The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
February 17, 1997
Dear Fund Shareholder,
We are pleased to provide you with the unaudited financial statements of The
Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") for the semiannual period ended
January 31, 1997. During these six months, the Fund's net asset value (NAV) rose
3.8% in U.S. dollar terms. The Fund's price closed on the New York Stock
Exchange at $10.25 per share on January 31, 1997.
Mexico's economy continued to improve during the last six months. Inflation
declined, interest rates eased and growth continued to improve. As you can read
in more detail in the Mexico Adviser's letter that follows, the Adviser believes
that a domestic recovery is gaining ground in Mexico. Such a recovery could
bring increased profitability for companies with exposure to the country's
domestic markets.
Emerging markets such as Mexico play an increasingly important role in the world
economies. We continue to believe The Mexico Equity and Income Fund can provide
investors with a vehicle for strategic diversification and investment in an
important emerging country and a near neighbor of the United States. On behalf
of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your participation in the Fund.
Sincerely,
/s/Alan Rappaport
- ------------------
Alan Rappaport
Chairman
<PAGE>
Report of the Mexican Adviser The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
For the Six Months Ended January 31, 1997
Mexico's Economic Environment
The economy in Mexico continued to improve in the last six months, with the
country experiencing more growth and less inflation in 1996 than was forecast
early in the year. Economic growth, measured by gross domestic product (GDP) was
7.4% in the third quarter, 7.6% in the fourth quarter and 5.1% for the year. GDP
is estimated at 4.5% to 4.8% for 1997.
Mexico's firm monetary stance has had the desired effect. Inflation has fallen
and is forecast to drop to 18% in 1997 compared to 27.7% in 1996. The average
nominal interest rate for 1997 is anticipated to fall to 23% compared to 31.4%
in 1996. The peso is expected to devalue against the U.S. dollar by
approximately 12% in 1997, which would result in P$8.8 per US$1 at year-end.
The domestic economic outlook for 1997 continues to be positive. Macroeconomic
data indicate that the recovery process is solidly underway and is gradually
becoming stronger. Mexico issued over US$24 billion in debt and capital
securities in the international markets during 1996. During January alone,
issuance of government and corporate debt amounted to US$3.2 billion. On January
15, 1997, Mexico repaid US$3.5 billion owed to the U.S. Treasury and US$1.5
billion to the International Monetary Fund. These operations represented a
significant improvement in both the cost and schedule of external indebtedness
and improved expectations for the orthodox fiscal and monetary management in
Mexico.
In the political arena, Mexico's Congress ratified the Electoral Reform Package,
greatly advancing Mexico's democratic transition. For the first time in history,
political forces reached an overwhelming consensus. The package established
conditions for a transparent, honest and equitable electoral process in 1997.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund Updates
The Fund's toll-free phone number, (800) 421-4777, provides callers with a
recorded monthly update of the markets in which the Fund invests. It also offers
details about the Fund, its portfolio and performance.
Tracking the Fund's NAV
The Fund's net asset value (NAV) is calculated weekly and published in The Wall
Street Journal every Monday under the heading "Closed End Funds." The Fund's net
asset value is also published in Barron's on Saturdays and in The New York Times
on Mondays. The Fund is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker
symbol MXE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
<PAGE>
The Mexican Stock Market
The Mexican stock market gained 18.3% in U.S. dollar terms for the six months
ended January 31, 1997. The market registered over half of this return during
January alone. The main reasons for this rally were capital inflows and renewed
confidence in Mexico as a result of the positive developments outlined above. We
believe it is possible that this January rally could last for a while,
considering that the Bolsa is still trading at attractive valuation levels.
The Bolsa's best sector dollar gains during the six-month period were (1)
Industrial Conglomerates, 34.4%, (2) Food, Beverage and Tobacco, 24.9%, and (3)
Construction Companies, 20.5%. The worst performing sectors were: (1) Financial
groups, down 4.8%, (2) Retailing, 1.8%, and (3) Mining, 2.6%.
Fund Performance and Portfolio Strategy
For the six-month period ending January 31, 1997, the Fund's net asset value
(NAV) registered a 14.9% appreciation while its market price gained 17.9% in
U.S. dollars, just under the 18.3% return registered by the Mexican Bolsa.
The Fund's equity exposure at January 31, 1997, was 90.0%. Mexican peso debt
instruments made up 7.9% of the Fund, including 2.2% in Bancomer convertible
bonds, 3.5% in Vitro debt bearing a 13.0% coupon in real terms, and 2.2% in
promissory banking notes. In US dollar-denominated products the Fund held 1.0%
of its assets, as well as 1.1% in Ahmsa 2001 Yankee dollar convertible bond with
a 5.25% coupon, yielding 9% to maturity.
At the end of January the three largest sectors represented in the Fund's
portfolio were (1) Food Beverage and Tobacco, 17.9%, (2) Retailing and Specialty
Retailers, 17.8%, and (3) Industrial Conglomerates, 16.8%. The three largest
stock holdings were (1) Cifra, 7.0%, (2) Desc, 6.0%, and (3) Cemex, 5.3%.
We continue with our mid-year strategy to lower the Fund's exposure to
export-oriented companies and/or cyclical sectors and to reallocate to
conglomerates with a higher weight on domestic markets. Operating margins should
continue to improve as capacity utilization continues to increase.
Food, Beverage and Tobacco-17.9% of the Fund's total investments as of January
31, 1997 The food sector, which is usually one of the first sectors to react to
a recovery in consumption, began to show signs of improvement during 1996, due
to the 5.9% increase in employment and recovering consumer purchasing power (the
minimum wage was raised 17% in December 1996). Most of the companies traded on
the Bolsa are market leaders, which should allow them to continue growing at the
expense of smaller producers.
