(11,469,551) $(1.21) $(11,708,345 $(1.24)
July 31, 1997........... 1,945,510 0.20 1,591,023 0.17 8,346,576 0.88 9,937,599 1.05
October 31, 1997........ 18,406 0.00 (364,305) (0.04) 5,549,880 0.59 5,185,575 0.55
January 31, 1998........ 79,657 0.01 (294,155) (0.03) 21,348,352 2.24 21,054,197 2.21
April 30, 1998.......... 146,182 0.02 (326,512) (0.03) 25,944,182 2.73 25,617,670 2.70
July 31, 1998........... 2,658,231 0.28 2,148,071 0.23 5,682,751 0.60 7,830,822 0.83
October 31, 1998........ 207,822 0.02 (255,194) (0.03) (17,814,957) (1.87) (18,070,151) (1.90)
January 31, 1999........ (102,909) (0.01) (628,555) (0.07) 22,888,424 2.47 22,259,869 2.40
April 30, 1999.......... 194,353 0.02 (289,898) (0.03) (2,892,195) (0.33) (3,182,093) (0.36)
July 31, 1999........... 2,483,951 0.29 2,020,175 0.23 (3,929,497) (0.46) (1,909,322) (0.22)
October 31, 1999........ 59,189 0.01 (392,546) (0.05) (373,073) (0.04) (765,619) (0.09)
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Additional Shareholder Information (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On May 19, 1999, the annual meeting of the shareholders of the Fund was held for
the purpose of voting on the following matters:
1. The election of Paul Hardin and George M. Pavia as Directors of the
Fund for a three-year period; and
2. Ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the independent auditors
of the Fund for the current fiscal year.
The results of the vote on Proposal 1 were as follows:
Shares % of Shares
Directors* Votes For Voted For
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul Hardin 5,643,266.098 96.86%
George M. Pavia 5,634,551.882 96.71
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The results of the vote on Proposal 2 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares % of Shares % of Shares % of
Votes For Shares Voted Voted Against Shares Voted Abstained Shares Abstained
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
5,727,852.975 98.31% 77,983.764 1.34% 20,458.493 0.35%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The following Directors, representing the balance of the Board of Directors,
continue to serve as Directors: Paolo M. Cucchi, Mario d'Urso and Heath B.
McLendon.
18
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pursuant to the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan ("Plan"), a
shareholder of the Fund whose shares are registered in his own name will
automatically be a participant in the Plan and will have all distributions
automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Fund by PFPC Global Fund
Services ("PFPC"), formerly known as First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.,
as dividend-paying agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder informs PFPC
that he elects to receive distributions in cash. Distributions with respect to
shares registered in the name of a broker-dealer or nominee ("Nominee"), which
holds shares for others (that is, in "street name"), may be reinvested by the
Nominee in additional shares under the Plan, but only if the service is provided
by the Nominee and the Nominee makes an election on behalf of the shareholder to
participate in the Plan. Investors who own Fund shares registered in street name
should consult their 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 PFPC as dividend
paying agent.
The number of shares of common stock participants in the Plan receive 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 the greater of (i) net asset value per share or (ii) 95%
of the then current market 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, PFPC 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. Additionally, if the market price
exceeds the net asset value of Fund shares before PFPC has completed its
purchases, PFPC is permitted to cease purchasing shares and the Fund may issue
the remaining shares at the greater of (a) net asset value or (b) 95% of the
then current market price.
Participants in the Plan have the option of making additional semi-annual cash
payments to PFPC in any amount from $100 to $3,000 for investment in Fund
shares. PFPC 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.
19
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan (unaudited) (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 PFPC'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.
A shareholder may terminate participation in the Plan at any time by notifying
PFPC in writing. A termination will be effective immediately if notice is
received by PFPC no 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,
PFPC 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 PFPC Global Fund Services
at 1-800-331-1710.
----------------------
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, that from time to time the Fund may purchase
shares of its common stock in the open market.
20
<PAGE>
The Italy Fund Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT MANAGER AND
ADMINISTRATOR
SSB Citi Fund Management LLC
388 Greenwich Street
New York, New York 10013
ADVISORY BOARD
Andrea Farace
Pierre Henchoz
Dott. Pietro Manes
DIRECTORS
Paolo M. Cucchi
Dr. Paul R. Hardin
Heath B. McLendon
George M. Pavia
Mario d'Urso
James J. Crisona, Emeritus
Alessandro C. di Montezemolo, Emeritus
OFFICERS
Heath B. McLendon
Chairman
Mario d'Urso
President
Lewis E. Daidone
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
Rein W. van der Does
Vice President and Investment Officer
Irving P. David
Controller
Christina T. Sydor
Secretary
21
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This report is intended only for the shareholders of The Italy Fund Inc. 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 Euro/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) 816-6082
FD01045 12/99
