CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
================================================================================
February 10, 2000
Dear Fellow Shareholders:
I am pleased to report continued strong returns for the Clemente Strategic Value
Fund. The net asset value of the Fund increased +30.9% for the calendar year
after adjustment for the $3.868 capital gains distribution for shareholders of
record December 29, 1999, which was paid on January 31, 2000. The market price
of the Fund's shares increased +40.7% for the year, reflecting a continuing
decrease in the discount which had been reduced to -4.7% by December 31. These
results compare favorably with global indices, domestic indices, and with other
closed-end funds.
Shareholder value advocacy and change at the Fund began in earnest in 1997, as
shares were accumulated at large discounts and progressively greater pressure
was applied by activists to improve performance. Corresponding "total investment
return" to shareholders was +37.6% in 1997, +36.4% in 1998, and +40.7% in 1999.
This compares to +13.2%, +20.8% and +26.0% respectively for the FT-Actuaries
World Index, the Fund's benchmark, during the same time periods.
As reported previously, the Fund's portfolio was restructured in May so that,
under normal circumstances, at least 85% of the portfolio will consist of U.S.
equities. Since then, the portfolio has increased +31.9% through the end of the
year as compared to the +13.5% return of the S&P 500 Index.
The current Board remains committed to utilizing the closed-end structure to
enhance shareholder value. This will be accomplished by a focus on reduced
expenses, good portfolio performance, and extensive share repurchases. The
Fund's share buy-back program continues to enhance the returns of long-term
shareholders. Since the program began in October of 1998, the Fund repurchased
1,463,340 shares through December 1999, which represents more than 24.8% of the
shares outstanding. From October 5, 1998 through December 31, 1999, the combined
effects of improved portfolio performance and share buybacks have resulted in a
market price increase in the Fund's shares of +112%, after adjusting for the
large capital gain distribution declared in late 1999.
The Board, its Chairman, and the Fund's advisers remain committed to maximizing
shareholder value.
Cordially yours,
/s/ Ron Olin
- ------------
Ron Olin
Chairman
1
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT VALUE
------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
COMMON STOCK -- 98.7%
BASIC MATERIALS -- 1.7%
Pohang Iron & Steel Ltd ADR (c).................................................... 40,000 $ 1,400,000
-----------
CAPITAL GOODS -- 6.0%
General Electric Co................................................................ 20,000 3,095,000
Illinois Tool Works, Inc........................................................... 27,600 1,864,725
-----------
4,959,725
-----------
COMMUNICATION SERVICES -- 11.1%
Korea Telecom Corporation ADR (c).................................................. 19,600 1,465,100
MCI Worldcom, Inc. *............................................................... 52,500 2,785,781
Nippon Telegraph ADR (b)........................................................... 25,000 2,153,125
Vodafone Group PLC ADR (d)......................................................... 60,000 2,970,000
-----------
9,374,006
-----------
CONSUMER CYCLICALS -- 13.5%
Carnival Cruise Lines.............................................................. 26,000 1,243,125
Gannett, Inc....................................................................... 21,000 1,712,813
Home Depot, Inc.................................................................... 73,500 5,039,344
Linens 'N Things*.................................................................. 21,000 622,125
Time Warner, Inc................................................................... 24,000 1,738,500
Zale Corp.*........................................................................ 18,000 870,748
-----------
11,226,655
-----------
CONSUMER STAPLES -- 5.0%
Coca Cola Co....................................................................... 25,000 1,456,250
Pepsico, Inc....................................................................... 40,000 1,410,000
Sysco Corp......................................................................... 33,000 1,305,563
-----------
4,171,813
-----------
ENERGY -- 5.1%
Conoco, Inc........................................................................ 57,000 1,410,750
Halliburton Co..................................................................... 70,000 2,817,500
-----------
4,228,250
-----------
FINANCE -- 9.0%
American International Group*...................................................... 20,000 2,162,500
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter......................................................... 16,000 2,284,000
Suntrust Banks, Inc................................................................ 20,000 1,376,250
Citigroup, Inc..................................................................... 30,000 1,666,875
-----------
7,489,625
-----------
</TABLE>
2 SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS - CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES/PRINCIPAL
AMOUNT VALUE
HEALTHCARE -- 11.1% ------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co............................................................ 22,000 $ 1,412,125
Johnson & Johnson.................................................................. 16,000 1,490,000
Merck & Co. Inc.................................................................... 35,000 2,347,188
Pfizer, Inc........................................................................ 48,600 1,576,463
Warner Lambert Co.................................................................. 30,000 2,458,125
-----------
9,283,901
-----------
TECHNOLOGY -- 36.2%
America Online Inc................................................................. 32,400 2,444,175