Food companies should continue to be favored by reduced competition from imports
on the domestic market. Profitability in this sector should be enhanced by
greater operating efficiencies, continued control of operating expenditures and
a stable exchange rate. In addition, the export
3
<PAGE>
market offers strong growth potential for companies in this sector, since some
of their products are very price competitive and meet international quality
standards.
Per capita, Mexico is among the world's largest soft drink and beer consumers.
Beverages have registered a strong rebound in beer and soft drink sales as a
result of increased consumer spending. Industry sentiment is that beverage sales
volumes could grow at between 5% to 6% in 1997. We expect this positive trend to
continue over the next several months.
Retailing and Specialty Retailers -17.8% of the Fund's total investments as of
January 31, 1997 The Fund's primary holdings in this sector are Cifra, which we
like for fundamental reasons such as its strong financials and good management,
and Grupo Elektra, which is a strategic niche player. Specifically, we are not
bullish on the retailing and specialty store sector as a whole, but on the
companies the Fund holds in this sector. We believe a recovery in this sector
will start after the first quarter of this year, and that such a recovery could
be more dynamic in the second half of the year.
Industrial Conglomerates-16.8% of the Fund's total investments as of January 31,
1997 Mexico's economic growth in 1997 should generate increased domestic demand
and improve prospects for industrial conglomerates since their domestic sales
contribute 60% of consolidated sales on average. Increased per capita income
also facilitates increased demand for higher priced products.
Top Ten Holdings as of January 31, 1997
Cifra, S.A. de C.V.-7.0% of the Fund's total investments
In our opinion, Cifra is the most attractive company within the retail sector.
Cifra's stock currently shows an important discount in relation to its
historical ratio. Furthermore, we believe that the company will bear a premium
in relation to the other companies of the sector, due to the fact that it is the
market leader, with the most solid financial structure and a high operating
efficiency.
During the period, the Fund increased its position in Cifra from 5.1% to 7% of
total investments as part of our strategy to increase domestic-oriented
companies that we believed to be undervalued.
Desc, Sociedad de Fomento Industrial, S.A. de C.V.-6.0% of the Fund's total
investments
Desc is Mexico's largest and best diversified industrial group. The company
focuses on five business sectors: automotive parts (36% of total sales),
chemicals (44%), consumer products (5%), agribusiness (13%) and real estate
(2%). Exports represent a third of total sales, reducing its vulnerability to
weak domestic demand. On the other hand, Desc's domestic market exposure allows
it to benefit from the recovery in domestic demand.
The Group's strategy is to form alliances with worldwide technological leaders
while maintaining control over the business. The company also has long-term
growth potential, especially in its real estate division, which is currently
depressed by the economic situation, but is expected to be profitable from 1998
onwards. During the period, Desc's position increased from 3.9% to 6.0% while
the share price rose 24% in U.S. dollar terms.
4
<PAGE>
Cemex, S.A. de C.V.-5.3% of the Fund's total investments
A truly multinational company, Cemex is Mexico's largest cement manufacturing
group (with a 63% market share), and the third largest cement company worldwide.
With significant operations in five countries around the world and, through its
trading and distribution network, a presence in 54 countries (including the
southern U.S.), Cemex is geographically diversified. In addition to cement
production, the company operates aggregates facilities, ready-mix concrete
facilities, warehousing and distribution terminals and an international trading
company with offices around the world. Cemex's annual sales are US$3.3 billion
and its market capitalization is US$5.2 billion.
We believe cement and construction should be a major beneficiary of increased
public and private sector spending in infrastructure during 1997. Within the
cement sector, Cemex offers the best value, since it trades at a relative value
discount compared to its competitors Apasco and GCC, and to its historic
multiples. In spite of concerns over its leverage and expansion we expect
positive prospects for the company in Mexico and Latin America for 1997. During
the period, the Fund increased its position in Cemex from 4.2% to 5.3% of total
investments while its market price registered a 15% increase in U.S. dollar
terms.
Tubos de Acero de Mexico S.A. de C.V. ("Tamsa")-5.3% of the Fund's total
investments
Tamsa is Mexico's only manufacturer of seamless pipes, used principally in the
petroleum industry. Its products include casing pipe, drilling pipe, pipe used
for extraction of petroleum and gas, pipes for carrying crude petroleum and gas,
mechanical pipe and extruded pipe. Tamsa exports to more than 40 countries
representing 65% of total revenues. Tamsa and its Argentinean partner, Siderca
Saic, have approximately a 26% share of the world pipe market. Tamsa's annual
sales total US$582 million and its market capitalization is US$1.1 billion.
Although Tamsa stock has shown a 75% U.S. dollar return during the six-month
period ended January 31, 1997, the company continues to be one of our favorite
stocks within the steel sector, due to the high added value of its products and
the expected increase in Pemex (the state-run oil monopoly) demand during 1997.
Tablex S.A. de C.V.-4.3% of the Fund's total investments
The company manufactures cookies, pasta, wheat flour, plastic film for
food-product packaging and cardboard boxes with annual sales of US$188 million.
It currently operates eight factories in four Mexican states, and utilizes a
healthy 85% of its installed capacity of 290,000 metric tons per year. Tablex
exports 9% of total sales, holds 55% of the pasta market and 7% of the cookie
market share in Mexico. Tablex market capitalization is US$207 million.
We believe the food sector will see positive results in 1997 as consumption
growth accelerates, therefore Tablex continues to be one of our preferred stocks
even after its 91% appreciation registered in 1996. During the period, the Fund
increased its position in Tablex from 2.9% to 4.3% while the market price
registered a 30% increase in U.S. dollar terms.
Grupo Industrial Bimbo, S.A. de C.V.-4.0% of the Fund's total investments
Bimbo is Mexico's largest and low cost bread-loaf manufacturer, with a 90%
nationwide market share. It is the country's leading pastry, packaged corn and
wheat tortilla producer. Bimbo has an
5
<PAGE>
outstanding distribution network that logs in 400,000 sales visits a day. The
company operates 65 plants, four in the U.S., three in Central America and six
in South America.
This stock has always been a strategic holding in the Fund. During the period,
the Fund increased its position in Bimbo from 3.6% to 4% of the Fund while the
market price grew 30% in U.S. dollar terms.
Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.V.-3.7% of the Fund's total investments
Elektra is Mexico's dominant specialty retailer of electronics, appliances and
household furniture. It targets the low-income population. Elektra has 450
stores throughout Mexico with expansion plans for 50 new stores in Mexico and 30
in Central America for 1997. A key factor in its growth has been its credit
financing program that allows customers to purchase products at a fixed price
during a 13 to 53 week period. Other businesses include: money transfer business
to/from the U.S., Grupo Hecali, a specialized clothing and footwear store;
merchandise transfer between the U.S. and Mexico and other products and services
that allow the company to take advantage of its store base and systems
infrastructure. Elektra maintains lower advertising costs through its
acquisition of a 14.5% stake in Television Azteca. Elektra's annual sales total
US$502 million and its market capitalization is US$934 million.
Elektra was recently included in the Fund's top ten holdings due to its
excellent management, the market segments it covers and its growth potential.
During the period, the Fund increased its position in Elektra from 1.9% to 3.7%
while the market price registered a 46% increase in U.S. dollar terms.
Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.-3.2% of the Fund's total investments
Telmex is the only Mexican company that offers integrated telecommunication
services at the national level, including local, local distance data, cellular
and paging services. On August 1996 the company lost its exclusivity over the
long distance market. In the short term, Telmex will also face competition in
other businesses, such as local service. At the end of 1996 the company had
8,826 million lines in service representing a telephone penetration of roughly
9.6 lines per 100 inhabitants. The company estimates that it has 61% of the
cellular telephone market. In 1996, cellular subscribers grew 65%, increasing
from 399,061 customers in 1995 to 656,723 by the end of 1996. Telmex's future
projects include entering the U.S. long distance market in a joint effort with
its commercial partner Sprint.
Telmex's annual sales totaled US$6.4 billion and its market capitalization is
US$14.7 billion. During the period, the Fund decreased its position in Telefonos
from 5.4% to 3.2% while the price grew 23% in U.S. dollar terms.
San Luis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V.-3.1% of the Fund's total investments
The company is an industrial conglomerate operating in the auto parts and mining
sectors. San Luis's sales are 90% export driven, and fall into auto parts (Grupo
Rassini, 83% of sales) and mining (Luismin, 17% of sales). Rassini manufactures
suspension components, and is leading supplier of leaf springs to original
equipment manufacturers for use in the production of light trucks, sport utility
vehicles and minivans. Luismin owns and operates gold and silver mines,
6
<PAGE>
exporting all its production, which accounts for 10% and 5% of Mexico's total
gold and silver output respectively. During the period, San Luis registered
11.1% U.S. dollar return. San Luis' annual sales total US$240 million and its
market capitalization is US$522 million.
During the period, we decreased the company position in the fund from 6.2% to
3.1%, following the strategy to reduce exposure in exporting companies due to
the expected strengthening of the Peso. During this period its price registered
a 2.9% decrease in U.S. dollars.
Kimberly Clark de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.-3.0% of the Fund's total investments
Kimberly is Mexico's largest manufacturer of consumer products and systems for
personal care and cleansing in both retail and commercial markets. It also
participates in the printing and writing paper markets. Kimberly's annual sales
totaled US$1.1 billion and its market capitalization is US$5.3 billion.
We consider Kimberly a defensive stock in a good position to benefit from
consumption recovery. Since part of its competition comes from imports the stock
also offers a partial U.S. dollar hedge. During the period, the Fund decreased
its position in Kimberly from 4.1% to 3.0% while the price registered a 23%
increase in U.S. dollar terms.
Outlook
In spite of Mexico's positive economic outlook for 1997, the Bolsa is expected
to continue its volatility, due to its linkage to U.S. markets and the country's
internal politics. On a positive note, the Bolsa has registered the lowest
dollar capital appreciation return among the largest Latin American markets,
except Chile. Foreign investment in Mexican stocks increased over 26% in 1996
and increased 8.8% in January 1997.
Going forward, we believe Mexico's economy will continue to transition from an
export-driven economy to one driven by domestic consumption. Employment has
risen and is expected to increase further. Minimum wage increases are expected
to slightly outpace estimated inflation in 1997 for the first time ever. These
statistics point to an environment of increased domestic consumption. The food
sector, which normally reacts quickly to a recovery in domestic consumption, has
already shown signs of improvement, especially in beverage consumption. We
expect this trend to continue into 1997.
Respectfully,
M. Eugenia Pichardo
Portfolio Manager
Acci Worldwide, S.A. de C.V.