Analog Devices..................................................................... 39,000 3,627,000
Automatic Data Processing.......................................................... 40,000 2,155,000
Cisco Systems, Inc................................................................. 49,000 5,249,125
EMC Corp........................................................................... 30,000 3,277,500
Intel Corp......................................................................... 29,000 2,387,063
JDS Uniphase Corp.*................................................................ 8,400 1,355,025
Microsoft Corp.*................................................................... 25,000 2,918,750
Nokia Corp. ADR (b)................................................................ 19,000 3,610,000
S.T. Microelectronics.............................................................. 14,000 2,120,125
Tellabs, Inc.*..................................................................... 18,000 1,155,375
-----------
30,299,138
-----------
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $52,440,036)....................................... 82,433,113
-----------
TIME DEPOSIT -- 1.3%
First Chicago National Bank
3.75% 01/03/2000 (Cost $1,050,000)............................................... 1,050,000 1,050,000
-----------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $53,490,036)** -- 100.00%.................................... $83,483,113
===========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ADR American Depository Receipts
(a) Finland
(b) Japan
(c) Korea
(d) United Kingdom
* Non-Income Producing Security
** Summary of Total Investments:
<CAPTION>
COST VALUE
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock..................... $52,440,036 $82,433,113
Short-Term Instruments........... 1,050,000 1,050,000
----------- -----------
Total Investments................ $53,490,036 $83,483,113
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
ASSETS
Investments at value (Cost $53,490,036)............................................................... $83,483,113
Cash.................................................................................................. 92,188
Dividends receivable.................................................................................. 88,744
Other assets.......................................................................................... 7,439
-------
Total Assets................................................................................... 83,671,484
-------
LIABILITIES
Payable for shares repurchased by Fund................................................................ 136,879
Accrued expenses...................................................................................... 168,449
Distribution Payable.................................................................................. 17,162,161
-------
Total Liabilities.............................................................................. 17,467,489
-------
NET ASSETS............................................................................................ $66,203,995
=======
Net assets consist of:
Common stock, $0.01 par (authorized 25,000,000 shares and 6,010,000 shares issued, 4,429,060 shares
outstanding of common stock)..................................................................... $44,291
Paid-in Capital..................................................................................... 52,233,513
Cost of 1,580,940 shares held in treasury........................................................... (20,415,914)
Accumulated net realized gain on investments........................................................ 4,351,787
Net unrealized appreciation of investments and translation of net assets denominated in foreign
currencies....................................................................................... 29,990,318
-------
Net Assets............................................................................................ $66,203,995
=======
Net Asset Value Per Share
($66,203,995 / 4,429,060 shares of common stock).................................................... $ 14.95
=======
</TABLE>
4 SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
ENDED
DECEMBER 31,
1999
------------
<S> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld $29,357)................................................... $ 506,834
Interest............................................................................................ 232,675
-----------
Total income..................................................................................... 739,509
-----------
EXPENSES
Investment advisory fee............................................................................. 803,076
Administrative services fee......................................................................... 115,799
Custodian fees and expenses......................................................................... 54,091
Legal fee........................................................................................... 85,000
Directors fees and expenses......................................................................... 75,000
Audit fee........................................................................................... 44,904
Printing............................................................................................ 32,369
Registration expenses............................................................................... 16,170
Transfer agency services............................................................................ 8,829
Insurance expense................................................................................... 5,067
Miscellaneous....................................................................................... 22,797
-----------
Total operating expenses............................................................................ 1,263,102
Fees paid indirectly................................................................................ (65,943)
-----------