Mexico City
February 24, 1997
7
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Percent
of Shares Security of Holdings Value
====================================================================================================================================
MEXICO 99.02%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCK 90.00%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cement 8.11%
<S> <C> <C>
245,000 Apasco, S.A. de C.V .............................................................. $1,764,439
2,003,000 Cemex, S.A. de C.V ............................................................... 7,532,869
28,500 Cemex, S.A. de C.V. B ADR ........................................................ 235,348
1,570,000 Internacional de Ceramic, S.A. de C.V.* .......................................... 2,329,645
----------
11,862,301
----------
Communications and Transportation 6.97%
1,000,000 Carso Global Telecom A1* ......................................................... 2,942,117
1,794,999 Cintra, S.A. A* .................................................................. 1,317,978
50,000 Grupo Televisa ADR* .............................................................. 1,293,750
22,800 Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. ADR* ........................................... 857,850
2,000,000 Telefonos de Mexico, S.A.L ....................................................... 3,781,260
----------
10,192,955
----------
Construction 6.02%
114,000 Bufete Industrial, S.A.* ......................................................... 854,544
620,000 Corporacion Geo, S.A. de C.V. B* ................................................. 3,053,406
197,000 Empresas ICA Sociedad Controladora, S.A. de C.V.* ................................ 2,998,785
650,000 Grupo Tribasa, S.A. de C.V.* ..................................................... 1,904,061
----------
8,810,796
----------
Financial Groups 5.72%
10,470,000 Grupo Financiero Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. B* ....................................... 3,830,406
2,000,000 Grupo Financiero Banorte, S.A. de C.V. B* ........................................ 2,123,441
2,000,000 Grupo Financiero GBM Atlantico, S.A. de C.V. B* .................................. 1,611,768
1,956,000 Grupo Financiero Serfin, S.A. de C.V. B* ......................................... 800,665
----------
8,366,280
----------
Food, Beverage, and Tobacco 17.91%
812,000 Embotelladoras del Valle de Anahuac, S.A. de C.V. B* ............................. 478,839
1,100,000 Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. B ....................................... 3,848,417
410,000 Gruma, S.A. de C.V. B* ........................................................... 2,286,665
973,000 Grupo Embotelladoras de Mexico, S.A. de C.V.* .................................... 1,468,679
980,000 Grupo Industrial Bimbo, S.A. de C.V. A ........................................... 5,910,713
200,000 Grupo Industrial Maseca, S.A. de C.V. B .......................................... 263,511
537,000 Grupo Modelo, S.A. de C.V. C ..................................................... 3,221,657
2,224,000 Sistema Argos, S.A. B ............................................................ 2,389,715
1,850,000 Tablex, S.A. de C.V. 2 ........................................................... 6,330,349
----------
26,198,545
----------
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments (continued) The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Percent
of Shares Security of Holdings Value
====================================================================================================================================
COMMON STOCK (continued)
Industrial Conglomerates 16.84%
<S> <C> <C>
319,000 Alfa, S.A. de C.V. A ................................................................... $ 1,664,880
550,000 Desc, S.A. de C.V. A* .................................................................. 3,236,329
50,000 Desc, S.A. de C.V. ADR* ................................................................ 1,175,000
304,000 Desc, S.A. de C.V. B* .................................................................. 1,773,252
446,000 Desc, S.A. de C.V. C* .................................................................. 2,590,138
200,000 Grupo Carso, S.A. de C.V. A1 ........................................................... 1,219,060
600,000 Grupo Imsa, S.A. de C.V. UBC* .......................................................... 1,465,942
7,900,000 Grupo Industrial Camesa, S.A. de C.V. B* ............................................... 4,203,901
802,000 San Luis Corporacion, S.A. de C.V ...................................................... 4,565,270
1,200,000 Vitro, S.A ............................................................................. 2,741,541
------------
24,635,313
------------
Mining 0.93%
262,171 Grupo Mexico S.A. de C.V. 108E Series Warrants (Exp. 9/8/01)* .................. 731,094
150,000 Industrias Penoles, S.A ................................................................ 633,195
------------
1,364,289
------------
Paper 2.98%
210,000 Kimberly-Clark de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. A ............................................... 4,351,775
------------
Retailing 10.19%
7,749,000 Cifra, S.A. de C.V. C* ................................................................. 10,289,046
2,754,000 Controladora Comercial Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.* ......................................... 2,515,326
1,100,000 Organizacion Soriana, S.A. de C.V. B ................................................... 2,110,649
------------
14,915,021
------------
Specialty Stores 7.57%
98,500 Grupo Casa Autrey, S.A. de C.V. ADR .................................................... 1,994,625
583,000 Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.V ............................................................. 5,257,627
10,000 Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.V. ADR* ....................................................... 177,500
1,037,000 Nacional de Drogas, S.A. de C.V. L ..................................................... 3,647,905
------------
11,077,657
------------
Steel 6.76%
600,000 Altos Hornos de Mexico, S.A.* .......................................................... 1,228,014
220,000 Hylsamex, S.A., BCP .................................................................... 900,544
375,000 Tubos de Acero de Mexico, S.A.* ........................................................ 6,543,012
70,000 Tubos de Acero de Mexico, S.A. ADR* .................................................... 1,225,000
------------
9,896,570
------------
TOTAL COMMON STOCK (Cost $116,633,595) 131,671,502
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments (continued) The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Par Value Percent
(000) Security of Holdings Value
===========================================================================================================
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES 3.32%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$ 1,750 Altos Hornos de Mexico 5.50%, 12/15/01 ............................... $ 1,592,500
MXP 24,113 Grupo Financiero Bancomer 27.67%, 05/16/02**.......................... 3,269,492
------------
TOTAL CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES (Cost $5,455,913) 4,861,992
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM PROMISSORY NOTES 3.49%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MXP 39,250 Vitro, S.A. 13.00%, 12/07/99 ........................................ 5,104,961
------------
TOTAL LONG-TERM PROMISSORY NOTES ($4,959,549) 5,104,961
------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS 2.21%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROMISSORY NOTES 2.21%
MXP 8,126 Banco del Atlantico S.A. 23.00%, 02/03/97 ............................. 1,039,491
MXP 13,189 Banco Serfin S.A. 33.00%, 06/20/97 .................................... 1,687,103
MXP 4,000 Banco Serfin S.A. 33.25%, 06/27/97 .................................... 511,672
------------
TOTAL PROMISSORY NOTES (Cost $3,302,580) 3,238,266
TOTAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Cost $3,302,580) 3,238,266
------------
TOTAL MEXICO (Cost $130,351,637) 144,876,721
------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
10
Schedule of Investments (continued) The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Percent
of Shares Security of Holdings Value
===========================================================================================================
UNITED STATES 0.98%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1,432,592 Temporary Investment Fund, Inc.-Temp Cash Portfolio $ 1,432,592
------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $1,432,592) 1,432,592
------------
TOTAL UNITED STATES (Cost $1,432,592) 1,432,592
------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $131,784,229)*** 100% $146,309,313
============
</TABLE>
- ----------------
Footnotes and Abbreviations
* Non-income producing security.
** Variable rate security. Interest rate represents rate at January 31, 1997.
*** Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is $132,365,352. The
aggregate gross unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for all securities
is as follows:
Excess of market value over tax cost $ 21,446,576
Excess of tax cost over market value (7,502,615)
------------
$ 13,943,961
============
MXP Mexican Pesos
ADR American Depository Receipt
11
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assets
<S> <C>
Investments, at value (Cost $131,784,229) ...................................... $ 146,309,313
Cash (including Mexican Pesos of $848,268 with a cost of $848,268) ............. 848,268
Receivables:
Dividends ................................................................. 84,356
Interest (net of withholding tax of $35,079) .............................. 1,300,553
Maturities ................................................................ 32,516,016
Securities sold ........................................................... 3,855,288
Prepaid expenses ............................................................... 41,826
-------------
Total Assets .......................................................... 184,955,620
-------------
Liabilities
Payable for securities purchased ............................................... 37,882,141
Due to Mexican Adviser ......................................................... 63,424
Due to Co-Adviser .............................................................. 48,788
Due to Administrator ........................................................... 24,394
Accrued expenses ............................................................... 180,210
-------------
Total Liabilities ..................................................... 38,198,957
-------------
Net Assets ..................................................................... $ 146,756,663
=============
Net Asset Value Per Share ($146,756,663/11,825,273) ............................ $ 12.41
=============
Net assets consist of:
Capital stock, $0.001 par value; 11,825,273 shares issued and outstanding
(100,000,000 shares authorized) ........................................... $ 11,825
Paid-in capital ................................................................ 131,288,786
Distributions in excess of net investment income ............................... (845,843)
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and
foreign currency related transactions ..................................... 1,647,480
Net unrealized appreciation in value of investments and on
translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency 14,654,415
-------------
$ 146,756,663
=============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
12
<PAGE>
Statement of Operations The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
For the Six Months Ended January 31,1997 (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Investment Income
<S> <C>
Interest (Net of taxes witheld of $136,255) ................................................................ $ 3,309,797
Dividends .................................................................................................. 405,879
------------
Total investment income ................................................................................. 3,715,676
------------
Expenses
Investment advisory fees .................................................................. $ 690,239
Administration fees ....................................................................... 150,052
Custodian fees ............................................................................ 73,348
Legal fees ................................................................................ 70,575
Insurance ................................................................................. 40,546
Printing .................................................................................. 29,742
Audit fees ................................................................................ 27,977
Transfer agent fees ....................................................................... 20,567
NYSE fees ................................................................................. 12,550
Directors' fees ........................................................................... 11,796
Miscellaneous ............................................................................. 8,067
------------
Total expenses ......................................................................................... 1,135,459
------------
Net investment income .................................................................................. 2,580,217
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments,
Foreign Currency Holdings and Translation of Other Assets
and Liabilities Denominated in Foreign Currency:
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Security transactions through affiliated brokers ........................................................ 4,092,450
Security transactions through non-affiliated brokers .................................................... 2,885,823
Foreign currency related transactions ................................................................... (708,480)
------------
6,269,793
Net change in unrealized appreciation in value of investments and
translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency ............................. 9,585,087
------------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments, foreign currency holdings
and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency ......................... 15,854,880
------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ....................................................... $ 18,435,097
============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
13
<PAGE>
Statements of Changes in Net Assets The Mexico Equity and
Income Fund, Inc.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six
Months Ended For the Year
January 31, 1997 Ended
(Unaudited) July 31, 1996
------------- -------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
<S> <C> <C>
Operations
Net investment income .............................................................. $ 2,580,217 $ 9,484,761
Net realized gain (loss) on investments and foreign currency
related transactions ........................................................... 6,269,793 (1,438,085)
Net change in unrealized appreciation in value of investments
and translation of other assets and liabilities denominated
in foreign currency ............................................................ 9,585,087 8,584,186
------------- -------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ....................... 18,435,097 16,630,862
------------- -------------
Distributions to shareholders from
Net investment income ($0.44 per share) ............................................ (5,203,120) --
Net realized gains ($0.67 and $0.0867 per share, respectively) ..................... (7,922,933) (1,025,251)
------------- -------------
Decrease in net assets from distributions ................................. (13,126,053) (1,025,251)
------------- -------------
Capital share transactions
Proceeds from sale of 3,000,000 shares in connection with rights
offering (net of sales commission of $623,997) ................................. -- 26,751,003
Offering costs charged to paid-in capital .......................................... (789) (687,339)
------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from capital
share transactions ............................................................. (789) 26,063,664
------------- -------------
Total increase in net assets ....................................................... 5,308,255 41,669,275
------------- -------------
Net Assets
Beginning of period ................................................................ 141,448,408 99,779,133
------------- -------------
End of period (including undistributed net investment income of
=============
$1,777,060 as of July 31, 1996) ................................................ $ 146,756,663 $ 141,448,408
============= =============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
14
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc.