Net Expenses........................................................................................ 1,197,159
-----------
Net investment loss................................................................................... (457,650)
-----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions............................................................................. 22,501,079
Foreign currency transactions....................................................................... (341,105)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investment transactions............................................................................. (2,787,872)
Translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency......................... 2,758
-----------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions..................... 19,374,860
-----------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.................................................. $18,917,210
===========
</TABLE>
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998
----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Operations:
Net investment loss........................................................... $ (457,650) $ (514,990)
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investment transactions.................................................... 22,501,079 (987,131)
Foreign currency transactions.............................................. (341,105) (20,906)
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
Investment transactions.................................................... (2,787,872) 17,534,358
Translation of other assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currency.......................................... 2,758 2,033
----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations............................ 18,917,210 16,013,364
Distribution to shareholders:
Net realized gain on investments.............................................. (17,162,161) --
Capital share transactions:
Shares repurchased............................................................ (14,611,484) (4,903,683)
----------- -----------
Total increase (decrease) in net assets......................................... (12,856,435) 11,109,681
----------- -----------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period........................................................... 79,060,430 67,950,749
----------- -----------
End of period................................................................. $66,203,995 $79,060,430
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
6 SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(For a share outstanding throughout each period
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period................ $ 14.52 $ 11.53 $ 10.10 $ 10.65 $ 10.73
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS
Net investment income (loss)........................ (0.19) (0.09) (0.05) (0.03) --
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on
investments, foreign currency holdings and other
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies........................................ 4.39 2.96 2.36 0.41 0.42
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net increase (decrease) from investment operations.. 4.20 2.87 2.31 0.38 0.42
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
LESS DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Distribution from net investment income........... -- -- -- -- --
Distribution from net realized capital and
currency gains.................................. (3.87) -- (0.88) (0.93) (0.50)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
TOTAL DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS................... (3.87) -- (0.88) (0.93) (0.50)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
SHARES REPURCHASED
Effect of Shares Repurchased........................ 0.10 0.12 -- -- --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Increase (decrease) in net asset value.............. 0.43 2.99 1.43 (0.55) (0.08)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value, end of period...................... $ 14.95 $ 14.52 $ 11.53 $ 10.10 $ 10.65
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
PER SHARE MARKET VALUE, END OF PERIOD............... $14 1/4 $12 7/8 $9 7/16 $ 7 1/2 $ 8 3/8
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN*............................ 40.74% 36.42% 37.62% 0.64% 4.59%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of year (in 000's).................. $66,204 $79,060 $67,951 $59,520 $62,781
Ratios to average net assets:
Operating expenses................................ 1.55%+ 1.91% 1.74% 1.53% 1.58%
Net investment income (loss)...................... (0.59)%+ (0.69)% (0.46)% (0.25)% (0.02)%
Portfolio turnover.................................. 101.54% 50.39% 81.56% 120.66% 84.98%
</TABLE>
- ------------------
* Total investment return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock at
the current market price on the first day and a sale at the current market
price on the last day of each period reported. Dividends and distributions,
if any, are assumed, for purposes of this calculation, to be reinvested at
prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. Total investment
return does not reflect brokerage commissions or sales charges.
+ The ratios of operating expenses and net investment loss to average net assets
before brokerage credits were 1.64% and (0.68)%, respectively, for the period
ending December 31, 1999.
SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- Clemente Strategic
Value Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated in Maryland on May 1, 1987, as a
closed-end, diversified management investment company. The Fund had no
operations until June 30, 1987, other than the sale of 10,000 shares of common
stock for $100,000 to Clemente Capital, Inc. (the "Investment Adviser") on June
9, 1987.
Effective May 21, 1999, the Clemente Global Growth Fund, Inc. changed its name
to the Clemente Strategic Value Fund, Inc.