For a Share Outstanding throughout Each Period
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Six
Months Ended For the Year For the Year For the Year For the Year For the Year
January 31, 1997 Ended Ended Ended Ended Ended
(Unaudited) July 31, 1996 July 31, 1995 July 31, 1994 July 31, 1993 July 31, 1992
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Performance
Net asset value, beginning of period ... $11.96 $11.31 $20.33 $18.51 $16.03 $15.08
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income .................. 0.22 0.81+ 0.82 0.51 0.68 0.83
Net realized and unrealized gains
(losses) on investments, foreign
currency holdings, and translation
of other assets and liabilities
denominated in foreign currencies 1.34 0.67+ (5.98) 5.47 3.33 1.09
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase (decrease) from
investment operations ............ 1.56 1.48 (5.16) 5.98 4.01 1.92
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less Distributions
Dividends from net investment income (0.44) -- (0.03) (0.42) (0.77) (0.96)
Distributions from net realized gains (0.67) (0.09) (3.90) (1.67) (0.76) (0.01)
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ... (1.11) (0.09) (3.93) (2.09) (1.53) (0.97)
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Capital share transactions
Anti-dilutive effect of dividend
reinvestment ........................ -- -- 0.07 -- -- --
Dilutive effect of rights offering .. -- (0.74) -- (2.07) -- --
-------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total capital share transactions .... 0.00 (0.74) 0.07 (2.07) 0.00 0.00
Net asset value, end of period ......... $12.41 $11.96 $11.31 $20.33 $18.51 $16.03
======== ======== ======= ======== ======== ========
Per share market value, end of period .. $10.250 $9.625 $11.25 $21.25 $18.625 $14.875
Total Investment Return Based on
Market Value* ...................... 17.94% (8.26)% (31.96)% 41.40% 37.10% 22.80%
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (in 000s) .... $146,757 $141,448 $99,779 $175,380 $117,627 $101,190
Ratios of expenses to average net assets 1.51% ++1.56% 1.71% 1.64% 1.63% 1.62%
Ratios of net investment income to
average net assets .............. 3.44%++ 7.32% 5.73% 2.75% 4.14% 5.10%
Portfolio turnover ..................... 49.37% 42.59% 50.52% 43.57% 44.21% 15.08%
Average commission rate paid** ......... $0.005 $0.003 N/A N/A N/A N/A
</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.
Rights offerings, if any, are assumed for purposes of this calculation to
be fully subscribed under the terms of the rights offering. Total
investment return does not reflect sales loads or brokerage commissions.
** Computed by dividing the total amount of brokerage commissions paid by the
total number of shares of investment securities purchased and sold during
the period for which commissions were charged as required by the SEC for
fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995.
+ Based on average
shares outstanding.
++ Annualized.
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
15
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited)
The Mexico Equity and
Income Fund, Inc.
NOTE A: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Mexico Equity and Income Fund, Inc., (the "Fund") was incorporated in
Maryland on May 24, 1990, and commenced operations on August 21, 1990. The Fund
is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a
closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Prior to commencing
its operations on August 21, 1990, the Fund had no activities other than the
sale of 8,772 shares of capital stock to Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., at $11.40 per
share.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Portfolio Valuation. Investments are stated at value in the accompanying
financial statements. All securities for which market quotations are readily
available are valued at the last sales price prior to the time of determination
of net asset value, or, if no sales price is available at that time, at the
closing price last quoted for the securities (but if bid and asked quotations
are available, at the mean between the current bid and asked prices, rather than
the quoted closing price). Forward contracts are valued at the current cost of
covering or offsetting the contracts. Securities that are traded
over-the-counter are valued, if bid and asked quotations are available, at the
mean between the current bid and asked prices. Investments in short-term debt
securities having a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost if
their term to maturity from the date of purchase was less than 60 days, or by
amortizing their value on the 61st day prior to maturity if their term to
maturity from the date of purchase when acquired by the Fund was more than 60
days, unless it is determined by the Directors not to represent fair value. All
other securities and assets are carried at fair value as determined in good
faith by, or under the direction of, the Directors.
Investment Transactions and Investment Income. Investment transactions are
accounted for on the trade date. The cost of investments sold is determined by
use of specific identification method for both financial reporting and income
tax purposes. Interest income, including the accretion of discount and
amortization of premium on investments, is recorded on an accrual basis;
dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date or when known. The
collectibility of income receivable from foreign securities is evaluated
periodically, and any resulting allowances for uncollectible amounts are
reflected currently in the determination of investment income.
Tax Status. No provision is made for U.S. Federal income or excise taxes as it
is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company
and to make the requisite distributions to its shareholders that will be
sufficient to relieve it from all or substantially all U.S. Federal income and
excise taxes.
In accordance with U.S. Treasury regulations, the Fund elected to defer
$2,408,969 of net realized foreign currency losses arising after October 31,
1995. Such losses are treated for tax purposes as arising on August 1, 1996.
16
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements - (continued) The Mexico Equity and
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited) Income Fund, Inc.
The Fund is subject to the following withholding taxes on income from Mexican
sources:
Dividends distributed by Mexican companies are not subject to Mexican
withholding tax if such dividends are paid out of taxed profits. Dividends
distributed by Mexican companies from other sources are subject to a 34%
withholding tax.
Interest income on debt issued by the Mexican federal government and
certain other public sector obligations is not subject to withholding.
Withholding tax on interest from other debt obligations is at a rate of
4.9%.
Gains realized by the Fund from the sale or disposition of equity
securities that are listed and traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange are
exempt from Mexican withholding tax if sold through the stock exchange.
Gains realized from the sale or disposition of debt securities are not
presently subject to taxation, provided that such securities were
originally issued to the Fund or that no more than 10% of the Fund's shares
are owned by Mexican residents. Gains realized on transactions outside the
Mexican stock exchange are subject to withholding at a rate of 20% of the
amount received or, upon the election of the Fund, at 30% of the gain.
Foreign Currency Translation. The books and records of the Fund are maintained
in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars on
the following basis:
(i) market value of investment securities, assets and liabilities at the
current peso exchange rate on the valuation date, and
(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses at
the peso rate of exchange rate prevailing on the respective dates of such
transactions.
Securities denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars are subject to
changes in value due to fluctuations in foreign exchange.
The Fund does not generally isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign
exchange rates from the effect of fluctuations in the market prices of
securities. However, the Fund does isolate the effect of fluctuations in foreign
currency rates when determining the gain or loss upon the sale of foreign
currency denominated debt obligations pursuant to U.S. Federal income tax
regulations; such amounts are categorized as foreign exchange gain or loss for
both financial reporting and income tax reporting purposes. The Fund reports
certain foreign exchange realized gains and losses on all other foreign currency
related transactions as components of realized gains and losses for financial
reporting purposes, where as such components are treated as ordinary income for
Federal income tax purposes.
17
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements - (continued) The Mexico Equity and
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited) Income Fund, Inc.
Foreign security and currency transactions may involve certain considerations
and risks not typically associated with those of domestic origin as a result of,
among other factors, the level of governmental supervision and regulation of
foreign securities markets and the possibilities of political or economic
instability.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. When the Fund enters into a
contract for the purchase or sale of securities denominated in a foreign
currency, or when the Fund anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of
interest or dividend payments, the Fund may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar
price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such interest or dividend
payment, as the case may be, by entering into a forward foreign currency
exchange contract. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the
potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and
from unanticipated movement in the value of a foreign currency relative to the
U.S. dollar.
Distribution of Income and Gains. The Fund intends to distribute to
shareholders, at least annually, substantially all of its net investment income,
including foreign currency gains, and to normally distribute annually any net
realized capital gains in excess of net realized capital losses (including any
capital loss carryovers), except in circumstances where the Fund realizes very
large capital gains and where the Directors of the Fund determine that the
decrease in the size of the Fund's assets resulting from the distribution of the
gains would not be in the interest of the Fund's shareholders generally. An
additional distribution may be made to the extent necessary to avoid payment of
a 4% Federal excise tax.
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The amount
of dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized gains
are determined in accordance with U.S. 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 capital accounts based on their Federal tax-basis treatment;
temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and
distributions that exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains
for financial reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as
dividends in excess of net investment income and net realized gains. To the
extent they exceed net investment income and net realized gains for tax
purposes, they are reported as distributions of paid-in capital.
During the year ended July 31, 1996, the Fund reclassified $7,715,850 from
accumulated net realized gain on investments and foreign currency related
transactions to undistributed net investment income as a result of permanent
book and tax differences relating primarily to foreign currency losses. Net
investment income and net assets were not affected by the change.
18
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements - (continued) The Mexico Equity and
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited) Income Fund, Inc.
NOTE B: Management, Investment Advisory and Administrative Services
Acci Worldwide, S.A. de C.V., serves as the Fund's Mexican Adviser (the "Mexican
Adviser") under the terms of the Advisory Agreement (the "Advisory Agreement").
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Mexican Adviser makes investment
decisions for the Fund and supervises the acquisition and disposition of
securities by the Fund. For its services, the Mexican Adviser receives a monthly
fee at an annual rate of 0.52% of the Fund's average monthly net assets. For the
six months ended January 31, 1997, these fees amounted to $390,135.
Advantage Advisers, Inc., a subsidiary of Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., serves as the
Fund's U.S. Co-Adviser (the "Co-Adviser") under the terms of the U.S.
Co-Advisory Agreement (the "Co-Advisory Agreement"). Pursuant to the Co-Advisory
Agreement, the Co-Adviser makes all investment decisions regarding the Fund's
convertible debt securities jointly with the Mexican Adviser and provides advice
and consultation to the Mexican Adviser on investment decisions for the Fund.
For its services, the Co-Adviser receives a monthly fee of 0.40% of the Fund's
average monthly net assets. For the six months ended January 31, 1997, these
fees amounted to $300,104.
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc., serves as the Fund's Administrator (the
"Administrator"). The Admini- strator provides certain administrative services
to the Fund. For its services, the Administrator receives a monthly fee at an
annual rate of 0.20% of the value of the Fund's average monthly net assets. For
the six months ended January 31, 1997, these fees amounted to $150,052.
The Fund pays each of its directors who is not a director, officer or employee
of the Mexican Adviser, the U.S. Co-Adviser, the Administrator or any affiliate
thereof an annual fee of $5,000 plus $700 for each Board of Directors meeting
attended in person and $100 for each meeting attended by means of a telephone
conference. In addition, the Fund reimburses the directors for travel and
out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with Board of Directors meetings.
NOTE C: Capital Stock
The authorized capital stock of the Fund is 100,000,000 shares of common stock,
$0.001 par value. During the year ended July 31, 1996, the Fund issued 3,000,000
shares in connection with a rights offering to the existing shareholders.
Shareholders of record on July 24, 1995, were issued one transferable right for
each share of common stock owned, entitling shareholders the opportunity to
acquire one newly issued share of common stock for every three rights held at a
subscription price of $9.125 per share. Offering costs of $688,128 attributed to
the rights offering were charged to paid-in capital, of which $100,000 was paid
to Oppenheimer & Co. as reimbursement for its expenses. On August 23, 1995, the
Fund received proceeds of $26,751,003, net of sales commissions of $623,997 from
the offering, of which Oppenheimer & Co. received $273,750 for financial
advisory services and $179,179 for solicitation fees.
19
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements - (continued) The Mexico Equity and
January 31, 1997 (Unaudited) Income Fund, Inc.
NOTE D: Portfolio Activity
Purchases and sales of securities other than short-term obligations, aggregated
$73,705,947 and $63,896,844, respectively, for the six months ended January 31,
1997.
NOTE E: Transactions with Affiliates
Brokerage Commissions. Acciones y Valores de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., the parent
company of the Mexican Adviser, received total brokerage commissions of $107,878
during the six months ended January 31, 1997.