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
SECURITY VALUATION: Portfolio securities traded on stock exchanges or on the
NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the last sale price as of the close
of business on the primary exchange on the day the securities are being valued,
or if no sales prices are reported, at the mean between closing bid and asked
prices. Other over-the-counter portfolio securities are valued at the most
recent bid prices obtained from one or more dealers that make markets in the
securities. Short-term obligations, maturing within 60 days of the valuation
date, are to be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME: Securities transactions are
recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on sales of investments
are calculated on the identified cost basis. Dividend income is recorded on the
ex-dividend date. Interest income is accrued as earned. Non-U.S. withholding tax
is recorded as a reduction of income.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION: The books and records of the Fund are maintained
in United States dollars.
Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on the following
basis:
(i) market value of investment securities and other assets and liabilities
at the exchange rate on the valuation date.
(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at
the exchange rate prevailing on the respective date of such
transactions.
The Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations resulting
from changes in foreign exchange rates on investments from the fluctuations
arising from changes in market prices of securities held. Such fluctuations are
included with the net realized and unrealized gain or loss from investments.
Reported net realized foreign exchange gains or losses arise from sales and
maturities of short-term securities, currency gains and losses realized between
the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, the difference
between the amounts of dividends, interest and foreign withholding taxes
recorded on the Fund's books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent of the amounts
actually received or paid. Net unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses
arise from changes in the value of the assets and liabilities other than
investments in securities at the end of the period, resulting from changes in
the foreign exchange rate.
8
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
TAXES: No provision for Federal income tax is required since it is the policy of
the Fund to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable
to regulated investment companies and to distribute all of its taxable income,
including any net realized gains, in an amount sufficient to relieve the Fund of
any Federal income tax liability. The Fund intends to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code as long as qualification is determined
by the Board of Directors to be in the best interests of the shareholders.
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: The Fund records dividends and
distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date.
The amounts of dividends from net investment income and of distributions from
net realized gains are determined in accordance with Federal income tax
regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles.
These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary or permanent in
nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts
are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their Federal
tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification. At
December 31, 1999, $341,105 of net realized foreign currency loss was
reclassified to net investment loss and the total net investment loss of
$981,889 was reclassified to capital. Dividends and distributions to
shareholders which exceed net investment income and net realized gains for
financial reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as dividends
in excess of net investment income or distributions in excess of net realized
gains. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net realized gains
for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of capital.
OPTION ACCOUNTING: When the Fund purchases a call or put option, the premium
paid is recorded as an investment which is subsequently marked-to-market to
reflect the current market value. If a purchased option expires, the Fund will
realize a loss to the extent of the premium paid. If the Fund enters into a
closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized for the difference between
the proceeds from the sale and the cost of the option. If a put option is
exercised, the cost of the security or currency sold upon exercise will be
increased by the premium originally paid. If a call option is exercised, the
cost of the security purchased upon exercise will be increased by the premium
originally paid.
NOTE 2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS -- The Fund pays to
the Investment Adviser as compensation for the services provided by the
Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement, a monthly fee
comprised of a basic fee of 1% (on an annualized basis) of the month-end net
assets of the Fund (the "Basic Fee") that is subject to adjustment as described
below based on the investment performance of the Fund in relation to the
investment record of the FT-Actuaries World Index (the "FT-Actuaries Index").
Adjustments to the Basic Fee are made by comparison of the Fund's investment
performance for the applicable performance period with the investment record of
the FT-Actuaries Index for the same period. The applicable performance period is
a rolling 36-month period whereby the most recent calendar month is substituted
for the earliest month as time passes. The Basic Fee for each month may be
increased to a maximum of 1.50% (on an annualized basis) or decreased to a
minimum of 0.50% (on an annualized basis) depending on the extent by which the
Fund's performance varies from the FT-Actuaries Index over the performance
period as set forth below.
9
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
The following table illustrates the full range of permitted increases or
decreases of the Basic Fee on an annualized basis:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE POINT
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
PERFORMANCE OF FUND ADJUSTMENT FEE AS
AND % CHANGE IN BASIC TO BASIC FEE ADJUSTED MONTHLY
FT-ACTUARIES INDEX FEE (ANNUALIZED) (ANNUALIZED) FEE RATE
- ------------------- ----- ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
+10% or greater 1% +.50 % 1.50 % 1/12 x 1.50%
+9 1 +.40 1.40 1/12 x 1.40
+8 1 +.30 1.30 1/12 x 1.30
+7 1 +.25 1.25 1/12 x 1.25
+6 1 +.20 1.20 1/12 x 1.20
+5 1 +.15 1.15 1/12 x 1.15
+4 1 +.10 1.10 1/12 x 1.10
+3 1 +.075 1.075 1/12 x 1.075
+2 1 +.05 1.05 1/12 x 1.05
+1 1 +.025 1.025 1/12 x 1.025
0 1 .00 1.00 1/12 x 1.00
-1 1 -.025 .975 1/12 x .975
-2 1 -.05 .95 1/12 x .95
-3 1 -.075 .925 1/12 x .925
-4 1 -.10 .90 1/12 x .90
-5 1 -.15 .85 1/12 x .85
-6 1 -.20 .80 1/12 x .80
-7 1 -.25 .75 1/12 x .75
-8 1 -.30 .70 1/12 x .70
-9 1 -.40 .60 1/12 x .60
-10 or geater 1 -.50 .50 1/12 x .50
</TABLE>
In calculating the investment performance of the Fund as compared with the
investment record of the FT-Actuaries Index, dividends and other distributions
of the Fund and dividends and other distributions reported with respect to
component securities of the FT-Actuaries Index during the performance period
will be treated as having been reinvested. Also, the withholding taxes paid or
accrued by the Fund are added back in calculating the Fund's performance in
order to be comparative with the FT-Actuaries Index.
Pursuant to a U.S. Advisory Agreement (the "New Agreement") among the Fund, the
Investment Adviser and Wilmington Trust Company, an indirect affiliate of the
Investment Adviser ("Wilmington Trust"), dated May 29, 1997, Wilmington Trust
manages the U.S. portion of the Fund's portfolio subject to the supervision of
the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the New Agreement, the Investment
Adviser has agreed to pay Wilmington Trust a monthly fee at the rate of 25% of
the net fees payable to the Investment Adviser. The fee paid to Wilmington Trust
by the Investment Adviser for 1999 amounted to $200,769.
The Fund incurred $803,076 in investment advisory fees for the year ended
December 31, 1999, which represents a 5% increase to the Basic Fee of 1%.
Pursuant to an Administration and Accounting Services Agreement (the
"Administration and Accounting Services Agreement") with the Fund dated January
20, 1998, PFPC Inc. ("PFPC" or "the Administrator") serves as the Fund's
administrator and accounting agent. Under the Administration and Accounting
Services Agreement, PFPC generally assists in all aspects of the Fund's
operations, other than
10
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
providing investment advice, subject to the overall authority of the fund's
Board of Directors. PFPC determines the Fund's weekly and monthly net asset
value, prepares such figures for publication, maintains certain of the Fund's
books and records that are not maintained by the Investment Adviser, custodian
or transfer agent, and assists in the preparation of financial information for
the Fund's income tax returns, proxy statements, semi-annual and annual
shareholder reports. Prior to January 20, 1998, Rodney Square Management Corp.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Wilmington Trust Company and an indirect affiliate
of the Investment Advisor, served as the Fund's administrator and accounting
agent providing the same services as listed above.
PFPC provides administrative and accounting assistance to the Fund. Under the
Administration Agreement, the Fund has agreed to pay a monthly fee at the annual
rate of 0.15% of the Fund's average weekly net assets subject to a minimum fee
of $65,000 per annum. For the year ended December 31, 1999, the Administrator
earned fees in the amount of $115,799.
Certain directors and officers of the Fund are also directors and officers of
the Investment Adviser or Wilmington Trust Company. Each director unaffiliated
with the advisor receives an annual fee of $8,000 plus $500 for every meeting
attended, together with a reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. The Fund
incurred fees totaling $85,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999, for legal
services, to a law firm of which the Fund's Secretary was partner for a portion
of the year.