NOTE F: Other
At January 31, 1997, substantially all of the Fund's assets were invested in
Mexican securities. The Mexican securities markets are substantially smaller,
less liquid, and more volatile than the major securities markets in the United
States. Consequently, acquisitions and dispositions of securities by the Fund
may be inhibited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Taxation Notice (unaudited)
The Fund paid foreign taxes of $408,950 during the fiscal year ended July 31,
1996, which it intends to pass through pursuant to Section 853 of the Internal
Revenue Code, to its shareholders, which is deemed to be foreign source income
for tax information reporting purposes. During the fiscal year ended July 31,
1996, the Fund made long-term capital gains distributions of $1,025,251.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20
<PAGE>
Dividends and Distributions; The Mexico Equity and
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Income Fund, Inc.
The Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its net
investment company taxable income at least annually. Investment company taxable
income, as defined in section 852 of the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986,
includes all of the Fund's taxable income minus the excess, if any, of its net
realized long-term capital gains over its net realized short-term capital losses
(including any capital loss carryovers), plus or minus certain other required
adjustments. The Fund also expects to distribute annually substantially all of
its net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized short-term
capital losses (including any capital loss carryovers), except in circumstances
where the Fund realizes very large capital gains and where the Directors of the
Fund determine that the decrease in the size of the Fund's assets resulting from
the distribution of the gains would not be in the interests of the Fund's
shareholders generally.
Pursuant to the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan"), each shareholder
will be deemed to have elected, unless the Plan Agent (as defined below) is
otherwise instructed by the shareholder in writing, to have all distributions,
net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund by PNC Bank, National Association, the Fund's
transfer agent, as the Plan Agent (the "Plan Agent"). Shareholders who do not
participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and distributions in cash,
net of any applicable U.S. withholding tax, paid in U.S. dollars by check mailed
directly to the shareholder by the Plan Agent, as dividend-paying agent.
Shareholders who do not wish to have dividends and distributions automatically
reinvested should notify the Plan Agent for The Mexico Equity and Income Fund,
Inc., c/o PNC Bank, National Association, 400 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington,
Delaware 19809. Dividends and distributions with respect to shares of the Fund's
Common Stock registered in the name of a broker-dealer or other nominee (i.e.,
in "street name") will be reinvested under the Plan unless the service is not
provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive dividends
and distributions in cash. A shareholder whose shares are held by a broker or
nominee that does not provide a dividend reinvestment program may be required to
have his shares registered in his own name to participate in the Plan. Investors
who own shares of the Fund's Common Stock registered in street name should
contact the broker or nominee for details.
The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in administering the Plan.
If the Directors of the Fund declare an income dividend or a capital gains
distribution payable either in the Fund's Common Stock or in cash, as
shareholders may have elected, nonparticipants in the Plan will receive cash and
participants in the Plan will receive Common Stock, to be issued by the Fund. If
the market price per share on the valuation date equals or exceeds net asset
value per share on that date, the Fund will issue new shares to participants at
net asset value; or, if the net asset value is less than 95% of the market price
on the valuation date, then such shares will be issued 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, participants in the Plan will receive shares of
Common Stock from the Fund valued at market price. The valuation date is the
dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a New York Stock
Exchange trading day, the next preceding trading day. If the Fund should declare
an income dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, the Plan
Agent will, as agent for the participants, buy Fund shares in the open market on
the New York Stock Exchange or elsewhere, for the participants' accounts on, or
shortly after, the payment date.
21
<PAGE>
Dividends and Distributions; The Mexico Equity and.
Income Fund, Inc.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan (continued)
The Plan Agent maintains all shareholder accounts in the Plan and furnishes
written confirmations of all transactions in an account, including information
needed by shareholders for personal and tax records. Shares in the account of
each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Agent in noncertified form in the
name of the participant, and each shareholder's proxy will include those
shares purchased pursuant to the Plan.
In the ease of shareholders such as banks, brokers or nominees that hold shares
for others who are beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on
the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the as
representing the total amount registered in the shareholder's name and held for
the account of beneficial owners who participate in the Plan.
There is no charge to participants for reinvesting dividends or capital gains
distributions payable in either Common Stock or cash. The Plan Agent's fees for
the handling of reinvestment of such Dividends and capital gains 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 capital gains
distributions payable either in Stock or in case. However, each participant
will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to the
Plan's Agent's open market purchases in connection with the reinvestment of
dividends or capital gains distributions payable in cash.
Brokerage charges for purchasing small amounts of Common Stock for individual
accounts through the Plan are expected to be less than usual brokerage charges
for such transactions because the Plan Agent will he purchasing stock for all
participants in blocks and prorating the lower commissions thus attainable.
Brokerage commissions will vary based on, amount other things, the broker
selected to effect a particular purchase and the number of participants on whose
behalf such purchase is cash.
The receipt of dividends and distributions in Common Stock under the Plan
will not relieve participants of any income tax (including withholding tax) that
may be payable on such dividends or distributions
Experience under the Plan may indicate that changes in the Plan are desirable.
Accordingly, the Fund and the Plan Agent reserve the right to terminate the plan
as applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to notice of the
termination sent to the participants at least 30 days before the record date for
such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended by the Fund or the
Plan Agent, but (except when necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable
laws, rules or policies of a regulatory authority) only upon at least 30 days'
written notice to the participants. All correspondence concerning the plan
should be directed to the Plan Agent at the address above.
22
<PAGE>
The Mexico Equity and
Income Fund, Inc.
Investment Advisers:
Acci Worldwide, S.A. de C.V.
Advantage Advisers, Inc.
Administrator:
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc.
Sub-Administrator:
PFPC Inc.
Transfer Agent and Registrar:
PNC Bank, N.A.
Custodians:
PNC Bank, N.A.
Citibank, N.A.The Mexico
Equity
and Income
Fund, Inc.
The Mexico Equity and
Income Fund, Inc.
SemiAnnual Report
January 31, 1997
ADVANTAGE ADVISERS, INC.