NOTE 3. PORTFOLIO SECURITIES -- Purchases and sales of securities, other than
short-term investments, for the year ended December 31, 1999 were $73,186,557
and $86,432,983, respectively.
For Federal income tax purposes, the cost of securities owned at December 31,
1999, was $53,490,036 and the net unrealized appreciation of investments was
$29,993,077. Net unrealized appreciation was composed of gross appreciation of
$30,943,120 for those investments having an excess of value over cost, and gross
depreciation of $950,043 for those investments having an excess of cost over
value.
The Fund has an arrangement with a broker whereby the broker paid custodian and
administrative expenses for a portion of the year on behalf of the Fund. Amounts
paid are recorded as fees paid indirectly on the face of the Statement of
Operations.
NOTE 4. CAPITAL STOCK -- There are 25 million shares of $.01 par value common
stock authorized. Of the 4,429,060 shares outstanding at December 31, 1999, the
Investment Adviser owned 10,000 shares.
A Director of the Fund owns or controls either directly or indirectly 1,676,453
or 38% of the outstanding shares of the Fund with an aggregate market value of
$25,062,972 at December 31, 1999.
NOTE 5. SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM -- On October 5, 1998, the Fund commenced a
share repurchase program for purposes of enhancing shareholder value and
reducing the discount at which the Fund's shares traded from their net asset
value. From that date through December 31, 1999, the Fund repurchased 1,463,340
shares or 24.83% of its Common Stock at an average price per share of $13.28 and
an average discount of 10.55% from net asset value per share. For the year end
1999, the Fund repurchased 1,015,040 shares or 17.23% of its Common Stock at an
average price per share of $13.92 and an average discount of 10.21% from net
asset value per share. The Fund expects to continue to repurchase its
outstanding shares at such time and in such amounts as it believes will further
the accomplishment of the foregoing objectives, subject to review by the Board
of Directors.
11
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Clemente Strategic Value Fund, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Clemente Strategic Value Fund, Inc.
(the "Fund") at December 31, 1999, the results of its operations for the year
then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the
period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. These financial statements and financial highlights
(hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the
Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at December 31, 1999 by
correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion
expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, PA
February 11, 2000
12
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
(UNAUDITED)
TAX INFORMATION DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
The Fund is required by Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, to advise its shareholders within 60 days of the Fund's fiscal year end
(December 31, 1999) as to the U.S. Federal tax status of distributions received
by the Fund's shareholders during such fiscal year. Of the $3.868 per share
total dividends paid during such fiscal year all $3.868 was derived from net
realized long-term capital gains.
Foreign shareholders will generally be subject to U.S. withholding tax on the
amount of their dividend.
Dividends received by tax-exempt recipients (e.g. IRA's and Keoghs) need not be
reported as taxable income for U.S. Federal income tax purposes. However, some
retirement trusts (e.g., corporate, Keogh and 403(b)(7) plans) may need this
information for their annual information reporting.
This information is given to meet certain requirements of the Internal Revenue
Code. Shareholders should refer to their Form 1099-DIV to determine the amounts
includable on their respective tax returns for 1999.
13
<PAGE>
CLEMENTE STRATEGIC VALUE FUND, INC.
(UNAUDITED)
REINVESTMENT PLAN DECEMBER 31, 1999
================================================================================
Clemente Strategic Value Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") has established a plan for the
automatic investment of dividends and distributions (the "Plan") pursuant to
which dividends and capital gain distributions to shareholders will be paid in
or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. All shareholders of record are
eligible to join the Plan. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company acts as agent
(the "Agent") for participants under the Plan.
Shareholders whose shares are registered in their own names may elect to
participate in the Plan by completing an authorization form and returning it to
the Agent. Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a broker or nominee
should contact such broker or nominee to determine whether or how they may
participate in the Plan.
Dividends and distributions are reinvested under the Plan as follows. If the
market price per share on the date for the dividend or distribution (the
"Valuation Date"), equals or exceeds the net asset value per share on that date,
the Fund will issue new shares to participants valued at the net asset value or,
if the net asset value is less than 95% of all the market price on the Valuation
Date, then valued at 95% of the market price. If net asset value per share on
the Valuation Date exceeds the market price per share on that date, the Agent
will buy shares on the New York Stock Exchange, for the participants' accounts.
If, before the Agent has completed its purchases, the market price exceeds the
net asset value of shares, the average per share purchase price paid by the
Agent may exceed the net asset value of shares, resulting in the acquisition of
fewer shares than if the dividend or distribution has been paid in shares issued
by the Fund at net asset value.
There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or distributions
payable in either shares or cash. The Agent's fees for handling of reinvestment
of such dividends and distributions will be paid by the Fund. There will be no
brokerage charges with respect to shares issued directly by the Fund as a result
of dividends or distributions payable either in shares or cash. However, each
participant will be charged by the Agent a pro rata share of brokerage
commissions incurred with respect to the Agent's open market purchases in
connection with the reinvestment of dividends or distributions payable only in
cash.
For purposes of determining the number of shares to be distributed under the
Plan, the net asset value is computed on the Valuation Date and compared to the
market value of such shares on such date. The Plan may be terminated by a
participant by delivery of written notice of termination to the Agent. Upon
termination, the Agent will cause a certificate or certificates for the full
shares held for a participant under the Plan and a check for any fractional
shares to be delivered to the former participant.
Distributions of investment company taxable income that are invested in
additional shares generally are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. A
capital gain distribution that is reinvested in shares is taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time a
shareholders has held the shares or whether such gain was realized by the Fund
before the shareholder acquired such shares and was reflected in the price paid
for the shares.
14
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF GENERAL INFORMATION
================================================================================
THE FUND
Clemente Strategic Value Fund, Inc. is a closed-end investment company whose
shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The Fund seeks long-term capital
appreciation primarily through investment in equity securities of companies
located throughout the world. The Fund is managed by Clemente Capital, Inc. and
Wilmington Trust Company.
Shareholder Information
Daily market prices for the Fund's shares are published in the New York Stock
Exchange Composite Transactions section of most newspapers under the designation
"ClemteStrat". The Fund's New York Stock Exchange trading symbol is CLM. Net
asset value (NAV) and market price information about Clemente Strategic Value
Fund, Inc. shares are published each Monday in The Wall Street Journal, The New
York Times and other newspapers. For general information visit us at our web
site http://www.clementecapital.com. For shareholder account inquiries call
1-800-937-5449.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Through its voluntary Dividend Reinvestment Plan, shareholders of Clemente
Strategic Value Fund, Inc. may elect to receive dividends and capital gains
distributions in the form of additional shares of the Fund.
This report is transmitted to the shareholders of Clemente Strategic Value Fund,
Inc. for their information. This is not a prospectus, circular or representation
intended for use in the purchase of shares of the Fund or any securities
mentioned in this report.
Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 23(c) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 that the Fund may purchase at market prices from time to
time shares of its common stock in the open market.
[LOGO]
Clemente Strategic
Value Fund, Inc.
Annual Report
=================
December 31, 1999
<PAGE>
Directors and officers
Ronald G. Olin, Chairman and Director
Gary A. Bentz, Director
Ralph W. Bradshaw, Director and Treasurer
William Clark, Director
Phillip Goldstein, Director
Gerald Hellerman, Director
Thomas H. Lenagh, Director
Leopoldo M. Clemente, Jr., President
Maria Distefano, Assistant Secretary
- -------------
+Members of Audit Committee
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXECUTIVE OFFICES --
152 W. 57th Street, New York, NY 10019
(For latest net asset value and market data,
please call 212-765-0700 or access our web
site at http://www.clementecapital.com.
For shareholder inquiries, please call
1-800-937-5449)
INVESTMENT ADVISERS --
Clemente Capital, Inc.
Wilmington Trust Company
ADMINISTRATOR --
PFPC Inc.
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR --
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
CUSTODIAN --
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
LEGAL COUNSEL --
Spitzer & Feldman P.C.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS --
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
